"Senior Revy, let me introduce you. This is Steiner Zoklei. He was a colleague of my parents and also one of their close friends."
Because of the awkward tension from their earlier meeting, Eyjafjalla had to speak up to break the silence:"After my parents passed away, it was he who encouraged me to continue their research. He even helped me—though I was underage at the time—join the volcanic exploration and sampling team. That experience was incredibly valuable to me!"
"Oh, not at all," Steiner waved modestly."It was all thanks to Adele's own hard work. Unfortunately, after she was infected with Oripathy, we seldom had contact."
"I went to Rhodes Island for treatment. Communications aboard the ship weren't convenient… I had to rely on messengers and such."Eyjafjalla's eyes dimmed for just a moment before lighting up again."But even on Rhodes Island, I never stopped my research."
"You mean 'The Influence of Underground Originium Veins on Volcanic Activity Cycles'? I've read that paper too."Steiner sounded reflective."Adele, you're more and more like your parents."
"Oh no, not really… I still have so much to learn."Eyjafjalla scratched her head, a bit shy. Even as a well-known volcanologist now, she was still a young girl inexperienced in many things—and praise still made her happy.
"No, I mean it," Steiner said with distant eyes, as if lost in memory."Back then, Miss Naumann and Mr. Christensen were just as devoted. I don't know how many times I tried to talk them out of it… but in the end, they explored nearly every volcano in Leithanien… until…"
"…Yeah."Eyjafjalla sighed lightly, clearly unwilling to dwell on that topic.
At that moment, Steiner turned his head.
"You must be Mr. Revy, yes? If I'm not mistaken, you're the legendary Catastrophe Messenger—'The Prophet,' aren't you?"
The middle-aged Caprinae man extended his hand, as if he had only just realized who Revy was:"I must apologize again for my earlier behavior. I was… a bit too anxious. Please forgive me, Mr. Revy. That said, in terms of experience alone, you're likely the finest Catastrophe Messenger in the world. Please pardon my earlier rudeness."
Revy looked at Steiner, then gave a nod and shook his hand with three fingers.
Steiner smiled more warmly, while Revy's expression grew more reserved.
(He didn't even get mad about that… Truly patient. But then again, if he weren't, he would've walked out already.)
Steiner turned back to Eyjafjalla."Adele, please forgive my unannounced visit. I hadn't heard anything from you in so long. When I suddenly found out you were here, I got anxious and rushed over without even saying hello."
"No, not at all…"Eyjafjalla quickly waved her hand."It was my fault for leaving without a word after I got infected. I only came here to conduct some research. Uncle Steiner, you're being too polite."
"So this trip… it really is about Mount Katela, isn't it?"
Eyjafjalla nodded.
"Mount Katela's activity is very apparent, and the timing of the Catastrophe eruption is already fairly certain."
She glanced at the ore samples stacked nearby."So during this period, changes in the samples around the volcano will greatly help in studying the causes of volcanic Catastrophes and predicting their cycles."
"You're working really hard."Steiner glanced briefly at the half-room full of samples. His eyes flickered for a moment, but then he looked away."I used to push myself that hard too. But after what happened with your parents… I stopped working on the frontlines."
"To be honest, I'm just a coward."
Steiner spoke with a look that was both nostalgic and regretful.
"No, everyone has their own reasons."Eyjafjalla quickly tried to reassure him."Even stepping away from the front lines, you're still contributing to volcano research, Uncle."
"To receive such an evaluation from you, Adele… that puts me at ease."
"The essence of studying Catastrophes is to stop them. And if they can't be stopped, then to avoid them."
The sudden interjection came from Revy, drawing both of their gazes. But the Sarkaz man seemed not to notice, and continued:"So whether we are Catastrophe researchers or Catastrophe Messengers, the core of our work is the same—saving lives."
"If we can save people, even just one more person, then our work is worthwhile."
His words left both of them in silent thought for a long time.
Until—
Clap. Clap. Clap.
The first to applaud was Steiner, now returning to his senses. The middle-aged Caprinae clapped with a smile, still thoughtful.
"Beautifully said. As expected of 'The Prophet'. I suppose that belief… is what made you a legend?"
"No."Revy returned the smile.
"I was just repeating someone else's words.And to me—he is the true legend."