District 42-Chapter 377: The answer

Casper was so desperate that he didn’t notice that the smoke had stopped to follow him. It took him a while to finally turn back and see it by himself.

’Oh... did help already got here, Yanke?’ He asked, surprised.

[ Yes, Master. They got there just in time to stop this gas, but you can’t stop right now. There is a lot of people right in front and they started to move as soon as the gas stopped. Maybe their communication network is better than we thought. I am trying to find a way to intercept it, but I think it’s pointless now. ]

’Don’t worry, Yanke. You did a good job there. I will just need to handle the rest myself. Freygar is still out of battle, right? Maybe it is something for him to solve since there are so many skilled Frelsis coming.’

[ I already gave him the signal, so he shall arrive here soon. We just need to hold on for a bit more while I work on teleporting you from here. ]

’Ok...’

Casper was wondering if the best choice was to teleport to Uppsala before heading to his main objective. He couldn’t deny that, with Yanke, he could help a lot on the battlefield, but now he was just hurrying his friends and worrying them.

Anyway, he came to Uppsala instead of prioritizing his main objective not because he wanted to help in the battle. In truth, they needed to make sure that the Frelsis wouldn’t be stuck on the floor that he was aiming to go, overprotecting that place and preventing him to go there.

Not even the Ridires or Aesirs should see what Casper was planning. It was something for him to solve with Camilla, then with the Royal Family.

He going to Uppsala with the others was a distraction, so he could go there without any concerns. Also, nobody knew about the teleporting skill that Yanke had. He had the surprise element.

For what he wanted to do, he needed to stay alone face to face with Camilla, the king, and the queen. A battle couldn’t be happening in the background, or else things would get more complicated. Also, if they ever wanted a chance to take the Castle again by force, they needed to take that big city since it had weaponry and energy reserves way higher than any other city.

’It was for the best. All this struggle definitely was for the best. I couldn’t bring the perfect plan with the deadline I had, but it will be enough... or so I hope...’

Although Casper was in danger, his mind switched its focus to his past. There was someone who considered him a hero back then, and also there was another person in that new world that had the same vision of him as her. He had someone waiting for him and trusting him.

’Am I doing the right thing, Ana? Will I make it right? I don’t want everyone to die at this point. I don’t want the Aesirs nor Vick to die, but I also sympathized with Javir and Camilla, somehow. Both sides want something in common that can be achieved in the mid-term, and I think I can do this. But... can I really take responsibility for both sides and save everyone this time?’

Casper knew that no response would come, but even so, he wanted to ask himself that crucial question, he wanted to find motivation within his heart.

[ Master, I am sorry to interrupt your monologue, but they are all coming. There is another huge threat coming this way... or maybe two... I don’t really know this time. But it’s better if we get going. Freygar will arrive in no time to Deal with these hundreds of strong Frelsis. The poisonous gas is already gone so we can make the way back without worries. Rurik is dealing with Loki as you may know, according to the plan. ]

’Yes, I am going...’

Casper began to jog with his mind full of thoughts.

’What a time to have these types of questions in my mind, huh...?’

[ You are not even in 60% of your usual focus, Master. What is the matter? ]

While jogging away from that place, Casper confided his worries to his friend.

’Yanke... You know exactly what’s passing on my mind, right? You know everything about my plan, even the secret parts, so... What do you think? It is the right thing to do, isn’t it?’

[ The most powerful person in District 42 said to you that you are the one who will change this place and end the war. You are the third element on this equation, right? You should have much more confidence about it. But, if you are asking for my opinion, I’d say that you are ok. This plan is full of mistakes, but every plan of every human is full of mistakes. ] 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

’What... What was my mistake on Black Widow?’ He asked with bitterness. ’I bet it was to take responsibility for that mission, right? Even though it would happen anyway...’

[ You are wrong. Master was the only person that could do it. Your only mistake on that mission was to let the higher-ups step over you and make you retire after the mission. Your only mistake was to stop fighting. Looking at your memories and analyzing Ana’s personality, I bet that she would get mad at you for not continuing with your career, doing your best, and being the hero that she was sure you are. ]

Casper’s heart skipped a beat. His eyes filled with tears all of a sudden. He couldn’t stop the tears to leave his eyes.

’I am so dumb... Ana must be in a better place now and swearing by God that she will kill me for my idiocy... The answer was right in front of me. The only regret I have is to not keep fighting. All my friends died with honor on the battlefield...’ He smiled, even though he was crying.

[ You have got this, Master. ]

’Sure thing! We are doing this, Yanke!’