001's eyes were tightly shut, her eyelids trembling ever so slightly. The Deathbane Aura on the blade began to surface, slowly drifting around her body.
Her frail, emaciated figure and skin as pale as ivory—this is the real 001 as I see her in the world of the living. In reality, she is so weak that she relies on others even for survival, having lost all meaning to continue living. For her, being alive is perhaps more painful and hopeless than death itself.
Maybe the heart of this young girl before me has already died; all that remains is a corpse. I see no trace of vitality in her. Her eyes, dull and lifeless, hold not a single will to survive.
"Not going to do it?"
Sylvia Blue strode over quickly, snatching the Deathbane Aura Blade from my hand. Yet the aura did not dissipate; instead, in that instant, the blade became more substantial, almost as if it were a sword made real.
"You... you..."
001 grew frantic, opening her eyes wide to glare at Sylvia. Sylvia, meanwhile, laughed playfully.
"Living is torture for you anyway, and he can't bring himself to do it. So let me do it for him."
"Get away..."
In a fit of rage, 001 screamed with all her remaining strength. Sylvia stuck out her tongue at me mischievously and handed back the now unbearably heavy Deathbane Aura Blade.