I am, Flame-Chaser of Previous Era-Chapter 83: Don’t you think?

"It's this whimsical nature that makes her so elusive," Sakura concluded.

"What did you say?"

"I think she's right. Even in emergencies, maintaining composure is important. It's your calm demeanor that provides security. If we were weaker, she'd probably have built a killing machine."

Ryan turned his head, surprised that Sakura was mediating, and doing so effectively. He had no real leverage against Vill-V, so he went along with it.

"I didn't expect you to be so considerate." Ryan commented casually, seeing Sakura stiffen. Before she could respond, he turned to Vill-V: "Come on, let's see your performance."

"Okay, I've been waiting for you to say that!" Vill-V cheered, showcasing her theatrical talent with two twirls. She thumped her chest, creating a dramatic ripple, "Ladies and gentlemen, with the whirring of gears, with the thunderous applause of —"

She paused, realizing the square was deserted. The other two were silently staring at her with impassive faces. She shrugged and skipped that part.

"Witness a miracle of magic!"

With a pull of a lever, the machine sprang to life. Ryan witnessed an amazing spectacle:

Pigeons flying overhead, seemingly drunk, stumbled and fell into a large opening. Feathers and blood sprayed from another funnel, moving along a conveyor belt. The now-injured pigeons automatically entered an electric oven. Vill-V's added seasonings automatically fell onto the meat, and the roasted bird moved along the conveyor belt.

A free pigeon moments ago, now a fragrant roasted bird.

Ryan's nostrils flared, catching the rich aroma. Even with his knowledge, he couldn't understand the mechanics; it was like magic.

Wow, Vill-V is incredibly resourceful. If she applied this kind of ingenuity to something constructive, she'd be unstoppable.

Calculations indicate Mei will have to deal with this sort of thing in the future.

He decided to let it go. Perhaps the core of Vill-V's brilliance lay in her eccentricity. Removing that would make her unremarkable.

After a long wait, he heard a 'ding' from the electric oven. Vill-V carried a tray, gracefully presenting it to them with a twirl.

"Less theatrics, more food, isn't that better?"

"So, where's the applause?"

Ryan licked his lips, deciding to satisfy Vill-V's desire for a performance. He figured if all this fuss resulted in edible food, then it was worth it.

Clap clap clap.

After receiving her applause, Vill-V proudly nodded, opening the lid to reveal golden-brown roasted pigeons. Sakura drew a dagger from her thigh and carved off two wings.

She took a bite, then exchanged astonished glances with Ryan.

Wow, this is delicious!

The dish possessed a refined aroma, from the texture to the flavor, everything was perfect. While not breathtaking, from any perspective it was undeniably 'delicious.'

"I love your expressions. That proves the performance was a success! Please don't hold back your applause." Vill-V beamed; she craved this validation after having her previous achievements overshadowed by Ryan.

Clap clap clap.

This time, the applause was slightly more enthusiastic. Ryan, however, felt a pang of regret. If Vill-V were more serious, her achievements wouldn't be inferior to Mei's.

"Excellent! I also welcome you to challenge the CGMF-311."

"Wait, what is that?"

"It's just a rotisserie oven. The name is too mundane, though. How about 'Pigeon-Roasting Inferno'?"

Sakura rose from her seat, leaving behind only a pile of clean bones.

"I'll challenge you, Vill-V."

"Oh? You, an assassin, dare challenge me to this?"

Vill-V, clearly relishing this, looked at Sakura, who stood coldly, raising an eyebrow.

"Don't be too confident, and don't overthink it. I'm simply returning the favor."

So that's why she suddenly became so diligent; it's because she hates owing favors. This woman has a serious compulsion.

Ryan didn't know what to say. Let her be; he didn't want to provoke Vill-V. This woman was more difficult than Mobius in her own way; coercion and temptation were ineffective.

He watched as Sakura set up a makeshift stove, building a fire with twigs and branches, then taking another pigeon from the 'Pigeon-Roasting Inferno,' plucking, cleaning, and carefully roasting it over the flames.

Compared to the cold machine, her efficiency was low, her movements deliberate and slow, lacking Vill-V's impulsive actions.

Ryan leaned his head on his hands, a sigh escaping his lips. His escape plan had taken a bizarre turn. He wondered if the pursuers would be dumbfounded by the current scene.

Compared to the monotonous cycle of 'kill, save, kill', this was certainly more entertaining.

The intense struggle for survival with the Third Herrscher was still fresh in his mind. If he could choose, he wouldn't relive such life-or-death experiences, but Herrschers weren't as easy to deal with as Cocoon agents.

At least this feeling wasn't unpleasant, reminiscent of his early days raising birds.

A self-deprecating smile touched his lips, but the delicious aroma drew his attention back to the present. Sakura silently approached, holding a pigeon skewered on a wooden stick.

"Please try."

Polite, yet devoid of emotion. Ryan accepted it, took a bite, and his eyes widened.

Delicious! Far superior to Vill-V's strange contraption. This was truly exceptional.

The texture was perfect, and the seasoning—especially the spice—demonstrated Sakura's observational skills. Ryan, accustomed to adding chili sauce to his dry rations, particularly when the food was bland, appreciated the bold flavor.

"Everyone has their own unique style; that's something machines can never replicate."

"Thank you." Sakura remained unmoved; it was only natural.

"Hey, how can you say she won? I could clearly improve it. That's unfair!" Vill-V protested.

"This wasn't a competition; winning or losing isn't important. Besides, I'm just stating facts. Machines can only ever learn from humans." Ryan glanced at Vill-V, who was still sulking, gnawing on her finger, lost in thought.

If you dare, create a 'chef' personality next time.

He turned his gaze back to Sakura. "Aren't you going to eat?"

"I've already tried hers; no need to waste more ingredients. Tonight, how should I defend?" Sakura remained cold, neither hostile nor friendly.

A cooperative, mutually beneficial arrangement, Ryan was satisfied. He reclined his chair.

"Then I'll rely on you. Remember to wake me up after midnight."

Before Sakura could react, Ryan lay down, his hands behind his head, already softly snoring. His raised hand slowly dropped.

He's so casual... No, that's not it. He trusts me too much. Doesn't he fear I'll take this opportunity to escape?

She couldn't determine whether it was confidence or arrogance; did he believe she had only one path to survival? If I kill them both, I'll get a hefty reward.

Seeing Ryan, seemingly asleep, Sakura naturally didn't attack. She was both wary of his power and motivated by her inherent pride.

Since he's treating me honestly, I'll repay his trust.

With newfound resolve, she turned to Vill-V, who was playing with her machine. "You trust him too?"

"I trust his judgment. I'm too lazy to think about pointless matters."

Is that any different from your useless machine?

Sakura felt a surge of frustration, but then saw Vill-V look up, her white face smeared with grease.

"If you get bored on night watch, consider this."

"What?"

Vill-V shrugged lightly and smiled. "Why he chose to let you live. An interesting question, don't you think?"

Under the cold moonlight of the desolate wasteland, Sakura looked at the girl intently playing with her machine and subtly nodded.

That question... deserved careful consideration.