Machina

「There’s going to be a big battle.」
The deputy suddenly appeared and dropped that bombshell on the girl.
「A big battle?」
「Yes. It looks like we’ll be fighting the Moonshadow Cult.」
At Enas’s words, it felt as if all the blood drained from her body. The Kampf Mercenary Corps had been formed by Libertas and Enas to pursue the Moonshadow Cult. Even though many others had joined since then, the goal of hunting the cult was still clear.
「Makina, please evacuate with the others. Yes, wait in Timber Valley. This time, it’s really going to be a big fight...」
「I’ll... I’ll fight too!」
Enas widened their eyes in surprise at Makina’s words.
「Makina, you don’t need to fight. You’re not a combatant.」
「I... I know. I know I won’t be much help... But...」
She was scared. But she couldn’t back down. This wasn’t just any mercenary corps anymore—it was like family to her. She had something to protect, and someone she wanted to protect.
「But... I don’t want to run away and leave my friends behind.」
Enas hesitated, then gave a small smile.
「I’m counting on you, Makina.」

「My home...? My family was... really poor. So poor that I had to start working when I was seven. But my parents were always kind. Even though we had nothing, they somehow bought me the toys I liked. They were always troubled because I kept taking them apart, though.
They lived for me. So when I started learning engineering under my master, they were overjoyed. When I left on my journey at my master’s advice, they even gave me the money they’d saved up with such difficulty. I set off full of hope then...
But the money they gave me ran out quickly. All my experiments drained it fast. I tried doing various jobs to earn more, but I ended up getting swindled badly. It was really bad... but Captain Libertas saved me. They paid off my debt in my stead, saying it was a loan. That’s how I ended up joining the Kampf Mercenaries to repay the debt.
Huh? Captain pushing me about the debt? No, no... the captain has never even mentioned it, not even the interest. They said I couldn’t leave the mercenaries until it’s repaid, but I’m sure if I tried to leave, they’d just let me go. That’s the kind of person they are.
Debt collection...? No, that’s not from the captain. It’s someone else. My mercenary pay barely covers the debt, so I don’t have enough for my experiments. So... to fund my research, I...
Ahh... I know. Deputy Enas told me too. That I shouldn’t pile up more debt... but I can’t stop experimenting... But I’m really trying to pay it off! I’ve even managed to reduce the principal recently!
Hehe... So, um... {account:name}, do you have any savings? If you don’t mind, maybe just a little... Uh... wait! Let me explain...!」