Chapter 3: Uta’s Choice
Uta opened her eyes slowly, the warm golden glow still faintly shimmering around her. The world around her felt different... lighter, as if the weight of despair had lifted.
Her gaze drifted upward—meeting Jessie's calm, smiling face.
She blinked, then turned to see Shanks kneeling beside her.
"Why... why am I still alive?" she asked quietly, her voice trembling. "I used all my strength... to wake the world from that nightmare..."
Shanks exhaled a long breath and smiled gently.
"You're alive... thanks to him."
He nodded toward Jessie.
Uta turned her eyes back to the stranger—this calm, confident man in a black suit and cowboy hat. Her eyes narrowed, cautious.
"You... saved me?" she asked, pushing herself up with care.