The weather was pleasantly cool and summery, with a clear sky stretching overhead. Seaside birds flitted about, their cheerful cries mingling with the gentle whispers of the breeze. The chill of the summer air rustled Azusa's hair, and she seemed to be savoring the beautiful day. The sea was calm, its tranquil surface shimmering under the sun.
A distant voice called out, "Azusa!"
She turned, a warm smile lighting up her face. As the young girl who had called her approached, she asked, "Are you leaving already? It's too soon."
Azusa offered a small smile and nodded. "Yeah, I have to go now. I have some Amogh camps to visit and help out."
The young girl's face fell into a sad expression. "I'm going to miss you a lot."
Azusa smiled reassuringly. "I'll be back soon. Take care of everyone while I'm gone, okay?"
The young girl nodded, handing Azusa a small box. "Here, your journey is long. I baked some cookies for you. Have them on your way."
Azusa's face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you so much, Aeri!"
They chatted briefly, both smiling as they spoke.
Aeri looked at her with a hint of concern. "Your ship isn't here yet? It never takes this long."
Azusa shrugged slightly. "Maybe I'm too early. I didn't check the schedule or ask anyone about the ship."
Aeri nodded, still worried. "Should I wait with you?"
Azusa shook her head. "No, you don't have to. I'm fine. You should be at the clinic now."
Aeri sighed. "As you say. Let me know if anything happens, okay?"
Azusa agreed, and Aeri departed.
Standing on the bridge, Azusa waited for the ship. While she spoke with Aeri, a group of men nearby overheard their conversation. They didn't seem to be locals and appeared to be plotting something. Their eyes frequently darted toward Azusa, who remained unaware of their intentions.
One of the men approached her. "Miss, are you waiting for the ship? Which one?"
She responded, "Yes, it's the Pioneer 4"
The man nodded. "The Pioneer 4 is departing from the other side. It's running late today."
Azusa thanked him and made her way to the location he indicated.
There, a ship was ready to depart. It looked unusual compared to the others, as if it rarely visited this part of Germany.
As Azusa prepared to board, one of the men stealthily approached her from behind and covered her with a cloth soaked in a mysterious liquid. The scent of the liquid made her head spin. Confused and disoriented, she began to lose consciousness as the surroundings blurred.
The men quickly carried her aboard the ship, which then set sail, gradually moving away from the shore. Azusa lay on the deck of the SW10, while the men began to converse quietly among themselves. The ship continued to drift further from land, its destination unknown.