บท 98: Hard Decision

"Foolish kid," Barik muttered through his teeth, his frustration etched on his brow. Turning to Mizuno, he asked, "What're your orders? Are we going after him?"

Barik's words thickened the air like a roux. His question was suffocatingly difficult, as the answer would likely seal the fate of someone we traveled with and trusted as an ally.

Mizuno remained silent momentarily, her heart seemingly at odds with her mind. The two sides warred against the other, visibly displaying the results of their conflict in her uneasy expression. 

The choice was more difficult than leaving a stranger behind; this was someone she knew. However, Mizuno seemingly drew the proverbial line at the bond of camaraderie.

Nodding to herself with a look of resolute determination, her eyes focused on a future where Joseph returned to Freehaven with us. Given her expression, it was evident which side won the battle. Mizuno chose the path of the heart.