She took several deep breaths and calmed herself down. As she did, she was able to tell what kind of situation the second floor was in. The fire was more intense here than on the first floor. This was only natural as both flames and smoke moved upwards, which of course meant that the third floor was even worse than this. Shizuka prayed that the fires hadn't spread too far as she hurried to save the girl.
I have... slight burns. But other than, that I'm fine! I can still move!
As she had worked her way up, Shizuka had been burned in several places. That was unavoidable as she was in the middle of a fire. After confirming that she was still okay, Shizuka began moving to climb up the stairs to the third floor. Since the stairs continued from the second floor, there was no need to look for them. However, that was when Shizuka stopped.
The stairs are burning!
The fire had already spread to the stairs leading up to the third floor. In order to reach the next floor, she would need to cross through these flames. Since it was only partially burning, it should be possible to cross by moving quickly.
I see, so that's why that old couple...
But for an elderly couple, pushing their way past this would be difficult. They had no choice but to give up on saving their granddaughter through their own hands because of this.
But I can do it!
Determination flared up in Shizuka's eyes as she backed away from the stairs. She then lowered her posture and took a few deep breaths. She was going to hold her breath and dash up to the third floor.
Shizuka was confident in her own movements. She should be able to move around better than an average man. The same was true for her lung capacity. Unlike the powerless child she had been when her parents had died. Shizuka believed that she could do something now.
Here I go!
She held her breath and charged up the stairs. Only a few dozen centimeters of the stairs were actually burning. If she could accelerate enough to dash right past it, there shouldn't be any problems.
Uhh!
While it was just for a moment, her body was surrounded by large flames, causing Shizuka's expression to contort with pain. But that was all that faltered. Shizuka maintained her balance and ran up the rest of the stairs. Like that, Shizuka was able to reach the third floor.
“...Haah, haah, haah... I-I should take skirts into consideration as well...”
Having reached the top floor, Shizuka crouched down and took several deep breaths. While it had only been a few seconds, her body demanded oxygen after that intense action.
But, now I can save that girl...
It was hard to breathe and the places where she had been scorched hurt. But Shizuka had managed to reach the third floor. Her goal was now within reach. She would be able to save that young girl now.
Dad, mom, are you watching? I've gotten stronger...
Strictly speaking, what Shizuka was trying to save wasn't the girl, but her helpless self.
Here we go, Shizuka... It's just a little more to go!!
Shizuka poured strength into her arms and pushed herself up. Next, she put strength into her legs and tried to lift her body. She remembered the room the girl had been in. As long as she could stand, she could reach the room within a few seconds. The finish line was right in front of her.
H-huh…?
But Shizuka couldn't stand up. She lost her vision and strength left her lower body. Shizuka who was leaned forward, tried to stand up, but fell back down towards the floor. She tried moving her arms to support her body, but she couldn't do that either and she crashed into the floor.
Why…? I should still... be able to continue...