Chapter 58 - Duty to Bear [3]
"SIMON!!!" Diane screamed, calling out Simon's name.
"He's all bruised up..." Cyan checked his condition to see if he was okay.
Everyone gathered around Simon, except for Eshana, who looked at me with a troubled expression.
「…You went overboard.」
"Sigh... I know, I know." I nodded in agreement.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from fighting Eldias, it’s that unexpected variables are bound to appear.
Therefore, precautions must be taken for a clean execution.
I didn't underestimate Simon's capabilities, but I observed his behaviour and patterns to anticipate how he would act.
In the end, his recklessness created an opening, and he ultimately got caught in a spider's web.
Simon's behaviour was no different from that of an Eldia when provoked—like a mindless beast, predictable enough that I could follow his every move with my <Heightened Senses>.
To offer him some constructive criticism, I pointed out where he went wrong, thinking that would be the end of it.
So why was everyone looking at me as if I were the villain?
「…...」
'At least say something.'
There were many ways to knock Simon out, including using a weakened <Gale Bullet> to blow him away.
But if the wind exerted too much pressure at point-blank range… then I think I overdid it.
To reassure the four of them, I approached and checked on Simon.
"He'll be fine. I held back when I shot him in the stomach."
Although I had pure intentions, their eyes were filled with fear under my gaze.
The one most affected was Momo, who was shivering on the ground.
"...Are they scared of me? Surely not, right?" I shook my head in denial.
This appearance was far from intimidating. People had called me cute here and there, which was the usual response from those who knew me, but 'scary'?
Is it my eyes?
「Aria, the rumour about you being a Morzen Cultist hasn't cleared up yet,」 Erina replied nonchalantly.
'…Ah.' I placed my palm over my face, feeling foolish for forgetting that.
The only person I had interacted with in Kleinford over the past few days was Erina.
Nobody else came to mind except for Vendrick, Camellia, and maybe Orion, but the last time I spoke with him was during the trial.
I found myself in an uncomfortable situation, trying to figure out how to make things right.
As much as I wanted to berate Simon for starting it first, it was also my fault for losing control of my emotions and going overboard.
"Sigh... fine." I shook my head as I reached for something in my duffel bag near the corner.
Simon was slammed against the wall near the locker room, which allowed me to easily grab an item and hand it over to them.
「Wait, Aria—」
'Shush, you gave these to me. I know what I'm doing.'
「...I understand.」
As I went to grab something, returning with a sketchy item in my hand, the four of them grew uneasy, more alert than ever.
"S-Stay away from him! He didn't mean anything he said, so please...!" Diane shouted, refusing to back down even at the risk of her life.
"…And?" I tilted my head, urging her to move aside.
"If... If you take one step closer…!" Diane prepared to engage in combat, casting <Wind> Magic Art from her palms, ready to tear me apart.
It wasn't just Diane who reacted when I advanced.
Cyan grabbed a polearm he had stored in a suitcase and encased it in an enduring layer of <Ice>.
Momo's thick scarf came to life, transforming into sharp drills that she controlled as an Imperial, an <Anima>.
Eshana assumed a fighting stance with her two daggers, both radiating violent mana.
I couldn’t deduce the technique she used, as I wasn't sure which nation she really belonged to.
All of them were prepared to lay down their lives for their comrade, despite facing an opponent who had already defeated their strongest member.
"..."
"..."
Diane and I were locked in a tense staring contest that only escalated the situation.
Their camaraderie was commendable—that's what I would like to say.
But I just want to give Simon something. Hello???
Am I really that hopeless at interacting with other people?
“Tch, how annoying.” I gave up and turned around to avoid this unnecessary drama.
To show that I didn’t intend to waste time, I threw the vial I held in my hand to whoever was closest.
—Grab...!
“What is this?” Cyan questioned as he caught the vial I had thrown.
It was a healing potion, the high-quality kind you rarely see.
Before Cyan could ask why I gave him such a high-quality healing potion, I walked away from the training grounds.
“Use that on him if you want him to get better—if you trust me, that is.”
Meeting them had been fun at first, but it became tiresome after all that drama unfolded.
I have to go now, anyway.
「Aria...」
...
...
...
"W-Wait!!!" someone shouted, stopping me in my tracks.
It was Momo, the pink-haired girl with squirrel-like ears, who called out to me.
"We're sorry for everything... but all I wanted to say is...!" She lifted her hands into the air, which were usually hidden behind her long sleeves.
"Thank you so much for saving Penny!" Momo waved at me with a smile, noticing that I was a bit hurt from all that had happened.
Not expecting someone to develop a spine, I smiled faintly and waved back at her, feeling a little better.
...
...
...
'...Hehehe, I guess my reputation wasn't damaged after all.'
「You're cute when you giggle like that instead of scowling, Aria.」
"Shut up."
"Hmm, hmm~" I hummed, walking home after the sun had set.
Not much time had passed since I left the training grounds.
It felt awkward to stay there after that horrible mess, so I decided to leave earlier than usual.
The Ichor has so many capabilities that it’s hard to explore them all.
The most I could do was start researching how to control the Ichor as if it were my own limb, which would serve me better than relying on my noodly arms for heavy lifting.
I’ve been emphasizing this repeatedly: what I seriously lack is physical strength.
I can't even overpower regular civilians without shooting them.
It hasn’t been easy, as I’ve been trying to develop <Mana Strengthening> from scratch, using a different power source—Ichor.
Plagued with the training and magical development I’ve been doing, it’s finally time for me to relax a little.
Recently... I decided to check what the internet is like after six years.
Since there are still 240 million people left on Earth, the internet hasn't gone down, thanks to satellites that remain operational in the most populated areas, like Kleinford.
Hmm… uh, let’s say I don’t know what everyone is talking about.
So much slang I don't understand was invented, and not much was happening in the entertainment industry when the world was still fighting against Eldias.
Maybe once everything settles down, I’ll return to my reclusive lifestyle as if nothing ever happened...
"—As if.” I sighed in disappointment.
I sometimes wish I could go back to the days when I lived an ordinary life in a small apartment. Those were good times.
“Sucks to think that I only got to live alone for a month.” I shook my head.
“…Well, it wouldn’t hurt to skip a day of training and try out some of the games that have come out,” I thought to myself.
Surely, with all this time that has passed, there must be better games, right?
“He… hehehe…” I started to chuckle, imagining the joy of indulging in some downtime again.
I couldn't help it, I was a couch potato at heart anyway.
After walking for a few minutes, I arrived back at my apartment, which was just a short distance from the training grounds.
“It’s not big or small; it’s simply to my taste,” I reflected, grateful that Erina understood my aesthetic and provided me with a home I liked.
I had always despised rich, aristocratic mansions—the Historia household I lived in back then was a perfect example.
However, this house was designed with Trestkania in mind: futuristic yet simple.
—Creak…!
Preparing to relax the whole day without any interruptions, I gently opened the door...
...
...
...
“What are you people doing here?”
“…Hmph.” Camellia crossed her arms and looked away.
“Hello, Aria, it’s nice to meet you,” Erina spoke like a robot, as if she didn't know me.
I was puzzled by why she had suddenly stopped responding in my head. It turns out she had arrived at MY house (Erina's house) with Camellia, both wearing matching outfits.
It was kind of cute.
But the third person... wasn't what I expected.
—Creak...!
“Long time no see, Lady Aria.” Orion waved while sitting on a leather couch.
The couch was large enough for two people, but with his imposing physique and heavy armour, it looked like he might break it.
Three people had come over uninvited:
Orion, an ambassador from Trestkania who had helped Camellia and me on two occasions.
Camellia, my little sister, who had travelled with me during our time in Arcadia, was still avoiding me after running away last week.
And then there was Erina, who enjoyed playing riddles and is also my little sister.
Three people I knew best in Kleinford had decided to hang out at MY house (Erina's) without my permission.
“Am I missing out on something?” I asked, tilting my head at the three of them.
“We have something to discuss, Lady Aria,” Orion said, patting the couch and inviting me to sit beside him.
"You can call me Aria, by the way, and... um, I'll just sit on one of the chairs by the countertop instead."
"Haha! I'll do that then, Aria."
Making myself comfortable, I rested my elbow on my chin and slumped, having no intention of appearing polite.
“So, what’s going on? It must be something important for you three to come here without my knowledge.”
Ignoring my last statement, they spoke in unison, their words blending into a jumble I couldn't decipher.
“It’s about the trip to Trestkania.”
“This dummy wants to say sorry.”
“I… want to talk with you.”
I was about to get a glass of water when I heard Orion, Erina, and Camellia speak simultaneously.
"Aria, hurry up already and get along alreableh—"
“E-Erina!!! Wait, ew, stop licking my hands!” Camellia covered her mouth in a frantic hurry, but Erina was persistent enough to lick her fingers, turning them into a slobbery mess.
Orion, the only rational person in the group, smiled silently.
“...I see.” I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.
...
...
...
"Anyone want a drink?”
“I’ll have some coffee.”
“Ah... tea, please.”
“Make me tea."
Hmm.
I know I asked them if they wanted anything, so this one is my fault.
“Sure.” I stood up and went to the kitchen, accepting this odd circumstance without further questions.
—Cackle Cackle…!
I heated water and brewed coffee for Orion and myself, taking special care to prepare two cups of tea for the sisters.
—Ting…!
Compared to my previous attitude, which reeked of a slob who couldn't do anything, I became a high-class server, serving them their beverages at their tables.
For intruders who had entered MY house (Really Erina's) without prior notice, they graciously accepted the beverages like esteemed guests and offered their thanks afterward.
"Wow... this tastes amazing..." Camellia exclaimed, clearly impressed by the tea's quality.
"Wonderful, when did you learn such etiquette? Aria?" Orion asked me, enjoying his cup of coffee.
"I worked as a server... when I was young, yeah," I said, nodding and creating a flimsy excuse.
Judging from Erina's solemn gaze as she drank the tea, expressing a million apologies, she already knew the real reason for my skills in ‘serving’ others.
Now that things had calmed down, I crossed my legs and opened my phone to decide for me.
—Tinkle, Tinkle!
「Aria.」
'What?'
「What are you doing.」
'Ah, it landed on heads.'
「???」
“Ahem, what do you have to say first, Orion?” I pointed at Orion after doing an online coin flip to decide who would go first.
Whenever I feel indecisive, I use coin flips to make decisions. I know it’s not the best method, but it’s quite handy.
“Ah…” Camellia clenched her hands, thinking I was ignoring her on purpose.
「You're a horrible person.」
'Come on, I'll talk to her later anyway.'
Even if I hadn’t flipped the coin, I would have spoken to Orion first anyway, since the matter is urgent.
It’s been a while since I’ve seen Orion, so I need to prioritize this conversation before he disappears again.
As for Camellia, our talk is going to be a long, drawn-out one, that’s for sure—definitely not something that can be wrapped up quickly.
Then, for Erina—I think it's really funny to poke fun at her for payback.
「You're a horrible person.」
'That's me.'
“Thank you.” Orion nodded and looked at me with an intense gaze, getting straight to the point.
It took a long time to arrange a conversation because of his packed schedule, so it was no surprise that he arrived here unnoticed.
“Before we continue... Aria, why do you want to go to Trestkania?”
“Why do I want to go to Trestkania?”
I pondered deeply, placing my hands on my chin as I thought about it.
“Then... would you believe me if I said it had something to do with the stones?”
“You know about the stones...? Interesting...” Orion's curiosity piqued, and he regarded me with increased interest.
“And what do you plan to do with these 'stones'?” he asked, pressing for more information.
I looked at my arm, which was wrapped in bandages and adorned with eleven symbols that held crucial meaning for the future.
Following the voice from that White Space, I might be able to achieve something even the protagonist was unaware of.
I'm not going to seal Xelthatl, the Eldritch God...
“—I'm going to end it, once and for all.”
...
...
...
"Hmm." Orion remained silent, contemplating my answer.
Such a task is by no means a small feat.
Countless heroes had attempted to stop the invasion of Eldians, but all had perished.
For me to make a bold claim, Orion couldn't help but grin, as if he'd anticipated this response from someone like me.
“Perfect score. You may take this, Aria,” he said, tossing an object to me that he had been holding all along.
—Fwip!
“Huh? What is this?” I examined the item he had given me; it was some emblem.
Erina looked puzzled, clearly shocked that I was receiving this.
“If you need assistance while travelling to Trestkania, click the button on the back if you find yourself in dire need,” Orion explained. After finishing his coffee in one swift gulp, he stood up.
“T-Thanks…?” I replied, tilting my head, still unsure of what I had just received.
“Ah, right.” Orion paused, turning back to look at Camellia and me, who were both standing there awkwardly.
“Uh, sorry for interrupting you two,” he said, scratching his head.
—Thud!
Closing the door after delivering his final message, I glanced at the two sisters and noticed that Camellia’s face had turned red from embarrassment.
“E-Erina, do you know anything about this emblem?” I asked her, choosing to ignore Camellia for the moment to spare her from further embarrassment.
What I received was a scowl from Erina.
“Really… you’re so dense sometimes.” Erina shook her head, not communicating telepathically this time.
“Camellia, this is where I’ll go now,” Erina said as she stood up after finishing her tea.
“H-Huh? W-Wait!!!” Camellia tried to grab Erina’s hand to keep her from leaving, but Erina dodged her and made her way to the door.
“You’re going already?”
“Mhm.”
“Why did you come then?”
Pausing in her tracks, Erina turned to look at both Camellia and me, giving us a thumbs-up.
“Emotional support,” she said slowly, her irritation evident as she closed the door behind her, clearly annoyed by the pointless exchange between Camellia and me.
—Thud!
With that distraction gone, Erina vanished, falling silent once more.
“…Okay.” I scratched my head in confusion.
One sister had given me an emblem, and the other had run away as soon as her task was complete.
Now, only two people remain.
"..."
"..."
Yet none of us uttered a word towards each other.
Everything came full circle, ending not in chaos,
But in silence.
