Volume 6
Chapter 10
Nozomu group, after escorting Eldor and the others to the town, finished reporting the completion of their request and left the guild gates. The sun had already set below the horizon, and the sky, dyed a pale rose, covered Arcazam.
"Nngh! That's the
end of the request. Now, what should we do?"
"Eh?"
Nozomu instinctively
asked back at Feo's sudden words.
"I'm hungry, and
we got paid for completing the request. Since we're here, why don't we go to
the Ox Head Tavern and have some fun?"
"Gambling again?
You'll go back to living in poverty, you know?"
"Nah, it's fine.
We just need to win, win!"
"I only feel
unease from those words..."
It seemed he had
completely forgotten about falling into debt due to the recent commotion. His
pleasure-first attitude was almost refreshing, but Nozomu couldn't help but
feel uneasy about what kind of trouble this Fox-tailed youth would cause in the
future.
"............"
Nozomu fell silent.
The old man next to him also exuded a similar aura. What in the world was this
old man imagining? His cheeks were flushed like a maiden's, and his gaze
drifted into the air, giving Nozomu a bad feeling.
"What are you
saying? Life is a party! Whether you win or lose temporarily, the one who
enjoys it the most is the ultimate winner!"
"That's right,
lad! To win the hearts of beautiful maidens, difficulties are inevitable! Many
challengers have fallen before those difficulties! To face those difficulties,
we must continue to hold in our hearts the wish, 'I want to be like this! I
want to be like that!'"
Sure enough, Zonne was
in high spirits, spurred on by Feo. The two declared loudly, thrusting their
fists into the sky. Bathed in the moonlight, one's eyes glowed golden, while
the other exhaled rough, pink breaths from his nose.
"So, what is that
wish you hold in your hearts?"
"Of course! A
rendezvous with a beautiful girl! A date! Physical intimacy!! Cuddling and
giggling just the two of us!"
Their wishes seemed
quite tainted with greed and lust. Nozomu could only sigh now. Averting his
gaze from the two, who were creating their own world in front of him and
drawing everyone's attention, Nozomu slowly looked up at the sky.
"............"
Nozomu let out a long,
deep sigh. Irisdina felt a strange tug in her chest at his appearance. Since
returning to Arcazam, Nozomu had repeatedly shown gestures of deep thought.
What could be wrong...? Irisdina spoke to Nozomu.
"Nozomu, is
something wrong? You've been acting a bit off since we returned to
town..."
"A-ah. I guess
it's obvious, huh..."
Nozomu scratched his
head with a wry smile. He looked back at the path they had taken and slowly
opened his mouth.
"I was thinking
about Eldor and the others."
"Eldor and the
others?"
When Nozomu returned
to Arcazam, considering the mental and physical burden on them, he had sent
them back to the dormitory first. Since they also had to report to the guild
about the request, they were able to report for Eldor and the others at the
same time. Nozomu gazed intently at the path they had taken, as if he could
still see Eldor and the others there. A wry smile appeared on Nozomu's face.
"I thought they
were amazing..."
Nozomu muttered, his
cheeks relaxing, as if to himself. Was the look in his eyes envy...?
"I haven't found
my answer yet. Honestly, I don't know how I want to face Lisa and the others.
But Eldor and his group can quickly decide their answers and run forward."
Just before they
parted ways at the town entrance, Eldor apologized for his attitude at the
guild. "If possible, please continue to guide us!" Eldor bowed so
deeply that his head almost touched the ground. He looked up, his back still
bent, his pure eyes fixed on Nozomu and the others. When Nozomu saw those eyes,
he was honestly bewildered. However, Nozomu immediately accepted his apology
for his deep bow. He was able to accept it. Eldor’s appearance was like a
completely different person from just a few hours ago. No, perhaps this was his
true self. Solminati Academy begins "selection" based on talent and
ability immediately after enrollment. As a result, people inevitably change in
the face of it. Nozomu's former friends were like that too. At the same time,
Nozomu was surprised by Eldor's own transformation. He was confronted with his
own mistakes, shame, and disgrace, yet he immediately used them as nourishment
to move forward. Nozomu felt that this was something he lacked, as he had not
yet found an answer regarding his relationship with Lisa. Of course, Nozomu
himself had not remained entirely unchanged. In fact, he was now able to
clearly express his feelings, albeit with some hesitation. Previously, he would
have said, "It's nothing," and kept it all inside.
"............"
Nozomu had not yet
completely overcome his past. With a pang in his chest, the images of Lisa and
the others were clearly reflected in Nozomu's mind. The painful memories still
intensely shook Nozomu's heart, and an indescribable emotion welled up to his
mouth. For every sweet, happy memory, there were even more bitter and painful
memories from the past that he couldn't help but hold onto.
"...Lad, sit down
over there for a bit."
Suddenly, Zonne said
this and sat down by the side of the road.
"Huh? What are
you doing, old man?"
"Come to think of
it, I haven't repaid you for helping me. As a thank you, I'll give you a little
advice."
Zonne, sitting on the
ground, pulled out a transparent crystal ball from his pocket. It was probably
the same one he used before for Somia's troubles. It seemed that, just like
then, he was now going to give Nozomu advice for his worries. Ignoring Nozomu's
question of where he had kept the crystal ball, Zonne beckoned to Nozomu.
"Come here, the
great me is offering to look for you. Hurry up."
"But... no, I
understand."
Though hesitant, there
was no particular reason to refuse. Nozomu let out a wry smile and sat in front
of Zonne, touching the crystal ball. Zonne then held his hand over Nozomu's
hand. Considering what happened with Somia, the color of the crystal ball
should change depending on the worries and psychological state of the person
who touches it. However, contrary to Nozomu's expectations, the crystal ball
remained transparent and did not change color at all.
"Old man, nothing's
happening?"
"Oh? That's
strange..."
Zonne put a hand to
his chin, frowning as he peered into the crystal ball. To Nozomu, Zonne's
expression seemed, for some reason, much more serious than usual. Zonne's
unusual expression. Nozomu felt a strange sense of unease at that face, which
he hadn't even seen when they were attacked by magic beasts in the forest.
Zonne held his hand over it again. The next moment, a sudden numbness ran
through Nozomu's finger.
"!"
Nozomu involuntarily
pulled back the hand touching the crystal ball. Zonne's expression, which had
been held over his hand, had somehow returned to his usual absentminded look.
"Hmm? What's
wrong?"
"N-no, it's
nothing. Just a little numb..."
"Perhaps a little
magic power leaked out? Well, it should be fine. Here, touch the crystal
properly."
"A-alright..."
Nozomu, tilting his
head at Zonne's suddenly changed demeanor, touched the crystal again, and soon
the transparent crystal began to glow faintly. At first, the crystal ball
glowed blue. Then it turned light gray, and gradually its color deepened.
Finally, looking at the dark gray crystal ball, Zonne slowly opened his mouth.
"The same gray as
young Somia back then. You're both holding worries, same as her. However, your
worries seem to have tormented you for quite a long time. That's why this
crystal ball has become so dark."
Saying that, Zonne
tapped the completely gray crystal ball.
"But even so, you
maintain your composure regarding this problem. The blue you saw at first
signifies intellect and calmness."
Having said that much,
Zonne took a deep breath and paused his story.
"However, due to
the depth of these worries, you might be overthinking things..."
"Eh?"
Nozomu held his breath
at Zonne's words. The old man in front of him looked at Nozomu with a somewhat
bewildered, yet slightly familiar gaze. The familiar color deep within his
eyes. That gaze, which he had seen somewhere before, reminded him of when he
accepted his master's feelings in the forest outside the city. It was a gaze
tinged with sorrow and regret. But Zonne, whether knowing Nozomu's thoughts or
not, continued speaking with a smile on his lips.
"Originally,
human relationships are fundamentally only one thing. Whether you like or
dislike the other person. That's all. Of course, there are different degrees of
affection or aversion you hold towards them... From an outsider's perspective,
you seem to be overthinking and tying yourself in knots."
Nozomu's heart was
sharply pierced again. He felt he had to move forward, yet he couldn't quite do
so. This was undoubtedly because Nozomu hesitated due to the distance that had
grown between him and Lisa over the past two years. Of course, he had tried to
close that distance once. However, that attempt was shattered by the very
friend who had betrayed him. That fact made Nozomu hesitate to approach them
again. But, what did he himself truly think of his former comrades?
"I..."
The person he once
wanted to be by. And the person whose back he wanted to protect. That back was
too far away, and now even his own wishes were obscured.
"The longer the
time spent apart, the more one thinks, the more a person's heart can become
entangled in their own feelings. This is especially true for memories that hold
both brilliant times and tearing pain."
What came to mind was
the moment they made that promise. The memory of confessing his feelings in his
hometown village.
If the girl I
like wants to achieve her dream, I want to be her strength!
Those words resonated
in Nozomu's mind. His origin. And his own memory, which he had turned into a
reason for escape. It flickered like starlight, yet corroded his heart like
poison. Irisdina and Feo listened intently to the exchange between the boy and
the old man. Feo watched the two in front of him with a somewhat amused
expression. And Irisdina placed her hand on her chest, clenching it tightly.
Along with the sensation of her own heart being squeezed. Eventually, Nozomu
exhaled deeply and slowly opened his mouth.
"Is that so?
...No, perhaps it is."
His affirmative words
escaped his lips. He himself had no reason or basis to deny what Zonne had just
pointed out. Only an indescribable bitterness remained in the back of his
throat.
"I... I might
still want Lisa to pursue her dream."
Words like a
monologue. Not directed at anyone, but as if confirming it to himself, Nozomu's
mouth uttered the words. The feeling of "I liked her" certainly
existed. Whether that feeling still existed was unknown even to him, but the
facts and memories were certainly within him. And it was for that reason that
he was able to remain at Solminati. That fact corroborated his monologue. Even
if it became a reason for escape, it was a fact that that origin had supported
him until now. His master also said: "It's okay to run, but I want you to
be aware that you are running." Shino never forced an answer. It was
always Nozomu himself who had to decide. Nozomu
rehearsed his master's
and Zonne's words in his mind. What came to mind was Lisa's figure when she was
young, proudly talking about her dream. Suddenly, he noticed a gaze directed at
him. Following that gaze, he saw a black-haired girl. With a hint of confusion
and anxiety in her eyes, she looked at Nozomu without averting her gaze. When
he saw those eyes, something indescribable welled up in Nozomu's heart. A
bitter taste spread in his mouth. Nozomu swallowed hard, as if to drink it
down.
"I..."
His own heart was
still wavering. While aware of this, Nozomu's mouth naturally opened. But the
next moment, at the sight that leaped into his eyes, he involuntarily fell
silent. Reflected in his eyes was the figure of the red-haired girl. The person
who still gave him indescribable emotions. Was it hatred, or affection?
"Lisa..."
"No...zomu..."
Only a whisper
naturally escaping their lips vanished into the night darkness of Arcazam.
***
As the sun set, three
youngsters walked on the cobblestones illuminated by the magic lamps. A
blond-haired boy with a sword at his hip, a girl holding a mage's staff, and a
red-haired girl with long hair tied back, a saber, and a dagger at her waist.
The boy held a hemp sack almost as big as himself. Their destination was the
Arcazam Guild Headquarters. It proudly displayed its imposing presence,
unchanged from daytime, thanks to the generous use of magic-powered lights, the
latest in magical technology. It was already dark, and adventurers who had
finished their requests were disappearing into the night city, heading for
their respective lodgings, favorite taverns, and seeking pleasure. However, a
considerable number of adventurers were still coming and going from the guild,
diligently checking requests and exchanging information. The three stood in
front of the guild headquarters, still enveloped in a considerable hubbub.
Among them, the girl holding the staff stepped forward.
"Alright, I'll go
report and get the reward, so you two go secure seats at the restaurant
first."
"Okay. Camila,
please."
Camila nodded
slightly, took the hemp sack from Ken's hand, and disappeared into the guild
headquarters.
"Well then, shall
we go, Lisa?"
"Un..."
Lisa, nodding slightly
at Ken's voice, watched Camila's back disappear and then headed towards a
nearby regular eatery. Ignoring the surrounding clamor, the two walked through
the night commercial district. They walked close enough that their shoulders almost
touched. However, Lisa's expression seemed somewhat absent. Ken, who had been
glancing at her face, spoke to Lisa.
"Hey Lisa, is
something wrong? You seem a bit distracted today..."
"Eh!? I-is that
so?"
"Yeah. You seemed
that way when we were collecting the request items, and then again when we were
fighting the magic beast."
The request they
received today was nothing special. It was to collect medicinal herbs from the
forest for medicinal concoctions. It would have been fine to use goods
transported from other towns, but those items would be a bit more expensive.
Besides, no matter how much Arcazam was financed by various countries, it
needed to have a certain degree of self-sufficiency. Otherwise, if the supply
routes were cut off for some reason, there was a risk that the city's functions
themselves would cease.
"That's not
true..."
"............"
Lisa tried to deny
Ken's words, feigning calmness, but Ken frowned slightly. In Lisa's mind, the
image of Nozomu being led away by a classmate flickered. The sight she had seen
in front of the guild headquarters today simply wouldn't leave her mind. His
figure being led away by a black-haired girl from the same class. For Lisa
Hounds, Nozomu Boundis was absolutely unforgivable. Honestly, just thinking of
him had always filled her with a burning anger. But this time, what pierced her
chest was not a spear of burning flame, but an arrow of freezing ice. A cold
sensation spread throughout her body from her core. For a moment, Lisa felt as
if she was all alone in the world. It was the same feeling as that time. The
feeling she had when her father died, and when she was betrayed by the boy she
loved so much at this academy. Why did she feel this way? Such thoughts crossed
Lisa's mind. She should only feel anger towards him now. She hugged her arms,
huddling as if to endure a winter blizzard. But contrary to her almost pleading
thoughts, the cold piercing her chest gradually tried to freeze her entire
body.
"Lisa, are you
okay?"
At that moment, the
boy next to her gently embraced Lisa's shoulder. The warmth radiating from his
hand gradually permeated Lisa's body. The warmth caused Lisa's cheeks to relax.
Like someone freezing in a blizzard clinging to a small bonfire, Lisa wriggled
her body as if to prevent that warmth from escaping. But Nozomu's image
continued to flit through Lisa's mind. Nozomu's back, standing in front of the
Corpse Dragon during the special comprehensive training. And him being led away
by Irisdina. The ice arrow piercing her chest would not melt, trying to even
steal away that little warmth. And Lisa, like a child afraid of the dark night,
leaned into Ken, seeking more warmth. At that moment, Ken gently touched Lisa's
chin and turned her face towards him. The distance between the two naturally
shortened. Ken's face, reflected in Lisa's eyes, gradually drew closer. Their
breaths brushed each other's faces, and their approaching lips were about to
touch. But the next moment, Lisa's body trembled.
"Ah!! No!"
"Ugh!"
Lisa's arms instantly
tensed. Before she knew it, she had pushed Ken's body away.
"Ah... I-I'm
sorry, Ken!"
"I-it's fine,
Lisa, don't worry about it."
Lisa frantically tried
to compose herself. Ken was waving his hand with a smile, trying to put Lisa at
ease.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry..."
Still, Lisa continued
to apologize, distraught. Her eyes were filled with tears, and her distraught
appearance, on the verge of breaking down, was heartbreaking to behold even
from an outsider's perspective. Comforting such a Lisa, Ken felt an
indescribable bitterness. She had believed she was betrayed by Nozomu. Since
then, Lisa had been unable to form deep relationships with the opposite sex.
She could hold hands or lean close, but when it came to anything beyond a kiss,
she would suddenly reject it. Was it a kind of fear of love? Even with the
opposite sex, she could have normal conversations, but as soon as a romantic
relationship tried to develop, she would suddenly be overcome by fear and
reject the other person. Even Ken, her childhood friend who had been closer to
Lisa than anyone, had hardly been able to advance their relationship. Ken
initially thought that if he just eliminated Nozomu, there would be no problem.
If she directed all her anger at Nozomu and unleashed all her negative emotions
on him, Lisa would eventually recover and look at him, the one who remained by
her side. That's what he thought. But reality, contrary to his expectations,
was that Lisa's condition did not improve at all. Still, he was the only one
who could be close to her now. That fact somewhat satisfied Ken's heart, which
had long been overshadowed by Nozomu being next to her.
"I'm sorry, Ken.
I'm sorry I'm such a coward..."
But seeing Lisa
breaking down in tears, only an uncontrollable surge of resentment welled up in
Ken's heart. Converting that resentment into hatred for Nozomu with all his
might, Ken could only force a smile on his face and comfort Lisa. Silence
enveloped the two. Lisa and Ken remained close for a while, but as Lisa calmed
down and slowly moved away, the two began to walk again. Lisa felt frustrated
with herself for being unable to accept Ken's feelings, yet she tried her best
to smile. But at that moment, her eyes caught sight of something impossible.
"Eh..."
Someone was standing
in front of them. The person who had once been by her side and given her
warmth. And the person who had torn her heart apart.
"Lisa..."
"No...zomu..."
Their names naturally
escaped their lips. Caught off guard by the sudden encounter, both Lisa and Nozomu's
groups froze.
"............"
Silence flowed between
them. Nozomu, facing them directly, felt the hatred smoldering deep in his
heart rise up again. Like a spark falling on dry grass, black smoke spread
sluggishly through Nozomu's heart. Nozomu exhaled slowly to calm himself.
Perhaps because of that, the darkness threatening to spread in his heart
temporarily subsided. Nozomu stepped forward.
"Lisa, can I talk
to you for a second?"
Nozomu took one step
forward and, looking straight at Lisa, spoke to the red-haired girl. Irisdina
and the others behind him remained silent, watching the unfolding situation.
Lisa flinched slightly at his gaze. Her attitude was clearly different from
when she used to reject Nozomu with insults. Nozomu felt a question at Lisa's
appearance, but he still opened his mouth to speak to her. There was something
he absolutely had to confirm. Was she still proudly pursuing her dream, just
like when they were children? They had crossed paths so many times. Nozomu's
own dream had been shattered, but he hoped that at least she was still pursuing
hers. However, Ken stood in his way.
"Ken, get out of
the way..."
The moment he
recognized the figure of his former friend who had betrayed him, the suppressed
hatred began to smoke again.
"Do you think I'd
step aside when I don't know what you'll do to Lisa?"
"How dare you say
that..."
Ken's attitude, as if
flaunting himself as Lisa's protector, further fueled Nozomu's anger. Both
stood their ground, glaring at each other. Ken looked down at Nozomu with a
triumphant expression, while Nozomu's eyes, almost filled with murderous
intent, were directed at Ken. An explosive atmosphere filled the air. With just
a small trigger, it wouldn't be surprising if both pulled out the weapons at
their hips. Ken was the first to move. However, he didn't draw the sword at his
hip; instead, he puffed out his chest and walked directly in front of Nozomu.
Their gazes crossed at close range.
"Generally
speaking, weren't you the cause in the first place? Do you really think I'd let
you talk to her now?"
"I was the
cause?"
"Yes, you were
the cause."
A small voice,
inaudible to Lisa or Irisdina behind them. Ken leaned closer to Nozomu, his
lips twisted into a distorted smile, visible only to Nozomu. Whether he meant
"Nozomu was the cause" because Nozomu was too weak to do anything but
hold Lisa back, or for some other reason, Ken's words themselves were
disparaging, but the fire of hatred in his eyes when he spoke those words was
clear, just like Nozomu's at that moment.
"!!"
For a moment, the
image of that gigantic dragon appeared in Nozomu's eyes. Spreading its
five-colored, six-winged wings, its continued roar of resentment towards the
heavens conveyed a fury strong enough to destroy everything else. The next
moment, as if in response to Tiamat's hatred, a dark flame of anger erupted
from the depths of Nozomu's chest. A searing pain shot through his chest.
Release me!
Release me! Let me kill! Let me kill them!!
Tiamat's voice of
hatred echoed in Nozomu's mind. For some unknown reason, Tiamat's hatred was
more furious than ever since Nozomu had absorbed it. Hatred and murderous
intent overflowed. Anger towards Ken colored Nozomu's mind, dyeing it
completely black. Nozomu's heart, beginning to be consumed by anger, also began
to cry out in resentment.
I'll kill
them! I'll kill them! I'll kill these people who didn't even look at me!
It was a torrent of
hatred more intense than ever before. His rationality sounded an alarm to his
passion-driven self.
T-this is bad...
Nozomu, crying out in
resentment along with Tiamat in his mind, and another Nozomu desperately trying
to stop it. His remaining rationality desperately tried to suppress the passion
that was beginning to drive him, but the anger, overflowing as if a dam had
broken, rapidly eroded his remaining rationality.
"I-Isn’t this... dangerous?"
Feo's face showed
agitation, having sensitively detected Nozomu's change. Zonne, too, sensing
Nozomu's unusual aura, had sweat on his brow. Irisdina also watched Nozomu,
feeling a chilling premonition down her spine. Nozomu's aura reminded her of
when he was being manipulated by Tiamat. No, this time the premonition was even
worse.
"! Ken,
you!!"
Nozomu roared. His
previously suppressed emotions were converted into anger and unleashed all at
once into the surroundings. Lisa flinched, and Ken's eyes widened in surprise.
Nozomu was on the verge of exploding. Driven by the urgency welling up in her
chest, Irisdina desperately grabbed Nozomu's hand, as if to pull him back.
"Nozomu!"
No! Come
back!!
Nozomu was about to
lose himself to anger. A warm sensation spread through his hand, and a clear
voice echoed in his head. At the same time, a bell-like voice chimed in
Nozomu's head.
"...Ah."
Nozomu slowly turned
around, and Irisdina, with tears in her eyes, was looking at him.
"Nozomu, calm
down. Please, please..."
Irisdina's weak voice,
almost pleading. But that voice showed more concern for Nozomu than anyone else
present. The blood that had rushed to Nozomu's head instantly receded. However,
Tiamat within him was still raging, trying to break free. The gigantic dragon
raged more wildly than ever before. Nozomu gritted his teeth and endured,
trying not to be swept away by its anger. Sweat beaded on his forehead. But
once it started raging, its anger didn't easily subside. Taking shallow breaths
repeatedly, Nozomu closed his eyes and sent his consciousness inward. The
figure of the gigantic dragon rampaging on the lake in his heart was reflected
behind Nozomu's eyelids. Gradually calming his shallow breathing, Nozomu
focused his consciousness on the warmth of her hand conveyed through his own.
Tiamat's figure gradually faded. When it finally disappeared, Nozomu exhaled
deeply and opened his eyelids.
"Haa, haa... I'm
sorry, Iris..."
Nozomu breathed
heavily, in an unusual state. Lisa and the others, who had been watching him,
were also speechless at Nozomu's sudden change. In response to Nozomu's
apology, Irisdina, though her eyes were glistening with tears, smiled as if to
say it was alright and squeezed Nozomu's hand back. Feo and Zonne breathed
sighs of relief. Nozomu placed his hand over Irisdina's hand, which was
gripping his own tightly, and then slowly released her hand.
"Ah..."
Ignoring Irisdina's
gasp, Nozomu faced Ken and the others once more. The angry flames that had been
in his eyes earlier were no longer there. In his mind, Nozomu recalled the
image of Lisa's dream that she had told him about when they were children. In a
boundless plain, there were adventurers who had become Lisa's companions,
sitting on the ground. Their bodies were covered in mud, and deep fatigue was
visible on all their faces. They must have overcome considerable difficulties.
The expressions of their comrades were all equally stern. Amidst them, Lisa
smiled broadly at her companions. Her armor and weapon were also covered in
mud, and an undeniable fatigue showed on her face. But even so, Lisa's eyes
shone like the life-giving sun. Perhaps invigorated by her smile, smiles
returned to her companions' faces. One of her companions shouted, "Let's
go!" and stood up. One by one, they stood up, and eventually, all of them
stood straight on their own feet. And with Lisa at the lead, they began to walk
towards the endless plain ahead. Their backs, stepping into the unknown
wilderness, seemed very large. But Nozomu was not there. The faces of the
companions were all unknown to Nozomu. Yet, Nozomu felt somehow content. While
inwardly surprised by his calm heart even in front of Ken and the others,
Nozomu spoke to Lisa in a detached, yet somewhat resonant voice.
"Lisa, there's
something I want to ask you."
"Oi Nozomu. Talk
to me first..."
Ken frowned and
aggressively pressed Nozomu. Perhaps he was upset that Nozomu's anger had
momentarily taken his attention away from him. But Nozomu glanced at Ken and
then gave him a slightly sad look. That only further pricked Ken's pride.
"...! What's with
that look..."
Ken was now looking at
Nozomu with purely hostile eyes. Ken's hostility, almost murderous. Nozomu's
face, which had been receiving it, twisted even more sadly. Still, Nozomu
looked at Lisa once more. Stared at by Nozomu, Lisa flinched and cowered as if
afraid. The symbol of his sin. The result of having run away until now. He
would finally accept it this time. Feeling the warmth of Irisdina's hand still
lingering in his own, Nozomu slowly opened his mouth.
"Lisa, you said
before, didn't you? That you wanted to become an adventurer like your father.
Do you remember?"
"!!"
Lisa's face twisted
instantly at Nozomu's words. Her complexion turned pale like a sick person, and
the coldness of the ice arrow piercing her chest once again assaulted her
entire body. With the return of the cold throughout her body, Lisa's lips began
to tremble slightly.
"Lisa, won't you
answer me? Are you still properly pursuing that dream?"
The memories of the
past two years since she separated from Nozomu flowed like a torrent through
Lisa's heart. When she was betrayed and fell into despair, she felt a coldness
as if trapped in an ice cage. The coldness piercing her whole body froze both her
mind and body, and in the end, she couldn't even feel the voice of her best
friend who had been calling out to her. Supported by Ken and Camila, she
somehow recovered, but the ice arrow pierced deep in her heart never melted,
occasionally freezing her entire body like an impulse. And the moment she heard
Nozomu's words, the ice arrow ripped into Lisa's chest.
"Shut up! Why
does that matter to you! You have nothing to do with it anymore!"
Words of rejection
involuntarily escaped her lips. The words, spoken with her head down, echoed
around them. The moment she uttered them, an indescribable regret inexplicably
assailed Lisa's chest. "Ah..." Lisa involuntarily cried out and
lifted her face. When she raised her face, what met her eyes was Nozomu's
sorrowful face, as if he were repenting for a sin.
"Yes, you're
right. I'm the one who turned away. But can you please believe me on this?
I..."
"Enough
already!!"
Ken, his face beet
red, tried to grab Nozomu, who was still trying to continue speaking even after
being rejected by Lisa. But Irisdina cut in between them. She grabbed Ken's
outstretched hand and pulled him away from Nozomu. She immediately used body
strengthening magic and tried to restrain Ken. Ken also immediately used body
strengthening magic, but Nozomu was able to put distance between them before he
could activate it.
"Don't...
interfere!"
"Kuh!!"
But Ken was no
pushover, too, and immediately slipped out of Irisdina's arm and tried to rush
past her.
"Sorry, but I
can't let you pass right now."
However, this time Feo
stood in Ken's way. Even Ken couldn't break through against two people. Nozomu,
whose words had been interrupted by Ken, opened his mouth again. Lisa's face
was pale, and her footing was unsteady. Seeing Lisa's state, Nozomu felt a
piercing pain in his chest. But Nozomu still didn't turn away from Lisa. He
took another step, a step closer to her. But at that moment, a voice calling
her name echoed between Nozomu and Lisa.
"Lisa!"
Called by her name,
Lisa, whose stiffness had broken, turned on her heel and dashed off at full
speed. Lisa tried to escape from the place as quickly as possible. Her figure
vanished into the night darkness in an instant. Ken, too, pursued Lisa, taking
advantage of Irisdina and the others being distracted by the scene in front of
them. Nozomu also tried to rush after her, but the owner of the voice from
before, Camila, stood in his way.
"Nozomu, what in
the world did you do?!"
"Camila..."
Camila angrily
confronted Nozomu. She also knew that Lisa was no longer able to engage in
romantic relationships. Lisa had consulted her about her inability to deepen
her relationship with Ken due to her deep-seated fear, and Camila remembered
Lisa's apologetic face at that time. That's why she had continued to view
Nozomu as an enemy.
"How long do you
intend to keep hurting Lisa?! How much do you think Lisa has suffered since
then?!"
Her rough voice echoed
in Nozomu's ears. But Nozomu looked in the direction Lisa had run off, and then
turned a serious gaze to Camila.
"Camila, let's go
after Lisa..."
"...Huh?"
Nozomu's voice was
calm, unlike her own furious one. The depth of his eyes showed his concern for
Lisa. The same look in Nozomu's eyes as when they were together long ago. And hearing
his words, which somehow seemed to appeal to something deep in her chest,
Camila was momentarily speechless. In that moment, Nozomu began to run.
"What are you
doing, hurry!"
Nozomu's voice echoed
around them. Propelled by his voice, Camila, and then Irisdina and the others,
also began to run after Lisa. Only one old man was left behind.
-----
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