"What do you mean by that?" asked Jean innocently. I paused, trying to find the best way to get the answer I was looking for.
"Have you experienced death, Jean?"
Her eyes shot open at the question, the girl slowly understanding that I wasn't simply inventing some fairytale.
"Are you-"
"I'm like you."
I smiled. The final confirmation had now ultimately come down to Jean. What she would say now would either confirm or deny my suspicions. I had simply stated that we were similar, but I still hadn't said anything about reincarnation.
"You're from Earth, aren't you?" she asked. I chuckled at the question, my ears not believing what I was hearing. I wasn't alone.
"Yea..." I said, smiling at the girl. Jean stood up and approached me, her eyes gazing right into mine.
"Thank you."
"When did it happen?" I asked. The girl understood my question.
"June 8th, 2145," she responded. I choked on my own breath. The date that she had given me was the date of her death, and yet it was merely two days after me. So Jean had lived in the same society as I did?
"What was your name?" I asked.
I was expecting many answers, an infinite amount of numbers actually. She could've been any rank, a simple gladiator who was forced to fight in the arena as I did, or even a noble without a ranking, and yet the number she gave out sent shivers down my spine.
There was a single-digit I didn't want to hear, and it was the word that escaped her mouth.
"One."
Wait, One was a girl?
It was true that she was covered in armor and wore a helmet that had a full-face visor, but I thought I'd at least be able to identify her sex through her physique. Jean could tell I was suddenly distressed by her name, a question arising in her mind.
"Wait, who are you?"
"I used to be Two."
Jean gasped at my response, understanding why I was so disturbed.
She was the one who killed me.
"Jay, I-"
I put my hand forward, stopping her from continuing.
"I've never harbored any resentment towards you, Jean, I want to make that clear right now. The only feeling I felt toward you was respect, nothing else."
The girl nodded.
"I'll never forget my fight against you," she said, "till this day, you are the only one I have ever considered an equal in combat."
"Thank you, Jean. So wait, how old are you in this world?"
Jean understood that I meant no disrespect in my question. The fact that Jean had killed me and then died two days later, but was somehow older than me in Auroria arose all kinds of questions.
"Twenty."
"I see, so roughly nine years," I muttered.
My only conclusion had to do with the void that I had experienced before being born in Auroria. If that darkness was exempt from all time, then my few seconds that I had stayed there could've been decades for all I knew. Jean seemed to be thinking the same thing as I, her mind focused on drawing a logical conclusion.
It was crazy to think that the two individuals standing in front of each other possessed more knowledge than the entire continent of Auroria combined. Both Jean and I had the means to revolutionize the world, and it seemed like the girl was already beginning to do so.
"Are you trying to change the world?" I asked.
"You mean with the concept of gravity? I'm not sure," she answered earnestly.
"We'll have to be careful with what we share."
Jean nodded. I could tell she didn't care whatsoever about the age of the boy standing in front of her. She knew that it was simply a vessel, and the mind speaking to her was that of her equal. There was no need to look down on one another, instead, we chose to respect each other.
Speaking face to face with One was something I never believed would come to fruition. The warrior that had slain me in battle was sitting right in front of me, speaking to me casually.
"What do you think of the emergence of the dragons?" I asked. Getting the input from the most powerful individual in Auroria would be crucial if conflict were to break out later on. Depending on Jean's point of view, certain measurements could be put in place to avoid conflict.
"I think it's fascinating. Considering the war is simply history to both of us, I simply see them as another miracle. Who could've imagined I'd meet dragons?"
I smiled, understanding her feelings as if they were my own. That being said, my true question wasn't answered, and I didn't want to waste this opportunity.
"And what would you do if a war broke out?" I asked. Jean's face turned serious.
"Do you think that'll happen?"
"I'm not sure. I do believe that there are some tensions arising, though."
"It's only been a few months since the dragons have revealed themselves. If things are starting to become uncertain now, then it won't take long for hatred to spur," said Jean, trying to analyze the situation.
"Which side will you take, Jean?" I asked bluntly. Jean looked at me, seeing the fierce determination burning within my eyes.
"I will protect my family, Jay. They are currently living here, in Eloria. My allegiance will be to this city and its rulers."
I nodded, understanding. I was relieved that Jean had found a family that had loved her unconditionally as I had. It was something that we had never experienced on Earth, and it was something I had come to cherish dearly.
Regarding Jean's answer, my hopes were lifted ever so slightly. Asthia and Diana had become extremely close friends, and I believed that the two families were also on good terms. If the humans and the dragons could come together in the events of a war, it meant that the dragons would have the support of the two most powerful S-ranks in all of Auroria.
"And you?" asked Jean, curious about my current stance on the matter.
"I will defend my family, just like you. However, I will never turn against the dragons. If they are attacked, I will not hesitate to retaliate," I said confidently. Jean smiled at my answer.
"I do hope we remain on the same side, Jay. It would be a shame if we were to become unnecessary enemies once again."
I got up, extending my hand to the girl.
"Same here. Let's put the past behind us, Jean."
Jean raised her eyebrows, picking up on the emphasis I had put on her name. One and Two were the names of warriors who had passed away long ago. There was no need to resent one another for something that we had no say in. It was kill or be killed, and at the time, One was superior.
That wouldn't be the case here.
I'd rise to the top. I'd overtake Jean. To protect myself and my family in the events of a battle, I'd need to be ready.
Beating Amelia would be the first step. After that, my next target would be Jean. There was no more time for hesitation or uncertainty. I had acquired six elements, and I'd use them to support those dear to me.
I'd become the first SS-rank adventurer Auroria had ever seen.