Hajime's POV:
It was fancy meeting Haruto on his way back, but explaining to him why I'm out here might be a little tricky. Will he think I'm lost?
"So where are you heading, Hajime?" He asked casually.
"I'm going to check out a totem I found on my way here earlier."
"Oh, that thing? You're into those?"
"Yes, I'm into ancient witchcraft thingamabobs." I joked but he didn't laugh.
"So you're going there right now?" He pretended not to hear me.
"Yeah. What about you, are you heading back to the dorm?"
"I was planning to, but now it might be more interesting to tag along with you." He said. And so he did.
In the past, I have encountered many different structures. These things may be like harmless decorations at first, but they always have a reason to why it's there. This game heavily rewards people who explore the unknown. Of course, many of the times they were dangerous. I've even had multiple near death experiences with these, but the rewards have always out scaled the risks. Even if it's actually just a useless decoration, there's not much I can do in this area, anyway. So I might as well give it a try.
Before I knew it, we've already arrived at the destination. Looking up at it, it does sort of look like an ancient totem. Multiple solid heads were stacked upon each other. Despite the bright and welcoming color, the aura it's emitting would unsettle anyone. I've seen my fair share of odd stuff so you could say I've gotten used to it. Haruto doesn't seem to mind it, either.
"I can't help but feel like something is provoking me." Haruto stated out.
I guess he does mind it. He always have a knack for feeling his enemy's aggression toward him, but why would he feel uneasy from a totem? Maybe it works for inanimate objects too, who knows?
However, the question still remains, what is this doing in the open like this? I scavenged around it looking for any clues or hidden switches that could cause anything to happen, but just ended up tiring myself. Throughout this time I couldn't help but feel Haruto staring daggers at me despite not having any facial expressions at all.
He finally asked me when I sat down to take a rest, "What are you looking for?"
"A hidden switch of some kind, or a button. Anything works, really." I lay down on the ground, it's surprisingly soft. Why am I surprised? I'm on a huge chunk of cloud right now.
"So you don't even know what you're looking for?"
"Nope."
"And you went out of your way to do something that you yourself don't even know if it'll accomplish anything?"
"Yeah."
"Seriously?"
"We can't say for sure it's nothing just yet."
"Didn't you already searched all over it? Are you gonna do it, again?"
"There's a place that I haven't searched yet since it's unreachable. It's the top."
I stood up.
"And how do you plan to reach that?" He asked.
"That's why I'm glad you're here with me." I patted both his shoulders and gave him the biggest smile I could muster with my blank face.
~~
"Almost there, just an inch more." Haruto seem to be encouraging me as he tried to keep balance standing on my shoulders.
"Easy for you to say... but how am I supposed to magically grow an inch to my height? Also, this current body is weak beyond imagination... make it quick, dude." My legs were shaking already from just a few seconds of lifting him up.
"I have faith in your capabilities!" He encouraged.
"I don't!"
"Where am I supposed to look, anyway? And what am I supposed to look for?"
"Try... the top..." My shoulders might break at this point.
Haruto fiddled aimlessly with his finger on the top surface of the totem.
"Ah, I feel something."
"Hurry... this is my limit..." my legs really do be shaking uncontrollably.
My legs gave in and we both fell.
"I can't feel my legs, anymore. What if it becomes permanently damaged?" I despaired with a shocked voice.
"Don't worry about it, man. You feel pain, but the structures in your body don't change no matter how rough the condition." Haruto assured me, how does he know that even? He seem to have read my mind somehow and answered, "Try flexing your arm."
I slid my arm across the cloudy floor and made a flexing pose. It feels strange, like my muscles couldn't expand at all. Rather, I don't even feel my muscles, it's like I'm a pile of flesh controlled by bones and bones only.
"Pfftu, you look stupid." He burst out laughing.
"Shut up. Anyways, what did you feel up there?"
He reached out his hand, I reached out mine, too, to close the gap. He simply let go and a few eggs fell on my hand. Three to be exact. My heart started pumping. I don't know why it's up there, but they're definitely eggs.
"Nice one, Haruto! I'm surprised you didn't crack a single one from our fall." This is probably your first time seeing me excited. I like eggs, alright?
"Crack? Aren't they just stones?" Haruto's voice seem genuinely confused.
"They're eggs." I simply stated
He just stared at it, still skeptical if they are actually eggs. "How are you so sure these are eggs?" He picked one of them and inspected it.
"Intuition." I replied.
I'd have thought they were stones too if not for it's almost hollow insides and it's pattern. The eggs were about the size of my thumb. Each of them as white as clouds with a partial shade of teal on some surfaces. They were also as heavy as rocks.
"Assuming they are eggs, why would they be here when we still haven't encountered a single organism?"
"Who knows." I shrugged and placed the two I have inside my pocket. Yes, this mannequin-like body has a pocket on each side located on our waists.
I'd have thought they were stones too if not for it's almost hollow insides and it's pattern. The eggs were about the size of my thumb. Each of them as white as clouds with a shade of teal on some surfaces. They were as heavy as rocks.
"It's pretty heavy for an egg." He stated.
"You believe me?"
"Well, I don't see many people as confident as you are, so I'll take your word for it."
"I see."
"Can I keep this?" He asked.
"Sure." I wouldn't have been able to reach that without his help, anyway.
"Say, what do you think it'll hatch?"
"It might be a dragon." I spread my arms out and made an intimidating pose.
"I can't imagine a mystical dragon hatching from this tiny egg."
"What if it's a mini dragon?" I retracted my arms shortening my "wings."
He just stood there and stared at me for a brief moment before we both burst out laughing.
"I haven't laughed like this since I died." He said, still holding in a bit of laughter. "I guess I wasn't able to fully accept it until now." He finished.
"Cool."
"You don't seem to really be bothered by it."
"Well, I've read enough novels on reincarnation that I would occasionally fantasize my situation if it happens to me. I suppose my reality got jumbled together with my own make-believe."
"I don't remember much about the time before I got transported."
"Me neither, I guess I really liked the idea of reincarnation if I was to remember it this clearly. To be honest, I was hoping my rune was secretly a hidden ability that would let me travel back in time upon death and let me have a huge advantage over everyone."
"The hell's with that? Your imagination is too wild for your own good." He laughed
"It's a popular genre, you know!"
"I have a question, Hajime." Suddenly the atmosphere grew serious.
"What is it?" I caught on with the situation the moment he called my name.
"Do you," his tone was definitely serious, he sound like he'll strangle me at any moment if I decided to not give him an answer, "possess a second rune?"
"Yeah, I did." He wasn't scaring me or anything. I would answer anyone the same if they asked me that.
"And you ate a finger to attain that power?" His face was overshadowed now.
I stayed silent for a moment before giving him an answer, "Yeah."
"You knew it's taboo to eat a human finger, right?" He hasn't been facing me for a while now.
"Human finger? I thought we were talking about monsters."
"Huh?" He finally faced me.
"You know those living trees walking around with runes that enhance their skin toughness? Yamada gave me one of those fingers with runes engraved on it. For precaution, he said."
"No, that's not what I'm talking about. Don't you have another active rune that lets you control gravity? You know, runes that can only be acquired from other users."
"Gravity? I don't have a rune like that. It'd be so cool if I had one. Damn, control over gravity, that sounds amazing."
He let out a sigh of relief before facing me again, "It seems like I had a misunderstanding, sorry about that."
"What gave you the idea about me possessing two active runes?" I laughed.
"It's just some nasty rumours, there are always those types of people aren't there?"
"I don't understand why they insist on making fun of me. I just haven't awakened my true potential, that's all."
"Anyways, what will you do now?" He stood up and asked me.
"I'm going to check the top one more time."
"We just checked it, though."
"Doesn't mean there won't be more mysteries lying in the areas we haven't checked, yet. Who knows if there might still be a switch somewhere." I pulled out the eggs from my pocket and gently place them on the ground.
"I like your way of thinking." I could somehow picture him smiling at the totem with an excited look.
"I'm getting on top this time, you hear?"
~~
Kenji POV:
It's only been a minute since Haruto left. I spotted a girl sitting next to the fountain and walked up to her.
"Good work, I know it's not over yet, but... Thank you for your cooperation." I bowed down to show my sincere gratitude towards her.
"Oh, no no. It's alright, I used to be in the same clan with you guys, it's only natural to help out."
I lifted my head before thanking her, again. "Don't mention it." she gave me a smack on the shoulder before sitting back down to read her book.
"Did Sara head back to the dorm?" she asked me nonchalantly without lifting her head.
"Yeah, she went to take a rest an hour ago."
"That's great to hear."
"You guys had a history with each other?" I asked her purely out of curiosity. It's not like I like her or anything. I'm not thinking up of excuses to extend our conversation, either.
"I've known her and Sana since stage 1. They were both quite the airheads back then. It's amazing to see how far she's come." Her voice was very gentle, with a certain wistful tone added to it.
"I see." Crap, I forgot to think about my next line for our conversation. Oh god, this is awkward. What do I say? What do I do? What do I do? Lord, lend me your strength.
"Why did you leave the clan?" Shit, I touched on a sensitive topic. Why would I ask this? Who does that? Of course she had her own reasons of doing it. Will this make it awkward for her to speak? Casually asking her why she left our clan, I'm such a huge idiot.
"I... I wanted to go adventuring. Explore new areas and learn new things. See things I've never seen before and experience the unknown like a proper adventurer. The taste of complete freedom is just so tempting... you know?" For some reason, I could picture her gently smiling as she finished her last sentence.
"I see." I didn't expect her to answer. I didn't expect her to be so honest and genuine with her feelings. Her answer came so unexpectedly I wasn't able to prepare my next line in time. I ended the conversation, again.
"What about you ,Kenji-san, what motivated you to stay in the clan?" She asked.
"Oh, um. It was. Erm..." Crap, I'm stuttering. My manly persona is falling apart!
She tilted her head a little in slight confusion. Ah, so cute. Wait, now's that the time to be thinking that! I have to give her an answer. Think! Think, Kenji! You got this. You're the second-in-command in the strongest clan! I'm going to impress her.
"I... I guess I just like the atmosphere there. Training and meeting new soldiers. Everyone working their way up the ranks. We would all fight for lives. Have each other's backs. Sometimes, even lose someone precious to us, and we'll always be there to comfort each other, cry together, shoulder each other's burdens and cover each other's weaknesses and then get past it. Like more than comrades and anything beyond that. I've been alone ever since coming here. I guess... I wanted a family to protect." I've completely forgotten about my manly persona. Huh, wait. "I want a family?!" That came out so weirdly! What if she takes it the wrong way?! Is she gonna label me a creep?! Ah, that was so disgusting. I want to die.
"I think that's beautiful. Wanting a family," she simply stated while looking up the sky.
I stayed silent. Damn, I missed them already. I should be happy they're still alive and okay. We'll be able to see each other in 3 months. Everything's fine.
I sat beside her the entire time, though with some distance. We didn't exchange any words after that. I'm fine with it. Just being with her for almost an hour was more than enough with me. She would flip her book and continue reading, this scene somehow gave me a sense of comfort and serenity. Even though she was the same as everyone else, she was beautiful.
The boss battle should be over by now. Our casualties only amount to 38. There are still more that died before me which I haven't counted, yet. As much as I want to stay sitting here, I have to do my job.
"No one else has died after Hajime."
"Looks like it's a success." She said.
"Yeah. I'm so glad they're okay."
"Thank you once again for your help." I stood up and bowed.
"It's fine, really. You should stop bowing so easily." She giggled now that the atmosphere isn't as severe.
"O-okay! I'll remember it."
"You're still bowing."
I raised my head, my movement was stiff. Both my hands were neatly placed to the side, too. Why is it?
"I'll remember it!" My chin was raised slightly for some reason. What am I, talking to a drill sergeant?
She giggled, "You're a weird guy."
She called me weird. I wanna die.
"You still have things to do, right? I'll be fine on my own. There's still some books I want to read in the library."
She knew? It's a shame that she couldn't come with me, but I can't be selfish.
"Thank you once again!" I bowed by impulse.
"Stop it, you're embarrassing me!"
~~
Haruto's POV:
So we searched the remaining sides of the totem, each of us taking turns for each side totalling up to 4 more times standing on each other's shoulders. As I expected, we found nothing more after the eggs.
Hajime just lay there, tired and huffing for air. I've done my fair share of work, too. Even if our bodies are unbreakable, it's still straining to keep a person balanced on your shoulders.
"So just three eggs. Our spoils for, today." He was still breathing heavily.
"That's a funny way to put it." I remarked
"Right? Two grown-ass man working their buts off for three eggs."
I laughed. His way of thinking is just so stupid.
"How do you know for a fact that we're adults? I can't even remember my last name, much less my age."
"It's just a hunch. My intuition never fails me."
"I'd believe them if someone told me you are five." I joked.
"I think I would, too." He joined in.
"What else do you remember other than those wacky novels?" I pulled my body and sat upright, facing him as I asked that.
"Other than that and a childhood friend of mine named Kanna, there isn't much that I remember."
"What's she like?"
"She's cute." He blurted.
"No, I mean personality wise and your relationship with her?"
"I'm not so sure. The last thing I remember was us about to... Oh, I guess I'm not an adult, afterall. We were just about to graduate high school."
"High school? What is that?" I feel like I've heard it somewhere.
"I don't know the details myself. I guess it's like a form of training or some sort?"
"What training?"
"Laws of the world? Physical exercises? And numbers."
"I still don't get it."
"What is seven times five?"
"Thirty-five. Why do you ask?"
"And how do you know that?"
I thought for a good while. It was a good question. I don't recall ever knowing the answer, but the response just came so naturally...
Hajime continued, "I think that's what we learned there. Techniques we practice by heart."
"Numbers are pretty useful." I admitted.
"Right? We just automatically know how many runes we'll need for our next tier, but never really gave thought about it."
"64 for tier VII, 128 for tier VIII, and 256 for IX. You're right, I was able to easily draw the total amount we need for the respective tiers. High school is pretty useful." Accurate numbers just easily came to mind as naturally as breathing.
"We never reached that many runes, though."
"I think I'll go crazy having to kill hundreds of the same monsters just to upgrade by one tier..." the thought alone sent chills to my spine.
"It's not that bad..." he said.
"It's not that bad," he said.
~~
Hajime's POV:
I must have said something wrong because he went ballistic after hearing that.
"Huh? Huh? What do you mean by that? Of course it's bad! Think about it! That's hundreds of monsters you have to kill. Just fighting one is already dangerous enough and you're supposed to repeat it over and over for weeks?! Do you even know how often they drop their runes?! Some are even known to drop only one for every one hundred of them, for heaven's sake! Fighting monsters consistently puts you at a higher risk of dying. Sure, you can kill weak monsters, instead, if you want to play safe. Thing is, a big majority of weak monsters only drop useless runes. Who would wanna spend weeks mindlessly killing the same monster just to upgrade your sense of taste for SALT?! He ended on a high note. I've never seen him this passionate before.
"I know that, man. Calm down." I had both my hands up gesturing him to relax and also protect myself in case he decided to get physical.
"Then why do you talk like you know how it's like?" He was finally able to calm down judging by the fact that he's sitting down.
I stayed silent. I can't just tell him I have a tier VII rune, right? Just the fact that having to explain why it's near impossible got him to get worked up like that, what if he found out I actually did it.
"Don't tell me..." he stared real hard into my soul. I couldn't see his eyes but my intuition tells me he wants to burn me from the inside out.
I just sweated and avoided eye contact.
"You're not serious. Tell me you're not serious." He sounds oddly depressed.
"I had a tier VII..." I sweated even more.
"EVEN MY HIGHEST WAS ONLY TIER V!" HOW IN THE WORLD DID YOU— AHH!" he's completely lost it.
"Hear me out! Hear me out! It was from a really weak monster! Like a really weak monster from stage 3, okay? Calm down, man. Calm down. You're supposed to keep your composure as the leader of the a Phoenix Squad." I hope that persuaded him.
I wasn't lying, it's all actual facts. What surprised me is that he actually believes in me instead of making fun of me. Seeing as I have no proof, I could spit whatever nonsense I like and no one would be able to prove me wrong. I'm sure he knows that, too.
"Oh? What is it? A tier VII rune that makes you breathe through your anus extraordinarily well?" He sounded almost sarcastic.
"Well, if it counts, I can exhale through my butt extraordinary well." I said with a straight face. Not that I can make any other faces, anyway.
"Pfft."
We both burst out laughing.
"For real, what is it?" He strived to regain his breath while wiping an imaginary tear from his face.
"Oh, I remember Kanna confessing to me before I got transported."
"You lucky bastard. So you're a ladies' man, huh?" He teased.
"I don't want to hear that from someone getting flocked by women wherever he goes."
"They're just trying to be friendly!" He defended.
"Of course, they are. Of course." Obviously I don't believe him.
"Hey, you just changed the topic didn't you?"
Crap, he found out.
"Hey, answer me." He's being persistent.
"That's unfair, it's your turn now. Don't you remember anything from before you got transported?" I instantly knew this was the wrong topic of choice by the silence."
"I have a sister." he spoke at last. "My sister is all I remember. All the memories I have from the past are about my sister. My parents never came into the picture. It may be that I just don't have a deep connection to them compared to my sister, but I can't help but feel they abandoned us."
He paused for a moment. He may still be putting together his thoughts.
"She's a sweet person, that sister of mine. And very caring, too. One time she brought home three kittens in a row, we had to spend the whole day looking for owners, otherwise she would insist we take care of them. I know for sure she's not even a year younger than me yet she sometimes act like a child. I don't mind it, though. I like that side of her. It made me want to protect her. Protect that smile of hers." He sounded like his on the verge of tears.
This might be insensitive of me.
"Is your sister... still alive?"
It took him a moment before he answered that.
A long moment.
"Yeah, she found a guy she liked and married him just two months ago. I sometimes still miss her company." He answered.
"Lies." I simply called him out.
"You found out?" He doesn't seem surprised.
"You weren't really hiding it well."
"I see. I guess I wasn't. I didn't want to drag you into the depressing atmosphere together with me, you know?"
I extended my fist towards him, not really sure what I was expecting.
"We both have it rough, man."
He noticed it. I wasn't directly looking at him but I noticed he noticed it. He raised his hand and gave me a fist pump.
"What do you mean? You had a girl confess to you." He tried to force a smile, or so he sounded like he's forcing a smile.
"I didn't get to talk to her more."
"What are you, a virgin?"
"You talk like you're not one." I countered.
"Jokes on you I'm actually not a virgin."
"You lucky bastard."
It was about this time I noticed someone walking towards us. An hour has passed already, huh? This must mean the boss battle was a success.
Haruto instantly knew who he is, and so do I. There can only be two people coming from that direction, and only Kenji has a big build like that. By the time I turn back to look at Haruto, he already stood up as he waited for Kenji.
"Good work, sir." Haruto saluted.
"Good work, sir." I copied him and saluted.
"What are you two doing here?" It seems like he instantly recognized our voices.
"Hajime said he wanted to take a look at the totem so I accompanied him." Haruto pointed at me.
"Are you done with it?" Kenji asked.
Haruto gave a look, waiting for my answer.
"Yes, sir!" I replied.
"Good, then let's head back." Kenji had already started walking.
"Actually, sir." I called out, "There is still a place I'd like to visit near the spawn point, please go ahead of me."
"Aye. Just make sure to come back before the sun sets. There are no lights on the road at night, it becomes complete darkness. It's as inconvenient as being blind, so make sure you remember that."
"Yes, sir!" I saluted and turned my back. I had already picked up the eggs prior to this.
"So Haruto..." Kenji's voice slowly fade out as I walk farther.
I didn't lie to you, Haruto.
But I never directly answered your questions, either.
You asked if I ate a human finger,
I never denied it, did I?
~~
Haruto's POV:
Kenji begun bombarding me with questions.
"What are you two doing together?"
"Why are you two in the middle of the road?"
"Did you get any info out of him?"
"He didn't eat a human finger, right?"
"Also, where is he going now?"
"Hey, tell me. Tell me, man." Kenji's strict personality completely fell apart as his face grew closer to me with every question.
I figured it'll be easier to just tell him what I know instead of answering every question one by one.
"I met him on my way back to the dorm," I started, "naturally, I asked where he was heading. I didn't believe him at first when he said he wanted to explore this totem, but he's actually dead serious. I followed him, with his consent, of course. I ended up helping him search around the totem."
"Did you find anything?"
I felt the egg inside my pocket, "No, we didn't find anything. I mean, what could you possibly find from a totem in the middle of nowhere?"
"That's all?" Kenji questioned.
"There's also the matter regarding his second rune. I asked him about it. He was confused at first then later implied he did not eat a human finger when I explained it to him. We don't have evidence that he's telling the truth, but the same could be said if he was lying. We can only stay on guard."
"But one thing bothers me, Haruto. Why are you so fixated to know? It may be a taboo to eat a human finger, but that doesn't matter anymore. If it's true that what we just experienced was a beta-test all along. Our entire progress will be wiped out and reset. Even if he did eat a human's finger, there will be no proof he actually committed such a crime. The victim would be revived, as well. As much as I hate to admit it, there is absolutely no reason to label anyone as guilty based on their past actions anymore after Worlds reset. You know that, and I know you know that. So why is it that made you go to these lengths?" Kenji's words stabbed through my heart as the realization came in.
"D-didn't we both want to know?" My voice came out nervoualy, even I was able to tell. My hands are shaking. Is this fear? Or something else..?
"Mine was just simple curiosity, Haruto. But I know yours is different. You don't show it, but I can tell you're desperate. I don't even know if desperate is the right word, you just seem so... haunted by something." Kenji's voice was unusually soft, contrast to his always serious yet firm voice.
I stayed silent, trying to recollect my thoughts. Is it... Am I still dwelling on the past? I thought I had moved on even just a small fragment of it. I thought I could forget about it overtime little by little. With the help of my comrades. What's wrong with me? I didn't make any progress at all.
Kenji let out a sigh, "forget about it. Let's end the discussion here if you don't want to talk about it still."
I disappointed Kenji. I couldn't even trust him enough to tell him this. Even though we've been through so much. Why can't I say it? Tell him what I've been through, let him console me and then slowly work my way up progress by progress. This is the worst feeling ever.
"You know, about your sister... I'm sure we'll be able to find her here. Now that we've confirmed our party's survival, I can fully commit to helping you search for her." He instinctively reached his hand into his pocket to pull out a cigarette, but discarded it all together when he found it empty.
My sister... thinking about it, I lied to Hajime, too. She died the first month we were dragged into Worlds. I couldn't tell him that. I decided not to trust him merely on the fact that he might've consumed a human finger. I even went as far as to lie to him. This feeling of guilt. I hate it.
"Thanks, Kenji. I can't thank you enough." I was finally able to muster those few words.
"Don't mention it, we're more than friends, after all." He instinctively formed a peace sign with his hand to his mouth before realizing once again. I guess his habit of smoking to look cool while listening to his peers' troubles die hard, huh?
"A romantic confession from a young girl would be more appealing." I laughed. It was even softer than my already soft laugh, though. I guess I'm tired.
"For now, just be thankful you got a big musclehead to confess to you, you twerp." He smacked my back twice. Specifically twice. It somewhat calmed my heart.
"Thanks, I feel better now." I looked up at the sky, the sunset was beautiful.
"Let's head back before the sun completely goes down. I'm not in the mood to sleep outside, today." He joked and started walking.
I'm sorry, Kenji, and thanks. For now, I think I need a little more time. I promise I'll tell you someday. And I know you'll listen to me all the same like today and tomorrow and the day after. That's the kind of person you are. You haven't changed since we first met. It's also the only reason why I decided to follow you. That's why I'll tell you, someday, just not right now. I hope you don't mind it, man. Because it's still really hard to tell anyone. To tell the fact...
that I killed my own sister.