It was already late at night when they returned to the sleeping quarters. As Zane reached his place, he noticed Cecilia following him. His room was quite small, probably around forty to fifty square feet. Nonetheless, it was spacious enough for both of them if they slept properly.
Zane felt a sense of awkwardness, as this would be the first time he spent time with Cecilia. He didn't know the exact details of what had happened to her yet, nor did he want to ask immediately. It would likely take some time to unfold.
After the intense battles earlier that day, he was utterly exhausted. Despite still having the energy of a bull, his mind was fatigued and needed rest.
Deciding to address the matter directly, he looked at Cecilia and said, "I need you to guard me while I sleep."
Zane wasn't expecting an immediate response, but he saw Cecilia nod. This, at least, allowed them to communicate.
Promptly, Zane took out some potions and medical tools from his bag. He glanced at her and said without hesitation, "I am a doctor."
"I understand you're quite strong, but you still require some treatment."
He approached Cecilia cautiously, being mindful of his actions. 'It appears she doesn't mind.'
With the moonlight streaming in, Zane initiated his treatment. He soaked a pad in his alcohol-based solution. 'Given her constitution, I doubt she'll even feel any pain.'
Gently, he started cleaning her face. Afterward, Zane applied a powdered potion to the wounds.
"This powdered potion will aid in closing the wounds. Yet, I still need to apply a bandage over your face to prevent infections."
"Meanwhile, take this. It's another healing potion. It will address any internal bleeding you might have."
"Additionally, try this medication. It will help calm your mind and provide some relaxation."
"All of these are for you. However, the choice to use them is yours."
Zane stood up and headed to clean himself. He recalled that he had quite an odor as well. Normally, it wouldn't be a concern, but having another person in the room made him a bit self-conscious.
Returning to the room, he noticed that Cecilia had already taken both of the potions. Zane was incredibly fatigued, so he simply lay down and pretended to place his weapon beneath the bed. In reality, it was stored in his pocket storage.
'While I do trust you, it doesn't hurt to be cautious. I wouldn't want to be stabbed in the night with my own sword.' Not that Zane was afraid, but this was just a precaution in case Cecilia suddenly became hostile.
"I'm going to sleep now. Wake me up if anything happens."
Without delay, Zane drifted off to sleep. However, before succumbing to slumber, he issued a command to his system.
'Allocate one point to Identification.'
...
While Zane was sleeping, Cecilia stared at him. Too many dreadful things happened just recently. They were captured, branded as slaves, forced to fight beasts for entertainment, almost dying multiple times. The last straw of her sanity was broken when her father died.
...
When Zane woke up, he discovered that his supposed 'guard' was also sleeping soundly on the other side of the room. He couldn't help but chuckle.
'She must have been way more tired than I was.'
Zane exited the room and made his way to the cafeteria. With the arrival of the new batch of Blood Warriors, the place was once again bustling with activity.
He sought out a quiet corner and collected his food. Before he had fallen asleep the previous night, he recalled upgrading his 'Identification' to level 2.
'Status'
Everything is but the same except for a few added stats:
Talent: Poor
Elemental Resistance: 0.6
Life Span: 116
Elemental Affinity: Lightning (Poor), Wind (Poor), Fire (Poor), Water (Poor)...
Other Affinity: None
When he clicked on the Talent, it shows:
Talent: Poor
Introduction: The World Consciousness threats you as a beggar, nothing more, nothing less. It loathes you. No blessings are given.
Zane couldn't help but almost choke on his food. 'Even the World Consciousness hates me.'
'It seems that this body doesn't have any talent at all. If I use the regular way, I won't probably achieve anything.'
He smirked, 'Even if the World Consciousness hates me, I don't need it at all. I have a powerful system.'
'In time, if you get in my way, I will destroy you as well.'
...
Zane brought the food back to his room. However, before he could leave, he noticed Cecilia staring at him. Most of her wounds had healed up. With her constitution and the significant help of his healing potions, simple wounds were easy to recover.
"Why did you help me?" Cecilia inquired.
Zane paused for a moment and sighed, "It was to express my gratitude to you and your companion for assisting with the Blood Jackal King."
Upon seeing Zane's sincerity, Cecilia responded, "He was my father. We were sent to the arena to fight a monster. There were around two thousand of us; however, we were all quickly annihilated. My father tried to save me, but he died in the process."
When Cecilia remembered the tragedy, her body shook, and the palms of her hands couldn't help but bleed from her tight grip. She can still remember vividly the massacre that happened.
"I am sorry for your lost."
Looking at Zane, she said, "I plan to die last night and take my revenge. But thank you for helping me clear my mind."
She then stared at Zane, "So what now?"
Zane held her gaze and shared four words, "I will be free."
"I am confident that I will escape this place," he paused and directed his gaze into her blue eyes, "I need a sharp blade that can aid me in achieving this."
Cecilia was about to reply, but Zane interjected, "Hold your response for now. Allow me to explain."
"I require someone who will be loyal to me. Someone who can carry out my orders without hesitation. Even if I were to command you to face a thousand flaming chariots, I expect unwavering commitment."
Cecilia could sense the intensity in Zane's eyes, along with his unyielding determination.
He then said, "Of course, in return, I will make sure that you will be free as a cloud, floating in the sky."
'It is just that I am your wind who will direct you where you go.' Zane thought.
He then said, "Not only that, I will make sure that you will be the sharpest sword. On the other hand, it is a promise that I will not abandon you. I will be the durable shield to protect you when those thousand flaming chariots come to you."
Zane knew he was a bit overbearing, but he needed to know now if she was worth having or if she was still on the path of destruction.
"This is an offer, not a command, nor I am forcing you to decide. I want your honest answer. I don't want you to be on the path of revenge and die worthlessly. There will be a time for revenge, but I want you to trust me first."
"However, if you still want to move forward with your own plans. You are free to go. I will even provide you with some materials to help you."
"So think about it over and over again. You are free to stay here until you are completely healed." After saying this, Zane left five more healing potions on the table and left.
Cecilia was stunned for a moment. As she turned her gaze to the sky outside, she watched the clouds gently carried by the wind.
...
After walking far away, Zane came to a halt. He was thinking if he had done the right thing. In honesty, he doesn't want Cecilia to leave.
When Zane came back to his room, he used Identification on her again. What he saw shocked him to the core.
Name: Cecilia
Age: 15
Level: 9
Mantra: None
Strength: 9.6
Agility: 9.7
Perception: 9.2
Constitution: 7.6
Mana Capacity: 0
Gene Skill: Divine Resonance Sword (Locked),
Passive Skill: (Blessings of the Fairy Sword God)
Talent: Divine
Elemental Resistance: 0
Life Span: 87
Elemental Affinity: Lightning (High), Wind (High), Fire (poor), Water...
Other Affinity: Sword (Divine)
There were a few realizations that dawned on Zane as he inspected Cecilia. First and foremost, Cecilia was far from ordinary; every aspect of her seemed to evoke envy.
Setting aside her currently locked Gene Skill, her Passive Skill, "Blessings of the Fairy Sword God," provided a substantial boost.
Blessings of the Fairy Sword God:
Introduction: The perfection of your Sword reflects the perfection of your body and mind.
Requirements: Female, Divine Talent, Divine Sword Affinity, Sword Knowledge.
'It explains why she's leveling up rapidly even without any mantra. What more if she possesses one?'
'Furthermore, the system acknowledges its origin as divine. Although I'm skeptical, it appears there are higher beings demanding attention.'
Talent: Divine
Introduction: You are unparalleled, the epitome of pride and glory in this World. You are its heir. Let others bow to your talent. Exterminate and dominate those you despise.
Bonus: Your existence in this world renders you impervious to all forms of curses. The World Consciousness shields you from any extraterrestrial entities.
Upon encountering this description, Zane was engulfed by envy and an augmented resentment towards the World Consciousness.