Chereads / The Burdens of the Lost / Chapter 17 - Chapter XVI

Chapter 17 - Chapter XVI

Arino wakes up in a dark space. In this space, there isn't much to it. It's dark, depressing, and clear. This is Arino's mind, his inner thoughts. As Arino walks around for what feels like an hour, he sees a tank with another one inside it. He taps on the tank and the other person wakes up.

Arino's Consciousness: "Yo! What the hell! I was taking a nap!"

Arino: "So you are my consciousness, hm."

Arino's Consciousness: "Aye buddy! It's been a while! What's up!"

Arino: "I'm currently in a coma, but since I'm in here again I might as well talk with ya."

Arino's Consciousness: "It has been a while since we had a good conversation."

Arino: "So, ain't it about time we stop being so down on us?"

Arino's Consciousness: "I've been happier ever since we got reborn, the confidence is coming back! But I still struggle with it, you know."

Arino: "That's true."

With this, Arino and his consciousness have a long discussion about confidence, the world, and other menial topics. As the conversations continue, The space around him starts to reveal its true beauty. A castle with a lustrous forest surrounding it must be Arino's true mind when he frees himself from any negativity.

Arino: "So this is what happens, hm."

Arino looks to his consciousness and smiles.

Arino: There's no need for you to be in that tank anymore. You can finally come out of your shell."

As Arino's consciousness comes out of its shell, a bright light emits from its energy.

Arino's Consciousness: "This is what The Most High hid from you. You are the only one able to wield the Yin Yang Release besides him."

Arino walks to his consciousness and shakes his hand. With this, he and his consciousness become one and Arino sits on his throne. As Arino sits down, he hears footsteps coming. It's Netami wanting to talk with him. It scared Netami to go inside the mistrustful throne room.

Arino: "It's all right, Aunty. You can come inside."

As Netami shows herself, Arino smiles, welcoming her to his mind. Netami takes a seat at a nearby table and Arino does the same.

Arino: "So, what did you come here for?"

Netami: "To apologize for being so ignorant. I was a slave to my magical power and I used it for the wrong reasons. Also, that fight we had was only a test of strength. And you passed the test."

Arino: "Well I'm glad you realized that you were nothing but a slave to the power given to you. It was like that for me too. It's not about power, it's about stability and I'm glad you realized that."

Netami: "I'm glad I was able to talk to you first, the others wanted to kill me on sight after putting you in a coma haha!"

Arino: "The others care about me a lot, and it seems like your son does too. Maybe you should reconcile with him too."

Netami: "I will at the right time. Welp, It's about time you finally wake up now."

Arino: "Yep, it seems so. So are you going to help us stabilize the Anomaly?"

Netami: "No, I need to go on my journey first to do that."

Arino: "You can travel with us! C'mon, Auntie! It'll be fun!"

Netami: "You are so adorable when you smile. Your mother had that same smile when you were born."

Arino: "Is my mother dead or alive?"

Netami: "It's not the matter if she's alive, it's the matter of her whereabouts. After Arisa got the job as the Guild Master, she suddenly disappeared as the toxic side of your clan wanted to use her as a slave."

Arino: "Of course, those fuckers would."

Netami: "I only have one more request."

Arino: "Go ahead and tell me."

Netami: "Make up with Bori for me. He's a good ally when you need him most. That's my only request. I'll be pleased to see my son and nephew working together to stabilize the Anomaly."

With that last request, Arino wakes up from his coma. With everyone surrounding him, they are relieved. Savona and Arisa both hug him tight as they are glad that he woke up. Katria looks at Arino and smiles while Musabori helps him up. Arino looks at the team he assembled and smiles, knowing that without them all, he wouldn't know where to go.