"Hey, are you up?"
"Urggg... can't I sleep a bit more..."
"Ken." A stern voice called out.
My mind which was groggy slowly wakes up. In front of me was Nasha and Hans. What happened...
Suddenly Nasha gives me a big hug. Since I still wasn't sure about what's going on, I returned her hug much less enthusiastically.
'She's shaking?'
I noticed Nasha doesn't seem too well. Her body is shaking and her face is pale.
'Is she sick?'
Nasha didn't stay for long and after checking on me she quickly head out to the other kids. The kids are staying in the tent but none dare to go in.
Soon it was just me and Hans inside. Hans was... squinting his eyes at me. Hmm, why does he seems so tired?
"Why are you squinting at me mister?"
"Don't call me mister, Hans is fine. As for why, do you really not know?"
Me? Did I do something? My latest memory was... my arm being heavily injured!
"Ah, my arm. It's..?"
Looking down at my arm, it was covered in a thin layer of green light. If one look closely, it was something similar to cloth that is emitting this green glow.
"It's still healing. At least nothing serious will happen."
I can't clearly see my arm under the light but it doesn't hurt. So now, why is he now glaring at me?
"Mister Hans, why are you still glaring at me?"
"There's no mister... never mind. Do you seriously not know why?"
I shake my head innocently. Hans slap his face and shake his head at me. I could clearly hear his tired sigh.
"I, who just had a fight with your adoptive mother, comes back with one of their kid, his arm is badly injured. What do you think the children will react like?"
Oh? Ohhhhh. Indeed doesn't that make you the worst? I look back at him sadly. His mouth twitches at my of sympathy. However, Hans face changes from a tired one to a serious one.
"Kid, you're called Ken aren't you? You got injured under my watch, for that I'm sorry." Hans bowed his head.
He didn't really need to say sorry though as that was mostly my fault. Next, he warned me.
"Remember, you shouldn't use coating on your body when you can't control it well. I didn't expect the destructive impulse of your power to be so high."
I didn't understand much of what he said. Hans understand that too and explain it to me.
"Under a strong concentration of a magic power, the trait not only affects the power but also the user. Normally you would only be more rash but well... you were more than rash."
Looking back at the terrifying force my hand was emitting back then it seems to be the case. Really, is this something you should be teaching a 9 years old. I know I'm the one who asked for it but still, can't he refuses.
Unaware of my thoughts Hans complained.
"This is normally good training for the mind but I guess it's not possible for you. Ken, you should train to be a swordsman for the time being. Being a wizard is too dangerous for you." Hans said sincerely.
"Ok."
After all the serious matter was done, Hans returned back to his tired self. Really, the Hans from before seemed much more reliable.
"We're planning to cut the trip down to one day since you're injured..."
I repeatedly shake me head, indicating my clear refusal.
"...but since you're ok with it I guess we will continue the trip."
If I could move my arm I would have make a victory sign. If we really returned I would have felt too guilty. I can't let my selfishness affect the kids.
"You'll have to lay down for at least one more day though, are you ok with that?"
"I'm fine."
It's disheartening to stay in one place like this but I'm fine with it. I have been doing it for 3 years after all.
Hans leave the tent, letting me time to rest. Closing my eyes, I went to sleep for the day.
The next day was spent like normal. I'm a bit happy that the kids decided to spend some time together with me to keep me entertained.
It was funny seeing Sahra trying stop Layla from touching my arm. Tok scolded me for being reckless while Hubris proudly told me how many trees he has climbed.
Gero didn't say anything but I could clearly see him trying to hold his laughter. Aoi and Beko were complaining about being bored but was shut up by a glare from Sahra, now they're almost crying.
It was... fun.