Aurora sat beside Dave, her small hands playing with the hem of her newly acquired dress. Her eyes, though youthful and innocent, held a weight that seemed to extend far beyond her years. She glanced up at Dave, who was staring intently at the system's interface, planning his next move. She had been quiet for most of their time together, but today, something gnawed at her.
"Dave..." she began softly, her voice curious but unsure.
Dave paused, looking down at her with a raised brow. "Yeah? What's on your mind?" he asked, his tone gentle, yet distracted by the looming tasks ahead.
Aurora hesitated, twirling her fingers nervously. "Why do you... kill all those people? What are you trying to do?"
Her question hit Dave harder than any blow he had taken in battle. He stared at her for a moment, wondering how to explain it in a way that wouldn't shatter her innocence. After all, she was still a child, and the last thing he wanted was for her to see him as a monster. Yet, he couldn't lie either. Not entirely.
He took a deep breath and leaned back in his seat. "Aurora, it's... complicated," he started, his voice carrying the weight of his choices. "Those people... they're not like normal people. They're superhumans—powerful, dangerous, and a threat to the world. If I don't stop them, they'll hurt more people. They've already done horrible things."
Aurora's brow furrowed as she tried to make sense of it. "But... why do you have to kill them? Can't you just... make them stop? Do you have to be the one who does it?"
Dave let out a small, bitter chuckle. "I wish it were that simple, kid," he replied, leaning forward and rubbing his temples. "They're not the kind of people you can reason with. They've already crossed too many lines. If I don't stop them, they'll just keep doing more damage."
"But isn't killing them... wrong?" she asked, her innocent gaze piercing through Dave's hardened exterior. "You're like them too, right? You have powers, just like they do. Doesn't that make you the same?"
Dave tensed slightly at her words. He had anticipated this question, but hearing it from Aurora, a child who barely understood the complexity of the situation, made it harder to deflect. How could he explain to her that the line between good and evil was often blurred? That sometimes, to stop evil, you had to commit acts that were just as dark?
He sighed heavily. "Aurora... I know how it sounds. But I'm not like them. I don't hurt innocent people. I don't do this because I enjoy it. I do it because it's the only way to protect everyone else."
Her eyes softened, but she still seemed unsure. "But... what happens when you're done? When all the bad people are gone, what will you do then?"
Dave stared at her, speechless for a moment. He hadn't thought that far ahead. All his focus had been on eliminating the superhuman threat. What would happen when his mission was complete? Would he be able to stop, or would the blood on his hands be too much to wash away? He shook the thought off for now. He didn't have the luxury to ponder the future when there were still enemies to face.
"I don't know," he admitted quietly. "I guess I'll figure that out when I get there."
Aurora seemed to sense the weight of his words, her small face crinkling in thought. "But what if... what if there's a better way?" she asked softly.
Dave looked at her, surprised by her persistence. He hadn't expected her to push this far, but perhaps that was a testament to her nature—innocent, hopeful, untainted by the world's cruelty. He offered her a sad smile and reached out to gently ruffle her hair.
"Maybe there is," he said quietly, "but I haven't found it yet."
She seemed to accept his answer, though her eyes still held the questions of a child trying to make sense of a world too cruel for her understanding. Dave's heart ached as he realized just how much innocence she had lost.
Before either of them could say more, the system's notification interrupted the silence.
System Notification: New Location Acquired.
Country: Eldoria
Target: Superhumans Rank A through SS+
Dave's gaze hardened as the map unfolded before him, showing the coordinates of his next mission. Eldoria—a land where superhumans thrived in numbers. Another battlefield, another bloodbath waiting to happen. He clenched his fists, the weight of his task growing heavier with each passing moment.
Aurora, noticing the shift in Dave's demeanor, didn't say anything more. She quietly watched as he prepared for his next move.
"Guess it's time to move," Dave muttered under his breath, standing up and stretching his muscles. He glanced down at Aurora, his face softening for a moment. "You'll stay safe with me. No matter what."
She nodded, though her eyes were still full of questions. Dave couldn't help but wonder how long he could keep her safe from the horrors of his world—and from himself.
As the two prepared to head out, Dave's thoughts lingered on her earlier words. "What happens when all the bad people are gone?"
Only time would tell if he ever found that answer.