Chereads / I Can't Level Up, So I'll Let My Familiars Do It Instead! / Chapter 13 - Chapter 12: A Helping Hand

Chapter 13 - Chapter 12: A Helping Hand

Kael and Remy hovered over the unconscious boy, his body caked in mud, dirt, and blood. They were lucky the stream was nearby, allowing them to clean him up to better assess his condition.

"How'd this guy get to this state?"

Kael murmured, frowning as he wiped the dirt from the boy's face. Remy, ever vigilant, scouted the area, making sure no threats were nearby.

Kael worked methodically, wheeling back and forth from the stream with his makeshift bowl made out of large leaves shaped into a cup—filled with water. It was a slow process, and sweat beaded on his forehead from the effort, but Kael wasn't one to give up easily.

As he wiped the last traces of grime from the boy's face, he noticed a fresh wound on the boy's arm, still bleeding. Without hesitating, Kael tore a strip from his own sleeve and wrapped it around the boy's arm as a bandage.

"This'll do... I'm sorry I don't have anything cleaner to cover it with,"

Kael whispered apologetically, tightening the knot of the makeshift bandage.

Remy returned, squeaking that the area was clear. Whoever—or whatever— that did this to him had left. Kael let out a breath of relief, but his relief was short-lived as a new problem arose.

"How should we bring him back with us?" Kael wondered aloud, glancing from the boy to Remy.

Remy's expression twisted with unease. Taking the boy with them could be dangerous. Whoever had hurt him might come looking, and bringing him back to their cave could draw in more harm than good.

Remy squeaked in protest, hoping to sway Kael's decision, but the look on Kael's face made it clear he wasn't going to change his mind.

"I can't just leave him, Remy," Kael said, his tone resolute.

Remy squeaked in frustration, his whiskers twitching. He couldn't understand why Kael cared so much about helping people, especially when no one had ever cared for him. Humans had treated Kael horribly—mocking, hurting, and bullying him. Yet, here Kael was, wanting to save someone else.

Remy had seen enough of humans to distrust them, Kael being the sole exception. He didn't understand why Kael was always willing to help others, even when he had been left alone for himself for so long.

"Please, Remy..."

Kael's voice was soft, but the plea in it struck Remy harder than any argument could. Kael never pleaded. Not for food when he was starving, not for mercy when he was beaten. He had always taken the harshness of life without asking for anything in return. Now, Kael was pleading—not for himself, but for this unconscious stranger.

It was too much for Remy to resist.

'This human... always too kind for his own good.

But I guess that's just how he is... the same way he's always been with me.'

Remy sighed inwardly, feeling a mix of exasperation and admiration.

'Ugh, fine! Do whatever you want, human. I'll keep protecting you, no matter what crazy decisions you make!'

With a determined squeak, Remy turned and set to work. He dashed toward a nearby tree and, with swift, practiced movements, cut it down and expertly trimmed it into a makeshift sled. His claws moved with precision, and soon he had fashioned something sturdy enough to carry the unconscious boy.

Remy squeaked again, this time instructing Kael to place the boy on the sled.

'Human, I'll drag him back. You just make sure to be careful on the way back.'

"Remy... you truly are the best!" Kael said, his voice soft with genuine affection and gratitude.

Remy squeaked smugly, puffing out his chest with pride.

'Hmph. Of course I am!'

Kael carefully lifted the boy onto the sled, making sure not to jostle his wounds too much. Once the boy was securely on the sled, Remy took hold of the makeshift rope and began dragging him back toward their cave. Kael wheeled beside him, staying vigilant as the forest darkened around them.

The journey back was slow but steady, and though Kael's heart was heavy with concern for the boy, he couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth as he looked at Remy. They were a strange pair, but together, they could handle whatever came their way.

As they reached the entrance to their cave, Kael felt a twinge of uncertainty. Who was this boy? And what kind of trouble had he brought with him?

They might have taken a risk by saving him, but Kael knew they had done the right thing. He wasn't sure what lay ahead, but with Remy by his side, Kael felt ready to face whatever came next.