Learning so many things at once could be exhausting, but Kael was content. For the first time in his life, he felt like he was truly understanding the world around him. The gaps in his knowledge were finally starting to close. He listened intently, not wanting to miss even the smallest detail.
"I see... Drakenholm... Iron District... I've really learned a lot today. Thank you so much for teaching me,"
Kael said earnestly.
Alden gave a small, satisfied nod, though there was a hint of pride in his expression.
"It's the least I could do. You saved me, after all. Feel free to ask if you have more questions."
Kael's eyes lit up at Alden's offer. Without hesitation, he bombarded him with a series of rapid-fire questions, covering everything he could think of. He took the opportunity to milk as much information as possible.
Kael seized the chance to learn as much as he could, feeling no guilt in taking full advantage of Alden. After all, the guy himself had offered—and Kael wasn't one to pass up an opportunity like this.
Alden, on the other hand, quickly regretted his decision.
'Why did I say that?'
Alden thought, rubbing his temples as Kael's curiosity showed no signs of slowing down.
After a while, Kael asked a more personal question.
"Speaking of talents... what's yours?"
He asked innocently, unaware of the weight behind his words.
Alden immediately stiffened, his relaxed demeanor vanishing. His eyes narrowed slightly as if weighing his response carefully. Kael noticed the shift immediately.
"That's... something people usually don't share...so... uhh..."
Alden hesitated, trying to choose his words carefully.
"Why not?"
Kael asked, his face still radiating pure curiosity.
Alden sighed, seeing the innocence in Kael's expression. He wasn't trying to pry or be invasive; he just genuinely wanted to know. Despite that, Alden remained hesitant.
"It's a matter of safety. Even though we're all under the same banner against the monsters... infighting still exists. Knowing someone's talent gives you an advantage over them. If people know your abilities, it can put you in danger. The fewer people who know, the better.
You can only trust yourself in this dog-eat-dog world."
Kael nodded thoughtfully, understanding the logic but still feeling slightly disconnected from it. Alden's explanation held a deeper meaning that Kael couldn't quite grasp yet. He wasn't sure how much this applied to him—especially with his own situation. After all, what use was a talent if his origin root was broken?
"I see... Sorry for asking,"
Kael said, feeling a bit awkward.
"It's fine,"
Alden replied, his tone softening.
"Though I can't tell you mine, some talents are quite straightforward and easy to spot. Others... well, they're more unique and harder to understand."
He then gestured toward Remy.
"Yours looks like some kind of taming ability, right? With that strong rat hanging around you and all?"
"Huh?" Kael blinked
"Eh?" Alden frowned. "It's not?"
Kael shook his head.
"Remy's my family. He's my familiar."
Remy, sitting proudly by Kael's side, puffed out his chest in response.
'Of course I am,'
He thought, exuding confidence.
Alden's eyes widened in surprise.
"A familiar? Seriously?"
Kael nodded.
Alden was stunned. Familiars were incredibly rare, and even when people managed to forcefully form contracts, they were often unstable—leaving the possibility that the familiar could turn against its master. But seeing the bond between Kael and Remy, Alden could tell theirs wasn't born out of force. Alden was somewhat relieved knowing that.
"You're truly fortunate,"
Alden said with genuine admiration.
"Familiars are hard to come by"
Kael smiled softly, glancing at Remy with affection.
"I am. I truly am."
His voice carried the weight of sincerity. Remy wasn't just a familiar—he was Kael's strength, his family, his light in this otherwise dark world.
The little rat, feeling the sincerity behind Kael's words, scrambled up onto Kael's shoulder and wrapped his small arms around him in a gentle hug. Kael chuckled, scratching Remy under the chin, his affection clear in every motion.
Alden couldn't help but smile at the sight.. It was clear that the bond between the two ran deep.
After a brief moment, Alden spoke again.
"Do you have any more questions?"
Kael's brows furrowed slightly as he thought.
"Yeah, I do actually...
How do you know what your talent is?"
Alden blinked, momentarily caught off guard.
"What?"