Steam rose from Malokos's lifeless body, evaporating into the cold night air. The heavy scent of burnt earth lingered around me, mixing with the faint chill of the mountain wind. I turned away, stepping over scorched grass and shattered branches as I began to walk down.
Each step down the mountain felt comforting in the peaceful nature. The animals peeked from the corner but ignoring them I kept walking at a steady pace. It was the weight of my thoughts that felt heavier on my shoulders.
The world below was reflecting in moonlight, the streets of the sleeping town stretching out before me in silence. My hands buried deep in the pockets of my hoodie, I walked along the footpath, my head low.
*Step.* *Step.* The sound of my shoes echoed faintly in the stillness.
I sighed, my breath visible in the cold air. I should talk to Hina and just leave this place, I thought, my mind racing. She shouldn't stick with me like this. As days pass, things are only going to get uglier. I'm still trying to figure out what's happening to the earth here… and I can't drag her into this. I can't risk her life. She has a future to build.
The faint mechanical sound of a vending machine hummed nearby, followed by the distinct *thud* of a warm coffee can dropping into the tray.
"Hmm?" I glanced up, my curiosity piqued.
And there she was.
Hina knelt down in front of the vending machine, her fingers wrapping around the hot coffee can as she picked it up. Her black boots gleamed faintly under the streetlight, her stockings tracing elegant lines up her legs, stopping just before the long sweater, revealing her smooth bare thighs.
Her presence was quiet but magnetic, as if the world paused to acknowledge her.
She noticed me before I could say a word. Rising to her feet, she stood silently, holding the can in both hands. Her eyes met mine, the soft glow of the streetlamp catching the delicate shine in her irises.
"Yo..." she said softly, her voice almost hesitant as she cracked the can open. Her usual energy wasn't there, like she was holding something back.
I didn't respond immediately. I just stared at her, the words I wanted to say caught in my throat.
"Hina," I finally managed, my voice quieter.
"Yes?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.
I straightforward said. "This is it. I should go now."
There were no emtions on her, not even a surprised face when she asked. "Where to?"
"I don't know," I said honestly, my gaze fixed on the pavement. "Maybe I'll just… travel around. Wander."
There was a beat of silence between us, the kind that felt heavier than any spoken words.
"I see," she murmured, her voice carrying a softness that stung more than I expected. She rubbed her hands against the can, her fingers searching for warmth.
"Well then… take care," I said, bowing slightly. I turned on my feet, ready to walk away, to disappear from her life before things got worse.
"Esther," she called out, her voice stopping me in my tracks.
I half-turned to face her, one eye meeting hers as my other remained hidden beneath the messy strands of my hair. "Yes?"
"Who are you?" she asked.
The question hung in the air, sharp and cutting. I could feel it settle into the stillness, pressing against my chest. It wasn't unexpected, but hearing it now felt like a slap to the face.
I kept my gaze on her, unmoving.
"You're not from the neighboring country, Hades, are you?" she said, a faint smile tugging at her lips. It wasn't a question; it was a statement.
She took a small step closer, her boots clicking softly against the pavement. "I've been suspicious since the day we met," she continued. "You said you didn't have any money, yet you're traveling. You didn't know how to use the shower properly, and you started eating cup noodles straight out of the container without even adding hot water." Her smile widened slightly, the memories lighting up her face. "You were like a child who was born into adulthood or… someone who traveled here from another time."
I turned fully to face her now, my expression unreadable. The air around us was unnaturally still, as if the world itself was holding its breath. Even the distant hum of cars had faded into silence.
"You're strong," she said, her voice firmer now. "Stronger than anyone I've ever seen. And that dagger you summoned…" She paused, her brows knitting together. "No one fights like that. Not here."
She took another step toward me, her gaze unwavering. "So… who are you, Esther?" she asked again, her head tilting slightly to the side. Her voice was softer now, almost pleading. "And please, don't lie this time."
The wind picked up around us, tugging at our hair and clothing. Her words hung in the air, demanding an answer I wasn't sure I wanted to give.
I exhaled slowly, my breath visible in the cold night. "My name is Esther," I said finally.
"I know that," she said, her tone gentle but insistent.
"And… I am the Descendant of Sloth," I continued, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling inside me. "The guardian of the earth… who has existed for countless centuries."
Her eyes widened in awe, her grip loosening on the coffee can in her hands. She looked at me as if seeing me for the first time, her mouth slightly open as she struggled to process my words.
"You…" she began, but her voice faltered. She swallowed hard, her gaze never leaving mine.
I stood there, letting the weight of my confession settle between us.
Hina's arms fell to her sides, the coffee can still clutched loosely in her fingers. Her lips parted as if she wanted to say something, but no words came.
I closed my eyes, exhaling deeply. The air felt colder now, the silence between us heavier than ever.