Sehkt and Moostein stood still and defended themselves against a small, agile beast with wings integrated into its four limbs.
Some crawled on the ground, some flew around, and others lurked in the trees.
I had to act—Moostein was already bleeding. They needed my help.
Or so I thought.
As I approached them, the aggressive beasts began to move around them. I observed. Although Moostein was injured, neither he nor Sehkt seemed fazed by the beasts. I could feel their aura from where I stood.
"Let's go, Moos," Sehkt said.
Despite his injury, Moostein moved deliberately. He caught one of the fierce beasts with his bare hands and flung it toward Sehkt, who struck it with his spear.
The beasts persistently swooped rapidly, attempting to scratch them with their claws, but none landed a hit on Sehkt. Every attack was absorbed by Moostein, who simply healed from the scratches within seconds.
At first, I thought they were merely defending themselves, but I soon realized they were luring the creatures into a perfectly synchronized combo.
They were in control of the whole battle.
I didn't need to interfere.
So, I continued to observe. I watched them fight until only a few beasts remained.
As they fought, I noticed something strange—there were small crystals that fell on the ground each time a beast dematerialized.
Then, as they fought, they collected it.
What could it be?
Before I decided to come out, they'd already spotted me.
"What are you doing here?"
Sehkt asked as he pointed his spear right on my neck.
I saw him charge at me—I knew he was going to threaten me, but I didn't mind.
He fought gracefully and looked strong, but he was nowhere close to harming me.
Just as I was about to grab his spear away from my neck, Moostein had done it and stood between us.
"You're not threatening him at all, Sehkt. And there aren't any women around either—you don't need to make yourself look good."
"Shut up, big oaf!"
There they go again with their friendly banter.
It looked like there's nothing for me here either.
I'll just go back to the camp and continue to just observe.
"Lucien, please have a little more patience with this unruly, skinny guy—he's just like that, through and through."
Moostein.
He's a very calm guy.
Full of sunshines and butterflies.
"It's all good, Moostein."
"I continued on my way.
"Pfft!"
Sehkt clicked his tongue, clearly displeased with me.
"Arrogant trash." he muttered.
Then, almost unnoticed, a silhouette passed by me.
"Nehka? Why are you here?"
Moostein stepped toward her.
How long had she been there? It felt just like the time I was unknowingly watched by them. Nehka had no presence at all.
"What are you doing here?"
…
I left them to themselves.
I returned to where their group camped.
I'm still trying to fit in, trying to find my place in this world.
I feel like I'm stuck again—nothing has changed. I'm still bound; the freedom I once felt was only make-believe. I was never truly free.
Deus had me caged, and I couldn't move on without him. Now, I'm bound by my own inexperience—unsure of what to do, how to be useful, how to help.
Should I chase down that beast that killed those people?
Should I avenge them?
But why?
I don't understand why.
Should I just go and take their village myself?
Should I offer them help?
Should I give my all?
How can I be of help…
Is it okay for me to just continue existing?
Existing as nothing?
…
"Lucien."
What If I just remove their pa–
"Lucien!"
"Huh?"
"What were you thinking? I've been trying to get your attention for a few minutes now."
Aliche. It looked like I spaced out again.
"I'm sorry, I was just thinking about my usefulness to your people."
She backed a bit and giggled.
"You're so sweet, Lucien. Thank you."
What was she thanking me for? I've done nothing.
"Why…"
"Why did you thank me?"
I really wanted to know, maybe I needed to know.
"Just stating that you were thinking about us is worth a ton of gratitude."
It doesn't make sense.
"You don't know us, and you have no connection to us. Yet, you're thinking about how to help my people. I don't see how that isn't worth a thank you."
Was that really it? Just thinking was already enough for gratitude?
"Then, you're welcome."
I liked it. The feeling of being thanked. It was uplifting.
"Why are you blushing?"
Was I?
"Are you embarrassed?"
I turned away. I didn't know why, I just did.
"You're cute."
"You're like a little kid, untainted."
Aliche, what were these emotions you're teaching me. It's addictive, it's making me want more.
"Anyway, Lucien, I know you aim to find a purpose—or, somehow, I don't know how you'll do it, but to reclaim our world from the outsiders. But, would you mind if we lay low for a bit? Maybe for a week."
"My people are demoralized right now and they're not well. Is that okay?"
"Of course. I'm only riding along with your goal, to find my own. I have no right to complain."
Or maybe I was afraid that by the end of the goal they set, I'd once again lose my own. That, by the end of it all, I'd be lost again, not knowing what to do.
"You have every right to complain. I dragged you into this. Somehow, I gave you the expectation of finding yourself, but that will never happen here. Don't say you have no right to complain."
Was that really the case? Maybe.
Maybe I'll just accept these things she's told me. Maybe I can just show my appreciation.
"Thank you, Aliche."
"You're welcome, Lucien."
After that, she walked back to her task. Her role as their leader.
Then not long after, Sehkt, Nehka and Moostein arrived.
"We came across a horde of Hammelwing. We've gathered enough food for over a month."
Sehkt reported to Aliche. Then Moostein placed the pouch full of crystals on the ground.
"Thank you, guys. This is a big help."
They consume crystals? The food served in taverns seemed so different from what they call food here.
The people gathered around and took a piece of crystal for themselves.
Then, Aliche approached me and asked, "How long since you've fought a beast?"
I wondered why she was asking.
"About two days."
"Hmm. I see. Do you need some crystals?"
She asked.
I don't even know what it was for.
"Why? Why would I need one?"
She seemed confused. She was puzzled by the question.
"I'm sorry, were you offended by my question?"
Offended? Why did she think that it was offensive?
"No, It was a genuine question."
"Oh, sorry—I almost forgot you lived differently. So, we harvest these crystals from beasts to survive. The crystals prevent us from breaking apart and allow us to live normally. Without them, even the young begin fragmentation and eventually dematerialize. Some can last a little over a week without food, but others can barely survive three days."
That was odd, I never get to do that. Did Deus do it for me?
"I see. I don't even know if I'll need it, but I'll ask again if I do. Thank you, Aliche."
I wondered how they consumed them—did they actually eat them the way Deus did?
Then, Aliche held a crystal in his hand. It lit up and was absorbed into her.
It looked like it they have their own way of consumption.
"We were so serious about the Carabao because it produces milk that serves the same purpose as the crystal. It's an extremely rare beast and highly sought after."
Aliche stated as the light was absorbed into her.
"We couldn't even compose ourselves at the sight of it."
Now I understand.
That might be why a mighty beast came after it as well—because it was a source of life for it and these people.