Chapter 375 - Complicated Feelings
Chapter 375 – Complicated Feelings
Valdel was running towards the western gates while having mixed feelings. This was rather unusual for him, for he only had a one-track mind, but something was happening within him that he couldn’t quite grasp. He truly did want to help the people of this kingdom despite them being enemies of his own kingdom, but more than that he just wanted to flee from Ren. He tried his hardest not to show it on his face, he tried very hard to act normally, but for a second while he was facing Ren his mask was about to come off.
He was even happy that the monsters attacked at that timing. When he thought of that feeling he got, he hated himself for it. He felt so ashamed of himself that the first chance he got he fled from the scene. This only made him hate himself even more, as the best friend of Ren he had fled like a coward.
This was the first time in his whole life, Valdel had felt such a negative emotion and it was pointed at his best friend no less. He was actually jealous of Ren, he was afraid of Ren and more than that he was craving for more power. After witnessing how far ahead Ren was from him, he couldn’t help but feel this way. Unknown to him and everyone else was that most of them were still under the effects of Nyarlom’s tampering with their emotions.
‘What am I even thinking about? Isn’t it a good thing that Ren is stronger now? Isn’t it nice that Ren can save more with his power? Why should his strength be my weakness?… If I can’t reach him now, surely if I keep on going, if I keep on running I’ll be able to run beside him… Surely, I can do that…’ The more he thought about it the more frustrated Valdel felt.
Zwei who was in her human form looked at Valdel in worry. She could usually sense Valdel’s emotions through their link, but now Valdel’s emotions were a fog. This would mean that Valdel didn’t trust her enough to share what he was currently feeling.
The always open, kind, justice-loving Valdel was hiding something from her. This all happened the moment Valdel witnessed Ren’s fight.
‘I always knew that Ren was a bad influence on Valdel but this time he did the right thing, it’s just that Valdel might not be able to accept the difference between them… What can I do to help Valdel?… In the first place, why is Ren so strong? If I could figure out the reason for that, I might be able to help Valdel…’
While Zwei was thinking about how to help Valdel Nika was also deep in thought. For some reason when she saw the Primordial Demon something within her was stirred. It was like a memory from a long-forgotten past was trying to resurface. Yet no matter how hard she tried she couldn’t remember anything.
Ever since she became a weapon spirit, she knew that she was different from the other weapon spirits that were born as weapon spirits. She must have been someone like Silika a weapons spirit that was once a mortal being.
It was just a feeling he had no proof, as no matter how hard she tried she could not remember her past life, in fact. most of her memory was a fuzzy mess. The only thing she remembers properly was waking up in Alphonso’s shop and staying there for a very long time before Valdel picked her up.
‘If I meet the other Primordial Demons would I be able to regain my lost memories?’
…
Natasha noticed that her three companions were distracted by their own thoughts. She did not know what they were thinking, all she knew was that she needed to keep an eye on them. Being distracted in the midst of battle could spell death, no matter how strong one was.
…
The four of them reached the Western wall and saw from the distance the incoming monsters. They were hundreds of them rushing towards the wall. The Capital of the Serbek Kingdom was not only protected by a thick stone wall but was also protected by a large-scale barrier, but even with the barrier and the stone walls with how many monsters were coming their defenses might not be able to hold.
‘Dozens of C rank monsters, a few B and A rank monsters. There are even some hybrids mixed in, but there’s nothing that seems to be a leader. Maybe it’s hiding at the back or is behind those larger monsters at the front. No matter, if I kill all that come it doesn’t matter if there’s a leader or not.’ Valdel breathed in and out trying to calm his emotions. His mana was not fully restored but against these much with the help of his companions they should be able to do it. If they can’t deal with this much Valdel would be too ashamed to even look at Ren.
“Zwei, Nika, Natasha let’s do this!” Valdel opened both his hands and commanded Zwei and Nika to turn into their weapon forms. Valdel held the massive Zweihander in his right hand and the dagger in his left. Once he felt the weight of both weapons in his hands Zwei charged forward.
…
Lara was running towards the Southern wall trying to calm her raging emotions. Even though she was once again stoic looking on the outside, on the inside she was having her usual intern strife.
‘It’s been so long since I’ve seen Ren and before I can even enjoy his presence this happens! Why do all these bad things happen to me?… Well, I guess there was a good thing that happened. Once again Ren had figured out what I was feeling just by looking at me. I knew it, we are connected by the red string of fate!’
Lara wanted to quickly finish the monsters off and return to Ren. She wanted Ren to praise her for a job well done.
‘This might be a good chance to make Ren do me until I’m pregnant.’
…
As Valdel and the others were wiping out the monsters outside the walls, some monsters had appeared inside the city. It seems that they were hidden in unknown areas and came out almost at the same time as the monsters from the outside. It was a coordinated attack and it was obvious that Nyarlom had planted these monsters.
The mages, adventurers, and soldiers with Henrietta were doing their best to protect the citizens as they head towards the Grand Mage’s tower and the royal castle two of the most secure buildings in the kingdom.
Unfortunately in the confusion some people got separated from the group and were now in a different street surrounded by monsters. The ones that got separated were a few families that were able to survive the massacre in the arena, but now it would seem that their luck had run out.
The parents surrounded their children and formed a circle while holding hands trying their best to protect them. They knew they stood no chance of winning, but if shielding the children from the monsters was the only thing they could do then they would do it without moving an inch.
As the monsters were about ready to attack the group of parents held each other’s hands even tighter. They could feel that each of their hands were trembling, but despite that, they still held on tightly. Even though they were afraid they held strong for their children. They waited for the monsters to attack and when the moment came a person wearing a black vest appeared.
The man that appeared punched one of the monsters to the ground, and kicked another monster into the air. They had already seen a lot of unbelievable things today so this one wasn’t as shocking. The man then proceeded to pulverize the remaining monsters.
Once he was done, one of the braver parents approached the man to thank him. Haruto looked at the man and then at the children before sighing. He didn’t want to say this, but the system gave him no choice.
“There’s no need to thank me, but if you guys want to keep your children safe you better follow me to my tavern. If you stay in my tavern not only will you be protected, but you can eat and drink great stuff as well… Of course, you can’t stay if you don’t buy anything.”
The parents were stunned by what the man said but after a long silence, they all agreed to stay in his tavern, of course, they were going there as customers.
…
While Ren was leisurely walking towards the Norther Wall, he spoke to the woman following behind him.
“You should have followed Henrietta, instead of me. You’re still injured you know that, right?”
“Of course I know that, but I just want to watch, or are you telling me now that you’re a human you can’t even protect one little fox.” Tsukiko smiled coquettishly at Ren.
“Heh, still as mouthy as ever. Of course, I can protect you, even if a million of those weak-ass monsters come they still won’t be able to lay a single claw on you.” Ren answered with his usual arrogant style.
“Then it shouldn’t be a problem to follow you.” 𝘣𝘦𝑑𝑛𝘰𝑣𝘦𝘭.𝘰𝘳𝑔
“Do whatever you want.” After that, the conversation between the two ended. They walked forward in silence for a few seconds. Tsukiko approached Ren and tugged on his sleeves. Ren turned his head around and Tsukiko suddenly kissed him. After what seem to be hours their lips parted ways. Tsukiko smiled happily at the surprised Ren.
“You’re late, you stupid battle freak…” As Tsukiko said those words while continuing to smile a tear fell down her beautiful face.