Chapter 53：Never a Fool Again (1/2)

Jizo fell to his knees at the doors of a hut at the world's edge. It was his only safe place, he had nowhere else to go. The door opened to reveal a woman in her thirties. She wore a black robe that was a contrast to her silver hair and eyes, giving her a gloomy deposition.

”What have you done?” The woman asked coldly, eyes full of rage. Jizo's body trembled at the question, as pain and agony filled his heart.

”I…” He pulled his hair so hard that it started to come off before he smashed his head into the ground. ”I trusted him… He wanted to get stronger, to take revenge, and I helped him.”

”You gave him the rune? Have you lost your goddamn mind!” She pulled him off his knees and shouted to his face, her beautiful face turning terrifyingly demonic.

”No…” Jizo shook his head, tears rolling down his eyes. ”I gave him an artifact that I made. It allowed him to… get stronger.” Jizo cried bitterly before he continued. ”He killed millions using it, he… did things I would have never done.”

”It was you who killed them!” The woman shouted throwing him to the ground. Jizo didn't resist as he felt the hard ground underneath him. He dug his hands into the soil as he remembered how he was betrayed by the friend he trusted so much.

”I was a fool, but never will be again. And neither should you, Arthur.” Jizo looked at him, and Arthur snapped his eyes open. He could still feel his blood draining, but a single sentence filled his eyes.

[New legacy rune has been obtained.]

***

”Arthur!” Miko sprinted to his side, but she was too late. His blood was draining so fast that she couldn't even stop the bleeding. At this rate, he would be dead in a few moments. Her mind was going blank at the sudden turn of even. From Erin's appearance to Jin's betrayal, she couldn't wrap her head around it.

”How could you, Jin you bastard!” Miko shouted with rage as she dashed toward him, slashing with her dagger. Even if she had no mana, she just couldn't forgive him after all the times they have been through.

Before she could reach him, Erin appeared in front of her with his bloody armor on, sending her flying with a fist that twisted her organs. She coughed blood uncontrollably as a result of the difference in their strength.

”I had to, Miko. You think I would endanger Hazel's life and mine by going against Erin for your sake?” Jin's words were colder than ice, and they stabbed into her heart. She should have expected it, but she was blinded. She wanted to believe in what Arthur believed in, but she made a deadly mistake.

”And it's the right choice,” Erin took a step forward, chains appearing around him. ”No one would side with a killer like you!” He appeared in front of her before she could react and sent another fist at her, making her crash against the wall like a broken kite.

”But he trusted you, he helped you!” Miko found herself shouting despite her organs breaking down. Why was she saying such a thing? She wondered. Why did he influence her that much with his kindness? She wondered again.

”Hahaha, are you being serious right now? You, a bunch of stealthily killing dogs, talking about trust and help?” Erin laughed loudly while the rest of the group surrounded them.

Miko looked for a way out, but there was none. Hazel was unconscious on the floor, probably drugged by Jin's potion from earlier. It was a relief that she didn't betray them, but she wished she could help them.

”I won't go down so easily, you bastards!” She brandished her daggers as she tried to replenish her mana, enough to send Arthur away at least. Her body was failing her as it would never be enough to do that.

”Jin, you still haven't proved your remorse enough. Kill this bitch. I know you're tired, but we'll help.” Erin took a step back and grinned, it seemed like he enjoyed this whole show.

Jin gritted his teeth and took a step forward. He was also drained of mana, but he was in a far better situation than Miko who left no energy to be used from the earlier fight. He walked over as he convinced himself this was the right decision. If they fought against Erin, his and Hazel's life would be a lot more difficult in the outside world.

”Nothing personal, this is merely the best choice I have.” Jin unsheathed his sword as mana coursed through it, strengthening it greatly.

”Tell Arthur I'm sorry when you meet him in the afterworld.” He whispered just enough for her to hear. He wanted her to know his hands were tied too, but it sounded like empty excuses.