Chapter 102: Déjà Vu (2/2)
Arthur sensed several others that he tried to dodge in time. However, one of them struck his shoulder. There was no pain as the arrow passed right through him, only mana seeping through his body, stopping him from moving. It was a paralyzing arrow.
Sliding from behind the trees was a petite figure with a golden hood. Judging by their body frame and curves, it was a girl. As Arthur peered closer, he was able to see golden hair beneath the hood. It took moments to realize this was the fourth princess of the Yalen kingdom.
”He's from the same kingdom as you are, why would you treat him this way?” She said with an imposing self-righteousness, appearing to have witnessed the whole pursuit.
'Damn it, this is not the time for your heroic bullshit.' Arthur gritted his teeth, and his eyes snapped toward Tyrin trying to crawl toward the box. He used his legacy rune and broke free, for a short amount of time, as his hand reached out to push the crawling piece of charcoal toward one of the traps.
Another arrow of paralysis landed on him, and he was delayed for another moment before he broke free. At that moment, however, Tyrin's fingertip touched the box and he disappeared, passing the first round.
Cold anger washed Arthur's body like waves preceding a violent storm. The forest, shadowed by the platform with barely illuminated trees and uneven grounds, felt a lot colder all of sudden.
”You…” Arthur looked at her, stupefied at how someone could bring calamity into their doorsteps. Even at this moment, he had a weird sense of déjà vu. This was familiar, yet not that familiar.
'I've done the same thing before with Erin,' Arthur realized to himself. He hated Erin and would kill him himself if he had the chance, but this wasn't important. He looked at the girl after he stood up, the paralysis wearing off.
'I was so childish,' He realized. 'Playing the hero as if I can decide who was the villain and who was the victim. What kind of arrogance did I have to determine good and bad?'
He couldn't be angry anymore. If he did get angry, it would be toward himself. He played the hero before, getting his nose into other people's business.
He was lucky that Erin was a bastard, but what if he wasn't? What if things were just like now where the other person didn't deserve mercy or saving? What if his actions led to far more dire circumstances because he sought the self-satisfaction of helping others using his newfound strength?
His mind was chaotic. Did that mean he wouldn't help those who need help? However, what right did he have to determine who needs help? Who gave him the right to decide?
He looked silently at the princess before starting to walk away. Somehow, her childishness had taught him a lesson. He never knew what people's reasons were and should never act without knowing.
”Stop! I won't allow you to obstruct others!” She nocked her arrow again, threatening. This time the air changed, and Arthur felt this was not a simple paralysis arrow. He stopped in his tracks; his chaotic mind calmed a bit.
”I have no plans to do such a thing, princess.” He said, making her flinch at her identity being revealed. ”I had my reasons for this one,” He sincerely said but he doubted she would trust him. ”Even still, if a fight is what you wish, you'll get hurt.” His tone changed into one of threatening.
Her hand trembled slightly, but she lowered it eventually. She started walking toward the black box on the ground while avoiding the runes. Arthur's surprise was genuine at how she was able to evade them, albeit slightly inferior to him.
She disappeared.
Arthur stood there silently, thinking about his earlier realization. After a few moments, he saw some movements in the trees and another figure appeared, a tall one wearing a blue hood. A Halin contestant. He, judging by his body figure to be a robust man, started warily staring at him.
”I seek no fight,” He said, hoping the man would understand. ”Please go ahead,” Arthur gestured toward the box and turned around to meet up with Reece. He felt the teleportation rune activating as his thoughts swirled in his mind.