Chapter 103: Regret (1/2)

The best place to wait for Reece was in the most dangerous, too. As for the most dangerous in the Forest of Traps: it is where the traps existed in bulks. Arthur found a meadow beside a river, where the trees surrounded a low clearing of dirt.

It wasn't the best place to hide, as it was in the open, but it was the safest place to wait for Reece without hiding himself. Arthur sat down and leaned on a tree, runes surrounding him from everywhere. He faced the stream that had a few rocks for crossing as he waited for Reece. As he did, Arthur's thoughts went back to Tyrin.

Feeling the hardwood touch his back and the dirt underneath him, Arthur allowed himself a moment of peace. The running water added to that effect as a chilly breeze fluttered his robe.

His anxiety was sickening, whirls of uncomfortableness twisting in his stomach. Awakeners were those who evolved from the human species, yet anxiety wasn't something they could escape from, Arthur chuckled. It was in their survival instincts.

After some thoughts, he realized he did what he could to stop Tyrin. He still has other chances to stop him, since it seems the weapon wasn't in the first region.

”Arthur,” A high-pitched voice sounded next to him, this time he didn't flinch. He looked around and saw a mosquito standing on his shoulder. ”Don't talk to me,” Reece said before Arthur could say anything. ”It seems your earlier actions grabbed a bit of attention. They shouldn't see anything suspicious.”

Arthur remained quiet, now aware that if others knew of Reece's existence, he would be disqualified. Even though he had already proved his ability by evading the traps, it was Reece who told him about the location of the box. He could find one himself, as he just did earlier without Reece's help, but it was to stop Tyrin from easily passing.

”I've found Roy and Emma, the other two have probably been eliminated. Roy is still near the beginning of the forest, cautiously wandering about, a snail-like pace.” The high-pitch voice of Reece explained. It sounded like something Roy would do, a caution guy he was.

”As for Emma, I saw her grab a box and get teleported.” Arthur sighed in relief at these words. ”What happened with Tyrin?” Reece asked.

”His group got eliminated but he passed because the princess intervened.” Arthur hid his mouth behind his hand and whispered. He has already raised enough suspicion by sitting around doing nothing.

”It's okay, junior. We'll get him the next time.” Reece consoled him, and Arthur involuntary smiled. For some reason, it was the first time he felt a team spirit from Reece. ”What are you going to do now?” Reece asked.

”At first, I thought about helping Roy and Emma. Now, I don't know about that.” Arthur sighed.

”Why?” The high-pitch voice was comical, but the puzzlement was genuine.

”I don't want to help others without being asked to,” Arthur shared his thoughts. ”I thought helping was always the right thing, but now I'm not sure. Some people don't deserve to be helped and others don't want to receive help.”

The silence was only disturbed by the hissing of trees as the winds traveled by. Reece didn't say anything and Arthur sought advice.

”Do you think Roy would want to be helped? Or even Emma? Do you think they wouldn't want to rely on themselves? To prove themselves?” It was late to realize, but he felt that he was too arrogant. ”I would, at least.” Another silence followed.

”I'm not the best to answer this,” Reece said, a hint of sadness in his voice. ”Regret isn't something you can run away from, Arthur.” Despite being a mosquito, his words sank into the air. ”It's always a choice of what would make you regret less. As for the best way to deal with regret, it's to give yourself the excuse of doing what you felt was right.”

The words, high-pitched and in a whisper, made Arthur sigh and stand up. For the first time in a while, he felt refreshed as if a weight has been lifted off his chest. He lacked answer, that didn't change. However, living is about finding answers.

”Thanks, senior.” Arthur grinned as he took out the cube from his bag. It was still covered in hard rock and he had to use his skill to soften it until the surface was revealed.

”Hehe, anytime, dear junior.” Even with the respect he felt, Arthur was still creeped out by his tone and laugh.

Without saying anything else, Arthur touched the cube. His ring was activated as the teleportation runes came to life and started pulling him into the same nauseating feeling. The world changed as the cube disappeared from his hand.

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