Chapter 371: A Debt To Repay (2/2)
”Do you...” Li was silent before he asked. ”... forgive me?”
Arthur was caught off guard by the question because there was nothing to forgive. However, he understood Li's train of thoughts, which came from an ancient aura.
Strength was sacred in a world full of dangers, and it was considered the hard-earned asset of a person. That's why the moment that Li took a portion of Arthur's energy, he felt guilty because he 'leeched off' Arthur's power.
”Li,” Arthur began. ”I will tell you the truth. I owe my life to you. You saved me countless times, and that's why I'm willing to help you as many times as you need me. This is not you taking my power but repaying my debt to you.”
”Saved... you?”
”Time is a confusing, twisted mess.” Arthur sighed and stood up. ”I just ask you this. When we meet again, help me as a friend.”
Arthur knew that he didn't need to tell Li anything more, as the man would realize who he is when Arthur awakens in front of him.
Maybe that was the reason Li wanted to follow him. Without Arthur's powers, Li would have never been able to ascend to the Skyey World.
”A debt,” Li repeated before slowly standing up. He stared silently at Arthur and nodded. ”I don't understand what you mean. Nonetheless, if we meet in the future, I will use my strength to aid you.”
”Good,” Arthur said delightfully and turned toward the edge of the flying city. ”Let's find the Gravity Spirit for you.”
Li didn't refuse and simply nodded. Then, the two walked toward the edge of the island, where the cloud they were standing on ended.
As they got to witness the island, they couldn't help but stare in awe. The Infra World was relatively simple, and the Earthen World had more landscapes. The Skyey World, on the other hand...
”Is this the remains of an ancient civilization?” Arthur muttered as he looked at the countless structures like temples, towers, and a grand palace. They were engraved with illustrations, which were covered by vegetation.
”I have never seen such a place before, even in my village's library.” Li looked below them. There was a world beneath them, stretching far and wide. ”The Skyey World...”
”I think we will find your Gravity Spirit here,”
”Hm?” Li was surprised. ”How can you tell?”
”Just a hunch,” Arthur smiled and walked on top of the highlands. Li followed after him, and the two descended toward the runic city below them.
The outskirts of the city were full of abandoned houses. As they passed a bridge above a dried-up river, they found themselves in an empty square.
The city was lifeless, looking to be a few centuries old. As Arthur walked into one of the buildings, he found that it looked to be a bar. Cobwebs covered the tables and the counter.
”Who created this place?” Li muttered as he looked at the wooden cups. ”Why does the Spirits Realm have such a city?”
”I don't know, but I don't think this place was inhabited,” Arthur said as he looked behind the counter. ”Other than the building and its furniture, there's nothing here.”
”My Lord, do you mean this place was built and abandoned?” Li said with shock. Arthur paused and turned toward him. Meeting his inquisitive glare, Li explained. ”Since I decided to repay the kindness by serving you, calling you My Lord is only appropriate.”
”Nope, just call me...” Arthur shook his head with amusement. Even though there were countless years until Li meets the younger him, the ancient man seemed to be the same.
”I know that name isn't real, My Lord,” Li said with a knowing nod. ”I understand that you have your reasons to desire anonymity.”
”Uh, thanks,” Arthur said as he returned to their topic. ”This city, as much as it looks like it, doesn't feel inhabited,” Arthur explained. ”Since we are in the Spirits Realm, I think we are witnessing the boredom of a spirit.”
As Li was about to answer, the two heard sounds coming from outside. They stared at each other before walking out of the bar. In the middle of the square, they found a wooden cart moving toward them.
The cart stopped a distance away from them. Pulling the vehicle was not a spirit nor a human, but a wooden puppet. The wooden man let go of the wagon's rod and raised his arms awkwardly.
”Greetings,” A voice came out from the puppet as its jaws unhinged. The mouth moved up and down as voice was produced by it. ”Where do I find the carpenter? I think I have some screws loose.”