Chapter 54: Another Step (1/2)
After much deliberation, Mike decided that it would probably be best to move the other three adventurers to a safer location. He wasn't sure what sort of attention the light show he put on might bring, but he didn't want to risk them getting caught up even further in this mess.
Of course that was easier said than done. He first had to carry them to a new location, which he manged by creating a rudimentary sled using Earth Magic. It had proven crude, but effective. After relocating the trio a spot a kilometer or so away, he returned to retrieve the group's gear.
In their initial rush to come to his aid, they had left the majority of their gear behind, which had subsequently been involved in his confrontation with Brutus. As a result, most of the equipment they had brought with them had been destroyed. Miraculously, Shy's pack had been thrown clear, only ending up mildly scorched.
After confirming that the two jars of honey had survived, he heaved a sigh. ”Well, at the very least we can still turn in the request. That is, if they still want to have anything to do with me after this.”
He felt taunting, needling anxiety creep into the back of his mind at the thought of having to face them after this travesty. With a heavy heart he walked back, and with some surprise he noticed that Shy had woken up and was tending to the other two.
”Ah, your awake.” Mike murmured lamely, still not mentally prepared for what was to come.
Shy glanced over at him calmly, ”Yes, I just woke up. It is good that the others remain asleep for now, we have much to discuss.”
Mike was shocked. With the exception of one particular incident, he had not heard the fox beastman speak.
”Eh?” Was all he could muster.
Shy smiled sympathetically. ”I did not remain conscious long after being defeated by that staff wielding aggressor, but it was long enough to see enough to see both of my party members seriously injured. One fatally so.”
”Ah, yes. That did happen....”
”It was also long enough for me to see a certain characteristic skill, before the weight of a powerful presence spiritually crushed me into oblivion.”
”You saw that, did you?” Mike was starting to doubt his communication abilities.
”Indeed. You do not need to explain, as I have surmised your identity from the several clues you've let slip up to this point.”
He stood then, facing Mike boldly. ”Not only have you saved my life, but the lives of my companions as well. As such it would be the greatest of ingratitudes to reveal your secret, exposed as it was for our benefit. I swear to you that no word of your identity will pass these lips of mine.”
Mike smiled at the insinuation. ”I believe you. I know how good you are at keeping quiet.”
Shy gave a small chuckle. ”Quite. I only hope that someday, when the time comes for you to reveal yourself to the world, and lead it to overcome the challenges you were meant to face, you will allow me to be of some service.”
Mike could only nod in response. A moment of quiet understanding was shared between them.
”What about the other two? What should we tell them?”
”I suggest that we keep what we discussed to ourselves. As for how to explain our situation, I would recommend that you tell them that a powerful expert assisted us in our most dire circumstances. It is probably the most believable excuse we can muster. Perhaps you could claim some relation, such as a family member or mentor. This hypothetical expert defeated our enemy in a destructive battle, then used a skill to heal us of our injuries.”
”Would that work?” Mike couldn't help but think that Shy was quite devious.
[A gifted and powerful mentor could explain the imbalance between my strength and my relative inexperience, as well.]
”I believe Philip would accept it with a little prompting, but Kate would likely doubt the story. She has ever been the more intelligent of the pair. However, I believe that we can forestall the majority of her suspicions long enough to turn in the request and go our separate ways.”
”That sounds like a decent enough plan, considering the circumstances.” Mike pondered, hand clasping his chin.
He fixed his gaze on the beastman. ”There is a great deal more to you than meets the eye.”
”I am but a simple adventurer.” Shy replied with a mysterious smile.
Mike nodded, expecting the response. He decided to change tactics. ”So, who are these two to you?”
The beastman stared off into the distance grimly, momentarily appearing much older than he was. ”A long time ago, my soul was saved by them. They did not intend to help, yet their actions were my salvation nonetheless. I have served as their companion and guardian ever since, as a means of repaying them.”
He looked down at the sleeping pair, and the hard lines of his face softened. ”I still owe them everything.”
Mike kept his silence, not wanting to break the solemn mood.
In time Philip and Kate awoke. Shy's planned explanation served to answer the majority of their questions, but it was clear to Mike that Kate still held her doubts. After extracting a promise to keep the events of the night a secret, he led the group towards Wyrport. Dawn was soon approaching, and none of them felt like remaining out in the plains for longer than they had to.
[I suppose this will be sufficient for now. Might have to lay low for awhile after this, just in case.]
Mike hoped vainly that the city's inhabitants had not witnessed the fight, but by the time they reached the northern gate, it had become clear that he was out of luck.