79 A Goddamned Idio (1/2)
What was he compared to someone like Velvund? Nothing more than a miserable, spineless pissant.
Here was a person who had suffered immeasurably — who had lived through eras of strife and had seen the worst that life had to offer.
And yet, despite everything, this man had still not given up on hope — he had not allowed himself to bend the knee to hatred, fear, and distrust.
The endless onslaught of the Infested during the Great Barrier War…
Where does his endless strength and optimism come from?
The horrific slaughter of his kin during the chaotic Unification Era…
Even now, he's a proponent of kindness, understanding, and peace…
Even the cruel and despicable assassination of his beloved wife…
Reed felt deep admiration and respect for this poor, old man who had lived a hard life. He possessed a resilient, unbreakable spirit that shone like a beacon in the night.
That's why he was chosen to lead the East. It was because the people needed someone like him to light up a path out of the darkness…
They needed an eternal, indestructible pillar of resolve. Someone whom the East could rely upon — who could make them feel safe; make them feel hope once more…
”You're truly amazing, gramps… I don't get how someone like you can even exist in reality,” said Reed. ”Are you made out of diamond or something?”
Velvund heartily laughed and said, ”I'm not that strong, my boy. I'm just a bit stubborn and when you've lived as long as I have, you end up having a lot of time to think and reflect about your life, too…”
He stroked his chin and said, ”So what did you want to talk to me about, son? About the girl? Your worries? Or something else?”
Velvund grabbed a small stone, handed it to Reed and said, ”Feel free to talk to me about anything that troubles you, son. I've seen everything there is to see throughout my life, so I'm positive I'll be able to give you some advice no matter the problem.”
”Are you sure about that, gramps? It's real complicated…” said Reed. He threw the stone and it skipped a couple of times on the lake's surface until it finally stopped.
”Nine skips, eh? That's pretty good… but you're a thousand years too young to beat me, sonny.” Velvund grabbed a stone himself and powerfully threw it with a deft flick of the wrist.
The stone hurtled on the lake's surface like a speeding bullet until it skipped the entire way to the other side of the lake.
Reed snorted in mock-contempt and said, ”Give me a couple of years and I'll wipe the floor with you, old man. Mark my words, there'll be a reckoning for this…”
”I told you, it's not that… It's a pretty serious problem,” said Reed. He scratched his head nervously and said, ”Also, I might've hidden a couple of things from you, gramps…”
There was much to explain and the more that Reed spoke, the more Velvund's expression tightened up in response. By the time he had finished explaining everything, Velvund had gone quiet.
The Twilight Children and the Holy Church.
The unification of the entire continent by some unknown means.
Astrid and Sebastian becoming hostages.
The summons he had received from the Holy Pope.
Reed even conceded a bit and had revealed just enough information about himself — his connection to the Ancient Mulians — something that he had not done even for Violett back then.
He'd put all his chips on gramps — that was the least he could do for the old man in return for what he had done for him.
”They didn't tell me what they needed me for specifically but it seemed like I was going to be used for something crucial to their plans. I need to get Astrid and Sebastian out before the shit hits the fan, gramps.”
Velvund pensively watched the rippling waves on the lake's surface and said, ”We'll save them. I promise. I'll help you get them out alive if it's the last thing I do, so don't you worry. And thank you for telling me the real truth, son. I understand it must have been difficult for you.”