Chapter 60: Night in the Forest (2)

Chapter 60: Night in the Forest (2)

Kara's day could be explained like this.

It was frustrating and boring. These thoughts had been on her mind ever since her teammates had fallen for Antonios coaxing.

Survival itself was easier here compared to the desert. Unlike the desert, which had nothing but sand, there was at least something in the forest.

As the dull day wore on, consuming insects occasionally for protein, night fell before she knew it.

In the Tatars, the temperature dropped at night, so people usually dressed warmly, but it wasn't necessary here.

However, she hadn't anticipated the early evening and hadn't prepared a shelter.

"Excuse me for a moment."

In such a situation, while wandering aimlessly, she happened upon a campfire by chance.

In the dense darkness of the forest or mountains, even a cigarettes glow is vivid, let alone a campfire.

The possibility of encountering another team was high and so was the possibility of a skirmish, but she was first and foremost determined to try and negotiate.

Luckily, the campfire belonged to Sivar's team, and she could settle down comfortably in their hideout.

"You took all of them down by yourself? I knew it. I can't understand why they made that choice. Did Luna join them too?"

"First off."

"I don't understand why she did that, even after seeing my dad fight with you. Is there another reason?"

But she had no intention of lying down and resting too comfortably. Staying up all night wasn't a big deal, and it wasnt polite.

One should at least take a turn at keeping watch. It would be noticeable and awkward to lie down and rest without doing anything.

Conveniently, she found a pleasant companion to talk to, which was perfect for Kara.

"How's your team?"

"Good."

"In what way?"

"Everything."

After hearing that, Kara turned to look behind her. Grace and Yeonhwa were sound asleep, snoring away.

Both of them had the appearance and aura of being sheltered flowers in a greenhouse. Especially Grace, Kara was well aware of who she was one of the people consistently showing interest in Sivar. To be honest, she didn't really like that.

It was all too clear that she coveted Sivar, or more precisely, his power. It was too blatant.

Sivar thinks everyone is nice as long as they don't bother him.'

Thats why Kara didn't take Sivars words at face value. The Sivar she knew was too kind for his own good.

He wouldn't react unless provoked and would even apologize if he ever acted out of turn.

If he had a nasty temper, he surely would have resisted and not apologized to Rod who punished him.

I just hope he doesn't get taken advantage of for his kindness.'Read latest chapters at nov(e)lbin.com Only

Kara didnt mind if someone cunningly used Sivars power. In this harsh world, it's fine to use someone else's power.

But if it wasn't a dire situation and someone took advantage of Sivar's kind nature, that would trouble her.

Eloquent speech is a power, too, if you think about it.'

Certainly, Sivar's case was unique, and while she didnt discredit the power of speech itself, she definitely had seen its strength. Hector had demonstrated this during the unification of the tribes.

With his own brute force, born charisma, and resonating eloquence, Hector managed to unite the tribes.

That led to the foundation of the Tatars and raised the nation to a position where other countries couldn't easily interfere.

Although she was wandering now, she had seen firsthand how powerful oration could be.

Disliking something and not recognizing its value were different matters.

"Sivar."

"Huh?"

"Never mind."

Kara stopped herself from saying something she was about to say. Originally she wanted to offer advice.

[You shouldnt take good words at face value, it's always good to reflect on them.]

But she wasnt sure if Sivar would understand that advice, and she knew better than anyone that she was not exactly a paragon of virtue in that respect herself.

Just as Kara voiced her uncertainty, Sivar responded with an action. He extended his pinky finger as a gesture of promise.

Kara stared blankly, then looked at Sivars face, still showing that typical impassiveness.

What was his thought process behind such an action? So cute that she wanted to bite his cheek.

This also made her speechless. The worries that had been gnawing at her seemed utterly pointless now.

"Friend."

"Haha."

She laughed in surrender, wondering what she had been so concerned about.

At times, actions speak louder than words, but Sivar excelled at both, effortlessly swaying her emotions.

Did he truly understand the effects of his words and actions? It's curious, considering he was raised in the wild.

Ssshh-

Kara intertwined her pinky finger with Sivars, linking them as if chaining together their friendship.

Although they had done this before, it felt different this time, as if their bond had grown stronger.

It was just Karas feeling, but it was satisfying enough.

"Sivar."

"Yes."

"I'm really glad you're my friend."

Sivar looked a bit surprised, as if he hadn't expected such sincerity. His expression seldom broke, usually only showing sadness when chastised by Rod.

For Kara, it was a refreshing experience. Sincerity never misses the mark.

Now that I think about it'

She looked at Sivar, who wore a surprised face. She realized she had never seen him smile.

Even during the Deathbeam incident, he only showed excitement, never an actual smile.

Perhaps he was too awkward to show it.

"Sivar."

"Yes?"

"Want to try smiling? Like this."

She showed him an example, pulling up the corners of her mouth with her fingers.

It wasnt a genuine smile, but it was enough of a demonstration, and Sivar watched attentively.

He then mimicked her action, using his hands to lift his mouth corners.

"This?"

" "

Kara's face flushed red at the sight, thankfully hidden by her complexion and the campfire glow.

"Right, that. Can you smile like that?"

"Yes."

"Then keep smiling like "

Kara stopped mid-sentence.

Perhaps it was best if Sivars smile wasnt exposed to others. The impassiveness was better.

Its too cute, how could I stand it?'

The feeling was rather nice, albeit a bit dangerous for her heart.

Holding back the sudden quickening of her pulse, Kara softly spoke.

"No. Dont smile."

"Why?"

"Just its a bit much."

And with that, Kara lied to Sivar for the second time.