Chapter 114

Chapter 114

“Is this what it’s going to be like every time I leave for a bit?” Will asked after he finished delivering all of Ben's kills to Wedrow, only to find he was being healed again and his arm was covered in blood.

“Never get engaged Will. Sure things may seem nice at first, but before you know it they’re asking you to bleed just so they can test their skills on you. The whole thing is a scam.”

“Pretty sure that’s just you buddy.”

“And we agreed to finish when he came back anyway,” Thera said in her defense before turning to Steph and giving her a small nod of gratitude. “I think I was able to get a fair bit from that, thank you.”

“No problem, I’m going to focus on regaining my mana a bit more, but if you need anything else just let me know.”

At that, Thera and Steph both left to sit by themselves, Steph to relax and Thera to practice and reflect on what she’d just felt from the connection. Ben was planning on going back to his carving but Will was still standing above him, looking like he wanted to ask something.

“What’s up man?”

“I was just curious about that mind skill of yours, wanted to see if you’d use it on me.”

“Connect?” He asked, getting a nod in response. “Sure, but any particular reason?”

“Just curious.”

He didn’t know why, but something about Will's attitude made it so he couldn’t completely believe that, but there was also no harm. Any chance to practice one of his main skills was valuable after all and he didn’t intend to pass it up. He held out his hand and when Will took it he connected.

Surprisingly, Will's mind seemed unusually disciplined, even more so than Thera’s, who at this point had plenty of experience trying to keep her thoughts under control. There were a few thoughts and feelings leaking from his friend, but he wasn’t letting everything out like Steph. However, he was unintentionally letting Ben be completely aware of the main thing he wanted to talk about.

Hey Ben, so I was hoping to have the chance to talk to you about this earlier, but seeing as how you already... Wait. He stopped his train of thought for a minute and looked around to confirm something. Sorry, before that, do you pay attention to where Thera is at all times?

Oh, you could feel that huh? It’s the effect of a skill, I’m aware in the back of my mind but it’s not something I really notice unless I think about it, kind of like breathing.

Sounds handy, don’t suppose you could teach me how to get it?

Look, it’s a bit awkward to talk about, but there’s only about twenty humans on the world. I was just a little worried about how you’d feel about there being one less available, you know?

Ben stared at his friend for a minute before sighing and speaking aloud. “You’re an idiot.”

“Huh?”

Sorry, slipped out. But listen, I can’t even begin to express how little that matters.

But we aren’t the only ones who have gotten together you know, aren’t you even a little worried about winding up alone?

He could feel that Will's concern came from a place of genuine care, so he did his best to not let any of his exasperation at the conversation leak out.

Listen, I get where you’re coming from but I’m so not concerned. I’m not really looking to make romance a priority when we might all be dead in two years, and even if every human on the planet pairs up other than me, I don’t personally have any issues dating outside of my species.

Wait, so does that mean you and Thera are really-

Still no. He thought, cutting his friend off. It just means that enough races on this world are basically human anyway so if I ever get the urge to date I won’t be left with sea slugs or something. Anyway, is that why you didn’t just tell me immediately?

No. Well, maybe a little.

Will, you’re both my friends, of course I’m happy for you. Well, mostly happy for Steph.

What?

Ben pinched the bridge of his nose. This entire conversation wasn’t one he’d been expecting to have, and the fact that his friend was still oblivious to this when they were now dating was a pain. Dude, she’s had a thing for you since we started high school. You’re just dumb.

...What?

Huh, ask her about it later. Since I have you now you can help me practice my connect until we leave.