"Well, I guess you have won the best." Merit shrugged with a smile. "Congratulations on acquiring a new spear." He said.
His words made Talon look up confusedly. "Are you really sure you want nothing in return for this spear?"
Even if they had agreed on a bet, he still can't believe Merit wouldn't ask him for anything as a price for the spear. After all, it seemed like this one was a priceless weapon even by his standards. Or perhaps still considered worthless since no one can use it except for Talon.
"Eh, I do not care, kid. The fact that I have witnessed someone finally using this spear is more than enough for me."
"Really?"
"Yeah, when you reach my age, things like money become irrelevant in front of moments worth remembering. You gave me one of those just now." The man said with a smile.
For some reason, Merit had a relieved look on his face as he uttered those words. That confused Talon for a second. Why was he feeling relieved? And more than that, relieved of what?
'Weird... I really can't figure out this guy...' Rubbing the back of his head, he smiled faintly. "Thank you. I will take good care of it."
"I know that. You seem like you cherish your weapons. Many simply see these things as tools when in reality, these weapons are their lifeline. If they lost them, they're as good as dead." Merit shook his head with a disappointed tone.
"I have seen too many fools meeting their end and it was all because they couldn't unravel the true potential of their weapons. Do not become one of those, kid."
"I will never be like that. I have too much to lose for a stupid mistake like that to get me." He said.
Closing his eyes for a moment, he remembered the people that were waiting for him. His cherished ones who were perhaps worried to death about him. These were all people that he could not afford to leave behind.
If a mistake as foolish as treating his weapon as a mere tool would be the reason for his death, then he might as well never try to seek any more strength. The scale of the problems he was going to face in the future was only growing bigger and bigger. A single mishap was bound to be the end so he had to be ready, mentally and physically.
'He seems to be aware of what he should do. It's rare for low-dimensional beings to realize what kind of disasters might await them in the future this early on. That lady must've taught him well.' Looking at Acrypha, Merit could see the care she had for Talon in her eyes.
It was as clear as the two suns in the sky that she genuinely cared for that kid, even though they were both from two completely different walks of life.
'What an interesting duo.' Merit smiled before he shook his head. 'Reminds me of the good old days.'
"Anyway, I think I should probably leave now. I have some stuff to attend to. Can I find you here later? I have so many things I want to ask you about." Talon said as he realized the time he wasted in this shop. Well, it wasn't technically wasted as he had met an interesting individual and found a good weapon for himself.
Still, Emino was going to meet up with him in an hour or so and he still didn't do the training he wanted to do.
"Ah well, I will be here, don't worry. As long as you don't take too much time. I grow bored rather quickly." Merit replied as he sat down again.
This lasted for a long 10 seconds before Merit finally sighed and stopped. "Ok, I apologize. I was simply joking. My humor is hard to understand sometimes. Even I don't understand it sometimes."
"Whatever it is." Acrypha turned around. "I stayed here to ask one thing. Since you seem to be aware of all the developments, I want to know... How is the situation up there?" She asked.
"Hmm, do you want a long explanation or a short one?"
"You wouldn't give me a long one even if I asked for it, no?" She raised an eyebrow.
"Haha! Right on the bullseye! But, it's not because I don't want to. I really have nothing to explain that you probably haven't heard of already. As for the situation now, I can say that it isn't very good for you. It's developing really fast.
If I have to guess, you will probably need to face 'them' way sooner than you might expect."
"..." Hearing that, Acrypha pursed her lips as she fell into deep thought. "Is that so...?" She murmured mysteriously.
'Well, I expected that much. Things weren't going to work out my way.' She mused.
As much as she wished that she would have enough time, she knew that was just too much to ask.
"How much time do you think I have left?" She asked.
"To be honest, even I can't tell. It could be a month, year, ten years, or even a hundred years. It's all up to them, I'm just a subtly unique bystander." Merit shrugged.
"..."
"What I can tell you, however, is that the boy is really your last chance. I can feel it within him more than anyone else. If there was a possibility things would go your way, then he is that possibility."
"I know. I have put all my faith in him." She said, her eyes flashing with myriads of emotions. It was indeed the truth, Talon was her last chance and the only one she could rely on. Of course, she gladly wanted to rely on him since she trusted him with her life. But, it still worried her that he might not have enough time.
That was the entire problem... Time.
Merit saw all of that in her eyes and could only shake his head. "Rely on him, that is the case. But, don't put all the weight on his shoulders yet. He is a jewel, a fragile one still in the process of forming, but still a jewel. My feeling is telling me that although it might become really bad, he will figure out something. Just be there for it when he needs you."
"..." Acrypha faintly nodded her head before she turned around. "I know. That was what I wanted to ask. Have a nice day."
With that, Acrypha vanished from sight instantly, leaving Merit behind on his own. He stared at the spot where she was before for a few moments before he turned around.
"Well, that was one hell of an encounter. I have a show worth watching in the future... But, for now, time to nap again."
A//N: If you enjoyed reading, don't forget to support the book with GT and PS. Thank you!