Chapter 97

As a Person, as a Human

Daniela’s dinner did well for my tired body. It was also interesting to see a completely different outcome from the same ingredients that I had bought.

“It’s really good…”

“Thank you. I am quite proud of it myself. What do you think, Marie Elle?”

“Yes, it is very delicious.”

“I see, I see. But did you know that Asagi is a much better cook?”

“Oh, is that true! I would love to try it!”

“Ah, if the opportunity arises, I’d be glad to.”

I smiled as I saw how cheerful she looked. In reality, it was she who was going through the worst time. It couldn’t act so depressed. I’m older than her, I have to be strong…

The pot was quickly emptied. We had all been more tired and hungry than we thought. I had refilled my bowl twice. Well, that was still only half of what Daniel ate.

“You two should use the bath first. I’ll use it later.”

“Are you sure? Well, if you insist. Marie Elle, let us go.”

“Yes.”

They disappeared behind the partition. I could hear some rustling and then the splash of water. As their voices rang happily, I tried to remember the dream that I had. But I couldn’t. With nothing else to do, I stared into the flames.

“I really am a wreck…but maybe that’s to be expected…”

The red flames blurred in front of me. I couldn’t focus. I rubbed my eyes with my hands, but it did little to help. And so I sat there, poking at the logs with a stick, and looking back at the day. There were a lot of thoughts, but no conclusion or common ground for it all…If there was one, I wouldn’t find it alone.

“Hahh…that was nice. Asagi, your turn.”

“Hmm…? Ah, out already? That was quick.”

“Really? It felt quite long to me… You must be very tired.”

Slowly, Daniela put her arms around my shoulders and embraced me. I could smell the soft scent of warm and moist skin. I drop the stick that I was holding and hug her back. Gently, as if she could break. And then Daniela tightened her embrace. She probably wanted me to do the same…she must. And when I did, she laughed happily. I was correct.

“Now, take your time and relax. Wash away the fatigue of the day.”

“Yeah, I will. Thanks.”

“It is nothing. We are partners.”

She said and kissed me on the cheek before standing up. I would have like to return the gesture… As I stare at her, her cheeks flushed for a reason that had nothing to do with coming out of a hot bath. Then she bent over and offered her cheek. Without a moment’s delay, I held her face in my hands, turned her face, and kissed her lips.

“Mmm, mm…”

“Mm…ahhh. That was…surprisingly forward of you.”

“I don’t know…I just wanted to.”

“Hehe. If it is what you want, then you should. I am prepared to give you anything that you want from me.”

“I see…thank you, Daniela. Stay with me, forever.”

“Aye, forever. Now, hurry up and go.”

“Hm, fine.”

I stood up with a grunt and made my way over to the partition when I saw Marie Elle. Her face looked bright red.

She quickly hid behind it, but her shadow was clearly visible.

“Marie Elle. Over here.”

“Uh…yes…”

Red-faced and eyes downcast, Marie Elle slowly walked closer. I patted her cleaned hair and said gently:

“Marie Elle. You must have been so frightened by what happened today…”

“Yes…”

“I don’t think you will ever be able to forget it.”

“That is likely…”

“But, I wouldn’t want you to forget today. The day that Daniela and I saved you. The day that you were saved. The day where you were given a chance to continue living. The sadness, the pain, turn it to your strength, and live.”

“Yes…yes.”

I wiped the tears that were falling from her eyes when she looked up. Then I gently pushed her towards Daniela. Daniela hugged her before picking her up and carried her to the tent. I watched them leave.

I added some water to the bath and reheated it with magic. The little power that I had recovered by resting was used up immediately. But at least I could relax in hot water now. If it came to it, I could still fight without using magic. Of course, I would still want time to dress if that happened.

After the blood was completely gone, and I had soaked in the tub long enough to warm my whole body, I got out to find that Daniela and Marie Elle were fast asleep. The only sounds that could be heard were the crackling of the bonfire.

The sky was full of stars. I was near the city when I worked the night shift, so I couldn’t even see the stars at night. My neck started to hurt as I looked at those stars that seemed like they could fall at any moment. And so I lowered my head and sat down by the fire.

I was cautious enough to keep Presence Detection active. My detection abilities have increased in precision since the blood ape attack, and there was nothing that I could detect now. It was the same when I extended it above me. Well, peace was the best.

Nothing did happen that night, and Daniela eventually got up and I slept until morning. This time I didn’t have any dreams and slept like a rock.

When I got up, my head felt clearer. It was as if all kinds of things had fallen out. It was like I could see things clearly now.

The morning light that shined over the plains, the clouds flowing with the wind. The sawing grass, the fresh air.

I suppose this was what it meant to be alive. The day after a deadly battle. The morning that only the victorious will get to meet.

At that moment, I felt grateful for being alive for the first time. I was happy to be alive, from the bottom of my heart. It was clearer now than it was on that day, when I had become unconscious after being stabbed, and fallen into this world.

I took in a deep breath, filling my lungs with the fresh air and then exhaled. The cold air gave a tickling sensation as it entered your body.

I took out the Glampanzer from inside the tent and practiced swinging it like a kendo sword. A straight, downward swing. That was all. But my body felt surprisingly light, and my arms didn’t feel much of the strain from swinging it. The armored demon sword was quite heavy, but I could hear the sounds of it cutting through the air, and when I stopped, I could hold it still without any shaking.

I thought about this with wonder. But I could find no sure answer. However, there was one possibility.

It must be that I had gained experience. Not experience involving levels and stats, but experience as a person. I had grown as a human.

I had taken it all in, the good and the bad. The fun times and sad times were carved into me. Wasn’t that how you grew as a person?

And it applied to me right now. That’s what it was. Well, I had no proof.

“Asagi, breakfast is ready.”

“Ahh, I’m coming.”

Daniela was calling. I put the sword back into its sheath and returned to Daniela. When I took one last look behind me, the sun had risen and the blinding light washed over me. Then I turn back around and walk slowly as I gaze at the elongated shadow. I was sure that today’s breakfast would also be great. And I was thankful to be able to eat it.

The memories of yesterday would not disappear, but I was prepared to accept that. At the time, I wanted so much to be vindicated by a third party. But now…now I didn’t need that. The guilt of killing someone, the fulfillment of saving someone, my feelings towards the dead bandits, my gratitude towards Marie Elle, I would accept all of it and make it my strength.

I would live today, and move on in order to live tomorrow. And I was sure, that Daniela would be there, standing next to me. That comfort of having someone, it enveloped me gently.

“Ahh, it is good to be alive…”

Those words that naturally poured from my mouth were heard by no one, as they vanished into the clear blue sky.