Chapter 69: Grief

[00 Months: 03 Days: 11 Hours]

As I revealed the events that transpired within the Dungeon of Stone, Mia listened with a mix of disbelief and anguish etched across her face.

Of course, I had to twist the story a little in order to suit the narrative I wanted to paint.

At the very least, I couldn't make Jeff into the villain of the story.

Instead, he had to be a tragic hero.

As such, the story went something like this;

Her father was one of the adventurers who had embarked on that perilous journey alongside me and the others.

I explained how we had succeeded in conquering the dungeon, but exhaustion had plagued us afterward.

With a heavy heart, I disclosed the treacherous act committed by one of our own, how they had exploited our fatigue to turn against us.

I recounted how, in the chaos that ensued, I had managed to escape, taking advantage of the distraction and employing my stealth and speed abilities to flee for my life.

'This tallies somewhat with what I told the guards at the gate when I first entered this city.'

In the scenario where she wanted to investigate for herself, I had to weave a scenario that coherently flowed into a narrative where I was the victim too.

The weight of my words settled upon Mia, shattering her hope and plunging her into despair.

"N-no... no way..."

Tears streamed down her face as she mourned the loss of her father, the crushing reality of his demise crushing her spirit.

Seeking to provide some solace amidst the tragedy, I shared the words of Jeff, her father, how he spoke fondly of her and cherished her mother deeply.

He had made a promise to her mother, vowing to protect and care for their daughter.

Regret tinged my voice as I admitted that I felt a pang of guilt for not being able to save him, for not being able to fulfill that promise.

Apologies fell from my lips, obviously as sincere as I could spew them, in their remorse for the loss that Mia had suffered.

But in her grief, there was no solace to be found, only an overwhelming sense of loss and longing.

She cried out her father's name, her sorrow echoing through the room, a testament to the pain she carried within.

Showing some of my empathy, I moved closer to Mia and gently placed a hand on her shoulder, offering a small gesture of comfort.

"I'm sorry, Mia," I whispered softly, my voice filled with regret. "I wish things had turned out differently. Your father spoke of you with such love and devotion. I can only imagine how much he cared for you and your mother."

Knowing that mere words could not mend her broken heart, I remained by her side, silently offering my support.

Sometimes, in the face of tragedy, all we can do is be there for one another, even when our own guilt weighs heavy on our souls.

'Hopefully this is enough to cross me off the list of suspects'

She was currently in grief, but these feelings of sadness and loss could very easily translate to hate and vengeance.

'She could start thinking clearly and questioning the events more. When that happens, the truth won't be of any relevance any longer.'

I couldn't very well say I killed Jeff, and then provide my reasons.

'Since I'm trying to be low-key in this place, it's best for me to maintain my persona.'

It helped that Mia didn't ask any further questions and just believed my story. I didn't know how long that would last, but I wasn't planning on waiting that long in this place anyway.

'I should just hope we don't run into each other again.'

And even if we did, I would be a completely different person by then.

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[00 Months: 03 Days: 12 Hours]

'How much longer will she keep crying?'

As I observed Mia's tear-streaked face, a surge of conflicting emotions welled up within me.

I couldn't deny that she appeared innocent and vulnerable, oblivious to the harsh realities of the world. Sёarch* The Nôvelƒire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Yet, with her father's untimely demise, I couldn't help but feel that she was due for a profound awakening, a reality check that would shape her future.

'Without a guardian, she's most likely not going to make it...'

Perhaps that was a good thing. If she perished, then all of this drama would end with her death.

But...

'Why don't I want that to be that case?' Read fresh chapters at m_vl_em_p_yr

Though Mia had no knowledge of my involvement in her father's death, I couldn't dismiss the weight of my actions.

'I killed her father because he deserved it, but...' I was still human.

Seeing someone like this, helpless and completely vulnerable, I couldn't simply leave her alone.

And so, I made a decision. I would offer her counsel, hoping that it would aid her in navigating the treacherous path ahead.

As long as she didn't become a threat to me, I found myself hoping that she would survive in this unforgiving world.

With these thoughts in mind, I finally spoke up.

"Your father's killer is most likely still alive."

Her swollen eyes bulged the moment she heard what I said.

"You aren't just going to let them get away with it, are you?"

Her eyes twitched and her body trembled.

"W-what could I possibly do—?"

"Get stronger, obviously. Hone your abilities, become more powerful, and then seem justice for your father one day."

What was I doing? There was a chance, no matter how minute, that these words I uttered were going to come back to bite me.

"A-ah..." Mia seemed to grasp the gravity of the situation pretty quickly.

"T-then will you help me? Please teach me how to be strong!" Her eyes reflecting determination as she implored me in her desperation.

"I-I'm scared. I've never been alone before. I'm so lost and confused. I can't... I can't do this on my own. Please help me!"

I should have known this would happen. This was the natural response I would expect from a sheltered girl, after all.

However...

"I'm sorry. I can't help you." My words were swift and precise.

"I can't accept any other burdens except my own."

I could see the glitter made by her tears as she stared at me in utter brokeness, but I refused to compromise.

'I have to survive in this world, and that means not wasting time helping others.'

Even doing this much wasn't logically sound, yet here I was.

Mia needed to accept her circumstances and learn to stand on her own.

"If you don't want your father's sacrifice to be in vain and if you desire to stay alive, you have to cling to life fiercely and do whatever it takes to survive." I muttered, my tone as heavy as I could make it

"And you have to do all of that on your own."

I didn't mince words as I informed her of her current weakness and the upcoming Tower of Trials First Floor.

Less than a month remained before its arrival, and if she wanted to thrive, she had to rise to the challenge.

Mia remained silent, absorbing my words in complete suspension.

"I... I understand." Mia finally spoke up, rising to her feet as she bowed in gratitude.

"Thank you for your time and advice." Her voice was hollow, and her expression was completely broken. "I'm sorry for the intrusion."

As soon as she said that, Mia left my sight and moved towards the entrance of the room.

I trailed her movement in silence, seeing nothing hopeful or lively in her eyes—a sharp contrast of what I met before.

'Have I don't more harm than good?' I questioned myself as I observed her limp movements.

No!

She needed this. If Mia wasn't able to handle this much, then she wasn't suited for living in this world.

"Take care, Mia. Survive."

She only responded with a nod, and then shit the door behind her.

"Haa..." As I heard her departing footsteps, a heavy sigh escaped my lips.

I knew I had been harsh on her, perhaps even too harsh.

Yet, I justified my actions in my own mind, telling myself that it couldn't be helped.

Mia now faced a crucial choice. Would she remain weak, or would she embrace the challenges that lay ahead, growing stronger as a result?

That crucible was hers to bear alone.

I could only hope that she would find the strength and resilience to survive.

Though the reasons behind my concern were unclear even to myself.

In this unforgiving world, where you had to be selfish to survive, it was refreshing to see someone with so much humanity within her.

'I just... want her to survive.'

Was that such a bad thing?

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[A/N]

What do you think about Mia and Mikey's interaction with her?

I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comment section.

Thanks for reading!