Chapter 39: Thank You, Hang in There

Chapter 39: Thank You, Hang in There Thank You, Hang in There

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“............”

After tossing aside the now powerless and immobile bald man, Master rushes over to me.

Checking quickly over my head, neck, arms, stomach... he touches to make sure I’m not injured, then lets out a deep breath.

I’m sorry for worrying you, Master.

But, it’s you who worries me more!

You were slashed by that bald guy, weren’t you!?

Are you really okay!?

As I stare intently at Master’s wounded right arm, he demonstrates its functionality by clenching and unclenching his fist several times for me to see, then mutters.

“......No problem.”

And then, he gently pats my head.

“You did well.”

The moment I hear those words, the tension that had been holding me together snaps.

All the emotions I had been suppressing surge forward, and I can’t stop the tears from overflowing.

I was scared.

I was so scared, Master.

But, I was able to fight.

I did my best.

Sobbing, with tears streaming down my face, Master gently embraces me.

It’s warm......T/his chapter is updat/ed by nov(ê(l)biin.c/o/m

Despite the usual lifeless mask created by his unexpressive facial muscles, the fear that had filled my heart somehow vanishes, replaced by a comforting sense of security.

But.

This calm and warm moment didn’t last long.

The pool of Master’s blood kept spreading around us.

Master’s life was fading away...

“............”

Trembling, my hand was somehow grasped and squeezed by Master, who managed to move his arm.

His hand was rough and large.

The strong hand of my Master.

It was rapidly losing its warmth.

“......Thank... you.”

The words that came from Master’s trembling lips were words of gratitude to me.

...Why...?

Did I do something to deserve Master’s thanks?

Didn’t I just make myself his disciple and cause him nothing but trouble?

I’ve only ever received from Master, I have, I have...

“............Han, g in, there......”

With such simple words of encouragement as his last, the strength left Master’s hand, and he became still.

Gray clouds covering the sky began to drop raindrops.

A lukewarm, summer rain.

Gradually intensifying, it mixed with the pool of blood on the ground, turning into an iron-smelling, reddish-black muddy water flowing somewhere.

Sitting in the pouring rain, I just held Master’s cold hand, staring at his face.

His face, beaten by the uncaring rain, looking up at the sky,

The expression of my formidable Master, which hardly ever changed, was...

Despite being slashed, despite the pain and suffering,

A calm, smiling face.

It was a kind, gentle smile, so like Master.