Chapter 34: Abel’s Sacrifice

Chapter 34: Abel’s Sacrifice

The next day, early morning.

The previous night’s lookout was Ryo for the first half and Abel for the second half too.

When Ryo woke up in the morning, Abel wasn’t in front of the bonfire.

He was swinging his sword in the distance.

His appearance was so sophisticated that it wouldn’t feel strange to called it a 『Sword Dance』.

Slowly, but without a momentary delay, the sword was swung to verify the body’s movements.

It was completely different from the basic movements in Ryo’s Kendo or Japanese swordsmanship.

However, those movements fascinated Ryo, even as an outsider of the swordsmanship of 『Phi』.

Swordsmanship achieved by carefully pilling on every foundation and basics.

That may be the outcome of a person who has both the natural talent and the fruits of their efforts.

Perhaps Abel himself didn’t think that he was working hard.

‘This is the norm’ ‘Just ordinary’ ... he probably thought that as he swung his sword ... even though it would look to others that he was working hard.

Just because you make an effort does not mean that you will get the results you want, when you want them.

Therefore, some people say, ‘Even if you make an effort, you will not be rewarded.’

It’s saddening.

But to Ryo. He believed that hard work does not betray you.

It was certainly not always possible to get the desired result at the desired timing.

However, the result of the effort will surely come.Diiscover new stories at novelhall.com

That said, it was also true that it wouldn’t make sense to some no matter how many times you say it ... After all, people may not understand it unless they experience it.

People believe what they want to believe ... that’s the kind of creatures people are.

Ryo watched Abel’s 『Sword Dance』 and thought that if people looked at a person like Abel up close, it might change them a little.

While fascinated and impressed, Ryo unknowingly analyzed and remembered each of Abel’s movements.

“Oh, Ryo, you’re awake?”

After finishing a series of movements, Abel called out to Ryo.

Of course, Abel had noticed that Ryo had been watching for a long time.

He was watching quietly and he wanted to move his body a little more, so he kept swinging his sword.

He had been used to being watched from a long time ago so it didn’t really bother him.

“It’s amazing. I thought Abel’s sword was nice, but it’s really sophisticated and beautiful.”

That Horn Bison was mercilessly hunted by Abel for lunch that day.

Ryo remembered when he met the Horn Bison.

It gouged the crocodile but there were piranhas in that river.

However, it seemed that there were no such devilish fish in this river.

Otherwise, Abel would have been eaten by piranhas as of last evening.

Ryo was only aware now that he had asked for something terrifying when he thought about it.

“Hey, Ryo.”

“Eh, oh, what’s wrong with Abel?”

“Are you hiding something inconvenient for me?”

(Is he an esper!)

In Ryo’s heart, his face reflected the expression of the graphic novel-like 『Scream』 portrait.

At times like these, it was best to dodge the question.

At times like these, the eyes speak as much as the mouth.

He shouldn’t look away.

“I- I have completely no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Yeah, your eyes are looking at me straight, but you’re sweating, your words are shaking, I can tell even if I try not to, right?”

Abel was staring at Ryo intently.

After that, Ryo desperately tried to dodge the issue, but after a while, he gave up and told Abel about the Horn Bison and Piranha.

“So there are such terrifying fishes ...”

“Of course, I didn’t intentionally offer Abel as a sacrifice, okay?”

“Obviously ... well, there weren’t such fishes yesterday or this morning, so perhaps they are not found in this river ... Ryo, do you have anything else you should be telling me? Don’t hide any other information that could be life-threatening for me. Is that okay?”

“Yes, okay. I will give Abel all the information I know.”

Of course, that was a lie.

He didn’t tell him anything about the Dragon or Dullahan.

However, those were decided by Ryo as matters that would be better not told, different from the piranha incident that he had completely forgotten about and did not tell him.

Ryo arbitrarily decided it that way.

It goes without saying that Abel entered the river more carefully than yesterday when procuring food in the river that evening.