27. Reunion

Nathanial leaned against the tree trunk, wondering if everything would be fine. He stared at his trembling hand while resting the other on the pommel of his blade.

[ There is no need to be disheartened. ]

He raised his head. “What do you know? It’s not like you care if anyone else around me dies as long as I live.”

[ That is true. I find it hard to empathize with the emotions you are feeling. ]

Nathanial scoffed with his eyes widening. The golden screen remained steady, and as the rain lightly fell onto his armor, he couldn’t help but want to curse at this stupid system that was supposed to be his support. There wasn’t a point in arguing. Instead, Nathanial did the only thing he could.

“I want to see my status screen.”

[ Very well. ]

***

Status

Name: Nathanial Silverlight

Aura Rank: Two-Star

Titles: Champion of █ █ █ █ █, Levy of the Kingdom

Long-term Mission: Save the world. End the War.

Current Mission: ???

Skills: Aura Detection (Novice), Aura Regeneration (Novice)

[ Current Vow: I will endure this war, no matter the cost to myself. I will not allow those I cherish to fall as others have while I still draw breath and wield a sword. The more I bear, the stronger I become. The more I protect, the heavier my burden. ]

[ Vow Title Established: Vow of Enduring Burden ]

[ Effect: Heightened awareness, reflexes, and improved danger sense. ]

[ Cost: Pain is amplified; fear becomes stronger. ]

[ Enduring Burden Threshold: 0/100 ]

***

“How pathetic…” he uttered. “Even with the vow, I’m still… so… weak…”

His eyes swelled with emotion. He struck the trunk out of pure bitterness at himself with his fist. The tree shook, with bits of bark torn off the trunk.

“What’s the point of this damn system if I can’t even protect those close to me? Everyone who follows me ends up losing their lives, and somehow you’re telling me I’m supposed to save the world? What am I supposed to be? Some sort of damn hero?”

[ That would be the case. ]

“What makes me so special compared to everyone else?”

Nathanial stared at the screen as if demanding an answer.

“This system could have chosen anyone else, and yet it took a gamble on me. Me, out of all people.”

The golden screen didn’t answer right away. It carefully thought about what to say next, with a series of dots appearing, then disappearing.

[ Because you would die to protect those you love. There is no telling what the world has in store. We are simply one of the many pieces of its puzzle. However, if we endure, then maybe together we can see the end of this journey. ]

“I can’t help but disagree. Throughout this war, I can’t help but ask myself how I am still alive, and the only reason is because of sheer luck.”

[ Some would say luck is a matter of skill as well. ]

“And I say that’s bullshit.”

[ Then perhaps luck is a name you mortals give to concepts that cannot be measured. ]

Nathanial’s eyes fell. “So, what are you saying? That all those people who died around me just weren’t skilled enough?”

[ No. ]

The answer came instantly.

[ That is not the case. Death is not proof of weakness, nor is survival proof of worth. If that were true, then every coward who abandoned his comrades would be greater than those who died protecting them. It is similar to your misunderstanding of vows. Vows are not a reward bestowed upon the worthy, but a burden that is embraced by those incapable of turning away. ]

“Then what do I do?”

[ The only thing you can do. You keep moving forward despite the odds, despite the suffering and burdens that seek to drown you. ]

Nathanial bitterly laughed. “That sounds more like insanity than heroism.”

[ Perhaps, but history rarely distinguishes between the two, and perhaps that is the reason I exist. ]

The golden screen flickered, and Nathanial’s gaze dropped from the messenger’s words.

[ May the odds ever be in your favor. ]

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He ignored the last words and stepped forward with the light drizzle pattering against his armor. There were so many things Nathanial wished he had done better. So many things he wished he could change, but perhaps that was a part of life and what it meant to live in the present.

Because now the only thing he could do was continue moving forward.

Nathanial returned to the group, watching as the last few men bid their final farewells to their friend. By the tears and disheartened expressions, he could tell that the man had passed. He stopped beside Fredrick, staring at the crowd.

“Is it my turn to take watch?” Fredrick asked.

“It is. The idea was to have thirty-minute shifts for an hour of rest, but maybe that’s not needed, and we should head out.”

“So, you want us to start moving then?”

“I haven’t fully decided, but sooner would be better than later.”

Fredrick tilted his head to one side, then another. He then gestured to Percy to join them. “What do you say? Do you think the others had enough time to bid farewell?”

Percy stepped forward, holding his helm beneath his arm and subtly nodding. “I believe so, sir.”

“Are you sure?” asked Nathanial. “It’s possible for us to give a bit more time for you and your friends to grieve.”

“Absolutely, sir.” Percy gave a firm nod this time. “Jackson couldn’t have been more grateful for the kindness you’ve shown him. Most of the other guys would’ve just done what he asked and left him. Though… that makes me wonder, why did you decide to let us stay?”