115. Sorrow

Rawr!

That... that's it...?

I think... so?

Mar... marvelous! I thought we weren't gonna make it this time!

Whew... is everybody alright? Has anybody been seriously injured?

Nope, but I'm really exhausted and covered with dirt right now. So, let's hurry back. I need to take a shower and get some rest.

Before that, shouldn't we report to Lady Horus first? Don't forget to tell her that I've been doing my job properly.

Hehe, I'm just joking... But I'm really exhausted this time. I mean it when I say I wanna ''get some rest''.

Right, Awakener... oops?

Awakener?

Sorry.

Hey... what's the matter!? What's going on?

Alas... You think you didn't contribute, and that bothers you, right?

You don't seem like yourself today... What is going on?

Well...

... Sorry. I didn't want to drag you down.

But every time I looked at Host, its body would always remind me of the dragon-shaped hue. Then, I found myself unable to move...

That's called PTSD, I suppose. It's alright... The whole army of Awakener was almost wiped out. No wonder he has PTSD right now.

Same here, Awakener... Every time I think about that situation, I feel so terrified. But you shouldn't look down upon yourself.

It's okay if you fell down on your knees once. As long as you're still alive, just use that experience to encourage yourself to move on.

Encourage myself... to move on?

(That said, I...)

(At that time, I had no idea what to do. If I could get myself together, everyone would have escaped unscathed. What's more...)

I'll come straight to the point. From now on, will you continue to work with us, with Teslovik, to the benefit of both parties? Can I trust you on that?

Or... are our goals no longer the same?

Awakener, why don't you pledge your allegiance to me? If you are willing to be my vassal, your friends would all be safe.

Come on, Awakener. Hold my hand. You must have clearly known what you should do, right?

(Although the circumstances are different, the ending is the same, just like that time. Again, I almost failed you guys.)

(To save Rayna, I shall definitely not stop at this place...)

Awakener? Are you alright? You seem spaced out...

... Eh, I'm fine. I've been through a lot recently, and we're always in a hurry. I'm just probably too tired to concentrate.

... Is that so? Anyway, we destroyed the Host. Luciferin, mission accomplished, huh?

Hm. By the way, my job's done. I don't have to lead you back to the capital, will I?

No, you've helped us a lot in the ruins. Thank you, Luciferin.

Okay, now that we've accomplished our mission, I think Horus will give us the information about the Book of Falco as agreed.

Now, let's focus on those things that need to be done. Introspection can wait.

... Oh, I see.

Ah... back to the outside finally. Despite an incident, the problem of the Host has been solved. It was a close call on several occasions.

Frankly, we're lucky. After all, the mission has been accomplished successfully. Just cut the crap and hurry back to Horus. I'd like to report this to her as soon as possible.

What you really want is to get some rest, rather than to report the situation. I have nothing to say... But, to locate the whereabouts of Relic, we have to ask Horus about the Book of Falco. This is important.

It's just, only Awakener can see Horus. So, Awakener, let's get out of here!

Eh, yes... you're right...

Hm...

(Everyone is trying to comfort me, but I can't continue acting like this. We will meet Raeon again, sooner or later. What if something like that happens again...)

(What if I come across the same circumstances again? Can I overcome my fear then...? It was just one battle... Every time I think of that scene, I'm so terrified that my hands can't stop shaking...)

Hey, Awakener! Why do you stop halfway again? I need to hurry back, so could you please keep moving?

Ah... so... sorry. I'm coming!

Come on. Get yourself together.

Oh my, Awakener, you must be exhausted. Will you let me cure you?

Snezhana, it's not a good time for jokes. We must hurry.

Hahaha... Sigh.

(Will I be able to save Rayna...?)

I mean, Sova. Is Awakener really alright? I don't know why, it seems that Awakener has been worried about something since we enter the ruins. Or, you can say Awakener is absent-minded.

... We can do nothing but wait and see. To solve the problem, I think, only Awakener can find the answer.

Really...? Is Awakener all right?

It's hard to tell right now... But I believe Awakener can handle all this.

Yep, it's worrisome, but Awakener is a strong kid. I believe this is not a problem for him. Let's not forget, only Awakener can save Rayna.

That's right! Perhaps Awakener can regain confidence soon. All he needs is a right opportunity. Before that, let's protect that kid together.

Yes, you're right.