Chapter 12: Hesia’s Friend

Chapter 12: Chapter 12: Hesia’s Friend

Hesia’s heart stirred.

He hadn’t expected Isha to chase after him specifically to ask about this.

Though he was still struggling in this quagmire, his instincts told him not to drag this kind-hearted girl into his troubles.

"It’s true," he said, trying his best to sound relaxed. "But don’t worry, I’m working on a solution."

Isha was clearly not so easily fooled.

She had tossed and turned all night because of it.

"What kind of solution?"

"Well... the Curse’s Power isn’t as terrible as you might think." Hesia equivocated, trying to change the subject. "See? I’m perfectly fine right now, aren’t I? As for the specific method... I’m still figuring it out. I’ll tell you once I’m sure."

Isha’s gaze swept over his frail body, the doubt practically written on her face.

But seeing that Hesia was unwilling to say more, she couldn’t press him further.

"I probably can’t be of much help right now..." she said, a little deflated. "However, Saint Vinnica has many powerful Priests and Temple Knights. I was hoping to find out what type of Curse you have so I could ask around for you when I get there."

’Help me?’

A brilliant idea flashed through his mind!

"Isha!" His eyes lit up. "You can help me! You really can!"

Isha’s beautiful eyes widened in an instant, full of confusion. "Me? How?"

"It’s like this," Hesia said, organizing his thoughts. "The reason I want to start training again is actually for a friend of mine.

He really wants to learn the skills of a Knight. I was planning to learn them myself and then teach him, but... well, look at my situation. Even if I managed to learn, I definitely wouldn’t be a good teacher.

If it’s possible, could you teach him?"

"Teach... your friend?" Isha was having trouble following his train of thought. "I mean, I could... but what does this have to do with your Curse?"

"It’s related!" Hesia said resolutely. He couldn’t explain the existence of the mysterious ball of light, so he had to resort to his "it’s a secret" trump card again. "Trust me, Isha. This is critically important to me."

Seeing Hesia’s insistence on not telling her the truth, Isha felt a little sullen and annoyed again.

’Why won’t this guy tell me anything?’

’When we used to train together, he was so obedient. He’d even listen quietly when she corrected his wrong moves.’

’And now look at him, he’s like a completely different person! First, he gave me a hair tie, then he boldly asked me to dance at the ball, and now he’s being all mysterious...’

’Could it be... he’s finally caught on?’

At this thought, a blush crept quietly onto Isha’s cheeks again.

But she didn’t have much time left in Print. Isha took a deep breath, suppressing the awkwardness in her heart. "Well... alright, I believe you. Where is your friend? Should we start now?"

"That’s great!" Hesia breathed a sigh of relief. "Wait here for a moment! I’ll go get Bruce! He knows the way!"

He needed Bruce to run ahead and give Thun a heads-up.

They had to get their story straight. He’d just say that Thun was born with the ability to talk; otherwise, it would be hard to explain if Isha asked.

’In this world, a powerful Demon being able to talk isn’t exactly earth-shattering news, right?’

...

On a path through the woods, sunlight dappled through the sparse leaves and branches.

Isha followed behind Hesia and Bruce, curiously sizing up their surroundings.

"Hesia, your friend... lives in these woods?"

Following behind Hesia, Isha looked at the desolate trees around them, her heart filled with doubt.

Although she knew this Woodland didn’t have any dangerous Demons, what kind of person would choose to live here?

"That guy’s a bit special," Hesia answered vaguely. "Just follow Bruce."

Bruce seemed to have found a definitive scent. He suddenly picked up speed and disappeared into the dense forest ahead.

They walked a little further.

Isha’s steps came to a sudden halt.

She saw him.

In a clearing ahead, a hulking, earth-yellow figure was standing there.

It was a bear!

An Earth Bear, standing upright and... waving at her awkwardly?!

Even though it looked like it was still in its youth, its innate and powerful aura made the hairs on Isha’s arms stand up instantly!

"Watch out!" Isha hissed, instinctively stepping forward to shield Hesia with her body!

Her Right Hand flew to the hilt of her sword! Her eyes, sharp as a hawk’s, Locking tightly onto that bear!

However, under her astonished and uncertain gaze...

The Earth Bear placed its left paw gently over its heart and then... gave a slight bow.

"Heh... H’lo!"

Thun tried his best to force a friendly smile, but only managed to reveal a mouthful of sharp, gleaming fangs.

Isha: "..."

Her hand, still gripping her sword hilt, froze. She was completely petrified on the spot.

...

Hesia felt a pang of regret.

He quickly stepped forward to support Isha, who had staggered back half a step, her face pale with shock.

’How could I have thought entrusting a dog to prep a bear’s story was a good idea?’

"Isha," Hesia quickly explained, "Thun is an Earth Bear, but he has no ill intentions toward humans! Really! He’s my friend!"

"An Earth Bear?" Isha took a few deep breaths, forcing herself to calm down.

But the lingering terror in her eyes gradually gave way to incredulous confusion.

She had heard of this powerful Earth Element Demon and knew they were relatively gentle, but she never imagined one would be so... polite.

And she certainly never expected Hesia’s "friend" to be one of them! Living in the woods right outside Print Town, no less!

Thun clearly realized his "greeting" had frightened her. His massive body shrank back slightly, and a worried rumble sounded in his throat. He tried to speak again, but his pronunciation became even more garbled:

"H’lo... I... I... y-you... mmm..."

The sight of his clumsy yet earnest effort, combined with his enormous size, made Isha suddenly burst out laughing.

Seeing Isha laugh, the rumbling in Thun’s throat became a bit more cheerful. He awkwardly shook his massive head as if to express his goodwill.

The atmosphere finally relaxed.

Hesia seized the opportunity. "Thun, this is my friend, Isha. She’s a very skilled Knight! Aren’t Knights the ones you admire most?"

Thun’s eyes instantly lit up, and he stared intently at Isha. "Y-You... a Knight?"

"Yes, Thun. I am Isha, an Apprentice Knight," Isha replied solemnly.

[Earth Bear Thun’s Affinity toward you has increased. Decryption Points +20]

Hesia pressed his advantage, throwing out the crucial question: "Thun, are you interested in becoming a Knight? Just like the Holy Knight you admire so much, Roland?"

Thun’s enormous body shuddered.

"Me? Become a Knight?" He had never considered the question. Although he was born with great Power, becoming a Knight? That seemed like a Profession path exclusive to humans.

"I... I’m a bear... an Earth Bear... Can... can I become a Knight?"

Isha keenly noticed the confusion in Thun’s eyes, as well as the flicker of longing deep within them.

She asked, "Thun, can you tell me why you like Knight Roland?"

At Isha’s question, Thun fell silent.

He sank into his memories, a mist forming in his brown eyes.