Chapter 11: Dire Moments

Aaron took in a deep breath and slowly left her hands. He stared blankly at the candle light for a long moment digesting all she had said.

Velma was truly impressive. He delude himself into thinking that he could have survived this long if he was in shoes. She was truly a survivor. He thought of Ren and Soran and sighed silently.

Somehow, he was certain Soran would find a way to survive if he already had a nature. Soran was a fighter. He did not care how strong or powerful the first reincarnate was but he was certain he would not find it easy with Soran.

Soran could take care of himself.

But the real problem and source of his concern was Ren.

To be honest, the only aspects Ren excelled in was business, negotiations, and making money. He was totally useless at any activity that is not business oriented.

If the first reincarnate discovers Ren, he was as good as dead. Unlike Velma, he would not survive the first encounter.

But what if Ren reincarnated in a very powerful family with enough resources to defend and protect him...

Then he might actually survive.

Aaron sighed quietly to himself.

’Let’s be optimistic. They won’t die.’

He glanced at Velma— who had been observing him with a concerned look.

’’They are alive.’’

Velma squinted her eyes, clearly unconvinced.

’’And how would you know that?’’

Aaron smiled.

’’They’re my Friends. I’m sure they would find a way... Just like you found a way.’’

Velma smiled bitterly.

’’I didn’t find a way. I ran to live in the forest and deep mountains. Why do you think I’m here? I am here for food!’’

She glanced at Damien’s unconscious body.

’’That’s why I’m with him. I’m using him for the food he provides and building him for the future.’’

Aaron raised an eyebrow.

’’The future?’’

Velma nodded.

’’Yes, the future. He’s the most talented ordinary child I’ve ever met. When he gets his nature, he’d be even more powerful. I’d need him as an ally when I face the first reincarnate again.’’

Aaron nodded slowly in understanding.

’’You actually have it well mapped out. But still...’’

He held her gaze unflinchingly.

’’I believe Ren and Soran are still alive.’’

Velma held Aaron’s gaze expressionlessly without saying a word for few moments before sighing in resignation.

’’I hope you’re right.’’

They both sat together in comfortable silence before Velma abruptly stood up.

’’I think It’s time to take my leave.’’

She glanced at Aaron.

’’You can come visiting once in a while. The walls of my cave are always opened.’’

Aaron frowned slightly.

’’Or... you can remain in my room and have breakfast, lunch, and dinner everyday.

Velma froze in surprise.

’’Is that possible? I have to be in seclusion till I’m ready.’’

Aaron shrugged.

’’The house is so close to the forest that we could consider my family to be in seclusion. And we hardly ever visit the city. Even if we wanted to visit, you’d never leave the house.’’

Aaron glanced at the widely opened door. The door he didn’t close behind him after walking in. He took in a deep breath and added:

’’Also, I could convince my sister to sometimes run you a hot bath and always give you fresh clothes. You’d live a better life.’’

Velma averted her gaze as she thought of a while. Then she gave Aaron a side glance.

’’Wouldn’t your mum or brother suspect my presence in your room?’’

Aaron chuckled.

’’Asides my sister, no one enters my room.’’

Velma nodded slowly.

’’I never told you this but since I don’t need to wait for the awakening ceremony that happens in four years... I thought I’d challenge the dungeon in two years. I need to get stronger, and I can only get stronger in the dungeon.

Aaron frowned.

’’According to the game, one needs to be in a party to survive the dungeon, talk less of overcoming it. You don’t have a party yet.’’

Velma gave him smug lopsided smile.

’’You seem to forget I was the best gamer on Earth before I died. The dungeon is where my true strength lies. And... my nature is quite overpowered. In fact, its almost a cheat. I should be fine.’’

Aaron slowly sat up and eyed Velma with an intense gaze.

’’Yeah.. I almost forgot. What’s your Nature?’’