NOVEL NEXT Chapter 185
185. Fracture And Departure [Side – Glen]
“So you’re saying I should join your group?”
“That’s right. We’re gathering allies. I want you to become one of us.”
Ryuuya extended his hand toward me.
“For what purpose?”
“I’ll tell you after you join. For now, I just want to know your intentions.”
This guy is suspicious. Popping up out of nowhere and asking me to join him is way too abrupt.
But at the same time, it’s clear he’s not as cunning as someone like Matthew. At the very least, he’s not lying.
However, joining forces with him is a different matter.
“I refuse. Sorry, but I have no intention of getting along with you.”
“Can I ask why?”
“You killed Zanent. I value human life. Our views are too different.”
“Why? Isn’t it his fault for being weak?”
In that instant, I felt a surge of sweat pour from every pore in my body.
Ryuuya’s demeanor shifted. What is this aura…? This air, sharpened to the edge of murderous intent…?
“I aim to become the strongest human in this world. That’s why I joined the Ark of the Covenant. Watching the earlier battle, I took a liking to you.”
“…Even so, that doesn’t justify killing someone just because they’re weak.”
“Why are you so bound by such constraints? Someone as strong as you? Why?”
Ryuuya’s aura intensified further. I began to feel nauseous. Just standing upright was becoming unbearable.
“Even so… I want to use these fists to protect what’s precious. Our beliefs don’t align!”
“…I see. You’re strong.”
As soon as Ryuuya spoke, his aura subsided. Gasping for air, I greedily filled my lungs.
Ryuuya, now devoid of killing intent, stood before me with a satisfied expression.
“Golem. I like you. You stood firm before my aura, unyielding. You’re a true strongman.”
It was then I realized—I couldn’t move.
What is this…? Am I paralyzed? I’m trying to move, but my body won’t budge!
“We’ll meet again. Surely, you’ll grow stronger and come to find me. And when that time comes, I’ll ask you the same question. Until then—”
“W…ait.”
Forcing the words out, my voice barely reached his back.
I couldn’t breathe, and my consciousness began to fade. He was leaving. Before he vanished, I had to say it—
“My… name… is… Glen…”
Hearing that, Ryuuya smirked.
“Glen, is it? I’ll look forward to our next meeting.”
With those words, I lost consciousness.
＊
“Heyyyyyy!! Glen, wake up already!!”
My body ached. I was lying on my back, and someone was pounding on my chest.
…Wait. This voice—
“…Sara?”
“Glen?! You’re alive!! Waaaaaahhhhh!! I’m so glad!!!”
Sara sobbed loudly like a child, pounding her fists against my chest.
This is the same room where I fought Zanent earlier. She must’ve stayed by my side, keeping watch.
As I recalled the events up until I lost consciousness, a deep sense of defeat settled within me.
“…I couldn’t win.”
That man, Ryuuya. I hadn’t even exchanged blows with him, yet the difference in strength was overwhelming.
To make matters worse, he had a unique skill too. A fair fight with him seemed impossible.
“…I need to become stronger.”
“What? I can’t hear you mumbling!”
Ryuuya had said we’d meet again someday.
I didn’t know when that would be, but when it came, I’d surely have to fight him.
I had to ensure I’d be strong enough to win.
Fortunately,
—And besides.
“…Why are you staring? For the record, I wasn’t crying or anything!”
There was always someone by my side. With that, I felt I could become even stronger.
“I hope we can stay together, always.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?! Don’t just decide things on your own!”
I stood up and gazed at the ceiling.
The walls were high, and distant. But as long as I had these fists, I’d grow stronger for someone’s sake.
Where was my true self? I didn’t know yet.
But I’d carve out the path to find it myself.
“…Hey, Glen. Now that I’m relieved, I’m hungry! I feel like having pasta today!”
“Hold on, we just ate!”
“So what? Sharing meals together is such a wonderful thing!”
“…Fine. But don’t go running off alone like earlier.”
“Got it!”
And on this journey, I’d meet people, walking alongside them.