Chapter 20
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 20
Chapter Title: True Strength
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When the word "Mom" slipped from Stella's lips, an odd warmth bloomed in one side of my chest.
I swung my greatsword once, flicking off the blood.
The area was mostly cleared now.
The agonized screams from moments ago had fallen silent, leaving only the wind rustling through the remaining branches.
Stella looked up at me.
It was different from before.
Not the eyes she'd hidden in fear, but pupils pooling with dread and something indefinable.
"……."
The child swallowed hard.
Stella's mother took a cautious step back, eyeing my sword warily.
She didn't let go of Stella's hand, though. Her fingers gripped it tight, as if they might snap.
……I won't kill you, ma'am.
For a moment, it seemed she'd even forgotten we were on the same side.
"……It's all over."
Only then did Stella exhale a long breath.
"What are you, exactly?"
Her mother startled and pulled Stella close.
"Stella, manners—"
"It's fine."
I raised my empty hand, slowly opening my palm to show her, deliberately letting go of my sword.
A sign I meant no threat.
Stella didn't back away.
"Can a person really move like that?"
"I did it because it's possible."
Stella hesitated briefly.
"……Can I get strong too?"
I had to pause. I had no idea how to answer without breaking her further.
Getting strong.
Some grow strong to survive.
Others, to kill.
Stella had originally been the latter.
I met Stella's gaze squarely.
"Getting strong."
I paused a beat, steadying my breath.
"Isn't about knocking others down. It's about not crumbling yourself."
Stella's eyes slowly widened, as if I'd pierced something deep inside.
The wind blew again, gradually washing away the stench of blood.
"Then what do I have to do? To keep from crumbling."
Honestly, no answer came right away.
I wasn't the one with all the right answers.
As I groped for words, Stella seemed to interpret the silence her own way.
She swallowed once more and spoke in an even more tentative voice.
"……I want to learn."
I expected her mother to be stunned.
But Esira looked more flustered than anyone.
She'd been hanging back, watching, but now her face was like she'd been smacked upside the head.
"……."
Her expression screamed words piling up unsaid.
In the end, she didn't interrupt, just looked up at me, waiting for my reply.
Hoo…….
I swallowed a sigh inside.
Me, teaching someone?
It didn't suit me at all. I had no confidence I'd be good at it.
What was I supposed to do with this kid?
Her mother had survived.
Yet she still wanted to learn. To get strong, no doubt.
To protect her mother.
I got it.
I glanced up at Esira.
I recalled the game's backstory.
Commander.
The organization he belonged to. One with purpose and discipline.
It didn't grind kids down. A reliable haven.
"Someday, when you're bigger than you are now."
Stella's eyes sparkled.
"Join the organization the Commander belongs to."
Esira's eyebrows shot up.
"Hah, that guy?"
I understood her reaction.
To Esira, he might seem like a pervert with a clumsy side.
But in the end, he always chose the path closest to justice. He could be a sturdy shield for a child.
"If I join there, can I get strong?"
Stella's gaze burned too hot as she asked again.
It went beyond wanting to protect herself—a thirst for something more.
Like a parched soul not seeking a well, but craving a flood. Precarious.
I hoped it was a misread.
I remembered the path Stella walked in the original story.
The route where revenge consumed her, burning herself out.
Right now, this child believed raw power would erase all fear and sorrow.
Well, maybe not.
I couldn't deny my bias toward Stella.
I knew where she ended up.
No matter how scared or trembling she was now, she had potential inside. The power to grow stronger than anyone.
I took a breath, crouched down to meet Stella's eyes.
"No. That's backward."
"Huh?"
"You don't join somewhere to get strong."
I pointed to the remains of the man who'd swallowed the red stone and burst.
"You saw that guy?"
Stella's shoulders twitched.
"He wanted power. Stronger than anyone."
"……."
"He forced down something he couldn't handle. And the result?"
"……He exploded."
"Right."
I nodded.
"Power isn't the goal. It's just a tool."
I glanced at Stella's mother, still clutching her hand. Her face was stiff. Uncertain if my words would guide the child right or push her down a darker path.
I turned back to Stella.
"If you truly want to get strong, think first. What for?"
"……What for?"
"Yeah."
I paused for breath, holding Stella's gaze as I continued slowly.
"Those who grow strong to protect something don't waver, even with a sword in hand."
"……."
"But if you crave power itself—stronger, more, endlessly……."
I scanned the littered corpses. The gruesome end of the man who'd boasted of Axiom moments ago.
"You end up crumbling."
It might be too hard for a child to grasp.
But Stella was sharp. She didn't ask again.
Instead, she nailed the core.
"……What if it's to protect Mom?"
Only then did I smile, faintly.
"That's a fine reason."
When the word "Mom" slipped from Stella's lips, an odd warmth bloomed in one side of my chest.
Such a beautiful word.
And Stella wasn't alone anymore.
Whether Stella heeded my words and sought the Commander, who knew.
It would be her choice now. Her path forward, if fate called.
The Commander didn't judge people by strength alone. He saw them as people to the end.
In game terms, he didn't just love meta characters—he cherished them all.
Stella nodded.
"I'll remember."
I placed a hand on her head.
Slung my greatsword over my shoulder and turned.
As Esira and I started to leave.
One last shout lingered in my memory.
"You're truly beautiful!"
So out of nowhere.
A beat late, laughter rose.
"……Thanks."
"I thought you'd take Stella in."
"……Me?"
"You were kinder than I expected."
Esira's tone was casual, but laced with a peek into my thoughts.
I could sense her worry, but hadn't figured she'd assume I'd take her.
"You like kids."
Me, liking kids?
I nearly let out a hollow laugh.
Without the original game's memories, I'd have lived alone in this world, like Asrania.
I didn't dislike Stella. Quite the opposite—she tugged at my heart.
But concern wasn't the same as taking responsibility.
Was I the adult Stella needed?
Absolutely not.
She had her mother.
Someone like the Commander suited that role far better. Just standing by her side would anchor the child, keep her human.
I slowed my pace, glancing sidelong at Esira.
This girl walking beside me.
Stella at least could return to her mother's arms.
Esira had no such embrace.
That's why she weighed on me more.
It's not because she's a favorite character I'm holding onto.
Not keeping her because I love her.
Definitely not.
No matter how often I hammered it home inside, a corner of my conscience prickled.
"Stella has a guardian. Sticking with her mother for now is best."
"……."
"Plus, she has options. No need to decide right this second."
Words for Stella's sake—and my own.
"Esira."
"Yeah?"
"Worried I'll steal your spot?"
It was a joke.
I expected an instant "No."
"……."
Esira stopped walking.
Looked up at me.
What's this?
Her gaze was so direct it unnerved me; I nearly looked away first.
"Hug me."
"……What?"
"Hug me. Right here, right now."
What was this sudden demand?
I froze in bewilderment, then finally spread my arms.
"……Come here, then."
I offered my embrace to the child.
She was light as a feather.
The hands I thought would wrap my waist slid up to my neck instead.
Stronger than expected. Clinging tight.
"Esira?"
I called, and she lifted her head just a fraction.
Her lips hovered near my earlobe as she whispered.
"Isn't it obvious?"
Her warm breath brushed by, sending shivers down my spine.
"I'm jealous."
"……."
"You were too gentle. I want that all for myself."
I barely swallowed a sigh.
"Was I?"
"Yeah."
Esira buried her face deeper. Strands of hair tickled my nape.
"All I can think is I want to be the only one by your side."
Her arms tightened.
Like binding me so I couldn't flee.
Being loved this much—it gladdened and dizzied me.
The problem was.
She was too close. Whispering right in my ear like that.
It tickled, for real.
"……Enough, Esira."
I pitched my voice low on purpose, gently pushing her shoulders.
Just to create a little distance.
As if mocking my effort, her arms around my neck only gripped harder.
"No."
"What?"
"Don't want to let go. I wanna stay like this."
The girl who usually yielded at a word was stubborn today.
"……Fine, then. Just don't whisper in my ear."
"Huh?"
Esira, face pressed to my shoulder, lifted her head slightly.
Her eyes gleamed with curiosity—like a kid plotting mischief.
"Your weak spot's here?"
"……Not exactly a weak spot."
A mere tickle as a weakness?
What would become of my dignity as an Axiom?
Anyone would jump if you blew in their ear suddenly. Human nature.
"Esira, anyone would startle if you did that out of nowhere."
"Hmm. Startled……."
Esira's lips curved slyly.
A bad feeling stirred.
"Now I wanna see more. Your other reactions."
"Wait, Esira—"
No time to stop her.
Esira parted her lips slightly and pressed close to my ear.
"Hoo."
Warm breath delved into my ear.
Instantly, my arms tensed around her.
From sheer surprise.
"……I told you not to do weird stuff."
"Heehee, sorry."
Her apologetic tone held zero intent to stop.
She clung even tighter.
As if waiting for me to pull her in roughly.
If she kept this up.
I'd have to pay her back.