Chapter 182: The Thing That Emerged Into the World (4)
“Uh... well.”
Aquaz and Baker found themselves unable to respond right away. Their bodies instinctively shifted backward, as if their minds were still processing what they had witnessed just moments earlier. Even though the threat had passed, a subtle wariness lingered between them and Ketal, a tension born not of distrust, but of awe and uncertainty.
Ketal, oblivious to his own imposing presence, simply cocked his head to the side. “Is something wrong?”
His tone was mild, even friendly, his face bearing the same gentle curiosity he always wore. To anyone looking in from the outside, Ketal seemed as approachable and calm as ever, as if the brutal slaughter of a monster moments before was nothing out of the ordinary.
However, for Aquaz and Baker, it was impossible to erase the vivid memory of Ketal crushing the life from the white monster—a feat of such cold efficiency and strength that it had left an indelible mark in their minds. The image replayed, again and again: Ketal’s calm face, the monster’s thrashing, the sound of bones breaking beneath his hands.
Baker, unable to help himself, gulped hard. “N-no, it’s not that. I mean, I’m fine...”
Yet his trembling voice betrayed the storm of emotions beneath the surface—fear, amazement, and something like reverence.
Ketal recognized the source of their discomfort and offered a rueful, apologetic smile. “Ah, I see. Sorry about earlier. I let my feelings get the better of me. That thing... it brought up a lot of bad memories. I guess I got a bit carried away.”
“Y-you did?” Aquaz asked him, looking at him, searching his face for any lingering traces of anger or violence.
Ketal nodded, his features softening. “I suppose I showed you a side of me you weren’t expecting. Sorry if it was unpleasant. I should have handled it better.”
Baker was quick to wave his hands, trying to dispel the awkwardness. “No, no, you saved us. If anything, we should be thanking you. If you hadn’t shown up when you did...”
He trailed off, unable to finish the thought. They both knew what would have happened if Ketal had not appeared.