Chapter 147: Favor
Claw hated receiving help from others. Showing his vulnerable side irritated him more than anything. However, what happened today, when he fell before that monster, made him experience something for the first time.
Helplessness.
He was one of the two people who could have stood against that creature. So, naturally, he should have shouldered responsibility today.
Claw had always trained, hunted, and sharpened his skills so he could face dangers like the giant beast from this morning. When he was told to stay back during the recent expedition, the one Baldon was also part of, he had been annoyed.
His father believed he still lacked the experience to stand against a magical beast.
At that time, Claw had been furious, his chest burning with frustration and pride.
But this morning, he realized those words were not spoken lightly. His father had judged him not by his age, but by his actual capability.
Claw... had nearly died.
All because he overestimated himself and rushed in for the kill.
That single mistake had almost cost him everything. He had seen death up close, closer than he ever had before.
Yet, when death reached for him, someone stood in its path like an unbreakable wall.
And that someone was the young man standing before him now.
"I have been looking for you, my savior," Claw said, facing the very warrior who had charged into the battlefield with nothing but his bare hands and the intent to end it.
From what little he had seen before losing consciousness, Claw could tell that Luke was a seasoned fighter. Not someone who relied on flashy movements, but one who valued precision and speed above all else.
Not to mention the calmness and maturity he displayed, qualities Claw himself lacked.
And on top of that, he had used something as precious as a potion on him without hesitation.
"I cannot express how grateful I am right now," Claw continued, his voice steady yet heavy. "Even if I gave my life, it would not be enough to repay what you have done."
"If you are going to give me your life, what would be the point of this favor?" Luke asked with a stiff smile, crossing his arms over his chest.
"That doesn’t matter. There are things greater than one’s life. What you did today was such a selfless act that it left me completely awestruck."
Luke would not exactly call it selfless. He had been rewarded quite handsomely for what he did.
"I want to thank you in any way I can. I know there is no equal favor I can return, but I still want to do something for you. Just tell me."
Luke hummed softly. He had seen this coming from a mile away. Not just Claw, even the chief would likely be thinking of rewarding him. However, there was nothing he particularly wanted at the moment, and asking for money felt like a waste.
So he said, "I will be visiting your tribe soon. When I do, I will ask for your help." He had already been planning to explore different places, and having the chief’s son on his side would be beneficial.
Claw nodded. "I understand. Then please, take this."
He removed the ornament from his neck, a necklace made of white fangs with a distinct sigil carved into them.
"When you reach my village, show this to any of the guards. They will lead you to me."
Luke hummed in mild surprise before nodding. This would save him the trouble of explaining how he knew Claw.
He took the necklace from the man and said, "I will reach out to you when I come there."
Claw grinned. "I will be waiting for your arrival." And with that, he turned and left.
Luke appreciated the fact that Claw had not mentioned anything about recruiting him. Now that his identity as an awakened was no longer a secret, he had expected such attempts. But for now, thankfully, things were continuing as usual.
"You seem to have made quite strong connections," Nadia commented from the side.
Luke glanced at her before asking, "You really are antisocial, aren’t you? Avoiding people as if they carry some kind of illness."
Nadia grew flustered. "I didn’t want to interrupt you two... stop assuming things on your own."
Luke rolled his eyes before saying, "Come with me."
They walked through the main gate and knocked on the door.
A few moments later, it opened, revealing a warmly smiling face. "Ah, Luke. You are back."
Monica stepped forward and hugged her dearest close to her chest.
Luke returned the embrace by resting his head on her bosom and taking in her intoxicating fragrance.
Monica’s eyes landed on the woman standing there in a fluster before she asked, "Who is she, Luke?"
Luke slowly separated from her before turning to look at Nadia and then said, "This is my friend’s mate, Nadia. And Nadia, this is my mother and my mate, Monica."
Nadia was taken aback by those words. Mother...and mate too? How does that even work?
But regardless, she nodded at the woman and said, "Hello."
"Hello, Nadia. Please, come in first," Monica urged. "I have heard a lot about you and Dart from Luke."
Nadia smiled wryly. "I hope he said good things about us."
Monica giggled softly. "Of course. You two are the only friends he says he has in the village, so I am very thankful to you for taking care of him."
Hearing that, Nadia glanced at Luke. Someone so strong and socially capable did not have many friends? That was surprising.
Monica then led Nadia toward Luke’s room instead of having her sit in the dining hall, which usually remained hot at this hour.
Nadia hesitated for a moment, but after a subtle nudge from Luke, she followed the woman inside.
Once Nadia was seated, Monica said, "Stay with her, Luke. I will bring something to drink first."
"Ah, no, you don’t need to," Nadia said quickly, not wanting to trouble her.
However, Monica reassured her, "It’s nothing much. This is the first time Luke has brought someone home, so at least let me do the bare minimum, okay?"
Left with no room to refuse, Nadia quietly took her seat.
Monica glanced at Luke once before stepping out of the room.
As the door closed, Nadia let out a soft sigh. Then she heard Luke ask, "Nervous?"
She shook her head lightly. "Not really... she seems like a very caring person."
"That... she is," Luke replied. "She is the kind of person who would share her own ration with starving children, even if she hadn’t eaten for days. While I admire that kindness, it worries me sometimes."
Nadia nodded in understanding. This world was filled with selfish people. Beasts wearing human skin were always ready to prey on the kind and take advantage of them.
Just then, Nadia asked, "Why did you call your mother your mate?"
Luke shrugged, "Because she is my mate. I love her so I took her as my mate."
Nadia was flabbergasted...what kind of logic was this?
She decided not to talk about it.
Seriously, this person was a mystery she would rather not try to unravel.
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A/N:- I hope you liked the Chapter.