Chapter 47: Sky Serpent
[ Zetens 58/100 ]
The sun climbed higher, casting long shadows as Dune and Elijah moved deeper into the forest.
Elijah tilted his head, still smirking as he rested his sword on his shoulder. "Tell me something, Dune. Did you feel bad when we killed that guy?"
Dune met his gaze, unflinching. "Not really," he admitted. "Having a reason to kill makes me less regretful and sad about the death of someone. But if I can avoid it, I will. Especially killing the innocent."
Elijah let out a short chuckle, shaking his head. "See, When i know that i don't like this person, I don't feel anything at all." His fingers drummed against the hilt of his sword. "I just kill them. That simple."
Dune didn't react, just listened him in silence.
Elijah took a step closer, his smirk fading just slightly. "But I do like people who don't lie to my face. People who own up to what they are, what they want." People who don't lie to themselves. You're not pretending to be something you're not. That, I can respect."
Dune exhaled through his nose, neither grateful nor offended. "And what does that mean for you?"
Elijah grinned again, taking a casual step back. "Means I don't hate you. Yet... you showed me power and determination, you were honest about your feelings and goals, and didn't feel ashamed of it. If i killed you back then i would definitely regret it now."
"I see" Dune answered calmly.
They pressed on, the forest gradually thinning until they reached a clearing. At its center lay the remains of a village. Crumbling stone walls, shattered windows, and abandoned structures jutted from the earth like skeletal remains.