Chapter 158
Chapter 158. At Selene
Just before noon, I arrived uneventfully at the grasslands.
While cautiously surveying the area, I saw no sign of adventurers.
Their numbers seem to have dwindled, and this area is east of Fasden. Unless they have a reason, they probably wouldn't come here.
As I wet my throat from a waterskin, I turned to glance at the forest, but by now, I could no longer sense the labyrinth's presence.
At this rate, even if adventurers wandered nearby, they wouldn't notice the labyrinth…
I furrowed my brows at the slight unease I felt.
Vaguely, over the past few days, I'd sensed the labyrinth—no, Mei's presence weakening.
By now, that feeling had turned to certainty.
The cause was likely me. Since her birth, Mei had never obtained a guardian. I don't know how long that state lasted, but if it coincided with the decrease in monsters, it could've been years—possibly even over a decade. No matter how deep underground she hid, there was no food, no one to protect her.
That desperation was the source of her overwhelming presence and will.
And then, along I came, blundering in.
Half-dead and completely unguarded, even bringing a meal like Yuneque.
Though my domination failed and I left once, I quickly returned and offered cooperation. Even if I was a Mutator, it was enough to ease her anxiety.
I gained support, and Mei obtained a Mutator that was practically a guardian.
On the surface, it seemed like nothing but benefits, but the easing of her anxiety meant the Deep Forest was returning to its original state.
Until now, the labyrinth had gone undiscovered largely because of the Blank Zone's existence.
Adventurers dive into the Deep Forest seeking monsters, so they have little reason to wander the prey-less Blank Zone. As a result, they stayed far from the labyrinth, leaving it undiscovered for so long.
But once the chain's trigger stabilizes, it'll revert.
Monsters will encroach on the Blank Zone, and adventurers will gather. Eventually, they'll reach the labyrinth's vicinity.
The quickest solution would be maintaining the Blank Zone, but Mei hadn't been consciously driving monsters away either. If scattering emotions is difficult, Phil and I will have to hunt monsters to suppress the Blank Zone's shrinkage.
For now, I cut off my thoughts and turned my gaze westward.
The Blank Zone issue can wait until I return.
I need to go to Selene—but maybe I'll stop by our "neighbor," Fasden. The attempted assassination site is nearby, so I might as well drop by. Not that I expect anything to remain.
As I walked along the forest's outer edge, I soon arrived at what seemed to be the place.
Without the misty rain, the atmosphere was different, but I recognized the small northern hill. Climbing it should give me a view of Fasden.
Following hazy memories, I wandered the area and soon found shattered bone remnants.
The leg of the Kuckle that tried to eat me. The other parts must've been taken by monsters or animals.
Holding faint hope, I searched the area but, unsurprisingly, found nothing.
Ordinary adventurers can't carry all their spoils. They must judge value, discard the useless.
But Lambert's group had no such limitations. They had my magic bag, the Terpes Bag.
That Terpes Bag was made from the hide of a Gowasus bull slain on the way to Selene with Roland's Battle Axe of Destruction and Sword of Deep Silence. Practical, yes, but also a memento for me.
I want it back soon—but it won't be easy.
Given the circumstances, if I search for Yabushou, Balomat will likely catch on.
Guildmaster Heritt could probably track them down, but who knows where prying eyes lurk? Besides, the bag didn't contain revival potion materials or notes.
Regardless of the future, it's not worth risking now.
I tore my gaze away and looked down at the Kuckle's remains.
Still, Lambert was impressive.
That assassination was practically a success. Without Merlock and Mei, I'd be dead for sure.
As if to prove it, I'd acquired [Crisis Detection].
I'd nearly died many times, but the only true "crisis" was the first insect-human.
The reason? [High-Speed Movement]. Against Jalid, even Phil, I could've fled by abandoning everything.
But Lambert brought me to death's edge with a single strike.
Truly a remarkable man.
Admiring him, I turned my gaze back to the Deep Forest.
Someone was approaching. A human—likely an adventurer.
They hadn't noticed me yet—but there was no place to hide, nor reason to.
As I stood by the Kuckle's remains, four men soon emerged from the forest.
The lead warrior noticed me and reached for his waist, but seeing just a boy, he stopped.
Then, wary, he approached.
"What are you doing here?"
"Just sightseeing the so-called Deep Forest. Heard rumors of fewer monsters—what's it like?"
Pointing at the remains and peering into the forest eased their wariness further.
Their eyes lingered briefly on my Gale Scimitar, but otherwise, I wore plain clothes and a worn backpack. They likely took me for a novice adventurer.
"Not bad," the warrior said, lifting a large leather pouch.
He then launched into a boastful tale of the monsters they'd faced, concluding that the west seemed more densely populated.
The labyrinth lies south-southeast of Fasden. Naturally, the Blank Zone's outer edges are closer to the west. Either way, once shrinkage begins in earnest, things will get busy.
Keeping such thoughts to myself, I thanked them.
"Learned a lot. Thanks."
"No problem—but hey, you alone?"
"Yeah. Traveling solo."
At my answer, the men exchanged glances.
Then, hesitantly, one spoke up.
"Best avoid Fasden. Beastfolk aren't welcome there."
"That bad?"
"Yeah. Skip Silveck too. It's a slaver stronghold. A beastfolk traveling alone? Like jumping into a cage."
"Got it. I'll be careful."
Thanking them again, I parted ways with the adventurers—who said they'd rest awhile—and headed north.
Climbing the hill, I squinted into the distance from its peak.
Under the blue sky, Fasden's walls, townscape, and adventurers and merchants on the road came into view.
As I watched the serene scene, a breeze brushing past, I suddenly felt as if someone stood beside me.
Glancing at the empty grassland, I sighed and exhaled the memory.
"For now, Eld's notes come first."
Muttering to myself, I began descending the hill.
◇◇◇◇
While appraising adventurers on the road, I approached Fasden.
Had the monster decline lowered adventurers' quality? Most were D-rank, with few C-rank equivalents.
Many escorted merchant caravans, while a handful headed for the Deep Forest or grasslands.
The grassland group—extermination requests, perhaps?
Given Kuckles' appetites and Tepa Turtles' danger, permanent requests wouldn't be odd. Even weaker adventurers could manage by hunting Kuckles and monsters pushed from the forest.
Thinking this, I watched wagons enter the town.
A common sight anywhere, but…
Inside one wagon, countless human presences were packed densely.
How many would end up in the salt mines?
From Silveck to Fasden, even at a leisurely pace, it'd take a day. If Verrot's words held truth, Yuneque likely fled en route from another town to Fasden.
But seriously, I stand out.
The closer I got to Fasden, the more gazes gathered.
A few even mistook me for Yuneque. As a beastfolk, I vaguely resembled him. Whether due to my host's influence or coincidence, a runaway slave wouldn't stroll here so brazenly. Those who doubted me were corrected by companions, leaving me unapproached.
Best to skip Fasden.
Not just the Valiant Warrior I met earlier—other adventurers were hunting Yuneque too. They likely wouldn't chase a beastfolk child forever, but false accusations were probable. Even if I registered as an adventurer, the guild's protection seemed unlikely. Adventurers were already mobilized—likely aiding Viscount Fasden.
I bypassed the gates and continued northwest.
Yielding to passing wagons, I walked in silence.
Gradually, the sunlight tinted, and night fell over the spring grasslands.
Still, I pressed on until flickering fires appeared in the distance.
The crossroads where I'd once camped. East led to Mount Lazarag and the Keeten domain; west, to Silveck. But the campers—slavers?
Merchants and guards huddled around a fire, while a nearby wagon emitted countless presences.
Starlight provided clear visibility. Guards noticed me, half-rising, but sat back down upon seeing just a boy. Still, suspicious stares lingered. Resting here risked becoming cargo.
Nodding curtly, I passed the camp. Once the fire vanished, I veered northwest.
The road offered little peace. Detouring via Silveck or Jutel would take longer. Cutting through the forest was faster.
Traversing the grasslands cautiously for Tepa Turtles, I reached dense woodlands by midnight.
North of the grasslands, low mountains stretched, their foothills covered in forest. These woods spanned the empire's central-southern border, extending east to Mount Lazarag's base and west—though intermittently—toward Selene's forests.
Further west, north of Silveck, adventurers likely roamed. But here, far from human settlements, encounters were rare.
Scanning for threats, I entered the forest and leaped onto a suitable tree.
Finding a sturdy branch, I rested until dawn.
Waking occasionally to monster footsteps, I greeted the morning unharmed.
Breakfast was dried meat borrowed from an adventurer. After stretching, I activated [High-Speed Movement].
Time to proceed without restraint.
Facing Selene's direction, I sprinted through the woods.
Immediately, I noticed my body's lightness.
In Selene, my agility had hit the human limit of 20. Now, it was 21. Of course, limits vary—20 is just a guideline.
But something told me the labyrinth was responsible.
The hole in my heart was sealed by it, perhaps reinforcing me.
Or becoming a Mutator had shattered human constraints.
Mei, of course, couldn't answer. Nor could anyone else.
In all my adventuring, I'd never heard the term Mutator.
One thing was clear: I'd never match Phil's speed. His quadrupedal form played a big role. Even with broken limits, my human shape imposed barriers.
While running, I opened my status and scanned it.
Much had changed since Mei saved me, but not everything.
Though I'd lost my family and hometown, my title remained Second Son of House Reedwald.
I could guess why.
Noble titles solidify due to their world-shaping impact. Even if the town fell, I retained heir eligibility.
World laws wouldn't care about personal or noble intent. Human hearts are fickle—if titles adjusted for that, they'd change endlessly.
Thus, changes signify lost eligibility—but I didn't care.
The second son's title ties to the father's eligibility. If it changed, Father had lost his.
When he realized he was no longer Baron Reedwald—what would he think?
"Tough…"
I hadn't even started, but Eld's failed revival potion wouldn't be easy to replicate.
And there was too much to consider.
How the world moved, how my actions influenced it.
I lacked the knowledge—and bandwidth—to judge.
Closing my status, I refocused.
First, Eld's research notes. Then, a foothold.
Overthinking could come later.
Using [Leaping Rabbit], I scaled cliffs, ignoring monsters to outpace them.
Soon, I climbed a tree to check my position.
Launching into the air, I used [Leaping Rabbit] again for extra height.
Surveying the view, I saw forests stretching east-west, low mountains north, and grasslands south.
Silveck was nowhere in sight—I'd passed it long ago.
Which meant—
Looking north, I squinted beyond the mountains.
A familiar ridgeline.
At its base ran the road connecting Reedwald and Selene.
As I descended, I thought of Tess.
I'd promised to visit, but would she still be waiting?
After a pause, I shook my head.
We'd only met for days. And Reedwald's fall would've reached her.
Even if she remembered, she wouldn't wait.
Refocusing, I let the wind rush past as I picked my next landing.
Just as I activated [Leaping Rabbit], my beastfolk ears caught an unwelcome sound.
I pivoted instantly, dodging a black shadow.
As it zipped past and banked sharply, I fired [Shock Bolt].
A flash, then the stench of burning.
Landing on a branch, I scanned the area before the shadow even hit the ground.
Unpleasant sounds approached from all sides.
Was that—a giant mosquito?
Their identity: Vigin, mosquito monsters.
Palm-sized, with dagger-like, barbed proboscises aimed at me.
The eastern marshes were too far—a swamp or lake nearby?
Strength-wise, they matched Bornis, the beetles that once plagued Selene.
Over twenty swarmed, but they were no threat.
Their magic stones were worthless, and I'd heard no value in their parts. Engaging wasted time.
I slashed an oncoming Vigin with my Gale Scimitar, intercepting others with [Arrow Shock Bolt].
Clearing a path, I sped away.
Though agile, their pursuit speed lagged. Soon, their buzzing faded—only for a different hum to arise.
Glancing back, I saw dragonfly monsters—Dreppen.
Diving from high altitude, they began preying on the Vigin.
Here too, dragonflies were natural enemies. The Vigin fled desperately, offering no resistance.
Dreppen magic stones would've been nice—but another time. Best avoid entanglement.
Turning from the food chain behind me, I resumed my journey.
Thereafter, I encountered neither Vigin nor Dreppen, only familiar monsters and occasional adventurers.
Monsters were one thing—humans, troublesome.
Detecting adventurers, I detoured widely to avoid them.
This continued into the next day. By afternoon, the forest abruptly ended.
Before me lay grasslands, then another forest.
Peering north, Ilsana village was faintly visible.
I hoped reconstruction was underway, but given economic scales, Count Wolba would prioritize Rapzel.
There was nothing I could do now.
I tore my gaze away and stepped into Selene's territory.
◇◇◇◇
The spire and walls, dyed by sunset.
Though my stay was brief, I'd gazed up at them far more than Reedwald's.
Feeling nostalgia for the distant view, I advanced along the wheat-field road.
The gates were still open.
Unstopped by guards, I entered Selene through the eastern gate.
Rows of street stalls, winding alleys.
Walking the familiar main street, I soon reached Lola's family business—the Breos Company.
A large order must've come in—employees loaded wooden crates onto a parked wagon.
Nearby, Lola's father, Colton, chatted with another merchant.
Checking my ears' feel, I passed Colton.
A brief, probing gaze—but he didn't recognize me.
A few meetings weren't enough to see through [Beastform]—but best not get complacent.
Selene held many close acquaintances, like the gardener Nord. They might spot traces of me in a beastfolk boy.
For now, no information linked beastfolk to Alter.
And Brassrad's Marquis had beastfolk ties, with my grandfather, Lord Tordis, among his vassals. Retrieving Mother Henriette wouldn't seem odd.
If suspicions arose, they'd lean that way. No one would guess I wandered as a beastfolk. Too far-fetched.
Which was why my current form mustn't be tied to Alter.
Not only would it restrict future actions—if Verrot connected the assassination attempt and the board's traces, he might suspect the Deep Forest.
I couldn't linger in Selene. Best finish quickly.
Feeling Colton's back as he bid the merchant farewell, I hurried on.
Passing a crossroads, I soon turned into a southern alley.
Guided by memory, I zigzagged until a two-story house appeared.
Walking past it, I casually circled the area.
Appraising everyone I saw, I found no suspicious figures.
No watchers.
Returning, I timed my approach between passersby, swiftly using [Leaping Rabbit] to slip through an open second-floor window.
It was a study.
Bookshelves covered most walls, crammed with literature, documents, small boxes, and bottles. Overflow items cluttered parts of the floor and desk.
Typical of him.
Now, to find it before being noticed—unlikely.
With so much material, locating my target would be tough—if it was even here.
Asking directly seemed the only way.
Waiting in the dim room, I soon sensed movement downstairs. Footsteps ascended.
Dropping [Beastform], I reverted just as the door opened.
The aroma of roasted tea and lantern light spilled in, illuminating me. The homeowner's narrow eyes widened slightly, and his cup hit the floor.
"Long time no—well, not really. Feels like ages, though."
"Alter…?"
At my nod, Rackendale stepped over the shattered cup as he rushed over.
"You're alive, Alter!"
"Yeah. For now."
As he hugged me, I smiled.
This warmth felt nostalgic too. Not that I'd missed it—but even that thought was nostalgic.
Patting me down, Rackendale fired questions.
"When did you return!? Are you hurt!?"
"Just now. And no injuries. Well, there were, but they're healed."
Even so, Rackendale didn't let go.
His concern warmed me, but I had no time to indulge.
Letting him inspect me, I broached my purpose.
"Professor Rackendale, I need to ask—do you have Esald Saizight's research notes?"
Instantly, he froze.
His expression blanked as he wordlessly stepped back.
"The chancellor told me. About your family too."
His eyes, lit faintly by the lantern, held a severity I'd never seen.
"You saw what forbidden potions bring."
"I won't repeat that. I'm different from Esald."
"Didn't he think the same? That he was different—a brilliant alchemist?"
His rejection was clear. I averted my gaze to Selene's skyline.
"Councilor Kyutes Ypzit taught me many magical techniques were lost. If true, revival magic might've existed anciently. And if revival magic existed, so did revival potions. More crucially, Esald and I have one key difference."
Meeting Rackendale's gaze squarely, I continued.
"You already said it. My family is already dead. I'm not helplessly watching loved ones fade. I've no reason to rush. No desperation to cling to false hope. I'll complete it, however many years it takes. And if I fail—" I paused. "—I'll end it properly."
Rackendale's piercing stare weighed me.
"Revival potions don't even exist in fairy tales. You're toying with death. And if you fail, you'll have to kill what wears your family's face. Can you truly bear that?"
"Absolutely."
My instant reply drew a deep, quiet sigh from him.
Shaking his head, he walked to a shelf and reached for documents.
"Under council orders, I destroyed copies of the research notes. But my analysis memos remain. The ingredients are erased—recreating the forbidden potion from these alone is impossible. Still, keeping them together was risky, so—"
Flipping through stacked papers, he began extracting pages.
Apparently, he'd dispersed them among other documents.
After repeating this, he bundled the selected parchment with string.
"You remember the ingredients?"
"I do."
"Good. Speaking of…"
Tilting his head, he seemed to recall something.
"If I hadn't had these, were you planning to storm the Magic Guild?"
"Yes. In exchange for not staying in Selene, I'd demand the notes."
"Using your status as leverage? You haven't changed."
In the dim room, we shared a laugh.
Had I approached the Magic Guild, they'd have faced two choices: kill a noble's son or hand over the notes and expel me.
Not certain, but they'd likely choose the latter.
The council hid the notes primarily because Esald stole Duke Vil's treasure. With ingredients erased, Selene wouldn't suffer direct consequences.
And as Rackendale said, revival itself wasn't forbidden. No reason to shun the impossible.
Yet Esald's forbidden potion created revenants. Its spread would undoubtedly wreak havoc.
Allowing such research in Selene would endanger its autonomy.
And even a disinherited noble's son, if killed, would draw suspicion. To protect Selene, the council would have no choice but to hand over the notes.
Rackendale knew this too.
Worried but not stopping me, he didn't even ask my destination.
For a while, we exchanged sparse words and silences. As I prepared to bid farewell, a presence made me tense.
Maybe just a passerby—but this presence—
As if mocking my doubt, it entered Rackendale's home.
Bewildered, I heard footsteps ascend.
Hurrying into shadows, I watched the door open.
"I'm ba—what happened!? The cup's broken—"
The woman who entered noticed the cup immediately, bending to clean it.
Rackendale stopped her.
"I dropped it. It's fine—I'll handle it."
"Oh? Then I'll prepare dinner."
Smiling at him, she left.
Stunned by her retreating presence, I stepped from the shadows.
That was Loretta, the dance instructor.
Why was she in Rackendale's home?
"My wife."
"Huh?"
The abrupt statement made me blurt out.
"We ended up living together before I realized."
"Uh, I don't follow."
"Neither do I."
As I shook my head, Rackendale nodded deeply.
"She was my student. Proposed right after graduation. I refused, said I only cared for alchemy. But she had her reasons—all for a precious student's sake. 'Use me if you must,' she said."
I couldn't fathom her reasons, but if she'd fled to him, it spoke volumes.
She must've truly despised her suitor.
Yet regardless of reasons, Loretta seemed genuine.
Her words carried affection. Back when I'd obsessed over [Magic Item Crafting], she'd checked on me personally. Hardly the act of someone merely "using" him. Even without marital love, her feelings bordered on familial.
And—"for a precious student's sake," huh?
Holding the notes, I bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Professor Rackendale."
"Mm. Don't overdo it. And don't die."
His words drew a wry smile.
As Rackendale looked puzzled, I nodded softly.
"Understood. I'll try not to die."
◇◇◇◇
By the time I returned to the main street, the sun had set.
Most shops had closed, replaced by bustling taverns.
Walking the dark alleys as a beastfolk, I spotted a small, lit store.
Through the window, I saw potions and ingredients—typical Selene. Entering, I sold an oak magic stone and bought a low-grade healing potion for emergencies.
Netting one gold coin, I tossed it into a pouch.
Back on the dark streets, I walked on.
Soon, a familiar building appeared.
The Adventurers' Guild.
Peering inside as I passed, I saw neither Rebecca nor Halest at the counter.
Naturally, no Yabushou either.
They'd never return to Selene.
That bag had been my companion even before becoming a magic item. Too many would recognize it.
Come to think of it—the Majumag statue Sammie entrusted to me was also stolen. Nalvano's sword too. I'd stored them in the Terpes Bag for enchanting.
The statue's traceable—likely destroyed. The sword might be sold. Its plain design makes it hard to identify unless by the smith. Then again, to C-rank Yabushou, it's pocket change. Might've been discarded with other loot.
Either way, I'll need to apologize to them someday.
Shifting thoughts, I refocused.
Thanks to Rackendale, I had the notes.
Next, alchemy tools. I could've bought them earlier, but carrying fragile glassware was daunting. Better to purchase in Fasden or Silveck.
Funds weren't an issue. I'd "borrowed" coins from adventurers and pursuers earlier. And with monsters spotted en route, a little hunting would cover costs.
Once I had the tools, I'd—no, potions first.
The Deep Forest was unpredictable. Even Phil and I could get injured. Stocking up on healing potions—and others—was wise.
But there's so much before research can begin…
Recalling Rackendale's words, a thought struck me.
After deciding to hole up in the labyrinth, I'd questioned my actions.
The plump god preserved my family's souls—why not ask for revival?
Doutenki had replicated my body and revived me. Surely my family would be simple.
But this time, the plump god wasn't at fault.
He'd promised the Earth God, but thirteen years had passed. Blaming him now was unfair. Even if I begged for soul preservation, he might not hear—nor did he owe me that much.
Besides, revival was my wish. I had to see it through myself.
Shaking off the gloom, I refocused.
Then—a loud noise startled me.
The closing gates? And this is—the north gate?
Out of habit, I'd turned at the crossroads without realizing.
Watching last-minute adventurers and merchants slip through, I spotted the lime auntie closing shop.
Noticing my gaze, she paused.
"Shopping?"
I shook my head silently. Shrugging, she went inside.
Turning from her, I faced a dark alley.
I'd only planned to meet Rackendale—but—
Lingering briefly, I drifted into the alley.
Treading the familiar path, I navigated narrow, shadowed turns.
As I neared, multiple presences grew stronger—shouts and children's laughter louder.
When the courtyard came into view, I activated [Stealth] and [Leaping Rabbit], landing on a nearby rooftop.
From the tenement's roof, I looked down at Nils in the dim courtyard.
My handed-down Shamshir hung at his waist as he stood seriously.
Elliot and Nils had returned home to seek their parents' permission to become adventurers. Their return likely meant success.
Under my gaze, Nils gripped the hilt, shouting as he drew.
The Shamshir's blade gleamed under starlight—but the scabbard, flung too hard, arced back and bonked his head.
The watching children burst into laughter.
Aside from Quince, Kyle, and Ginny, four unfamiliar kids were present.
"Dammit—again!"
Sheathing the sword, Nils concentrated anew.
Surely he had better drills to practice—
Smirking, I turned my attention to my old home.
The Clan members were all present.
Ted, Gemma, Nailz, Elliot, even Talvit.
They sat around a table—not dining, as Deanna, Lily, and Emily prepared food in the kitchen.
I wondered what they discussed, but the children's noise and cooking clatter drowned it out. Even beastfolk hearing couldn't catch it.
But something told me it involved me or Reedwald.
Talvit's grandfather was Councilor Kinail Sablowa. If Rackendale heard from the chancellor, Talvit might know too.
And the Adventurers' Guild must've caught wind. Rebecca would've cautioned Ted's group against rash actions.
Another dull thud—more laughter.
Nils sulked but soon joined in.
Noticing his glance toward the house, I understood.
He'd volunteered to distract the kids, keeping them from interrupting.
He had that side too, huh?
Impressed, I kept watching—until the back door opened, revealing Deanna.
"Dinner's ready."
At once, the children scrambled inside.
Now fully their surrogate mother, Deanna smiled as they passed.
The living room grew noisy as I rose.
They seemed well. I'd visit again—whenever that might be.
Turning to leave, I heard Emily's voice.
Though indistinct, the children responded. Soon, they scattered from the living room.
Sighing, I reached out.
"They're looking for you."
Poked, the floating Roof spun beside me.
Honestly, when had it slipped out?
As it hovered, Emily called from upstairs, and children's footsteps followed.
They'd notice its absence soon.
"Look after them. And give my regards to the Roof."
Flicking the floating tile, I sent it back.
It hesitated midair but drifted inside the second-floor window, drawn by the voices.
"Ah! Little Roof!"
A child's shout—then others clamored around it.
After some chatter, the back door opened again.
Ted emerged.
Hand on his Fading Shadow Sword, he scanned the area sharply.
Gemma followed, mace in hand, eyeing the courtyard suspiciously.
"What's up?"
"Little Roof came from outside."
"Huh."
Gemma's disinterest didn't stop her from gripping her mace.
Nailz joined them silently.
A strange tension filled the air as Deanna and Lily struggled to hold back curious kids.
Then, a window opened—Elliot leaned out.
"Little Roof's unharmed."
"So it just went for a stroll?"
Gemma lowered her mace, exasperated.
"Let's eat, Ted."
"Yeah…"
Agreeing, Ted stayed put.
His earlier wariness gone, he now scanned the area—as if hoping for something.
His gaze swept over the tenement—past me without pause.
"No one? Little Roof, stop wandering off."
Closing the door, lively chatter resumed inside.
Watching them, a thought struck.
Should I let them know I'm alive?
Briefly considered, it was instantly dismissed.
Appearing would reassure them—but reveal my survival.
Selene's ties to me ran deep. Even without Verrot, other watchers remained.
Rackendale and the Magic Guild were unavoidable.
Obtaining Esald's notes required revealing myself—either to seek help or persuade.
But they were different.
Merely comforting them wasn't worth the risk.
Even Ted's group would struggle to keep secrets—let alone children. Kids are perceptive. Any shift in Ted's demeanor might tip them off.
And watchers would notice.
Once my survival surfaced, how would Balomat react?
No need to ponder.
Verrot would take them hostage—just as he'd used Yuneque.
I'd thought I'd lost everything—but I was wrong.
My past wasn't gone. Selene and Reedwald still held those connected to me.
That's why I couldn't act recklessly.
The more someone cared for me, the more valuable a pawn they became to Balomat.
"Someday… circumstances will change. Until then, I'll stay hidden."
Muttering, I turned away.
Time to return. To the labyrinth.