A/N: Extra weekly chapter for hitting Powerstone requirement. Thank you.
*******
It was the first time in his life.
The first ever time he had felt so powerless in his life. Hiroto had taken care of him so easily.
"You…are not gonna kill me?"
Never had he seen someone show that much mercy…but why?
"Why do I need to kill you? I'm your reinforcement. And I don't like killing mindlessly."
Answered Hiroto, he extended his hand further to help Arken get up, but Arken smacked it away.
Arken got up and looked at his ruined sword.
"Fool."
He looked at Hiroto with disdain. To him it was ridiculous. If someone lost, kill them. Hiroto's acts were just mockery
"You have demon blood in you."
"Yes, I do. Got a problem with that?"
Arken clicked his tongue. Hiroto showed his Government Badge and confirmed his identity.
"You ruined my sword."
"You tried to kill me! Self-defense!"
Argued Hiroto back.
Arken took out another sword from his spatial ring and asked.
"What's the next mission?"
His voice was cold, it was as if he thought it was a bother talking to Hiroto.
"Well fuck you, show a little courtesy.
It's just destroying a few more bases after joining up another one."
Little did Hirito know, The fact that Arken talking to him was a rare occurrence. He was only doing it because He thought of Hiroto as someone strong. He bested him after all.
"Anyways, the report says there is another group hiding out here, and we need to get rid of some monsters as well. So come on already."
That was how they met. It was a memorable encounter.
*******
A few days passed by, and Arken and Hiroto traveled together and defeated quite a few demons and demonic humans, along with other monsters.
They proved to be a good duo, Arken's brute force, and Hirotos's skill were an almost perfect combo.
Arken even complimented it.
"My god, this is a groundbreaking Discovery! This must be recorded!"
However, Hiroto's carefree attitude made Arken regret it. He started chasing him soon After.
"Hey! I was joking! JOKING!"
*Crackle!*
Arken however didn't listen and kept trying to attack him.
Hiroto having fun dodging was even more infuriating.
"Agh!"
*Crackle!*
And thus, an infuriated Arken chased Hiroto throughout the woods.
*****
[Night.]
The duo had reached a cave, and after they inspected it and deemed it safe they set up camp.
Unfortunately, they faced a problem
Either they live on their already low rations or cook monster meat.
"...you know how to cook?"
Asked the desperate Arken. His rations had gotten low and because of his violent style, he got hungry fast.
In response, Hiroto just looked at Arken, his gaze was enough for Arken to understand that they were fucked.
None of them knew how to cook, and they did not have enough rations to go along with them.
"..."
"..."
There was silence in the cave, broken by the occasional annoying sound of a cricket.
"here."
Suddenly, Hiroto took out his last calorie bar and split it in half. He offered one half to Arken.
Arken however refused.
"Eat it yourself."
He said and lay down on his sleeping bag.
"your choice then."
Commented Hiroto after he ate the bar. He thought that Either Arken was prideful, or had a difficult past.
After setting down some. basic traps and alarm systems, Hiroto also lay down. But he couldn't sleep.
He didn't know why, but something was bothering him. Something in his gut.
So, to get rid of this Awkward feeling, He Asked Arken.
"Hey, Arkie."
"Arkie..?"
"Your Nickname, deal with it. Anyways, What were you doing before you became Awakened?"
Mana had only recently been introduced into the World. Humanity was doing its best to fight against the Demonic Invasion. No matter what, all awakened were forced to participate in the war. They were incredibly powerful, their help was needed.
Arken and Hiroto were in similar situations. Despite their young age, they were conscripted because they had powerful combat abilities.
"None of your business."
However, Arken refused to answer.
"I guess so, but come on. Open up, you stubborn bastard."
However, Hirito was relentless.
He had a unique quality about him. Once he made up his mind. He was going to do it. No matter what.
"Surviving."
Eventually, Arken gave in.
Hiroto went silent after hearing Arken's answer.
"You were an orphan weren't you?"
He asked. He already knew the answer. The fact that Arken said that was proof.
"..."
And his silence confirmed it. Arken was an Orphan, without parents…and in this world. That was a death sentence.
"I'm an orphan too."
Arken's brows raised. Although Hiroto couldn't see them due to Arken not facing him.
"If you touch my head on the front, you'll notice two small horns from my Demon blood."
"How did you survive?"
Hiroto was flabbergasted
Arken asked a question. This never happened. This was something impossible!
"I…was bad."
Answered Hiroto.
"Because of my existence as a half-demon in these times, I was bullied. Even in the streets, no one left me alone.
So I beat the crap out of them. This demon blood in me at least gave me enough strength to go against even Adults. I beat the shit out of everyone who tried to hurt me.
But I couldn't do it alone. I was banged up on. So I ran away from the city."
Arken paid close attention to his words.
"You should have killed some to make an example."
Commented Arken.
"I was a complete villain back then…but even I struggled when it came to killing."
"Weak."
"Haha…maybe. The mountains were nice. That's where I met this guy as well, this guy changed me. It made me go from behind a piece of shit to someone with morals."
He said, referring to his beloved Spear, The Ame-No-Sakahoko. The spear even vibrated to show response.
"I awakened when I pulled this guy out of the ground at Mount Takachiho.
The world changed for me after that. I'm glad I met you and this guy. At least there are some people who want to talk to me despite me being scum."
Scum, he called himself.
Maybe even Arken was like that. Well, he was a piece of shit right now.
"We were called Scum."
Commented Arken.
"Haha…It was bad for you too huh."
Hiroto let out a dry laugh.
"Yes, now go to sleep."
"Yeah yeah, okay Arkie."
"And stop calling me that."
Afterwards, Hiroto closed his eyes as well, trying to sleep…but a sound was heard from Arken. The sound of his stomach grumbling.
*Grumble…*
"..."
"Puhahaha!"
Th𝗲 most uptodate novels are published on free(w)ebnov(e)l.𝒄𝒐𝙢