Noboru gazed at the weakened Kei in a surprised manner, he was not sure what would be appropriate to say in such a situation, therefore he simply remained quiet for a bit longer, staring at Kei's smile.
"…"
"Thank you for coming Noboru, after all, I'm in need of some company. All I did these past few weeks was rest and it's becoming unbearable. The view isn't even nice from here."
His voice remained exhausted but also content at seeing Noboru again after so long. He heaved a soft sigh, thinking about how bothersome and boring it was to be bedridden.
"What…happened?"
It was no longer possible for Noboru not to question everything. Kei wasn't usually the type to fight at all. Getting injured like this; something terrible must have occured. Especially considering Kei's cowardice.
His curiousity could only be satisfied by Kei answering his questions.
He sat down on a chair next to Kei, keeping his eyes on him as Kei began to explain what happened.
Kei told everything in chronological order and thus started with the fight he had.
"After I passed out, I naturally couldn't remember much anymore. Maybe the description of the fight I told you about just now isn't 100% accurate due to it. All I know is that I woke up being carried over someone's shoulder. To be precise, it was Yuna Aiba carrying me."
Kei evidently wanted to keep talking but was interrupted by Noboru.
"That name doesn't ring a bell."
Kei looked at Noboru surprised and tilted his head slightly as they kept on holding eye contact.
"It doesn't? I thought you would have met her by now…"
"She's the number one Enlightened in the first stronghold."
Noboru's eyes widened all of a sudden and he felt shocked. He has never heard that woman's name before and he has yet to meet her.
He is aware that she is the only rank 5 Enlightened in the first stronghold and has the primary element air.
Her age is below thirty, justifying the assumption that her rank will only increase further.
She always wears a mask, sometimes she wears other ones, but mostly one resembling a snake's face.
She never gets referred to by her actual name. Not by mere mortals at least. She always gets referred to as 'the first stronghold's devil' due to her cold, brutal and apathetic nature. This is precisely the reason why Noboru couldn't recognise the name.
"Oh. Yes, I remember her. I have yet to see her though. So what happened after that, Kei? I assume she took you here?"
"Exactly. She delivered me here. She has only visited me a few times since then but she promised me one thing. She will train me once I've recovered."
Noboru showed compassion and happiness for Kei but on the inside he was bitter and it annoyed him greatly that Kei would become the disciple of a person as talented and strong as her.
"I see. It must be great for you Kei. There is a good chance you will finally be able to cultivate to a higher rank with her help."
"Yes, I believe so too!"
Kei's smile widened until he smiled from ear to ear. It only increased the anger Noboru felt inside.
"I don't understand why everyone talks about her as if she was a monster. She carried me so gently that it made me forget about the pain I was in."
Kei's gaze turned absent and his smile gentle, a soft blush forming on his cheeks.
"Kei, did Yori visit you? He was the one that told me to visit you."
He was abruptly forced to return to reality and took a few seconds to compose himself before answering, his blush dissipating as quickly as it appeared.
"Yori? No. Not once. The only person I spoke with since I came here, aside from doctors, was Yuna."
"Oh. I see."
This was a surprise to Noboru. If Yori never visited him, it must mean that Yuna found out about Kei's friendly feelings towards Noboru and told Yori to get him to visit Kei.
It was odd to Noboru that she didn't simply ask him to go in person. Seeing how cruel she acts towards mortals, gives him the impression that she didn't want to see him because he has yet to become an Enlightened.
Once he finally felt like he grasped the entire situation perfectly, a soft smile spread across his face which was directed at Kei.
"I must say, I'm impressed by what you did, Kei. You fought well."
Kei doesn't respond with words. He reacts in form of a sudden blush, seemingly getting flattered by Noboru's comment.
"Thanks, friend."
He finally managed to utter after some time.
"I never thought you could fight like that. Making yourself such an armor and somehow not depleting your essence all the way as a rank 1 is a recognisable feat. No wonder Yuna wants to train you."
Kei chuckled softly, looking embarrassed as Noboru talks so fondly of his actions.
Noboru had two reasons for complimenting Kei to such a degree. Firstly, he needed Kei to stay fond of him. The money he had was completely useless now, however, Kei's relationship with Yuna could be of great value to Noboru.
He could potentially get into contact with her and gain her liking through his bond with Kei. This would open up many opportunities such as sparring with her and learning from her.
The other reason was that Kei's selfless behaviour had to be nurtured. If they were to ever step foot outside of the first stronghold together, Noboru could use Kei as a meat shield and escape if necessary, leaving him behind.
Besides that, there was also a genuine sense of admiration deep inside of his heart. What Kei accomplished and what mental strength he displayed on the battlefield; it was unheard of.
Noboru sighed softly as he got comfortable in his seat.
"Yori told me to relax for now. He isn't in the first stronghold for the time being, instead, he's buying me an ascender stone in a nearby city. I have nothing to do now and neither do you. Let's be bored together."
Noboru gave off a kind smile directly at Kei once more.
"Yes, I'd love to!"
Kei seemed almost overjoyed. Finally, he wasn't alone any longer, instead, he was surrounded by his best friend.
Noboru naturally only wanted to be with him so that he could nurture their bond and strengthen it. The closer he got to Kei, the more likely Kei was to talk fondly about him in front of Yuna.