The Weight of a Decision
Standing silently beside Theodor like a quiet sentinel, Aaron could only listen and absorb the conversation, turning each detail into newfound knowledge.
Though his thoughts wandered. Do fairies exist in this world? And if they do, what do they look like? No one on Earth had ever seriously discussed fairies. They only said that the Arkais Realm was like a fantasy world, where all myths were born.
"Why don't we just give them the fairy?" suggested a strong-looking man in his mid-thirties. "That thing's never even come out of its shell. We don't even know if it's useful. But what we do know is that the old healer is—she's vital. She can give us medicine to help us survive a little longer against this freezing poison."
Theodor didn't answer right away. He just stared into the distance, deep in thought. The fairy had indeed remained sealed inside its shell for generations, ever since its ancestors discovered it.
"I wouldn't mind giving it up," he finally replied. "But that fairy has been here since our ancestors founded this place. Even if it's useless now, it's part of our history—a symbol of who we are."
"Kid," said a hunched elder holding a wooden staff, "don't be too quick to dismiss the fairy's value. Have you ever wondered why Frank wants it so badly?"
That single sentence made everyone fall into a deep silence. Suddenly, giving away the fairy didn't seem like such a simple decision.
No one could come up with a better solution—until Trion, one of the hunters who had accompanied Theodor, spoke up.
"Then maybe it's time we stopped talking. If we give them our fairy, what's stopping them from coming after the old healer again? And next time... they might kill her. We'll all die either way. But if we fight now, at least we'll die as warriors—not like chickens wasting away in the cold!"
Theodor remained silent but nodded in agreement. He turned his gaze to the elder with the staff—the oldest and wisest among them.
Sensing Theodor's unspoken request, the elder sighed. "I'm old, son. All I can offer now is advice, stories, and memories—things I hope you'll learn from. But the future... the future belongs to young men like you. So make the choice you believe is right. Whatever it is, I'll support it."
Hearing that, Theodor stood tall and declared, "Then it's decided. We may all die in the end—but how we die, that's our choice. Better to fall fighting for a sliver of hope than to rot away waiting for death. What do you all say?!"
"War!"
"Let's strike first!"
"Fight them!"
A chorus of battle cries erupted around the room.
"Alright, it's settled. We attacked this afternoon. Gather your weapons and prepare yourselves!"
With that command, everyone dispersed to ready themselves for battle. Aaron, meanwhile, remained by Theodor's side, lost in his thoughts.
Should I run? But where would I go? No—I'm not that much of a coward. I owe them at least something... but still... argh! he screamed inwardly, overwhelmed by the weight of the situation.
He was torn. On one hand, he didn't want to owe Theodor anything after everything he had done for him. He wanted to repay that kindness.
But on the other hand, he was just a 12-year-old boy. He had no real combat experience—except for that strange, inexplicable moment when he'd somehow killed a King-rank Gorilla Monster in a single strike.
Aaron didn't know how he'd done it. After everything he'd learned during his night of talking with Theodor, it seemed more impossible than ever.
Based on everything he knew from Earth and what Theodor had explained, there was no logical reason someone like him should have been able to kill such a monster—not in one blow.
So he didn't want to gamble his life again on something that might've been a one-time miracle. For all he knew, the misfortune that had haunted him for so long might return and snatch away the brief happiness he'd finally found.
"You've seen the state this village is in, kid. If you decide to leave... I won't blame you. This isn't your fight," Theodor said softly, though his words were heavy with sorrow.
Aaron wondered—Could I help these people? Given his strange abilities, maybe he could offer real support. But charging in recklessly would only get him killed.
He needed a plan—one that would let him help, but also keep him alive.
"Um... maybe I could go with you and help," he said, his voice hesitant.
Though Aaron intended to repay their kindness, he had no intention of dying on the front lines. His plan was simple: stay back and help however he could with his Energy Condensation Bow.
That way, he could offer support from a distance, far enough from the enemy to escape if things turned bad.
This battle might also be a chance to test his power—and to witness firsthand how elite fighters fought at full strength. Maybe then, he could learn how to unlock the true potential of his abilities.
Having mapped out his perfect plan, Aaron felt more confident about helping Theodor's forces, without risking his life.
"Have you ever fought anyone before? Kid, this is real war. This isn't a game," Theodor cautioned.
He had serious doubts about Aaron's ability to fight. As far as he knew, the boy had lived alone in the forest with only a dog, which meant he likely had no experience in actual combat.
Theodor's concern was valid. Letting Aaron join the battle might just be sending him to his death—or worse, putting others in danger.
"No, I've never fought anyone. But I'm pretty sure I can help—at least a little."
Aaron's answer only confirmed Theodor's fears. Theodor knew it wasn't right to drag a child into war, especially one who had nothing to do with their conflict in the first place.
"Kid—"
"It's okay, sir. I know you mean well, but I can't just walk away after all you've done for me," Aaron cut him off.
"I can use a bow. I'll stay in the back and support your forces. I'm not planning to die out there. I'll help however I can... and if it gets bad, I'll try to escape. It's the least I can do to repay what I owe you."