Bete's words were simple. What he wanted to tell Tsuna was that he needed to trust his companions. His role wasn't to be a full-time babysitter—it was to be a guide.
"You can't just think about what's right in front of you! You have to look further ahead!"
After his burst of emotion, Bete finally noticed something important.
The boy standing before him was only thirteen years old.
Back then, Bete himself had only been a year older.
This child possessed far more talent—and far greater strength—than he ever had.
And precisely because of that, Bete didn't want him to experience the same pain he once did.
"Remember this. The people you cherish don't just need your protection—they need your guidance."
"You can't handle everything alone. No matter how strong you are, that doesn't change."
"So, if you want to protect them, teach them how you act. You're cautious, attentive—your way of doing things can help them."
"Understand?"
At that moment, Tsuna noticed something in Bete's eyes.
It was the regret of someone who had once failed himself.
The sorrow of being unable to change the past.
The pain of being unable to save those he'd lost.
And within all of that—a desperate hope that Tsuna wouldn't repeat those same mistakes.
"I understand."
Tsuna accepted the weight of those words. He understood now who Bete had really been speaking to.
"Good. Remember this—don't wait until you've lost something to realize you regret it."
Bete emphasized the words, then slowly released his grip.
He knew he'd been a bit rough, but being blunt was far better than letting someone be lost forever.
Images of the two Amazonian sisters flashed through his mind, and his mood lightened.
At least those two foolish women wouldn't meet their end so easily in the Dungeon.
Level 5 Adventurers were the backbone of Labyrinth City's power.
With so few at Level 6, and only a single Level 7 in existence, a Level 5's strength was enough to survive in this chaotic and dangerous city.
And with the Dying Will Flame strengthening them, even most other Level 5s wouldn't pose a threat to those two reckless Amazons.
At the very least, that was good news.
Taking a deep breath, Bete patted Tsuna's shoulder.
"Be more aware of this kind of thing from now on."
"That's it for today. Go talk to those two idiots yourself—remind them not to screw up on something so basic."
Bete spoke like someone who had already walked that road, using harsh words not to wound, but to leave a lasting warning for those who came after him.
Of course he understood the importance of cherishing the ones who mattered most.
He had lost before—and because of that, he could never truly forget the past.
With that, Bete turned and walked away.
He wasn't in the mood to keep training. The memories had surfaced again, and he needed time to steady his heart.
"..."
As Bete's figure disappeared, a golden chalice appeared in Tsuna's hand.
In that moment, his eyes reflected more than just Bete's back.
A tall man, a woman with a gentle smile, a golden-haired little girl, and a black-haired young woman—four souls lingered near Bete, hovering around him like guardians.
Bete… it seems your love for those you cherished runs so deep that even their souls can't bear to leave you for the next life.
Tsuna sighed softly. With a flick of his wrist, the chalice shimmered and vanished into golden light.
Only after Bete had fully left the "Challenge Space" did Tsuna turn his gaze aside.
"Miss Riveria," he said calmly, "your illusion magic has grown stronger. To think that even standing that close, Bete couldn't catch your scent."
In the middle of the woods, Riveria emerged from a swirl of indigo mist.
"It's not that my illusions are stronger," she replied, "it's that his mind wasn't on alert. He's too emotional right now—his guard's down."
Her eyes followed the direction Bete had gone.
"Before he fell into despair, drink, and self-loathing, he'd already been through a great deal."
"Just like so many in this world, he became an Adventurer out of hatred."
"He finally managed to pull himself back together… and then he lost someone again. That's why he turned into what you saw just now."
"His mouth is vicious—he never holds back, no matter who he's talking to. But really, those poisonous words aren't just aimed at others—they're curses he hurls at himself."
Riveria didn't elaborate further, but Tsuna already understood.
He didn't need her explanation anyway. Through Bete's eyes, he had already seen it—the regret, the guilt, and the grief.
With the chalice's power, he had witnessed the lingering souls that should have long since moved on, and everything Bete said earlier suddenly made perfect sense.
"I know about Bete's past," Tsuna said gently. "Don't worry—I won't misunderstand him."
"Though, Riveria, you must not be very happy, huh? After all…"
"Stop right there!"
She didn't want to hear the word 'old hag' again—not so soon. Even with her refined composure, that particular insult hit far too hard.
"A few words from a broken wolf don't mean anything to me."
Don't mean anything?
Tsuna nearly laughed aloud.
Hadn't he said before? The Dying Will Flame was tied to one's emotions—the stronger the feelings, the stronger the flames burned.
And right now, Riveria was practically engulfed in her "Rain" and "Mist" Flames, both blazing fiercely enough to distort their own nature.
"Riveria, you came to see me for something?"
"Yes."
Redirected from her irritation, Riveria slowly calmed herself. The urge to pummel that wolf into the ground faded, and the Flames around her began to settle.
"Ais has been busy since she received that power. I don't need to worry too much."
"But… as she grows more adept with it, I've found myself a little concerned."
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You can read up to chapter 240 on patreon.com/NiaXD.