THDK Chapter 17

Chapter 17: Acknowledging One’s Weakness (Part 2)

I focused my gaze on the sword’s dull blade, illuminated by the sunlight, and drew Oreole from my waist as instructed. I kept the scabbard on, as Nox had told me not to remove it.

Without understanding what was happening, I held Oreole up, ready to face Alan. In that instant, Alan vanished from in front of me and reappeared behind me, his polished blade pressed against my neck.

“You’re too slow.”

I stumbled forward, almost falling, as Alan pushed me from behind. In that moment, I bent forward, exposing my neck, and Alan brought his blade close once more.

“You’ve died twice already.”

I trembled at his words. If this were a real battlefield, I would have been powerless and killed.

“Are you scared?”

I struggled to find the words. I’m scared… but I feel like I shouldn’t say that. I need to be strong. I want to be strong enough to protect the people I care about. I don’t need weakness. So, I shook my head, telling myself I wasn’t scared.

“That’s why you’re weak.”

I was taken aback by his words. “W-what do you mean?”

“You’re hiding your weakness and forcing a smile. Is that what you call strength? Real strength comes from acknowledging your weaknesses, facing them, and growing from them. You lack the courage and determination to do that. No matter how much you train, you’ll never be able to protect anyone.”

Alan’s words were harsh, but I sensed a hint of kindness beneath his strict tone.

Tears began to fall, wetting the ground. I’m weak. I’ve been stuck in the past, unable to move forward. That’s why I couldn’t cast magic at people.

“I don’t like you,” Alan said. “I don’t want to teach you swordsmanship, but the Demon King’s orders are absolute. However, I have nothing to teach you in your current state.”

The third time Alan told me he couldn’t teach me, tears flowed uncontrollably. Zain approached me and suggested we head back to our room. I nodded, and Alan turned his back on us once more.

“I’ll give you a piggyback ride since I don’t have the Demon King’s teleportation ability.”

I wiped away my tears and climbed onto Zain’s shoulders. From my new vantage point, I realized how narrow and limited my perspective had been.

The world is vast, with many people living their lives, each with their own thoughts and beliefs. I want to protect all of them, along with the world itself.

When did I start feeling this way? I’m not sure, but it’s a natural feeling that’s grown stronger since I met Nox and the others.

(Can I acknowledge my weakness…?)

Can I do it? My short arms can’t reach the sky, and my small legs can’t run fast. But surely, there’s something I can do.

I’ve always been in a hurry to grow up, but Alan’s words made me realize it’s okay to take my time.

“Zain, I’ll become stronger.”

“You’re not discouraged, even after what Alan said.”

“Maybe I’ve just become more greedy.”

I want to protect everyone with my own hands. I want to stand beside Nox forever. I want to become stronger. A new desire has begun to sprout within me.

“Kids can be greedy, huh?”

“Yeah, that’s right. Since I’m still a kid, it’s okay to be greedy.”

A smile spread across my face, accompanied by a strange, bittersweet feeling. When we get back to our room, I want to tell Nox all about what happened. I want him to comfort me and stroke my hair.

“Let’s get back to our room quickly!”

“Okay! Hold tight!”

As Zain started running, the wind brushed against my cheeks, and my hair fluttered. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and felt a sense of clarity wash over me.