The next morning, after we woke up, I saw Uncle Valdir taking the stones he had placed the night before and putting them back into the wagon. I called out to Arthos and found him asleep, so I said, "How long are you going to keep sleeping, you idiot?"
He replied in annoyance, "Leave me alone. My sleep is none of your concern."
I responded, trying to sound calm, "As you wish."
I left him sleeping and went to wash my face. I grabbed a bottle of water, poured some into my hands, and washed up. After I felt refreshed, I did some push-ups and sit-ups before we set off.
After that, I got into the wagon, and we continued our journey.
It seemed Uncle Valdir had run out of stories, as he didn't tell me anything that day. I kept thinking about my plans once I reached Kazanora City. So I asked him, "Are there inns in Kazanora?"
He replied, "Yes, there are plenty—inns, restaurants with lodging… don't worry about that."
I said, "That's great."
Then silence filled the air.
After some time, Arthos woke up, so I said, "Good morning, lover of sleep."
He replied, "Be quiet, you who knows nothing. Anyway, I need to tell you something."
I asked, "What is it?"
He said, "Be careful of that man. He's planning to do something that will harm us."
I was shocked. I didn't expect that at all. "Impossible. Uncle Valdir is a good person. He wouldn't do that."
Arthos replied firmly, "You're just a naive brat who knows nothing about the world. This world is rotten, and you understand nothing about it. I'm warning you."
I tried to respond, "Then how do you know that?"
He said, "Last night, while I was awake and there was an idiot snoring beside me, I saw that man approaching while holding something in his hand. I sensed killing intent from him, so I released my aura. When he felt it, he stopped and went back to his place, leaving you alone."
I said, "Maybe you misunderstood. You didn't even know what he was holding."
He snapped, "You foolish brat, why won't you listen to me? Can't you trust me even once?"
I replied nervously, "It's not like that, I just—"
He cut me off, "No, it is exactly like that. Then how do you explain this?"
He was clearly angry. I said, "I'm sorry. Calm down. I didn't mean it."
A brief silence followed.
Then he said, "I'm sorry too. I lost my temper a bit."
I replied, "It's fine. I know you're worried about me."
He then said, "Don't sleep tonight. Stay alert."
"I will," I answered.
After that, I didn't speak to Uncle Valdir again. Still, he noticed me looking at him and asked, "Is there something you want to say?"
I got nervous and said, "N-no, it's nothing. I was just thinking."
He smiled. "If there's anything you want to know, just ask."
"Alright."
Later, I thought to myself, Since my time is being wasted, I might as well use it to develop my Kaizo. I sat down and began cultivating my energy. Time passed quickly until night fell.
By the time I finished, I was a bit exhausted, but I didn't sleep because of Arthos' warning. I stayed awake late into the night. Uncle Valdir didn't move at all, so I thought, Maybe that dagger was just imagining things.
Suddenly, Arthos replied, "Who do you think I am, you brat? I can hear your thoughts."
I said, "I was just joking. Why are you so angry?"
At that moment, I noticed Uncle Valdir watching to see if I was asleep. I quickly hid my aura and pretended to sleep.
Once he was sure, he stood up, grabbed his sword, and walked toward me.
Standing over me, he said, "Looks like this is goodbye, you little brat."
He raised his sword to stab me.
I was shocked—but there was no time to think. I moved quickly and dodged.
He frowned. "Seems I mistimed it. I thought you were asleep. But it doesn't matter… you're going to die."
I asked, "Why are you doing this, Uncle Valdir? Weren't we getting along?"
He replied coldly, "You foolish child. Didn't I tell you? No one wishes good for others. Everyone acts for their own benefit."
I said, "You could've just asked for money. I would've paid you."
He smirked. "I don't just want your money. I'll kill you and sell your body on the black market."
"Can't we reach an agreement?" I asked.
"That's impossible."
At that moment, my vision darkened. I wondered, Why do humans do this to others who have done nothing to them? Are humans truly creatures driven only by self-interest?
But I cut off my thoughts.
No time. I need to survive.
I said to Arthos, "Aren't you going to help?"
He replied, "This is your fight. Handle it yourself. Consider it training—or punishment."
I clenched my teeth, reinforced my body with Kaizo, and thought, I have to attack first.
I rushed forward.
He thrust his sword, but I dodged and deflected it, then shifted my weight and spun, delivering a powerful kick to his abdomen.
I didn't give him time to recover. I tried to punch him, but he regained balance quickly and nearly struck my face. I barely dodged, though the blade grazed my cheek.
We faced each other again.
We both moved at the same time.
He swung horizontally. I ducked, struck his arm, and knocked the sword away. He tried to counter with a punch, but I blocked it, swept his legs, and knocked him down.
I followed with a punch, but he dodged and tried to stand. I stopped him with a kick to his back.
He fell again.
I grabbed his sword and pointed it at him.
"It's over."
He raised his hands nervously. "W-wait… please don't kill me. I'll do anything… and don't forget, I helped you."
"I know. I won't kill you," I said. "But remember this—your actions will come back to you."
"O-okay…"
I sighed, turned away—
Then Arthos shouted, "Idiot! Don't lower your guard!"
At that exact moment, Valdir tried to stab me from behind—
But Arthos shot out from the bag and slit his throat.
Blood spilled as Valdir clutched his neck.
"Y-you had something like this… from the beginning…?" he whispered.
Then he collapsed… and died.
I said, "Why did you kill him?"
Arthos snapped, "You idiot. You want to argue after nearly getting killed? What would you have done without me?"
I stayed silent.
I looked at the body. "That's… a tragic end."
"Are you saying that to blame me?" Arthos said.
"No… just… it was a harsh ending."
I sighed. "But he got what he deserved."
Then I looked ahead.
"Let's go. We've arrived."
The city of Kazanora was now visible.
Arthos returned to the bag, still silent.
I exhaled. "He'll calm down eventually…"
Then I looked forward and said:
"Finally… Kazanora City. I've made it."