AIAW Royal Road Chapter 37: The Aftermath

The rest of this day felt almost unreal, like I was in a daze. I wasn’t supposed to be here. It was the roll of that die that saved my life. If it wasn’t for that successful roll, I’d have been a ghost or something. But here I was, alive and breathing. My hand touched my chest, the same place where a blade almost ended my life. I was grateful.

I took a moment to appreciate every single thing around me. The scent of apple cinnamon, floating in the guild's atmosphere. The chatter from other adventurers from nearby tables. The wonderful, baby-blue sky painting on the wall. The beauty of this ray of sunlight shining through the window, bringing warmth to my face. And even the taste of this apple pie I was snacking on.

Yumm. Soo good.

Life was precious, and I’ve been taking it for granted all this time. After that hard-fought battle, I knew the worth of being alive.

“You’re really enjoying every bite of that, aren't you.” said Lily. A smear of dry blood was still visible on the side of her mouth.

I smiled, “I just never really noticed just how good apple pie was.”

My slice wasn’t even halfway finished. I wanted to savor every bite.

Lily on the other hand, already devoured her share. After taking a beating like she did, I can see why. It was a miracle that she was even alive. I guess she lived up to that story.

Olivia's familiar face came down the stairs of the guild. Her face full of sadness. I’m guess the news she received about her friends wasn’t good.

She took a seat right next to me and sighed.

“Is everything okay?” I asked.

She avoided any eye contact. For a good reason It looked like. I could see her eye start to water.

“Well. I took them to the infirmary to check for any injuries my healing magic might’ve missed.”

“Are they going to be alright?”

“Yes...they are?” she responded.

Wasn’t that a good thing? Why was this nearly bringing her to tears?

“You don’t understand.” Olivia breathed, “We had a dream. We wanted to travel the world together, taking quests, saving lives...that was our plan.” She lifted her head, and faced me with a look that I’d never forget.

Her friends were alive, but she was in pain. The same way as if they had died.

“It’s no longer realistic. Tim will be wheelchair-bound for the rest of his life....and David. His strong arm is gone, to be replaced with some rusty prosthetic...it was only our fifth quest together.”

And that meant their days as adventurers were over. Over so soon. It was a sad fact. But I guess these were the risks of this line of work. Kingdom-wide, and world-wide, there’s no telling how many lives were lost while taking on a quest. Or how many died along with their dreams of being a great adventurer. Or how many others were forced to retire so soon. As sad as it was, it was the reality of many adventurers.

“Out of the three of us, I don’t know why I’m the only one who had nothing taken away.” Olivia awkwardly chuckled, wiping her face with a tissue, “I’m the only one who’s still fit to be an adventurer.”

I really felt bad for her. Their dreams were shattered. Now, she’d have to start all over, with a different party. I don’t think she’d have any problem finding one. Who couldn’t use a skilled healer? A healer that could fight, at that. But...that wasn’t the main issue. She’d no longer be chasing her dream with her friends by her side.

I didn’t know how to comfort her. There was nothing I could say. So, my hand pushed my plate over in front of her. It wasn’t much, being a half-eaten apple pie, but maybe she’d be able to appreciate it. And maybe her thoughts would disappear, even if it was just a second.

“You have to try this.” I said, “I’d say it’s the best thing I’ve ever tasted.”

Olivia’s expression became wide-eyed, head tilted, confused.

“...W-what?...”

“It’s pie. I would eat it myself but there’s not enough room in my stomach. So why don't you have it? You’ll love it.”

“O-oh...Okay.” the emotions of today were hard on all of us. Her shaky hands were proof of this. She brought the fork to her mouth, taking a mouthful. Then after some silent chewing, she swallowed, “...You are right. It is tasty.”

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Lily crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair, boots up on the table.

“Cheer up, Olivia.” it was probably the worst thing to say given the circumstance, but she continued “I see and understand how you feel. I’ve been at this line of work for years, and I’ve seen many adventurers in situations like yours. Just one difference. Most never had the luxury of coming home. Yet alone got to see their friends come home. You got to see both.”

Lily stood from her seat and walked to Olivia’s side, “The way I see it, it’s all fate. Suppose they find their calling somewhere else. Then everything worked out in the end.”

“You’re right. They’re both alive.” a genuine smile came across her face. But it was a familiar look, one that someone like me knew very well. She was attempting to bury her pain. Like this was her way of saying “I’m going to move forward and appreciate what I still have.”

“And I have you two to thank. If it wasn’t for both of you showing up when you did. We likely would’ve made the decision to just go on our own.”

They were strong without a doubt...but if that was the case, I’m not sure if they would’ve passed the Horrors. It was a horrifying thought they could’ve ended up like the bodies we came across.

Ew...Scary

“Lily Veigo, it was an honor to meet you.” Olivia looked at her, then at me, “And Amaya. You’re an awesome girl. Is it weird if I ask your rank? I don’t think you mentioned. I’m B-rank myself.”

“Yeah, I don’t think I did either. I’m D-rank.”

“D-rank? That can’t be right. I saw your movements. I want to say they were on the level of lower S-rank.”

My [Rage] skill caused me to black out at the end of that boss fight, so I’m not sure just how hard I fought. My consciousness only came back to me once that Knight fell to his knees.

“S-rank? No no no. You’re joking. I’ve never been much of a strong fighter. That monster was already weakened because of everyone else.”

“Just...I would consider getting your rank re-evaluated.”

We all said our goodbyes. And before Olivia left, she gave us both a hug. “I hope I run into you again someday.” she said, then walked up the stairs of the guild.

It was time me and Lily left as well. We walked out the door and made our way back to the city square, where the festival had already begun. At the same time we got there, so did Katsu.

Hand on his hip, he stared at us for a brief second, then shook his head

“...What did you get yourselves into while I was gone?” he sighed.

It was a fair question judging by the way we looked. Lily had dried blood on her face and clothes. Same thing with me. Parts of my clothes were torn, and my armor was stained with a mix of red and black blood.

“I got a new weapon...and armor like you told me to...”

“Is that so?” Katsu was unconvinced. Arms crossed, he waited for the rest of my answer.

We had to explain the whole dungeon thing to him. Me and lily taking turns speaking. The Horrors, the abyssal Knight. The party we met. The near death. All of it.

And all he had to say was “Hm. I see. That makes more sense.”

Then he started walking back to the wagon. Without a single care.

“Alright, then. That’s the end of our trip. Time to leave.”

The horses pulled our wagon all the way back to the mansion. It was a gentle ride. It gave me lots of time to reflect on the events of today.

What a day.

When we finally arrived, Katsu only gave me a brief explanation on the plans for tomorrow. He said to enjoy the rest of my day and pack some necessities for tomorrow. We’d be leaving before the sun rises. After, he went straight to his room, along with his bag full of papers. I didn’t see him again for the rest of the day.

Nighttime came and I readied myself for bed. I took a bath, brushed my teeth and cleaned my room.

“Alrighty. All done.”

I turned the lights out then opened the window. The view of the city from here was beautiful. The colorful city lights, I never got tired of it. An ice-cold breeze of wind gently touching my face, it was the cherry on top.

I wonder what tomorrow holds for me.

“As well as I.” a voice came from behind, lurking.

I didn’t even have to turn around. I already knew who it was.

“Can you not bother me when every time I admire the view?”

“Oh? Are you upset with me?” Maya asked.

I wasn’t at all trying to hide my attitude towards her.

“What do you think? First, you refuse to help. Then when I end up dying, you go and tell me just how useless and weak I am. I’m not exactly thrilled with you.” I rolled my eyes and continued to gaze out the window.

Maya walked over beside me; we shared the scenery together. Though I wish she’d just disappear already. Didn’t really wanna hear anything she had to say. And she knew this. We did share a body after all.

“Listen, Amaya. I told you; it takes energy for me to take over your body. I simply did not have the energy. It wasn't in my power to do so.”

I still ignored her and didn’t bother replying.

“The things I said, I only said them to get you to roll the dice. You would have never done so if you were left alone in your thoughts.”

“But it was true. I hesitate too much; you said I let fear consume me. And it’s the reason I’m weak. It’s the reason I stay weak. Everything you said. All of it. It’s true.”

“I suppose some of it is. However, I was wrong about just one thing. You are far from weak.”

That was the last thing I expected to hear. After every near-death encounter, every time I nearly broke down at the sight of blood, every time I had to be saved, I knew I was weak. But hearing the opposite, that’s what I’ve been dying to hear. From anyone, for the longest time.

“...I’m strong?”

“A weak person would’ve rotted away in bed, giving up on everything. That’s different from what you do. You wake up every day knowing that your luck is likely to bring you face to face with death. Still, you do always find a way, a reason to keep pushing. That is why you are strong.”

I almost wanted to cry. But it made me look back on how far I’ve come since first waking up in this strange world. Maybe I am just a little strong.

“Thank you. It means a lot.”

“You are welcome.”

“Would you like to enjoy this view with me?”

“It would be my pleasure.”