Chapter 1.25 — A Difference In Perspectives

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  The streets were bustling with life as the sound of carriages, animals and people chatting echoed through the village.

  For a moment, it almost felt like a dream.

  A group of adventurers moving quickly through the crowd. A woman with a spear signaled her companions to stop in front of a magic shop.

  “So this is the Giselle Crafting Group.” Alice said and walked inside.

  “Good day, how may I help?” The shop worker bowed.

  “Here, I heard that Miss Giselle is looking for these?” Alice held a dark mana crystal in her hand.

  “Of course I'll get her now.” The worker ran into the backroom.

  A moment later a petite woman appeared. She had short blond hair tied in a braid, blue eyes behind her glasses, and an icy-cold expression.

  “Are you the one!” Her voice was stern.

  Alice nodded. “You must be Miss Giselle—I heard you were looking for these?”

  “Where did you find them?” Giselle expression hardened.

  “Deep inside the Nicts Dungeon. I heard you were looking for this kind of mana crystal to make a new, stronger Manashell?” Alice raised a brow.

  “Yes… why do you ask?” Giselle adjusted her glasses.

  Alice took a deep breath.

  “You see, we are looking for a red haired girl who might need our help soon… and I have a feeling that this new type of Manashell might come in handy.” Alice explained.

  Giselle's eyes scanned Alice and her companions.

  “Hmm… Yes, a red-haired girl in knights armor came by here a few days ago, apparently looking for something?”

  “But I see some of you already use Manashells? Aren't they enough?” Giselle grinned.

  Alice sighed. “Due to circumstances my companions here are not fully qualified, they lack strength. Which is why I need this new type of Manashell.”

  “Ahh… in other words, you want a shortcut to power?” Giselle laughed.

  “We need this power now! The girl is very strong but it's our sworn duty to protect her!” Alice punched herself in the chest.

  “What is the girl looking for?” Giselle furrowed her brows.

  Alice looked away. “I honestly don’t know why… But that, she's a moron for running away and leaving us behind.”

  Giselle sighed and rubbed her neck.

  “Seriously, these Manashells are useful, but not a substitution for true power!”

  “But alright, I can craft you the new Manashell. However, you need to use your own power to cast the spells—and that’s not going to be easy!”

  Alice's lips curled into a smile. “I know, but there's another way than the usual method.”

  Giselle’s eyes winded. “Huh? Another way? How?”

  Alice sighed deeply and looked to the side, keeping her lips shut tight.

  “Hmm… I see… alright! I'll get the Manashells ready as fast as I can.” Giselle picked up the dark mana crystals.

  But the moment Giselle turned, Alice called out to her.

  "Uhmm… Miss Giselle! I’m a bit curious about something.”

  Giselle turned her head back. “Huh?”

  Alice cleared her throat, “you're a noble from the Capital, right?”

  “Yes, what of it?” Giselle narrowed her eyes.

  “Why did you come all the way out here? Why to Heimzuch?” Alice knit her brows together.

  “Suresly, there’s better opportunities in the Capital?” Alice leaned in closer.

  Giselle looked away for a moment, then a smile formed at the corner of her lips.

  “Well… you can say it's to keep a promise to a friend.” Giselle said warmly.

  “Actually, he’s the one who invented these—Type Two Manashells!” Giselle smirked.

  “Ohh I see… Does your friend also work here?” Alice looked around.

  Giselle closed her eyes and slowly lowered her head. Her hand curled into a tight fist, her body trembled.

  Alice tilted her head as her companions stared at each other.

  Suddenly, Giselle looked up. “I’ll be waiting for your return—please stay safe!” Her face hardened.

  Alice widened her eyes. “Uhm… yes, of course.”

  Giselle picked up the dark mana crystals and turned around.

  As she was about to leave she turned her head and looked at Alice with a smirk.

  “When you come back to pick up your Manashells. You might want to head back to the Nicts Dungeon—Your foolish friend Beatrix, might be heading there soon!”

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  ***

  “Uhhh… what… happened?” Grey opened his eyes.

  He looked around the room with a confused expression.

  Suddenly a familiar voice called out.

  “Grey!” Jen’s voice trembled.

  She immediately hugged Grey so hard, that the sound of bones crackling echoed through the room.

  “Huf, not… so tight… Jen!” Grey said between breaths.

  “Ahh, sorry, I’m sorry!” Tears ran down Jen’s face.

  Grey’s eyes widened. “What… happened?” He placed his hand on Jen’s shoulder.

  But before she could say anything a familiar voice spoke. “You passed out.”

  Grey turned his head toward the sound.

  “Simon? Why are you here?” Grey asked, surprised.

  Simon shot him a blank stare. “Taking care of you I suppose?”

  Grey tried to stand up—only to immediately lose his balance and fall straight back onto the bed. Suddenly he found himself staring at the ceiling.

  “Huh? What?” Grey said, confused.

  “Idiot—don’t move!” Jen slapped him in the face.

  “Ahh…. Why Jen, Why?” Tears streamed down Grey’s face.

  Jen gasped. “Ohh no… I’m sorry I didn't mean it too!”

  “Please don't assault the patient.” Simon shook his head.

  Jen lowered her head slowly, like she was ashamed.

  Suddenly the door flew open.

  “Grey you alright?” I said concerned as I walked in.

  Tess and Mirra followed along and soon we all stood at Grey's bedside.

  Tess tilted her head. “He seems alright!”

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  “It's all thanks to Miss Tessaria's healing.” Mirra grinned.

  Simon nodded. “Indeed, if it were not for that, he might have been in much worse condition or maybe even dead.”

  “Huh!!” Jen looked up in shock.

  Grey furrowed his brow. “Ehh? Dead? What?”

  I raised a brow. “What do you mean by dead?” I stared at Simon.

  We stood in silence, waiting for Simon’s response.

  Simon paused for a moment, then took a deep breath.

  “It's not complicated… Grey was in such a bad condition despite being healed by a Holy Sage… I can only assume the worst if she hadn't been there.” Simon adjusted his glasses.

  “But I was careful! I only transferred enough power to activate the Manashell, just for a brief moment! Did I somehow mess up?” Grey scratched his chin.

  I nodded. “Yes, it should only have exhausted him for a while. Something he could easily have recovered in a few days—Not kill him?!”

  “Indeed… a very peculiar situation…” Simon knit his brows together.

  Jen grabbed Grey’s hand and held it tight between hers.

  “So what does it mean?” Jen’s voice trembled.

  “I’m not sure yet. I need to examine everyone who was affected negatively by the Manashells.” Simon explained.

  “Wait, you think that Jen and Mirra might be affected in the same way as Grey?” My voice trembled.

  “Did I somehow… hurt them?” I lowered my gaze.

  Jen turned her head toward me, her lips parted but before she could let out a sound.

  “—No! That's not what I’m saying.” Simon shook his head.

  Jen, with a relieved look on her face, slowly nodded.

  Simon cleared his throat.

  “I cannot conclude anything without further examination.”

  “Besides, not everyone was affected in the same way, therefore I need to investigate further." Simon’s voice was calm, but with a hint of assertiveness.

  Suddenly, a hand slapped me in the back.

  “Don’t get ahead of yourself Leo!” Tess grinned. “Let Simon do his job.”

  Tess looked up. “I’ll take him out to cool down for a moment.” She said warmly.

  Simon nodded. “Good… I’ll try to be quick.” He looked at Jen and Mirra.

  "It's alright Mr. Leo… I don’t feel much different than usual, so don’t worry about me.” Mirra reassured.

  Jen nodded. “Yes, we'll be fine Leo.” She smiled.

  “Just go and clear your head Leo. I'm sure it's nothing—I’ll be fine!" Grey grinned.

  “Well, it seems like it's unanimous.” Tess smirked.

  She grabbed me by the arm and dragged me out of the clinic.

  ***

  The weather was calm but a bit chilly as we stepped outside.

  Simon's clinic was not too far from the village but not to close either. Under normal circumstances it would be a nice place, for some alone time or a private talk.

  “Alright… you can stop dragging me around, Tess?” My face turned red with embarrassment.

  “You need to calm down so I’ll drag you far enough until you do.” Tess said in a commanding tone.

  “Come on Tess! I'm calm, I'm calm!” I pleaded.

  Suddenly, we came to a stop and she let go of my arm.

  Tess sighed and turned around. She stood tall like a tower as she folded her arms.

  Damn, I sometimes forget how tall she actually is.

  I suddenly began to feel tense while Tess stood in silence and stared at me. It was almost like she was in deep though.

  Why is she just standing and not saying anything?

  For some reason I felt a lump in my throat. It was as if I was a kid back in school who was about to get scolded by his favorite teacher.

  Suddenly, the image of Tess dressed as a teacher flashed through my mind.

  Huh! Why am I imagining her as my homeroom teacher?!

  While I was lost in my thoughts, Tess suddenly kneeled down. She raised her arms toward me and cupped my head with both of her hands.

  My eyes went wide—my heart pounded. “Huh?” I gaped in surprise.

  Her gaze met mine. “It's gonna be alright!” Tess

  I blinked once, then twice… then closed my eyes and nodded slowly.

  “Yes… I understand… I’m just…” I tried to explain, but my voice cracked and my body trembled.

  “It's fine… you're still just a kid.” Tess smiled.

  For some reason her presence completely shifted. She felt much more like Tess from the game. Warm, soft, gentle like the sun or a warm summer breeze.

  Ehh! What?

  Is she really showing me… that side of her?

  It feels… so good… it feels.

  —Warm!

  Suddenly I realized her palms were still cupping my face. I instinctively grabbed the back of her hands and stepped back—leaving both her hands hanging in the air.

  Ahh, my heart!

  This is not good for my heart!

  “Ehh? Am I so repulsive to you?” Tess pouted.

  “Ahh, no… You just surprised me… that’s all.” I looked away and smiled awkwardly.

  Tess pressed her hand on her lips and let out a slight chuckle.

  “Ohh… now I get it! You would rather have a girl your own age to touch your face, right?!” Tess said teasingly.

  “Ehh?” I raised a brow.

  What’s she babbling about?

  After a moment her laughter died down and she let out a sigh.

  “Well, I know I'm just an ugly old lady to you. But I have feelings too, you know.” She smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes.

  “What are you talking about?” I frowned.

  Tess tilted her head, she seemed confused.

  “Don’t go saying stupid things like that!” I narrowed my eyes.

  “Only a true moron would think anything like that about you—and if they do I'll pound them to oblivion!” I slammed my fist into my other hand.

  Tess blinked for a moment, her expression confused. It was like she was trying to process my words.

  Suddenly—she broke into laughter.

  “Hahaha… are you serious? You're gonna pound them to oblivion?” Tess laughed so hard that her body trembled.

  I stared at her with a blank expression.

  “Come on! Why are you making fun of me? I meant what I said.” I folded my arms and looked away in protest.

  She slowly calmed down and wiped away a tear. “Hehe no… I’m not making fun of you… I'm just a little surprised.”

  I sighed. “Alright… but I don't want you to hear you talk badly about yourself!” I pointed at her.

  “Ohh, that’s very mature of you.” Tess grinned and pressed her hand on her lips.

  “But, you’re right… I’ll make sure to reflect on it.” She lowered her head.

  “Good, glad you understand.” I smirked.

  “You’ve always been so mature. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you not act so adult like.” Tess rubbed her chin.

  “Nothing’s been normal about my youth, besides I’ll be fifteen soon so I’m almost an adult.” I grinned.

  “That’s still four years from now.” Tess sighed.

  “And yes, I know it's not been normal for you. But try and relax sometimes. It's alright for you to just act your age and not have to try and solve everything.” Tess said in a soft tone.

  I chuckled. “I guess I'll have to reflect on that.”

  Tess smiled and nodded in agreement.

  Suddenly I was reminded of something. “Ohh yeah, there's something I've been wondering about?”

  “The guy who confessed to you in the guild, that one time. Why did you reject him?

  I stared at her with a curious expression.

  “Hmm… that’s an odd question to ask?” Tess shook her head.

  “No it’s not, I mean… You work all the time and I’ve never seen you hang out with anyone. I’m not even sure you have friends." I folded my arms.

  “I do have… friends…” Tess's eyes drifted to the side.

  I shook my head, unconvinced.

  “Even so, don't you want to get married someday? Don't you want to start a family? I mean, do you really want to be alone for the rest of your life?”

  Tess clicked her tongue.

  “That’s a narrow way of thinking. My work is too important to even consider such things yet!”

  “Besides, the kids in the orphanage are like my family! That's enough for me.” She nodded several times, almost like she tried to convince herself.

  I tilted my head. “Ohh really! So you don’t want to have kids of your own? Ever?” I said with a sly grin.

  Tess furrowed her brows.

  “Hmm… I didn't say that. It’s just, right now is not the right time for such things.”

  I scratched my head. “Not the right time?”

  She sighed. “The reason why I rejected him was because he wanted me, out of lust. Not because he actually wanted to be with me!”

  “Ehh?” I knit my brows together.

  Tess folded her arms, her eyes looked straight into the void. It was like she was almost lost in her thoughts.

  “I didn't actually reject the guy, you see.”

  “Where I come from, to truly know someone is to know their true name. It's like knowing the other’s soul.” Tess explained.

  “If that man wanted to be with me, to truly choose me as I am… He would’ve understood that and maybe made an effort to figure it out.” She turned her head toward me.

  “Because of that. I rejected him.”

  “I know this might not make sense to you, but this is how I was raised and what I believe." Tess lowered her head.

  “Besides, he wasn't the only one to try. There have been countless men who’ve tried to confess to me over the years—all of them failed of course.”

  Somehow that doesn't surprise me.

  She can be a really cold woman.

  “Hmm… well I can’t say that I fully understand… but I can’t really disagree either.” I nodded, somewhat reluctant.

  Tess’s eyes widened, she then broke out into a soft laughter.

  “Well It's fine… I don't expect you to understand, not yet at least.”

  “But to ask such a question at your age… Are you already thinking of who to marry and start a family with?” Tess smirked, with a hint of teasing in her voice.

  I looked at her with a deadpan stare. “No… I'm just curious, that's all!”

  Tess smirked, “Ohh… I see… hehe,” she said while giggling.

  I sighed deeply.

  “But still… There’s no way he would ever have guessed your name, so I know you set him up on purpose.” I pointed at her.

  “Ohh… maybe I did? Maybe I didn't?” She said in a mischievous tone, hiding her smile behind her hand.

  “Come on!” I leaned back with both hands behind my head.

  “How would he even know that your first name is already shortened, since in your village the names are so damn long!" I said annoyed.

  Tess's eyes shot wide. "What… what did you just say?" Her voice cracked.

  Suddenly, someone called out to us. “Leo, Tessaria!”

  We turned our heads to see Simon approaching.

  “You need to come with me, now!” Simon’s eyes narrowed.

  ***

  “Huh? What… What are you saying Simon?!” Grey’s voice echoed through the clinic.

  Simon pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose and cleared his throat.

  “You need to stop working… or you might die!”