The Life I Gained From Dying

Chapter 13 - Tears From The Weak

"Hey... can you hear me?"

"Who is that?" Kaden asked. "I can't see anything."

"Damn, looks like I still can't quite reach you yet."

"Who are you?" Kaden asked to the mysterious voice.

"It'll still be a while before we could talk. For now just be on the look out for a friend. We'll see each other soon Kaden."

"Wait! What do you mean?! Answer me!"

"..."

Kaden opened his eyes and found himself resting in a room that was unfamiliar to him. The interior wooden design hinted that this was a place in Aestus. However this room was a bit more modern with smooth wooden walls and patterns carved into the ceiling.

"I'll soon get use to waking up in unfamiliar places." Kaden said softly to himself.

There was a light bump on the outside of the door before it crept open, followed by Mai entering inside.

"Good morning Maira." Kaden said.

"You're finally awake. I was just coming to check on your progress."

"Where are we?" He asked.

"Back in Aestus, more specifically were at my residence."

"Yeah that makes sense. How long have I been out?"

"A few hours." Mai replied. "You really over exerted yourself with that last attack you did."

"I had to make sure I killed that thing with one blow. We probably wouldn't have gotten a second chance. Speaking of which, how's the twin?" Kaden asked as he sat up in the bed.

"Kuria exerted herself even more than you did. She was still unconscious when I carried her back to her home. Kenzo assisted me by bringing you here after I brought you both back to Aestus... sorry for getting you caught in that situation. I always get others caught in my problems because I can never deal with them alone. If only I was more capable."

Kaden noticed that she was gripping her pants leg tightly and she hadn't made eye contact with him once during this conversation.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

The door crept open once again and this time Kenzo came in. Along with him though was a very old looking man that was dressed similarly to all of the Elders Kaden had met so far.

"We finally meet Mr. Adams." The old man said.

"...I'm guessing your an Elder too?" Kaden questioned.

"Nice perception young man. My name is Colin Alexander. Most of the um, villagers call me 'Elder Alex'." He stated as he walked over to Kaden. "Seems you two had quite the run in with a stage one Arashi."

"Stage one?"

"All Arashi are classified into three stages depending on danger level." Kenzo explained. "Stage ones like the one you encountered only attack beings that attack it first. They're easy to evade and deal with if you sneak up on it."

Mai hung her head even lower as she remained quiet.

"...So what, you're gonna punish us for fighting that thing?" Kaden asked.

"Heh, not me. I think the only way to learn is trial and error." Alexander replied. "The others will scold you for your stupid decision, but I don't care once no one died."

"I like your mindset old man."

"That disrespectful mouth of yours will cost you one day." Kenzo stated.