I'M THE HERO

Chapter 14: Vengir

RYAZANIA POV:

The comforting aroma of cooked meat stirred me from my slumber, pulling me back to consciousness. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, I found Mal and Fein seated nearby, their attention focused on a plate of food carved from oak wood. It was a simple meal, yet the savory scent of the meat teased my senses, beckoning me to partake. 

With gratitude, I rose from my bedridden state and joined them at the makeshift table.

Mal's gaze met mine, a curious glint in his eyes as he began to inquire about me.

"What kind of food do you like?" he asked.

"What's this all of a sudden?" I chuckled.

"Just curious," he answered playfully.

"I like meat, and I like food with a good scent," I answered fondly.

"Scent?" he asked curiously.

"I like scent, especially floral scent. I like flowers too," I answered joyfully.

"Well, that's good," he answered, seemingly thankful for my answer.

His questions, though seemingly innocuous, caught me off guard. 

I answered his inquiries, sharing tidbits about myself—my fondness for floral designs, my appreciation for scents that evoked memories of distant places. 

Fein, ever the pragmatic one, questioned the need for such conversation as he continued to eat, his brow furrowed in mild annoyance. Mal, undeterred, offered a simple yet profound explanation.

"We will be together for a while," he said, his voice tinged with sincerity. "It's only fitting that we get to know each other better."

His words resonated within me, breaking through my lingering doubts. In this uncertain world, perhaps these small moments of connection truly mattered. I joined them in their meal, savoring each bite amidst the flickering glow of the fire.

As the meal concluded, I pondered whether we could travel out of this cave now that the storm had settled down.

"Mal, I think it's time we leave this place and find someplace else," I said seriously.

"I guess we can't stay here forever. Fein and I should survey the surroundings," Mal replied.

As Mal and Fein prepared to survey the surroundings, I remained in the warmth of the cave, watching them with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity.

"What should I do?" I asked, my voice tinged with uncertainty.

"Stay," Mal replied with unwavering confidence.

Fein, ever the stalwart companion, stood up with a playful grin, his sword at the ready. "You scared?" he teased lightly.

"I would only drag you down," Mal admitted. "As a healer, I don't have much stamina."

With their roles defined, Mal and Fein ventured towards the entrance of the cave. Mal asserted, "I will stay here as a healer. I have the power of telepathy and spatial awareness."

Fein, unsheathing his sword, declared, "Then I'll scout the surroundings."

Guided by Mal's telepathic communication and aided by his spatial powers, Fein embarked on his reconnaissance mission. Encounters with bears and magic wolves tested his mettle, but Fein's skill as a warrior proved unmatched. With swift and decisive strikes, he dispatched his adversaries. But amidst the flurry of battle, Fein encountered a giant snake. As it lunged, Fein evaded its attack with agility, born of years of combat experience.