Isekai Alterealist: The Boy Shaped by Reality

7. Calm In The Face of A Firestorm

Zahndis knows himself that the abyss spawn basically have countless methods to bring upon this tragedy, and yet the man was still horrified to see how he managed to burn a large part of the forest in a matter of seconds. Sure he had never seen nor heard an Alterealist such as him in the past, not to mention one who even has a dense enough Reality Bubble to be able to blast it off in an explosion, but that's more of a testament to his raw power more than his actual skills. It's impossible for him to master his abilities so fast on his own, as even the ones who managed to shelter under the cult's protection needs time just to understand their powers. Perhaps the kid just tried anything in his might to create a distraction but ended up overdoing it, burning the forest as a result.

No, that was a meaningless line of thought, why should a hunter like him humanize the actions of a beast? Certainly, to hunt them more effectively some amount of rationalization is necessary to predict the behavioral patterns of these creatures, but Zahndis had just gone way past the limits. If he let his feelings take over, it will daunt his mind too much, debilitating his hunting capabilities when the moment comes. As his Master at the Temple Xylvsier The Iron Coffin taught him to, the first thing he must kill on a hunt for an Alterealist is his humanity, only then he can kill his opponents.

"The fire is spreading! Prealtor Zahndis, what should we do now? Should we continue on the hunt or should we just focus on putting down this fire?!" Lezroz asked him in a panic, wondering which problem they should prioritize first, although deep inside he prefer to save the land he was born in.

"We should..."

The question puts Zahndis' mind into a conflict with itself, two opposing views within him turned against each another once more. For the greater good of the world, it would make sense if they focus on hunting down the escaping Alterealist to stop his reign of terror before it begins, yet to all these villagers who are locked in this area this place is basically their whole world. What's the point of them achieving their freedom if they don't have a home to come back to? Zahndis wouldn't want them to lose it like he did so many years ago.

It might not be logical, but his heart came to one choice.

"You stay here and lead the others to extinguish the fire, and make sure to work Aeliz to the bone, she has been stuck like a snail's snot on her bed for too long. I will take your wife and a few other of our elite warriors with me."

"You wouldn't bring her with you instead? Aeliz may help you overwhelm that Alterealist boy with her Crealtionist powers, she is still competent enough for that. She is the only actual Realter we have other than you after all, Prealtor Zahndis. She'll prove to be useful in your hunt."

"Perhaps, but what's more definite is the fact that she specializes in creating water, something more essential to your group's effort. She might help me with a trick or two, but that's nothing compared to how much of a great help she'll be for you here. You need her more than me. Not to mention the fire could attract the Cult's attention, although we would do our best to catch him before it reaches that point."

"I suppose I have nothing to say to that... Have a good hunt, Prealtor. Take all the best warriors we have with you. I'm sure my wife and the other top ten fighters of the village would serve you well. Even if the Cult attacks, we will do our best to hold out until you return."

"Yes, thank you, my friend. I hope you also succeed in making sure that they have a home to come back to. I have invested my whole life to train each and every one of you not just to fight against the Descendants of Ophélie cultists and the myriads of Abominations they set loose upon the world from its bowels. A simple fire wouldn't put you down so easily, I've forged your bodies through many hazards to make the best of your tribe's ability of Mutation."