Old Story (6)
It's been over a week since the expedition team, including Eisel and Flame, began wandering the Karakorum Mountains.
Though it sounded grand, the expedition was more of a battle with oneself. They had to navigate through inhospitable terrains, fight monsters, endure uncomfortable nights in the wild, and then resolutely move forward again.
It was a journey that only those with strong physical and mental stamina could endure.
"Those kids... they don't seem to get tired."
"No, they're exhausted. They're just enduring it."
It was natural that the eyes of the expedition members looking at Eisel and Flame began to change gradually.
At first, they thought of them as immature students. But as they showed proficiency in various skills helpful to the expedition, their practical presence became apparent.
They were serious when needed, greatly helpful in battles, and kept the spirits high during rest with their chatter and various skills. Their presence in this expedition was far from negligible.
While Flame mingled with various people, Eisel did not.
Although her wariness had lessened significantly, she had lived for nearly ten years branded as the daughter of a traitor, making it difficult for her to approach others easily.
So, after each night of the expedition, Eisel would lie next to Flame in their makeshift tent and share her old stories with her.
"...Flame, what do you think of my father?"
It was quite a difficult question.
No one had ever asked her about their father before.
But then, Eisel wasn't a typical friend. She wasn't an ordinary girl, student, or even human.
She was... a very special being.
However, Flame, who had no intention of treating her specially, candidly shared her thoughts.
"I don't know."
"...Really?"
"Yeah. Honestly, I haven't even heard much about your dad. I lived in an orphanage in a rural backwater, surviving each day by digging up potatoes. Why would I care about things happening in other places?"
Flame and Eisel shared their childhood stories.
"I had over ten siblings, and we had to survive on five potatoes a day. I wanted to grab the neck of the insane headmistress and shake her, but I couldn't because I was only ten years old."
Flame's childhood was marked by a lack of clothing and food.
"My father always told me to follow the path I believe is right. Now, I'm not sure what is right anymore."
Eisel's childhood was spent with her dependable and respected father.
When they were alone, Eisel often shared more of her stories, and Flame listened quietly.
Reminiscence.
It's a truly beautiful and mysterious word.
Even ordinary humans could travel through time while reminiscing.
Whenever Eisel reminisced, Flame remained silent. No, it might be more accurate to say she couldn't speak.
"Even if we fail this journey, it's okay. I know it's not going to be easy. But someday, I will definitely clear my father's name."
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I Became a Flashing Genius at the Magic Academy [158-362][English Translation]
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