Erica - When a Friend is Obsessed With Me

Chapter 37

In the flesh, terrible curses rained down, and from the heart began the pain of burning veins.

All sorts of fantasies invaded his mind.

There was no way out. He ran and ran through the miserable visions.

He thought it would be better to die, but he didn't know if he was even thinking that to himself.

There was no time, no space. Only terrible pain ruled the soul.

He floated like dust in endless eternity. Then he heard a small voice.

"... Happy birthday!"

Was it the voice of his dead daughter?

Or was it the voice of his student who had become more precious to him?

The voice of an angel, whispering softly.

'...'

Suddenly, he awoke.

His body and mind were in a frenzy, but he couldn't let the moment pass.

Quickly, he smashed the Temple Return Stone with his hands and escaped.

A long time ago, he had received the Temple Return Stone as a reward from the saint.

Paat!

As he teleported to the Great Hall of Light, he broke the stone he thought he'd never need again.

He faintly remembered thinking, 'It's a good thing I didn't bring Erica with me...'

He couldn't have been more fortunate to have come to the ancient ruins alone. He was deeply relieved that his apprentice hadn't suffered the horrible pain with him.

'Well, then.'

That was it. There was no regret, no wish that he hadn't gone to the ruins.

It had already happened.

Even if curiosity killed him, it was better than dying of boredom.

'... It can't be helped.'

Pechenik yawned loudly. He stretched, watching the sunset sky.

He hadn't realized how long he'd be resting in the Great Hall of Light. Southern Dantus seemed to be at peace.

It had felt like a long time since he'd been away from the Mercenary Guild, and counting the days, it had been.

He was sure they were all not too worried, but he thought he'd send a letter to the Mercenary Guild.

He would tell them that he was doing well and that they shouldn't worry.

Though the letter would be a lie.

***

Peek.

Peek 2.

Two S-class mercenaries moved from pillar to post in the hallway.

Hodadak, hodadak.

"Erica, why do we have to hide?"

"So we can move around unnoticed?"

They weren't invited guests of the upper echelons, nor were they nobles making grand offerings.

Even if the maid hesitated before disclosing Pechenik's room, it didn't grant them access to the upper floors.

"Hyuk, hide."

They pressed their backs against the pillar, listening intently.

Footsteps approached from the end of the hallway. Five?