Tbate: Resurgence

-Chapter 15 : Tangled Day-

Arthur Leywin

Walking through the streets of Xyrus City after more than half a year brought a strange sense of nostalgia. The familiar sights were both comforting and unsettling, memories surfacing despite my efforts to push them away. I wondered, briefly, what they were doing now.

‘Kyu... Papa, are we going home?’ Sylvie’s voice chimed through our mental link, her small fox-like form nestled on my shoulder.

‘No, Sylv... That isn’t our home anymore. And I’m not welcome there...’ I responded, keeping my tone steady despite the weight of those words.

‘But why?’ she asked, her ears drooping as she nuzzled closer.

I paused briefly, glancing at her. ‘Some things are better left alone, both for their sake and mine. You’ll understand when you’re older.’

Lost in thought, I didn’t notice the figure approaching until we collided. I stayed upright, but the man stumbled, and the Dawn's Ballad, that now I was using as a cane to walk, slipped from my hand. I cursed inwardly at my absent-mindedness.

“My deepest apologies, sir!” the man exclaimed, immediately bowing. He glanced at the bandages on my arms, visible even around my neck. “I was in a rush and wasn’t paying attention.”

“It’s alright,” I said, my voice cool but not unkind. “I should’ve sensed you approaching.”

The man quickly retrieved the Dawn’s Ballad from the ground and handed it back to me. His hands trembled slightly, and he seemed nervous, perhaps thinking he had injured me further.

“No, no, it was my fault,” he insisted, his expression earnest. “Please, allow me to make it up to you. Is there anything I can do?”

I sighed internally. A persistent type. It was rare to encounter such sincerity in this city.

“There’s no need for that,” I began, but seeing his insistence, I added, “Though if you’re so determined, you could point me to a place that sells good healing potions.”

“Healing potions? Of course! There’s a shop just around the corner—"

I interrupted him before he could finish. “Thank you for your help,” I said, my tone final as I turned away, walking quickly to avoid further interaction.

After turning the corner as per the man’s directions, I found myself staring in bewilderment.

This is a store?

The narrow alley I entered looked more like a spot thugs would use to ambush their prey, not the kind of place you'd expect to find a reputable shop. At the end of the alley stood a decrepit shack that seemed to be barely holding itself together. The wooden planks looked like they’d been marinated in moss and rot, while a stale, musty odor drifted out toward me, complementing the sickly green weeds creeping from its base. It was as if even the plants were trying to escape.

The sign hanging precariously by a single nail read: WINDSOM’S POTIONS AND MEDICINES.

I had to tilt my head to read the sign, as it dangled at an awkward angle. Judging by its state, I wouldn't have been surprised if they sold diseases and poisons rather than healing potions.

“Spare some change, young lad?”

The sudden voice snapped me out of my daze.

Beside me, a pale, haggard old man sat with his hand outstretched toward me, palm up.

I instinctively stepped back, layering mana around myself. How had I not sensed him?He was sitting so close, I should have noticed him immediately.

The old man looked as startled as I was, but his eyes quickly shifted from me to Sylvie on my shoulder. For a moment, his face went even paler, if that was possible. His milky eyes, sagging from age, widened in shock, and for an instant, he looked like he had seen a ghost.