Chapter 101: A Grand Resurrection!
[Status refreshed successfully, successfully escaped from dangerous state]
"...Huh?"
A crimson line flashed before his eyes, and after letting out a scream akin to that of an octogenarian, Aeron abruptly launched himself from the spot with a sudden burst—
Boing~
Only to be bounced back by something soft and large.
"?????"
Only then did Aeron realize that beneath the back of his head wasn't the cold, hard floor, but something soft and warm.
"..."
Looking at the half-sky before him and those two mysterious black fabrics that could barely cover those gigantic assets, Aeron immediately guessed who this person was.
Then, an all-too-familiar voice reached Aeron's ears.
"You're awake?"
"...So big."
What are you doing here?
"Hmm?"
Shit, I said it backwards.
Although Aeron couldn't see Rover's expression, it was clear she hadn't processed this sudden act of harassment either.
In any case, to prevent the situation from becoming even more awkward, Aeron moved his head off Rover's lap.
Looking around, there was no bloodstain in sight. It seemed that with Rover's help, Aeron had ultimately managed not to pay tribute to Leviathan.
Although his "little head" was quite satisfied, his "big head" instinctively didn't want to get close to her. As for the "exempt head"... it probably wouldn't be needed anymore.
Aeron patted the dust off himself, stood up from the ground, and checked his body. It seemed he was fine; the System's refresh was indeed effective.
Although what he had seen earlier still bothered Aeron, to be honest, he was ninety percent sure he wouldn't get involved with it again.
Dealing with the Threnodian wasn't his business to begin with, and he had no intention of getting tangled up with those matters. The reason he opposed Leviathan was simply because they didn't get along.
What Leviathan called the "Tour of Heaven" was actually using the Dark Tide to erode everyone's minds, turning them into mindless Dark Tide creations.
Although its skill in shaping people was indeed impressive, Aeron would rather join the glorious evolution or even turn into orange juice than accept that.
Sigh, who would have thought? Aeron had initially only wanted to track down the one who killed him, never expecting it would lead him to Leviathan.
By chance, he also managed to raise Carlotta and the others' favorability a bit. He was quite happy to be friends with them.
In any case, the crisis in Rinascita had passed. Once he returned to Ragunna, a life of luxury awaited him.
If there was one major problem now, it was that the Threnodian couldn't be completely killed. He might still have to deal with Leviathan afterwards, but that wasn't a big deal—at most, he'd just treat it to a few more "peanuts."
How dare you defy me, who possesses Satanael.
"...Heh!"
Rover watched Aeron, who was already lost in his own world, and simply chuckled softly.
"...Is it that funny?"
"No, I just think... you're quite interesting."
You'd better not think that.
But Aeron certainly didn't have the nerve to say such things.
"To be thought of so highly by you, I'm truly honored."
"So my standing in your heart is quite high."
Of course it's high, I ask you—there's quite a difference between humans and Ultraman, okay?
However, Aeron still had one burning question.
"...So why are you here?"
Meeting Aeron's puzzled gaze, Rover patted her thigh and rose from the grass.
"When I came to rescue you earlier, I found you had no vital signs. Remembering your past heroic deeds, I waited for you a bit longer. Now it seems the time wasn't wasted."
"Honestly, your words are contradictory..."
She clearly knew he would resurrect, yet still came to save him—wasn't that completely unnecessary?
Rover noticed Aeron's confusion and immediately answered his question.
"I don't want to be having a conversation next to an indescribable scene."
"Alright, you've convinced me."
That should settle that matter. Now for the next question.
"Why did you keep me here? What do you want?"
"...Your train of thought remains as quick as ever."
Saying this, Rover walked several steps to stand before Aeron.
"I have two things to discuss with you. First—"
As she spoke, Rover drew the Bloodpact's Pledge from her waist—the sword Aeron had transformed into the Holy Sword using the System.
"...Are you going to silence me?"
"What kind of person do you take me for?"
Rover couldn't understand. By now, they were comrades who had fought together against Threnodian, so why did he always maintain this avoidant attitude toward her.
"This, I'm returning to you."
"?"
Aeron's face showed a "what are you talking about" expression, prompting Rover to explain:
"This was never mine to begin with. Since the matter is resolved, it should return to its rightful owner—"
But Aeron immediately cut her off, his tone quite decisive.
"No need, you keep it."
"But—"
Aeron waved his hand and stepped forward, pushing the sword back toward Rover.
"No 'buts.' Rather, being able to provide assistance to you who bears the heavy responsibility of saving the world is something I could boast about for a lifetime."
"This sword is the symbol of you as 'King.' From now on, wherever you go, as long as this sword remains in your hand, all of Rinascita will be your support."
Here, Aeron paused—after all, speaking in such roundabout ways wasn't his style.
"To put it plainly—"
"You're worthy."
Hearing Aeron's words, Rover's expression froze momentarily before she showed a faint, resigned smile.
"...Then it seems I have no choice but to graciously accept."
Of course—if you don't take it, who will? In my hands, this thing would just be used like a watermelon knife for basic attacks.
Besides, those impassioned words were just something Aeron made up on the spot. Who would have thought his most developed skill over all this time would be boasting?
"Alright, what's the other matter?"
"This... I came to Rinascita to handle some matters, and you helped me out, so consider this as payment?"
"Uh... what kind of payment can you offer?"
In Aeron's impression, Rover was always the one receiving things—what could possibly be in that large, cluttered game backpack? It couldn't be Asterites, could it?
Maintaining a hint of skepticism and curiosity, Aeron watched as Rover pulled out a flower from behind her back.
"This is a symbol of the Black Shores' Flower of Commitment. Though we haven't known each other long, I believe you could..."
"No."
"...better utilize your strengths there."
"No!"
Seriously? Did she mean that with his vast connections in Ragunna, he should abandon his laid-back lifestyle and work for her every day instead?
Seeing Aeron's resolute refusal, Rover was momentarily at a loss for words.
"...At least give me a reason?"
"Simple. Whether it's saving the world or rescuing cats, I have no interest. I, Aeron, only wish to live a peaceful life."
As always, Aeron gave the same answer he would no matter how many times he was asked.
If it were Carlotta, Phoebe, or even Cartethyia, they would likely give him a "you're hopeless" look and reluctantly accept his response.
But Rover, upon hearing this, merely lowered her head with a thoughtful expression and asked:
"...Even now, you're still using that as an excuse?"
So what!
Aeron wanted to thump his chest and declare it boldly, but he couldn't.
After all, this was someone far more difficult to deal with than the others—not someone he could easily brush off.
"This isn't something you need to worry about."
"...Then pretend I never asked."
After that, silence fell between Aeron and Rover for a while.
Just then, the Resonance Mark on the back of Rover's hand began to glow, and a strange creature with heterochromatic eyes and two large drooping ears emerged.
"Waaah! The nasty smell just disappeared, and now there's an even stranger odor!"
"Abby, are you okay now?"
Abby's appearance finally broke the silence between Aeron and Rover.
Oh right, the mascot who's forced to endure hardships every day—Aeron had almost forgotten about her.
What a pity, Aeron had already taken down Rinascita's top chef.
Coincidentally, Aeron had a long-prepared greeting for her:
"What the hell, where did this dog come from?"
"Who are you calling a dog! Such a filthy mouth!"
Ah, that felt satisfying.
"By the way... how are Little Carte and Cantarella? Are they still up there?"
"The fall of Avinoleum has stopped. They should have returned to Ragunna by now... Shall we head back together?"
"To think I'd get to return alongside the 'King'—I'm truly honored."
No denying it, this guy really knew how to talk with sarcasm sometimes.
Aeron gazed at the clearing sky and couldn't help but sigh—what a long and winding journey it had been.
Regardless, it was time to return to Ragunna now.
Have a good meal, then sleep soundly. As for future matters... they could wait until later.
At least that was what he thought before being tied up once again.