[Big Annoucement!]
[Hi, everyone!! months since I talked directly here xD, not really the best talker (maybe because I spend all day reading...) anyway! as how prices of everything is going up and everyday life is getting expensive I decided to reduce the price of my sub on P@tr30n.
I don't want to make my readers stop having a good time so this is the least I can do.
To coushion a little the lost of money I added a tier for people that want to support me and have access to the polls for new fanfics and incoming events. Just a 1 buck one xD.
The next event will be a poll to pick one of my fanfic to get 10 extra chapters!
Thanks for your support!]
A pair of arms wrapped around Genichi from behind.
Demeter pressed her whole body against his bare back, the soft warmth of her skin passing straight through to him.
Her face rested between his shoulder blades, and her breath brushed lightly across his skin.
"Now you can send your shadow into the Dungeon and stay here by my side."
Her voice was soft, touched with a hint of coaxing sweetness.
Genichi was silent for a moment.
Then he spoke slowly.
"If the two of us level up together, it'll be faster. I'll gain more status that way too."
Demeter's body stiffened slightly.
She let go of him, walked around to stand in front of him, and lifted her head to look at him.
Those amber eyes were filled with grievance, reluctance, and quiet pleading.
"But..."
She pressed her lips together.
"I want you to stay with me more."
Genichi looked at her.
At those eyes full of expectation. At that face that practically said, I don't want you to leave. At the pitiful, pleading look she was giving him.
But there was not the slightest hesitation on his face.
"Demeter."
His voice was calm, but it carried a force that could not be ignored.
"If you don't want me to die, then don't become an obstacle on the road that's making me stronger."
Demeter froze.
She had not expected him to say something like that.
She had only wanted him to spend more time with her.
How had that become an obstacle?
"I..."
She opened her mouth, wanting to say something, only to realize she could not get a single word out.
Genichi looked at her, and a complicated emotion rose in his chest.
He knew she was only reluctant to let him go.
He knew she was only...
Worried about him.
But he could not stop.
If he stopped, he would die.
That was not exaggeration. It was fact.
Dionysus could make his move at any time.
And there was also that damned soul colosseum. He had no idea when it might summon him again.
Every single thing was forcing him forward.
Forcing him to grow stronger.
He could not let a moment of tenderness ruin himself.
Ruin their future.
Demeter looked at him, emotions churning in her amber eyes.
She did not understand.
She truly did not understand.
Why, even with such an absurdly strong survival skill, was he still pushing himself this hard?
Why could he not stop and rest for a while?
Why could he not...
Stay with her a little longer?
"Genichi."
Her voice trembled slightly.
"I told you before. I'm either becoming stronger, or I'm dying on the road to becoming stronger."
Genichi's voice was calm, but it carried a certainty painful enough to break the heart.
"I can't stop."
He paused.
"The moment I do, I might die."
Demeter's pupils tightened slightly.
Die?
Why would he die?
He was already Level 5. He had a nearly invincible survival magic like Shadow King, instant teleportation magic like Apparition, and so many hidden cards.
Who could possibly kill him?
"Tell me why."
Her voice grew firm.
"I want to know your reason."
Genichi fell silent.
He looked at Demeter, at those eyes full of seriousness and worry.
He knew she genuinely wanted to know.
Genuinely wanted to face this together with him.
But he...
He could not tell her.
Those matters involved his greatest secrets.
Secrets from other worlds. Secrets about the soul colosseum. Secrets about Dionysus.
He could not say them.
At least, not yet.
"I'm sorry."
He spoke slowly.
"I can't tell you."
Demeter's body trembled slightly.
A look of disbelief flashed through her amber eyes.
"You don't trust me?"
Her voice shook in a way she could not hide.
Genichi was silent.
It was not that he did not trust her.
It was just...
"I will never place my life and death in anyone else's hands."
His voice was calm, but it carried a certainty sharp enough to cut.
"Even if that person is you, Demeter."
Demeter felt as if her heart had been carved open by a blade.
The pain spread from her chest through her whole body until she could barely breathe.
She had done so much for him.
Taken him in. Given him her blessing. Given him supplies, care, concern, love.
She had thought that was enough to make him trust her.
She had thought he would be willing to share everything with her.
But it turned out...
In his heart, she was not really different from anyone else.
She did not even have the right to know the truth.
Demeter lowered her head and bit hard on her lip.
Tears gathered in those amber eyes.
But she endured it, stubbornly refusing to let them fall.
Genichi looked at her and felt something rise inside him that he could not put into words.
He knew his words had hurt her.
He knew his refusal had carved a deep wound into her heart.
But he had to say it.
"I want to live."
His voice rang out softly, but every word was clear.
"I want to obtain everything."
He paused.
"With nothing holding me back."
Demeter raised her head and looked at him.
The tears in her amber eyes finally spilled over.
But she did not question him. She did not accuse him. There was only a quiet, crushing heaviness in her gaze.
She simply looked at him.
Looked at the man she loved with all her heart.
Looked at the man who stood right in front of her, yet somehow felt impossibly far away.
After a long while, she smiled.
There was bitterness in that smile. Relief too. And something else...
Something too complicated to name.
"I understand now."
Her voice was soft, but calm in a way that made it ache to hear.
"Go."
She stepped back, putting distance between them.
"I won't stop you."
Genichi looked at her, a complicated emotion flickering in his black eyes.
He wanted to say something.
Wanted to explain.
Wanted to comfort her.
But in the end, he said nothing.
He only nodded.
"All right."
He turned and walked toward the door.
When he reached it, he suddenly stopped and looked back at her.
"Demeter."
"Yes?"
"Wait for me."
Demeter looked at him, the corners of her lips lifting into the faintest smile.
It was still gentle. Still beautiful.
But deep in those amber eyes was a sadness she could not hide.
"All right."
Genichi opened the door and walked out.
The door closed softly behind him.
The room was left with only Demeter.
She stood there, staring at the closed door for a long time without moving.
Then, silently, the tears slid down her face.
(End of Chapter)
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