"U-urghhh…"
As soon as Aloe stirred, I took my gaze off the Martial Blade God.
What he said still bothered me, and his presence was just as unsettling. However, the Martial Blade God would never resort to sneak attacks or any other tricks of such kind. As a result, even as I was distracted by tending to my friend, I was sure he wouldn't harm me.
Aloe's eyes slowly opened, and she looked at me with such sadness and pain that it felt heartbreaking.
"I'm… I'm so sorry…" Her voice broke, and tears began to flow from her eyes.
She seemed so sad and so guilty. I couldn't understand why, considering she was the one who was severely injured. Wasn't I the one who was meant to be apologizing to her?
"A-Aloe… take it easy. I'm sorry for—"
"Jared… I'm sorry… I couldn't stop it…" Her voice trailed weakly, further plunging me into a state of confusion.
'Stop what? Did she face the Cult Leader? If so, how could she have hoped to win?'
"It's not your fault, Aloe. Just try to—"