Chương 20: Rest

I was physically fine. But mentally, I was spent.

It wasn't the battles themselves that drained me. It was the constant vigilance—the endless calculation that left no room for error. The Goblin Shaman had pushed me to my limits, but even before that, I'd faced worse. Stronger. Deadlier. And every one of them demanded my full attention. One slip, one moment of hesitation, and that would be it. That reality weighed heavily on me.

Rest. I needed rest. Training and pushing forward were necessary, but even steel cracks under pressure if it isn't cooled properly. I couldn't afford to break—not yet.

The fight had been draining, yes, but more than that, the mental toll of staying sharp was starting to wear on me. I couldn't let down my guard even for a moment. In the dungeon, surrounded by monsters, danger was everywhere. But here, back at the cottage, it was a different kind of danger.

A danger of complacency.

My body felt the strain—my muscles ached, my bones protested. But I had learned long ago to push past it. What mattered was keeping my mind clear. I needed a break, just for a night. Tomorrow would be back to training, and maybe more hunting, but tonight... tonight I would rest.

***

The boy had gone to the goblin's den again, leaving me alone. For the first time in days, I could breathe freely.

He was always there, watching, judging with those cold, emotionless eyes. It was unnerving how silent he could be. Every time I glanced in his direction, I felt like I was being assessed.

It was terrifying, really. Not because he had threatened me—not directly at least. But because there was something… wrong about him. How could someone so young act so detached from everything? How could someone like him exist? He wasn't a boy, not in any sense of the word. He was something else. Something darker, colder.

But strangely enough, I found myself feeling… bored now that he wasn't here.

I shook my head. How ridiculous. Had I really grown so accustomed to his presence? It wasn't like he spoke to me much. In fact, conversations with him felt like I was talking to a wall. No, not a wall. Something worse. He would listen, yes, but he never responded in a way that felt normal. His answers were always curt, always cold. It made me feel like he was waiting, calculating what I might say next, preparing for whatever move I'd make.

He didn't trust me. And I couldn't blame him.

But still, his absence left an uncomfortable silence. At least when he was here, there was someone else to talk to. Even if he didn't respond much, it was better than this gnawing boredom. And the way he trained—gods, eight hours a day. It was maddening. I'd never seen anyone so obsessed. He trained until he bled. Every. Single. Day.

Honestly, it scared me.

A few days passed and the sun had long since set. He should be back soon, I thought. Just as I was contemplating what else to do, I heard the door creak open. I didn't look up at first, assuming it was just him returning as usual.

Then I saw him.

Or rather, I saw someone.

A tall, muscular figure stepped out of the shower room, steam rolling off his skin. His hair was long now, wet and sticking to his neck. His body—gods, his body—was chiseled like stone. Muscles, taut and lean, rippled under his pale brown skin. And his face…

I froze. Who was this?

He had a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, his eyes as cold as ever. But this wasn't the Alypos I remembered. This… this was someone else.

"Alypos?" I called out tentatively, my voice barely more than a whisper.

His eyes flicked toward me, that same icy gaze piercing through the dim light. "It's me," he replied, his voice as indifferent as ever.

I blinked. It was him. I felt my face flush, heat rushing to my cheeks. What the hell? This boy—no, this young man—he had changed so much. He didn't look like the boy who had left. He looked… older. Stronger. More…

"Y-you're… different," I stammered, my heart pounding in my chest. I couldn't stop staring at him. His shoulders, his chest, his height—everything about him was so different. And yet, it was still Alypos.

He turned to face me fully, crossing his arms. "Time changes everything," he said simply.

I swallowed hard. This was Alypos. The same cold, calculating boy who barely spoke more than necessary. But now, standing in front of me, I couldn't help but notice how much of a man he looked. His pale blue hair clung to his face, framing his sharp features. His eyes, that unyielding blue, glowed faintly in the dim room.

I shouldn't be thinking like this. I knew I shouldn't.

But I couldn't help it.

***

Marina was staring at me. I could feel her eyes, full of questions. Something in her gaze had shifted, but I didn't care. I didn't have time for whatever she was feeling. I was focused on my own goals, my own survival.

"Is something wrong?" I asked, my voice low but not unkind. Just… neutral.

She blinked, seemingly snapped out of whatever trance she had fallen into. "No, nothing," she replied quickly, avoiding my gaze.

I didn't believe her, but it didn't matter. As long as she didn't interfere, I didn't care what she thought or felt. I had my path to walk, and I didn't need her in the way.

I dried off and dressed, my mind already shifting to my next steps. The goblin den had been fruitful, but other dangers were looming. And as always, I had to be prepared. No rest, no faltering.

But as I glanced back at Marina, something stirred in the back of my mind.

She was staring at me again, but this time her expression was different. Conflicted. As if she were fighting something inside herself.

It didn't matter. I had no time for her inner battles.

***

He was cold, distant as always. But this time, something about it hurt. I knew it was wrong. I knew I shouldn't be feeling like this—drawn to him, of all people. He was terrifying, ruthless, and calculating. He didn't care about anyone, least of all me.

But something about him…

I bit my lip, trying to shake the feeling. It was wrong. He was too young. Too detached. Too… cold. But I couldn't help but feel a strange attraction—one that made my stomach twist with guilt.

I watched him walk away, back to his training, as if nothing had happened.

What was wrong with me?

***

I left Marina standing in the doorway, her thoughts a mystery to me. I had no interest in uncovering them. I had my own journey to follow, one that required strength, focus, and no distractions.

The path I had chosen was a cold one. But it was mine, and mine alone.

There was no room for anything else.