Chapter 102

“Thanks. And I do love you, Karan,” said Nick. A single tear ran down Karan’s cheek. It wasn’t a tear of desperation like she’d shed when they reunited in the darkness underground, but one of pure happiness. “…So yeah, Nick and I are gonna go save the world,” Karan said, pulling apart from Nick and giving her father a carefree smile. Chidori responded quietly, with no anger or sadness in his voice. “…Karan, forget about that and stay here. This place will always be peaceful, no matter what happens to the world. As long as you are here, the world lives on. I’ll contact Daffodil and get her to live here, too. You may invite anyone else you wish. That should be enough to satisfy you.” “It won’t,” Karan said bluntly. “Why not?” Chidori asked. “It’s too small.” “…This room is small, but there’s more to the facility. There are probably other tribes doing the same thing, too. Be reasonable.” “That’s not what I meant! Your world is too small!” Karan spread her arms wide. “There’s more to the world than the dragonians! Is the dragonian tradition of supporting heroes really so narrow-minded?!” “Yes. It is. It’s nothing more than a tactic to survive in this cruel world.” “That’s ridiculous!” “No, it’s not. I may not have that excuse, but you two absolutely do,” Chidori said defensively. Anger flashed across Karan’s face, but she calmed down. Chidori wasn’t just thinking of saving his family. Nick and Karan could both sense the reasoning and love behind his words. “You bought valuable time while everyone else was living idly in ignorance of the crisis the world is facing. It’s up to society to use that time well, not you. It only makes sense to safeguard the heroes who saved the world. In fact, that’s how it ought to be. It would be cruel to ask you to risk your lives in further deadly battles.” “We only did what we had to. The rumors are making it sound much more impressive than it was,” Karan protested. “That humility is an insult to the people you saved and who believed in you. What would Hector say if he heard you talk like that?” Chidori asked. Nick and Karan were surprised to hear him say that name. “Huh? How do you know about Hector?” Karan asked. “There are agents of the gods everywhere, and that includes this village. Every time he reports to our god, the other agents become able to access that information. I know everything that has happened in Labyrinth City with near perfect accuracy.” “Ah… That’s why you were so quick to believe us. You’re an agent, too,” Nick said, unsurprised. “Dad…that means you’re getting paid an agent’s salary,” said Karan. “I recommend you take me seriously. I know much more about you than even the citizens of Labyrinth City. It’s with all that knowledge in mind that I’m asking you to live here,” Chidori said gravely. Nick felt an overwhelming kindness in his words. Although Karan did, too, she shook her head sadly. “…Sorry, Dad. I want to try fighting for at least a little longer.” “That’s not how this works,” argued her father. “You only have one life to lose.” “Yeah, but I’m still gonna try.” “Listen to me! You’ve accomplished your task already! You don’t need to do anything else! Why can’t you see that?!” Chidori yelled with frustration. He let out a deep sigh. But Karan’s eyes were as steady as could be. “You have it wrong. I’m not doing this because I need to.” “…What?” “I met so many people in Labyrinth City. Some were weak, some were strong, some were good, and some were bad. Actually, there were a lot of bad people. I’ve met some who are completely hopeless, too. All my friends are total losers.” “All the more reason to stay here!” “But I still like them,” Karan continued, somewhat embarrassed. “I like Nick. And my friends. And everyone else from Labyrinth City. I…can do amazing things with them. I can’t just stay here knowing that. I don’t care about the mission. I’m fighting for the things I want to do.” “Karan…” Hearing Karan’s simple dream, her father finally backed down. It seemed he had already been convinced to let them go and was only now admitting it to himself. Nick’s heart ached at Chidori’s expression. He could sense the man’s pride and sadness at seeing how beautiful his daughter had become and realizing he couldn’t stop her. The heartbreaking yet beautiful sight caused something to click in Nick’s mind. He forgave the man he’d killed—and forgave himself as well. There was no way to tell exactly what Argus had been thinking anymore. But there was still so much beauty in the world. His parents had died to protect him, and Argus had done the same after killing his parents. Nick could accept it now. “…Nick.” “Yeah?” “Take care of my daughter,” Chidori said, bowing his head. Nick wanted to survive, for the sake of this man. He wanted to survive for Argus, who’d saved his life, and for Karan most of all. He had to make it back safely, no matter how hard it would be. “You can count on me. I promise we’ll make it back,” Nick said resolutely. He accepted the mission he had been entrusted with, as well as the love he and Karan shared.