Chapter 153: Siblings and Little Sister
Chapter 153: Siblings and Little Sister
Rod had no interest in little girls, mostly because everyone in the party shared the same surname, making them distant relatives (though not exactly).
Before setting out on a mission, it was perfectly normal to carry a bit of dry rations and sugar reserves to guard against potential food shortages. This was certainly not to lure any little girls.
Jimmy looked at the chocolate offered to her, then at the warm, smiling big brother holding Hunter, and finally at the 'tough guys' and beasts fighting around them. She let out a wail, terrified.
She thought she and her brother were about to be eaten by the monsters.
"It's okay, it's okay... Are you cold? Hungry? Do you hurt anywhere?"
Rod was at a loss, not very adept at comforting children.
"Stay here for a moment, I'll be right back." Rod placed Hunter beside her and summoned Worm to act as a portable heater for the siblings.
"Partial Summoning: Stone Guarder Arm!"
To conserve magic, Rod only partially summoned the Stone Guarder, covering his arm with a stone-like gauntlet and armguard before joining the battle.
The Crab form lacked offensive power, the Wolf and Beakbird forms were too bloody, but the Stone Guarder was just right.
His left fist struck the stomach of a La Bang, causing ripples, while his right fist smashed into its skull, sending it into a deep, infant-like sleep.
In terms of combat efficiency, he was far superior to the beasts that bit and clawed wildly, and even to Elfman, who had only partially summoned his magic.
The key was his ability to effectively reduce the enemy's numbers.
"Man Up!"
"I suggest you keep it down, or we'll have a snowslide with two kids to carry."
"Man Up! (whisper)"
Rod couldn't help but chuckle; sometimes Elfman could be quite cute.
After a chaotic battle, the La Bangs that had surrounded them lay scattered on the ground.
Against such numbers and strength, an ordinary mage would have struggled to keep up. The sheer number of opponents made it difficult to sustain powerful magic for long.
Elfman was already breathing heavily: "These rabbits... they're pretty tough, man."
Rod said, "No time to rest. Let's get the kids down the mountain quickly. Who knows how many more of these things are out there."
"But we haven't found the herbs yet."
"We can come back later. We can't take the kids any further up the mountain."
Jimmy, hugging Worm, spoke timidly: "Um... Big brother, I've already found the herbs."
Rod couldn't help but feel his social skills were lacking compared to Poro. It hadn't taken long for Worm and Jimmy to become close, with Worm nuzzling against her as if she were its owner.
Of course, it might also be because Jimmy hadn't eaten the chocolate Rod had given her.
Rod was surprised: "You found them already?"
Jimmy nodded vigorously: "Yes!"
"Girl! You're really... Man Up!"
Jimmy looked miserable. "What's with the 'man up'? I'm not Hunter."
"Alright, then we need to get down the mountain even faster." Rod picked up Hunter and asked Elfman to carry Jimmy.
Jimmy was still a bit afraid of Elfman, but after being carried for a while, she felt a sense of security from the hard muscles of his arm through his clothes.
Worm, on the other hand, walked on its own. It felt completely at ease in the snowy mountains, as if it were back home. With its extensive experience, it could even help find the way down.
Rod had sent the other summoned creatures back, relying on his own senses to remain vigilant.
Fortunately, the journey down the mountain was uneventful. Once Rod had accumulated enough magic, he summoned the Treant and placed the Ember Crown on Hunter before sending him away.
Hunter’s complexion gradually returned to normal, but Rod’s face turned slightly pale.
"Hey, are you okay?" Elfman asked, a hint of concern in his voice.
"I’m fine, just need a moment to rest," Rod replied.
When his magic was depleted, Rod felt his resistance to the cold diminish, but he was glad he had prepared well and dressed warmly.
As they neared the village, Rod’s complexion improved, and Hunter, whom he was carrying, opened his eyes.
"Big sister! Run!"
Jimmy’s nose tingled with emotion, but she managed a smile and scolded, "You idiot, Hunter! It’s okay now."
"Huh?" Hunter blinked, taking in his surroundings. He remembered being slapped...
Did he get flung down the mountain by Ralbun?
"We were saved by the big brothers!"
Realizing they were safe, Hunter burst into tears.
He was terrified and couldn’t believe he had the courage to push his sister out of harm’s way.
"Idiot, say thank you quickly!"
"Thank you, big brothers... sniff... sniff..."
"You’re welcome, but..." Rod paused, thinking it best for Hunter’s mother to deliver the lecture, "but don’t wipe your nose on my clothes. Winter coats are hard to wash. Right, Elfman... Elfman?"
"Huh? Oh. As long as you two are safe."
Was Elfman lost in thought, perhaps recalling his own siblings? Rod asked, "What’s the matter?"
"Nothing, nothing." Elfman carried Jimmy and continued walking, his mind elsewhere.
In reality, Hunter’s bravery reminded Elfman of his younger self. Back then, he had also risked everything to protect his sister and younger sister, accepting the Beast King’s power without hesitation. When he regained consciousness, his first thought was to tell them to run.
But the outcome was starkly different.
Still, these children were lucky, and that was a good thing.
Jimmy was surprised. Could this intimidating big brother really be so gentle?
"Big brother."
"Yes?"
"Thank you for protecting me." Jimmy smiled sweetly.
"Elfman brother..."
Elfman’s mind flashed back to a familiar face: "Lisanna..."
Jimmy looked puzzled. "What?"
"Nothing." Elfman cradled Jimmy with one arm and patted her head with the other. "Don’t do such dangerous things again. Your mom is worried about you, and so is your brother."
Jimmy bowed her head, feeling guilty. "I understand."
Elfman smiled. At least this time, he had protected someone.
Rod watched Elfman’s expression and seemed to understand something.
If it’s as I suspect...
There’s hope for this kid! And for Mira too!
No, I shouldn’t jump to conclusions. I need to talk to him more on the way back to confirm.
Also, tasks like this are hard to come by...
Taking on more escort missions or healing jobs might help. We’ll encounter a few eventually, and even small improvements each time will make a difference.
Of course, I need to be careful not to further hurt him. There’s a lot to consider.
Can the guilt and pain caused by his inner kindness and gentleness be healed by those very qualities?
Finally, I have a starting point.
(End of Chapter)
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