This book is passionate about decision-making. ...(dragged away by onlookers)
…
"Old Mu. Thank you for your hard work these years."
I don’t know when. The great elder has already walked over. Pat gently in the kneeling pit. Said over the shoulder of the dwarf king who was still crying.
perhaps. Muradin gave up his talents and gifts. The act of taking responsibility. Often seen in the human world but for a dwarf. But it is very valuable. Just that. It's enough to make people admire you.
"No way. There is always no best of both worlds in this world."
Muradin wiped his tears. More and more dwarves came over. He can't cry. The king's most basic dignity must be maintained.
"This giant door. What to do?"
I stared up blankly at the towering figure in front of me. The blood-red gate to hell is thousands of meters high. I deeply feel my own insignificance.
"It should be Anarres who forcibly fused the last few Hell Gates together. As long as it is destroyed, this war will be over." The Great Elder stared at the Hell Gate. He spoke.
"Yeah. It's over. It's over."
Muradin muttered absently. But. How many things were lost forever in this war? A war. Maybe it can't be ended. The pain it brings. Will stay in my heart forever.
Just when I wanted to step through the gates of hell. Destroy the magic circle inside. Whenever you want to buy another rough gemstone. The whole world suddenly began to shake.
"How is this going?"
I barely managed to stand firm on the undulating ground. He looked at the great elder standing aside with doubtful eyes. I feel like the whole world is shaking.
"No, something has changed at the Gate of Hell."
The great elder's expression suddenly changed and he pointed at the huge gate of hell and shouted. Look along his hand. The huge bloody vortex in front of him was undulating and twisting like waves. It seemed like it would break at any moment.
"Get out of here first."
The great elder made a decision immediately. He helped Muradin, who was in a weak state due to the use of transformation, to fight with a large group of dwarves. Leaving the house stumbling and rolling in the strong earthquake. I can't even care about my own image.
I finally ran more than ten miles away. It felt like the ground was shaking less. We just stopped. Looking back at the gates of hell.
At this time, the Gate of Hell was even more twisted than before. Like a shadow that was originally reflected on calm water. Suddenly there was a big wave in the water. Twisted and dispersed. Fusion. Dissolve. Everything is changing. It can no longer be seen as a whirlpool-shaped gate to hell.
"Probably because Ainas forcibly fused several Hell Gates. It was originally unstable. Then it was interfered with by the energy of the dwarf energy cannon. It mutated. Finally, without the suppression of Ainaris, it began to fall apart."
The great elder stared at the ever-changing gate of hell. He judged calmly.
"What will happen in the end?"
Inarius, the designer of magic, is dead. Only the Great Elder is most familiar with the situation at hand.
"There are two results. One is to split back to the original Hell Gate. The other is to cause a big explosion. The entire Hell Gate disappears completely."
The Great Elder's eyes never left the collapsed Hell Gate for a moment. He said unhurriedly. You can hear it in his tone. The second fruit is undoubtedly the most reassuring.
Explode. Explode and it's all over. I watched the changes at the Gate of Hell intently. I muttered silently in my heart.
at this time. Great changes have taken place in Hell. Like ice cubes melting into water. Slowly dissolve and become limp. A sudden burst of intense red light. Make a few flashes of red light. Head straight towards the God's Punishment Mountain Range.
"Not good. Still divided." The great elder's expression changed. He said with a shaking sigh.
"But these Hell Gates are not supported by magic circles. They shouldn't last long."
"It shouldn't just happen to fall into your village." I looked at the direction in which several red lights went away. asked worriedly.
"Look at the speed and speed of those red lights. They shouldn't fall on my head. By then..." The great elder hesitated and looked at me.
"It may fall to the other side of the Plains of Despair. That is, near the fortress of your demons."
Holy shit! !
"Don't worry. It's impossible for me to just happen to fall into your demon fortress. The defense capabilities of the demon fortress are not as good as our dwarf king's city. But there is absolutely no problem in dealing with a few monsters from the Gate of Hell. .”
See me looking anxious. The great elder could not help but feel relieved.
"Although it is wrong to say so. But... Great Elder, things here are over. Please allow me to go back to the Demon Fortress first."
Finished. Don't wait for his reply. Then he turned around and left straight away.
When the Great Elder and the others disappeared behind them. I transform into a deer spirit. Hurry towards the direction of the demon fortress. Running all day. Finally entered the adventurer experience area. I didn't hesitate. Cancel transformation. A town portal scroll. The figure has disappeared into the vast plain of despair.
Come out of the teleport station. I immediately looked at the faces of the mages and guards near the teleportation station. I found that none of them were abnormal. Then he breathed a sigh of relief.
Just took it at a glance. Not | carefully. Now take a look again. Just discovered. The mage in charge of the teleport station. It's the same unlucky way. He saw my eyes looking towards him. There was almost bitterness on his face.
"What a coincidence. Why is it you again?" I greeted the other party politely.
"Yes. It's my honor to meet you again, sir." The unfortunate mage bowed humbly. I secretly added two words at the end of what I said - that's weird!
I don't know that the complaining skill I learned for my own reasons is now a mage with skill level one. What's going on in my heart. Looking left and right, the surroundings are peaceful. Asked.
"By the way. Has anything happened in the past few days?"
"If you ask this, sir. Something did happen. I heard that during the hunting activity yesterday, several people suddenly appeared deep in the prairie on the outskirts.
A large amount of monsters poured out of the colorful gate and almost rushed the adventurers to the ground, but due to the efforts of several adults. Most of the people still retreated to the Demon Fortress. It is said that four or five adventurers died. "
The mage looked at me cautiously. He knows my identity. It is common for four or five adventurers to die in Rogge Camp. But in the demon fortress. But it is no longer a trivial matter.
The mage felt that his narration was too plain to say the least. but. Because they belong to different systems. Four or five adventurers died. It really couldn't touch his emotions too much.
"That's it. So how are those monsters doing now?"
I sighed slightly. Although the Gate of Hell did not appear in the Demon Fortress, it happened to be in time for the hunting activity. How should it be described? The misfortune of luck? Lucky in the unlucky?
"Those monsters are still surrounding the fortress. However, mages and Amazons are slowly cleaning them up. I heard that the monsters are also starting to split internally and start killing each other. I think everything will be fine soon."
Seeing me, I didn't pursue it. The mage breathed a sigh of relief. He responded quickly.
"Yeah, that's it. I'm sorry for you." I patted the mage on the shoulder. Then quickly ran towards the base gate.
Looking down from a distance from the Demon Fortress. There were literally tens of thousands of monsters blocking the dangerous stone staircase leading to the suburban prairie. The mage and the Amazon standing next to me. He was leisurely shooting magic and arrows down. It's almost the same as gaining experience. And among the monsters. From time to time, you can see scenes of strife with each other.
"Gerson. Where's that guy Oscar Gerson? It's so lively. He has no reason to join in."
I looked around. There is no Oscar figure. Thinking of the mage saying that four or five adventurers died. My heart tightened. It can't be such a coincidence. So he quickly asked a familiar mage next to him.
"Brother Wu, when did you come back? Ask Boss Oscar, "He doesn't seem to be in a good mood. He's staying at Bloody Li's place now."
Thousands of meters in the air. Standing outside the fortress walls. The wind was blowing loudly. The mage raised his voice and said loudly.
So that's it. I feel a little relieved. But he also wondered whether Oscar, a wild monkey, would be in a bad mood. Could it be that he was infected by Muradin? Falling into a low point in life?
Let's see there won't be any big surprises here. I turned around and ran towards Bloody Mary's place. Open the bar door. A dark and decadent aura rushed towards him. |Look inside. There are not many adventurers. They are enjoying themselves in twos and threes. It was much quieter than usual by then.
Walked around the whole bar. I finally saw Oscar’s back in a corner. He lay prone on the table. There was also a glass of ale slanted in his hand. Golden wine flowed from the mouth of the cup. Flowed all over the desktop. It also soaked his chest and face lying on the table.
The way he looks now. Like a drunk who has become delirious. It seems like this is a low point in life. It’s not just an ordinary low* life.
"I'm talking about Brother Oscar. What's wrong with you? Just say something if you're not dead."
I sat across from him. He pushed Oscar funny. Then he slowly raised his head. But the face surprised me. That usually smooth head. Some stubble has grown on his chin. The cheeks are not thin. But it's a little green. Especially those eyes. There was no brilliance at all. Like a person who has lost the power of life.
Even though I was tricked into drinking two bottles of energy water last time. He looked just physically haggard. The spirit is still good. Like a wild monkey. And this time. But he was obviously mentally exhausted.
"I mean, man. What's wrong with you?" See this. I suppressed the smile on my face. asked seriously.
Oscar raised his dim and cloudy eyes. glanced at me. Something seemed to come to mind. There was a glimmer of light in his eyes. But he still lowered his head. He hesitated for a long time. Only one sentence came out of his mouth.
"Rhode. He's dead..."
"What?!"
I don't understand it myself. After all, he didn’t hear clearly what Oscar said. I still didn’t realize what Oscar’s words meant. I asked stupidly again. The expression on his face suddenly stiffened.
"Rhode..."
My brain is a little bloated. I stammered. In the end, I couldn't say the last two words.
Oscar nodded sadly. Pour the ale that is almost full from the cup in one gulp. But he drank too quickly. Choking in the throat. The way he leaned over and coughed loudly showed how depressed he was.
"How is this possible?"
, holding his head. He murmured helplessly. &qu;I couldn't help but think back to that thin and sad figure who was always surrounded by children. And his skeleton wife standing silently next to him.
Although Rod and I only met a few times. But there was no doubt that he made a lasting impression on me. It's the first time. Such a familiar person disappeared from his side. I can't help but maintain my composure.
"With his character, he shouldn't be able to participate in hunting activities. How could he die?"
I'm still a little confused. Hopefully Oscar is just being unfounded. Rod. He shouldn't be a powerful necromancer who wouldn't participate in hunting activities. How could he die for no reason?
"Yesterday during the hunting activity, several Hell Gates appeared. Many monsters poured out from them. Our defense line could no longer be contained. There were many civilian children behind us. Rhodes retreated to protect those children..."
I said this with a cry. Oscar's iron-clad man burst into tears. The tears just flowed from his red eyes, and he picked up the wine glass in his hand and poured it into his mouth. It didn’t matter that there was no more wine left.
"Waiter. Waiter. Bring the wine!!"
He slapped the table hard. The shots made a clattering sound. The several-inch-thick hardwood table had cracks. It attracted the attention of adventurers from afar. It looked like an Oscar. He quickly turned around and clicked his tongue.
A pretty waitress. With a panicked expression, he placed a large glass of ale on the table. Then he flew away. a crazy adventure
In the eyes of these weak civilians. Not much safer than a tiger.
It took a while. All out of the way corners. All that was left was Oscar's sound of swallowing corn. The atmosphere fell into a sad silence.
"Yes...that's right. Where is his wife?"
I added bitterness to my mouth. He finally asked with his lips moving. But he knew that he had asked nonsense again. As a summoner, Rhodes died. Then how can his skeleton wife be immortal?
But I didn't expect it. Originally it was just a question that didn't need an answer. It's like a switch is turned on. Oscar, who was taking a big gulp of ale, was shaken all over. The tilted cup stayed at the corner of his mouth. Pour ale on yourself. Didn't notice it at all.
"I'm sorry for Rod. I'm sorry for Stibello. I'm sorry for them."
Without warning. Strings of tears flowed from Oscar's red eyes. He suddenly went crazy. Sweep the entire desktop vigorously. He hugged his head tightly and hit the table hard.
Oscar. Sure enough, it was with Rhodes. Even his wife Stibello. It all matters. I sighed secretly. Asked the other adventurers in the bar. They nodded in understanding. He left with the other frightened waiters.
Which adventurer doesn't have a sad past. Which adventurer has never shed tears of pain. Parting in life and death. They have been through too much. That’s why I have responsibility in my heart. That's why I went wild.
Soon. Scar and I were the only two people in the whole bar. Even if Oscar demolishes the entire bar. There won't be any big problems.
Fortunately. Oscar is pretty strong. Just went crazy for a while. Disrupted several tables and chairs around. Just stopped. Slumped on the ground. He kept mumbling with absent-minded eyes.
"Brother. If you don't mind, how about you tell me a little bit?"
See Oscar calm down. I plopped down across from him. He asked cross-legged. He needed an outlet. I think. He would be willing to tell me something.
really. Oscar murmured and raised his head. He regained some consciousness. The tall and strong body hangs lifelessly. Indescribably feeble.
"Me and Rhodes met in the training camp. We have been very good friends since we came here." He began to murmur. The eyes reveal the emptiness of memories
"At that time, we had made an appointment with some of our close friends. After being promoted, we would form an adventure team. Let's stab Barr's motherfuckin' together..."
Oscar suddenly held his head again. He shook in agony. He said intermittently.
"Rod got married a few years ago. His wife, Stibello, is a very good girl. She often makes delicious food for us. We are all envious of this guy Rod. He actually married such a good person. wife.
Stibello is pregnant with Rod's child. one day. Her father in the small village of Zieg is ill. Stibello wanted to go back to visit. At that time, De had important courses in the training camp, so he asked me to send Stibello away. But later...
later. On the way. We encountered a few crusty rats and I hadn't transferred yet. No problem dealing with a crusty rat. But there were five of them at that time, and there was Stibel next to them. So I stopped immediately. He ran back with Stibello on his back. Run back to Roger's camp. I thought it was safe. I let go of Stibello. But she fell down directly. There is a long thorn stuck in the chest. She is already | eight pregnant..."
Oscar choked with tears as he spoke. From time to time he howled in pain. The entire upper body was physically lying on the ground.
"I hate it so much. Five tough-skinned rats. Just five tough-skinned rats. Now I only need one finger to crush them to death. But it makes me regret for the rest of my life. Every night I dream of Stibello's hot blood. . The feeling stuck on my back makes me feel even more sorry for Rhodes. He didn’t keep his promise. Protect Stibello. If I had chosen to let Stibello run away alone, I would drag five tough-skinned mice first. This Nothing would have happened.”
Sit cross-legged on the ground. I was stunned for a while. Then I took a picture of Oscar who was lying on the ground and howling.
"Dude. Don't be sad. It's not entirely your fault. If I had to choose, I would make the same choice as you."
With the strength of Oscar who had not yet been promoted at the time. Choose to escape with Stibello. Undoubtedly the best choice. If Stibello is allowed to run alone. He dragged the crusty rat. The Crusty Rat has a ranged attack. How can a barbarian who has not changed professions delay? I'm afraid it won't take a moment to be shot into a honeycomb. Tibel was left alone in the wilderness, a woman who was eight months pregnant. In all likelihood, you don't even know how you died.
but. Perhaps Oscar isn't entirely without fault. If only he had been more calm. Thinking of the dangers of carrying Stibbe on his back. Instead, he held her in front. Maybe nothing will happen.
But who knows when the needle pierced Stibello's chest? Perhaps it was the moment Oscar turned around and left with Stibello in his arms. By then it was too late whether to carry or hold her. Holding the words. It was just that he knew about her death one step ahead of time.
Many things cannot be cleared up. It can only be said that it is God's will.
If it were me, it would be Rhodes. And Stibello is Willas. I might... no. It will definitely be a crazy choice to die with Oscar. Rod Stibello Love. Not much less than my love for Vilas. He did not do so. It is also enough to prove the friendship between two people. And his heart and will.
What happened next. I can already make a rough guess. Stibello probably still had a breath left at that time. I met Rhodes for the last time as he arrived. And comforted Rhodes by stroking the fetus in his belly. Tell me what Rod said to me that day.
——Rod. Don't be sad, dear. look. All the kids here. All the children of this continent. They are all our children. We are happy. You have to treat them well. protect them……
This sentence. This directly caused what Rhodes is doing now. And at the moment when the defense line broke through. Stand up for yourself. Protected the children there.
Although Rhodes did not fight for Scar. But how could you possibly forgive him? thereafter. Two good friends are strangers. Oscar felt guilty. So I kept avoiding him. As a result, Rhodes switched from wizard to necromancer. Finally, Stibello was "resurrected"...
"Brother, if I were Rhodes, I wouldn't forgive you. But listen to me. It's really not your fault. No matter who it was, they would have made the same choice as you. It was this damn fate. .Just toying with us."
My words had no effect. He continued to pound the ground with his fists. Solid smooth hardwood bar floor. Already completely shattered. Blood gurgled from his fingers.
"But. God gave me a chance. But I still failed to protect Stibello and Rhodes. I could only watch the two of them fall in front of me. People like me are not qualified at all. Be human. Trash. Coward. Bastard..."
Said. Oscar suddenly hit his head like crazy. Every punch was made with all your strength. Makes a thumping sound. |If he puts it like this. Don't be beaten to death by yourself. He will also become a level three idiot.
"Calm down, man. Tell me first what's going on?"
I quickly squeezed his hand tightly. Depend on. Barbarians are very powerful.
Oscar raised his face from the ground and his face was covered with dust on the floor. Tears flowed from his colorless pupils. Mixed with the snot on the nose. The whole face was wet.
In turn, he grasped the ground tightly and shook it desperately. shouted loudly.
"Did you know? Did you know? Stibello is actually still alive. Her soul has always remained in that skeleton, silently guarding Rhodes!!!!"
He seemed to have found an outlet. Tell me what happened yesterday as if you were pouring beans into it.
as usual. A unique hunting activity in the Demonic Fortress. There are still many adventurers participating. Those kids. He also stood on the defensive line as usual. He watched the ugly monster charging towards this side without changing his expression. Talk out loud about what you want your career to be.
However. Just when the hunting was at its most intense, hell descended. Behind the distant monster army. Suddenly several large, blood-red and ferocious mouths opened. A large number of monsters poured out from it. The adventurer was just confused for a moment. Then they were swallowed up by monsters whose number increased several times. There are many high-level long-range monsters such as the Destruction Knight that can only be encountered in the City of God's Punishment area.
The solid defense line was in danger in an instant. Fortunately, the adventurers are experienced people. They retreated while resisting the huge pressure. We need to return to the demon base. Even if there are hundreds of times more monsters. They were also unafraid.
But. They were able to evacuate safely. But the civilians living here can't. Especially those kids who were still stunned on the defensive line.
Rhodes appeared. He bought a little time with his bone wall. Saved those children. Then stand on a high defensive line. Like a graceful music conductor. Use your own skills to kill all the monsters in the area like an art.
Necromancers are originally masters of battlefield manipulation. And Rhodes made full use of this advantage. It turned out to be just one person. Just guard a large area. It almost stunned the adventurers who were busy retreating. When did such a NB Necromancer appear in the Demon Fortress?
Oscar not far away. Seeing that Rhodes was able to hold up an entire area by himself. He couldn't care less about the estranged relationship between the two people. He quickly cut his way and rushed forward to join him.
While using bone walls and various curse skills to control the battlefield. From the corner of his eye, Rhodes glanced at the few people he saved. Children who have stepped into a safe zone. He couldn't help but smile.
That extremely gentle smile was like a father seeing that his child was safe and sound. The gloomy Necromancer showed such a smile. More like peonies blooming in winter. It's touching.
Then. He didn't notice. Hundreds of Doom Knights have been mixed in with the Doom Knights. Approaching him quietly. Then. Hundreds of magic spells. Blooming with brilliance. Cover him.
this moment. Rhodes' face was illuminated by the magic light. There was no trace of panic or fear. Still smiling. There was a look of exhaustion and relief in his eyes. Lips murmured. If you can read lips. Then you will know what he says.
--so tired. I'm here to see you. Stibello.
"No!!"
Oscar reached out and tried to scratch that far back. He was still more than a hundred meters away from Rhodes. This is more than a hundred meters. It is the distance between life and death.
However. A scene that no one expected happened. Stand next to Rod. His wife Stibello—in fact, everyone knows about it. Skeletons are soulless. Rhodes is like this. It’s just self-deception. Maybe even Rhodes thinks so.
However. This is the skeleton that is believed to have no soul. Suddenly stood in front of Rhodes. Hundreds of energy bombs landed on its fragile bones.
"Kala——"
Time seemed to be slowed down. A crystal skull. Bouncing high with the explosion. up in the air. In Rhodes' dull eyes. Turn slowly. It fell into Rhodes' hands.
Rhodes looked at the skull in his hand absentmindedly. The upper teeth bite the lower teeth. If you add flesh and blood. It might have been a subtle smile with his lower lip biting slightly. Rhodes remembered it clearly. Beautiful Stibello. Always countless times. He smiled softly at himself several times.
His dry and absent-minded pupils suddenly became uncontrollably moist. In a flash. He got it. Stibello is not dead. She kept looking at herself tenderly. It's funny that I still think it from time to time. This skeleton is just deceiving itself.
He finally figured out a question that had been lingering in his mind for a long time. On the occasion of Stibello's death. She still had a gentle smile on her last words, even though she had exhausted all her strength, she could only tremble her lips. Even when Rod put his ear to her mouth. In the end, he couldn't hear what she had to say, which has always been the biggest problem in Rhodes' heart.
now. Rhodes finally listened. Tears of remorse fell from his face and onto Tibel's skull.
Honey. I will...always protect you.
but. it's too late
Suddenly. Rhodes suddenly held the skull in his arms. Roar loudly. It was a howling of despair and anger that was more miserable than hell. It even drowned out the sounds of fighting on the battlefield. All the monsters couldn't help but show a look of fear.
He looked at the monster at his feet with a ferocious expression. The shriveled body suddenly inflated strangely like an irregular balloon.
The Necromancer's second-level skill [Corpse Explosion]. It is to use the remaining life energy of the deceased after death. Cause an explosion. The life of the deceased is more vigorous. Naturally, there will be more life energy remaining after death. The explosion is also more powerful.
Unfortunately. No matter how the dead mage studies. It is also impossible to improve [Corpse Explosion] to detonate the body's life energy. Because these life energies have owners and are not controlled by their skills. This is the huge barrier across the Necromancer.
but. Although the research failed. But it did not prevent the crazy necromancer from researching the other extreme. It turns out that other people's lives have owners. Not controlled by your own skills. Then your life can always be controlled by yourself.
then. It was researched based on this. An improvement of the famous Necromancer's second level [Corpse Explosion] skill - self-destruction. It has become a frightening existence, a trace of life energy remaining after death. This will allow the corpse explosion to exert tremendous force. So. The Necromancer himself has abundant life energy. What kind of power can it elicit?
Adventurer in the Demonic Fortress. Today I saw with my own eyes the power of a fifth-level necromancer's self-destruction. A huge shockwave centered around Rod. Rush in the direction of the monster. Wherever the shock wave passes. Monsters destroyed. The ground cracked. It forms a strip several hundred meters wide. A huge chasm that stretches all the way to the depths of the suburban prairie.
Risk takers within a kilometer of the surrounding area. Also affected by this shock wave. They were all blown away. This is the monster that Rhodes consciously directed his power towards. Otherwise, these adventurers would not just be blown away.
later. According to statistics from adventurers. Just this one blow caused self-destruction. Tens of thousands of monsters were eliminated. If not for this. The casualties of the adventurers were definitely more than just four or five.
Rhodes was not completely dead. Only the upper half of his body from the chest up was left. Half the head is gone. The left hand is gone too. The right hand is still holding the skull tightly. Even so. With the strong vitality of job transferees. Especially the Necromancer's research on life. He still had a breath left. Oscar was dragged back by Oscar who rushed forward again.
Then. Only a few words were left.
"Oscar. I hate you so much. I hate why you failed to protect Stibello. I hate you. I hate that Stibello was obviously in my body but refused to tell me. I hate it even more. I hate why I didn't wake up until now. come over……"
The last words of Rod came out as Oscar burst into tears. Three words of hate in a row. It seemed to contain the pain of his life. It's so heavy that I can't breathe. It's so sad that tears fall involuntarily.
Pour out the pain that has been hidden in your heart for a long time. Although Oscar still looked like he was alive and well. At that time, there was already a glint in his eyes. It's no longer like it was just now. It looked like he was going to stab his chest with a knife at any moment.
"By the way, brother. Before he died, he also entrusted me to give you something."
Just when I was leaving. Oscar stopped me. Put a bloody red scarf into my hand. Then he lay on the ground as if relieved. Entered dreamland. From yesterday until now. His soul was suffering. Already too tired. too tired.
I held the scarf absentmindedly. Even the assassin Latin came out of the dark corner. He patted me on the shoulder gratefully. Didn't even notice. Then he staggered away. I don’t know how I walked back to the hotel. When did I fall asleep? Just wake up. There were two clear lines of tears on his face.
the next day. I came to Rod's grave. An inconspicuous little corner. Next to his tablet. There is another small brand. Engraved on it are the crooked words "Stebelo". It should have been written by that guy from Oscar.
Sitting down in front of him. Said a lot more. Willas's. Little ghost's. Sarah's. A man was talking to himself. Finally, take out a small gold chain. Caressing the small crystal stone carefully. The words engraved on it were blurred in my eyes.
I will...always protect you.
I don't know how long I kept this posture. Until a burst of footsteps interrupted my thoughts. Look up. He is about a few years old.
They see me. Showing timidity. But he still walked up slowly. Trying to ignore my presence. Kneel before Lot's grave. A bouquet of yellowing flowers held in their warm little hands.
The bouquet is not pretty. But in the demon fortress. Want to find a flower. But it's harder than finding a precious ore. Harder.
"Uncle Rhodes..."
Several children started talking. I suddenly interrupted them
"Would you like to call him daddy?"
Several children looked at me in shock. The leader hesitated. nodded.
"Uncle Rod is better than dad. We all want to call him that. I just don't know if he wants to."
"He'd be happy to." I smiled.
Listen to me. There was joy on the faces of several children. He happily repositioned himself. He folded his hands and prayed.
"Dad Rod. Listen to me. Recently..."
Rod. If your soul is still there. You should be very happy. Look at the children leaving happily. I stood up. Pat shares. Staring at Rod's tablet.
Then. Take out that red scarf. Gently bring his and Stibello's tablets together. Turn around and stride away.
Since then. The thin figure who often plays with children on the street. The skeleton that never left. Gone forever. In its place was... the figure of a barbarian.
