"They came to get me."
It took quite some time for Uijae to understand the meaning of those words. He murmured them under his breath, repeating what he had just heard. "They came to get me. They came to get me..." The figure beyond the coat waited patiently. Finally, Uijae comprehended the statement. He asked,
"Why?"
"Because we need you."
He quickly grasped the meaning of need. A monster must have appeared. Accepting the situation, Uijae groped at the ground. No spear. Then he remembered. Right, itâs gone. Did he have a sword? The basilisk's fangâhe had driven it into the snakeâs head.
Itâs fine. Fists will do. He could still fight.
The large hand covering his own broke his thoughts.
"What are you doing?"
"Looking for a weapon."
"Why?"
"You said you needed me."
The hand pressed harder against the back of his own. Was that not it? His mind remained dull. But if they needed him, this could only be the reason. Uijae glanced at the gas mask for a clue.
"...Isn't it?"n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
"Itâs not."
"Then what is it?"
A sigh came from beyond the coat. Uijae closed his eyes. That kind of sighâhe was familiar with it. He could guess what would follow. Is that what you call a hero? Acting all noble alone, making us look like fools. I shouldnât have trusted you. First rank? What a disappointment...
But the person sighing didnât say anything else. Instead, they patted the back of his hand.