This wasn't the first time Ren had descended to depths greater than Silver Rank.
During the past two years, he had made regular expeditions to the denser mana layers, but always with limitations. His roommates, classmates, and the girls frequently accompanied him, and although he could have protected them, he had never wanted to risk them too much.
Now, as he descended through natural tunnels that became progressively more dangerous, he wondered why he had limited himself for them. They shouldn't be his responsibility. He hadn't asked to be their protector.
The thought felt liberating in a way that disturbed him.
'Because you care about them,' the fungus whispered in his mind.
When had concern for others become a burden rather than a motivation?
When had he started seeing their limitations as chains holding him back rather than challenges to help them overcome?
But Ren ignored the comment.
