The happiness I create... it's so fragile.
A blue panel shimmered into existence in his mind. The System's response was not a cold line of text this time. It felt different. More... thoughtful.
[Your goal is a peaceful life for yourself and your chosen community, Host. You have successfully protected them from external threats. But is a protected peace the same as a true peace?]
Riku frowned. What do you mean?
[The people of Elowen are safe because you are here,] the System continued. [They are confident because you are their shield. But a shield can be broken. A single protector can fall. Their confidence is borrowed from you. It is not their own.]
The words hit Riku with a surprising force. He had been so focused on being their shield that he hadn't realized he had also become their crutch.
