Chapter 30: Eirik
Hearing Rhodes's assurance, the last of Norne's doubts dissipated. If he was a companion of Mr. Kraft, then he couldn't be a bad person. Moreover, he was a human from the outside world, which sparked a hint of curiosity in Norne's heart, though his cautious nature kept it from showing.
"What an incredible coincidence. In that case, Mr. Rhodes, please focus on your recovery."
Seeing that Rhodes had finished the herbal soup, Norne took the empty bowl. He was about to leave, but then he paused, hesitating for a moment before asking, "That demon that was chasing you... will it come back?"
'Come back' wasn't the right phrase; the magical beasts couldn't enter the forest anyway. Norne's real concern was that the demon might be lurking outside the forest, waiting for Rhodes to emerge. That would be a serious problem.
Rhodes didn't know that Serie had already dealt with the demon. Hearing Norne's question, he didn't know what to say. If his presence had caused this human tribe to be targeted by a demon, then he would be to blame.
The room fell silent.
Even with the protection of the Glimmerwood's barrier, the knowledge that a dangerous demon was lurking just outside, watching them, would be enough to put anyone on edge.
Rhodes's expression grew grave. "I'm not sure," he said in a low voice. "The demon was heavily wounded. I can't be certain if it's still out there."
Hearing this, Noryun's small hand tightened its grip on her brother's clothes. Like any child, in any world, in any era, she was terrified of such things.
Norne took a deep breath and patted his sister's shoulder reassuringly. He didn't feel any resentment towards Rhodes, nor did he blame him for bringing danger to their village. The guilty ones were always those who brought harm to others. Even if Rhodes's arrival did bring danger, it was the demon's fault. Rhodes, the one being hunted, was innocent.
Of course, if Rhodes had intentionally led the demon here, that would be another matter. The strong preying on the weak, and the weak, in their desperation, endangering other weak people—in such a case, all would be sinners.
"I'll inform the village to increase the patrols," he said to Rhodes. "You just focus on getting better. If you need anything, tell Noryun."
"Thank you," Rhodes nodded.
After Norne had left, Noryun asked timidly, "Mr. Rhodes, will the demon attack our village?"
Seeing the fear in the little girl's eyes, Rhodes smiled. "Don't worry. As long as you don't wander off, it can't attack the village."
Just then, a cheerful voice came from outside.
"I hear the fella's awake!"
A blond man burst into the room. He stared at Rhodes, his face full of curiosity.
"Brother Eirik, what's for dinner tonight?"
"Feathered-chicken stew. Norne's already making it."
Noryun swallowed hard. Feathered-chicken was the most delicious food in the forest, tender and juicy with a natural, fragrant aroma. Her earlier fear was now completely overshadowed by her appetite. "Then I'm going to go watch," she said, and scurried out of the room. Eirik just smiled, watching her go. He knew she was going to try and sneak a taste, but she was just a little girl, and she wouldn't eat much. He didn't bother to stop her.
His gaze returned to Rhodes, who was half-sitting up in bed. "When I first found you, I thought you were a dead animal floating in the river. It was only when I pulled you out that I saw you were a person, and you were still breathing." Eirik laughed heartily, but his words didn't exactly make Rhodes feel like laughing. It was a strange first impression to have. But he had saved his life, so Rhodes answered sincerely, "Thank you for saving me. I'm Rhodes."
Eirik waved his hand nonchalantly. "My name's Eirik. I heard from Norne just now. You were being hunted by a demon?"
"Yes."
"And you managed to seriously injure it?" Eirik looked at him skeptically. "That doesn't seem very likely." Mr. Kraft had once told him that every demon was incredibly powerful. Even he had to be on his highest alert when facing one. They were also cunning; a moment's carelessness and you could be caught in a fatal trap. The man before him didn't look like a powerful warrior. His physique was average at best. Eirik couldn't help but doubt his story.
Rhodes heard the skepticism in Eirik's voice. The pain in his body had subsided considerably, so he said, "How about a sparring match?"
"Eh!?" Eirik was taken aback. He was just a little suspicious; he hadn't intended to challenge Rhodes right now, not while he was injured. "Let's not. I'm not one to take advantage of an injured man."
"It's fine. These injuries won't affect me much." As long as he had mana, he could use magic. The injuries would only make it a bit more difficult to move. But he could just use the defensive magic Serie had taught him; then he wouldn't even have to dodge.
"Hmm..." Eirik was still hesitant.
"It's alright. I could use the exercise." Rhodes checked his body. No broken bones or any other serious internal injuries. The herbs Norne had given him had been very effective; the pain was much more manageable now.
"Let's wait. We can do it after you've recovered a bit. Otherwise, Norne will give me an earful." After some thought, Eirik managed to restrain his impulse. He was genuinely curious about this outsider's strength, to see what gave him the confidence to adventure in this world. But he also knew he shouldn't take advantage of an injured person. They could spar the next day.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the forest, Serie, who had just entered Glimmerwood, met up with Kraft and Somme, who had been waiting for her.
"Serie, are you alright?" Kraft walked over. The number of magical beasts that had pursued them hadn't been very large, so they had managed to escape easily. They had suspected that the demon had taken most of the horde to pursue Serie and Rhodes and had intended to turn back and help, but they didn't know which way they had gone. After searching the forest for half a day, they had decided to wait in Glimmerwood.
"Where's young Rhodes?" Somme asked, seeing that Serie was alone.
"Rhodes and I were separated. The demon knocked him off a cliff and into the river below. I'm going to go find him now." Serie had followed the river and entered Glimmerwood, and had chanced upon the two of them, who were resting by the water.
"We'll go with you." Kraft understood the gravity of the situation and immediately prepared to help Serie search for Rhodes.
~~~
Get early access to 20+ advanced chapters on Patreon!
https://www.pat-reon.co-m/c/Hollowborn
~~~
yo guys trying something new for Every 150 Power Stones = 1 extra chapter