Avoid

Lian walked quietly beside Kael and Mira, the bustling city streets opening up around them as they headed toward the guild. A thought lingered in his mind, one that had been gnawing at him for days. He asked himself silently, Is it really necessary for me to use my power to read minds? Can I continue to avoid it, and just do things the way I always have?

He shook his head slightly, trying to dismiss the question. He had avoided using it for so long, convinced that keeping people unaware protected them and preserved the trust they had in him. Yet now, with each step closer to the guild, he felt the weight of that avoidance pressing down on him.

The guild hall was lively as always. Adventurers mingled, exchanging news, boasting about past exploits, and comparing their rewards. Lian let Kael choose a mission first while Mira scanned the board for anything suitable. Their decision was simple: a straightforward escort mission. A merchant needed to travel to another city safely, carrying only his personal funds and supplies. The task seemed trivial, a perfect start for easing back into active work without risk or confrontation.

“It should be easy,” Mira said, checking the details of the contract. “No real threats, just a little caution. We’ll be fine.”

Kael adjusted her cloak with a dramatic flourish, clearly eager to leave the guild behind. “It’s perfect. We can practice staying alert without getting ourselves into too much trouble.”

Lian nodded silently, keeping his thoughts private as usual. He felt a pang of anxiety. He could have sensed potential trouble along the way, but he chose to trust his companions and his own instincts without resorting to his power.

The journey started calmly. The road stretched straight and clear before them, flanked by trees and the occasional village. Lian kept watch, noting the surroundings carefully. Mira walked beside the merchant, chatting to keep his spirits up, while Kael joked and hummed, keeping the mood light. For a while, it felt almost peaceful.

Then the trouble appeared.

A group of bandits emerged from behind a grove, their horses kicking up dust as they approached with hostile intent. Lian’s heart sank. The merchant froze, clutching his satchel nervously, as Kael immediately reached for her weapon. Mira drew her dagger, ready to defend the party.

The bandits moved quickly, grabbing the merchant’s satchel of money. Lian’s stomach tightened painfully. He could have sensed their intentions beforehand, read their movements in a fraction of a second, and warned his companions. But he had held back, determined to act only with the information visible to everyone else.

One bandit laughed cruelly as the merchant tried to protest. Kael lunged forward but was too late to stop them. Mira moved swiftly to block, but the thieves were already on the road, escaping into the trees with the stolen funds.

Lian clenched his fists, anger and regret flooding through him. He felt the weight of uselessness pressing down, the frustration of knowing that if he had used his power even slightly, the situation could have been prevented entirely.

The group regrouped by the roadside, catching their breath. The merchant’s face was pale, but thankfully, no one had been physically hurt. Still, Lian could not shake the gnawing realization.

“I… I could have stopped them,” he muttered under his breath, more to himself than to anyone else.

Kael glanced at him, her expression a mix of concern and understanding. Mira placed a hand on Lian’s shoulder, squeezing it gently. But even their comforting gestures could not erase the ache in his chest.

He walked a few steps ahead, silent, replaying the scene in his mind. The clarity struck him hard. His power was not just a tool for curiosity or idle observation. It was a responsibility. Avoiding it did not protect anyone. Avoiding it left his friends, and himself, exposed to mistakes that could have been prevented.

He inhaled deeply, forcing himself to meet Mira and Kael’s eyes. “I can’t keep ignoring it,” he admitted quietly. “Even if it’s painful, I have to use my power. Otherwise, I’ll only hold us back. I won’t let myself be useless to you.”

Mira and Kael were confused, as they didn't understand what he meant, but they tried to comfort him. Mira nodded slowly, a faint smile of reassurance on her lips. Kael gave a small nod, her usual teasing energy subdued but supportive. Lian felt a flicker of relief. He had reached a turning point, recognizing that his ability, as much as it hurt, was something he could not set aside if he wanted to protect those he cared about and grow as a member of the team.

The road ahead was long, and the escort mission still had to be completed. But for the first time in a while, Lian felt a renewed sense of purpose. He would no longer hold back. He could not.