Chapter 22:
Brought into my Unfinished Game World
— When are you going to tell us more about that presence that has been following us since the beginning of our journey?
Dave stared at Suzaku in shock. He had thought only life benders and Alpha were able to perceive his presence. How could she sense him when most people couldn't see him at all?
— Alpha, tell her, Dave said urgently. We need to explain the situation and our true goals. They deserve to know what they are really in for.
Alpha looked between Suzaku and the empty space where Dave was floating, clearly uncomfortable with the deception they had been maintaining.
— There is something we have not been entirely honest about, Alpha began slowly.
— I suspected as much, replied Suzaku, her eyes still focused on Dave's general location.
Alpha took a deep breath and began explaining everything - Dave's true identity as the creator of their world, his ghostly existence, his [re_coding] abilities, and their real goal of reaching the Horizon Canvas so Dave could reincarnate properly and Alpha could gain a face of his own.
When Alpha finished his explanation, Suzaku was quiet for a long moment, staring into the fire.
— So you have been lying to us this entire time, she said finally. Using us to achieve your personal goals while pretending this was about stopping the demons.
— We never meant to deceive anyone, Alpha said defensively.
— You are being selfish, Suzaku continued bluntly. You involved Kuria and me in your quest under false pretenses, putting us at risk for your own desires.
Dave expected her to storm off or demand they turn back, but instead Suzaku looked up at him again.
— However, I would have accepted this quest regardless. The challenge of reaching the Horizon Canvas and facing enhanced demons appeals to me more than some noble cause about saving the world.
Alpha seemed relieved by her reaction, but then his expression grew more serious.
— But if it is possible to also hinder the demons' plans for war while we are there, then we would be doing that on the side as well. Even if our primary goals are personal, we can still help protect people.
Dave couldn't help but laugh at Alpha's earnest declaration.
— Listen to you being all noble and heroic. What happened to the guy who just wanted a pretty face?
— I do not see why I cannot want both, Alpha replied firmly. Just because we are seeking something for ourselves does not mean we should ignore the chance to help others.
Dave rolled his eyes but found himself nodding in agreement.
— You know what? You are right. If we can mess with the demons' war plans along the way, might as well do it. I did create this world after all - I should probably take some responsibility for what happens to it.
Suzaku watched this exchange with interest.
— So we continue to the Horizon Canvas, but now with honest intentions instead of hidden ones.
— Exactly, said Alpha. No more lies between us.
Dave floated closer to the fire, feeling oddly relieved that their deception was finally out in the open. Now they could focus on the journey ahead without the weight of secrets between them.
— However, Suzaku added, glancing toward where Kuria was sleeping, we still need her approval. She was unconscious during this conversation and deserves to hear the truth as well. If she wants to stop after learning what we are really doing, then we will need to help her return to the nearest town at the very least.
Alpha nodded solemnly.
— You are absolutely right. We owe her that choice.
A rustling sound came from near the fire as Kuria slowly sat up in her sleeping bag, wincing slightly from her injuries.
— I was awake for all of that, she said quietly, her usual cheerful demeanor subdued.
The others turned to look at her in surprise.
— Kuria! How long have you been listening? asked Alpha.
— Since you started explaining about Dave being the creator of our world, she replied, adjusting her position to face them better. And I want you to know that I am determined to continue with this mission.
— Are you sure? asked Alpha with concern. After what happened to you today, no one would blame you for wanting to return home.
Kuria's expression grew troubled, and she looked down at her hands.
— Actually, I feel ashamed for going down first. As a seasoned cleric, I am supposed to be the one who holds up the team, not the other way around. I should have been able to heal myself and continue supporting all of you.
— That was an ambush, Alpha replied firmly. You were not even wearing your enhanced gear when the attack happened. No one could have been prepared for that.
Suzaku nodded in agreement.
— You do not need to feel shame against such a powerful enemy in the first place. That demon was specifically modified to hunt life benders and had studied our abilities extensively. Even I struggled against it.
— Besides, added Alpha, you kept yourself alive long enough for us to defeat the threat. That took strength and determination.
Kuria looked up at them, tears glistening in her eyes.
— Thank you. I needed to hear that. And yes, I want to continue to the Horizon Canvas with all of you. Whatever the real reasons for this journey, I believe it is important.
Dave felt a warmth in his chest as he watched his companions support each other. Maybe this group could work together after all.
As the evening settled around their makeshift camp, the team shared a simple meal of travel rations they had salvaged from the aeronef's supplies. The food was basic but nourishing - dried meat, hardtack, and preserved fruits that the kingdom had provided for their journey.
Kuria seemed much more like her old self as she ate, her usual cheerful energy slowly returning despite her injuries.
— You know, she said between bites, I was studying our route during the flight before the attack. There is a small town not far from here - maybe a day's walk to the southeast.
— How far exactly? asked Alpha.
— If we maintain a steady pace, we should reach it by the end of tomorrow. Of course, that is assuming I do not slow everyone down with my injuries.
Suzaku looked at her with concern.
— You should not push yourself too hard. Your wound is still healing.
Kuria grinned mischievously despite her weakened state.
— Well, if Alpha is willing to carry me on his back, I am sure we could make good time, she said teasingly.
— Of course! replied Alpha immediately, his tone completely sincere. That would be no problem at all. I have gotten much stronger during my training, and your weight would not be an issue for the distance we need to travel.
Kuria's playful expression quickly shifted to embarrassment as she realized how genuinely eager Alpha was to help her.
— Oh no, I was just joking! she said quickly, looking flustered. I would never actually ask you to do that. I can walk on my own, really!
— But if it would help the mission and keep you from aggravating your injuries, I think it makes perfect sense, Alpha continued earnestly. There is no shame in accepting help when you need it.
— Alpha, please, you are making me feel terrible for even suggesting it, Kuria said, covering her face with her hands. I did not mean to take advantage of your kindness like that.
Suzaku watched this exchange with amusement.
— He really would carry you the entire way without complaint, would he not?
— That is exactly what makes it worse, Kuria groaned. I should not have made such a thoughtless joke.
Dave floated nearby, relieved to see Kuria's spirits returning to normal.
— The town could be useful, he said to Alpha. We can resupply, get proper healing for Kuria, and figure out our next move toward the Horizon Canvas.
— Agreed, replied Alpha. And it will give us a chance to plan our approach more carefully. After today's attack, we know the demons are actively hunting us.
Suzaku nodded thoughtfully.
— We will need to be more cautious from now on. That demon was just the beginning.
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