Bent over, trembling as he supported himself with his arms, Brain searched for the presence of the two people— and witnessed an impossible scene. Although it was only for an instant, the shock made him completely forget his fear.
The boy was standing.
Like Brain, his two legs were shaking in terror. Despite this, he was still standing.
W-What’s going on? How can a kid like that stay standing?
He could not understand how the boy could be standing while he himself was on his hands and knees in disgrace.
Did the boy have a magic item that blocks fear or knew a martial art to that effect? Or did he possess some special talent?
He could not say for certain that the possibility did not exist. However, while staring at the boy’s unreliable back, Brain knew intuitively that that was not the case. Although impossible, it was the only thing he could think of.
The boy was stronger than Brain.
Ridiculous! How’s that possible!
Although it looked like he trained his body, he still lacked volume. From watching how he moved his feet and body while following him, the boy didn’t look to have much talent. Even though it was like that, the result was different.
W-What’s going on? Am I that weak?
His sight grew dim.
Brain knew that tears were falling from his eyes. However, he could not summon the energy to wipe them away.
”Uuu, ugh… kuh…”
He tried his best to not cry out loud. Even so, his tears flowed endlessly.
“Wh…y… why.”
Brain grasped the dirt on the ground and focused his strength in order to stand. But the bloodlust that was crashing into this body made him unable to move an inch. As if he was being controlled by someone else, his legs did not budge. The best he could manage was to raise his face and look at the boy and the old man.
He saw his back.
Even now, the boy was still standing.
Even now, the boy was standing face to face with the old man and his bloodlust. The back that he had thought was weak seemed incredibly far away.
“Was I…”
Always this weak?
He felt angry with himself, for even after the bloodlust had dissipated, the best he could manage was to stand.
Their training looked as if it was still going to continue. Unable to endure it any longer, Brain squeezed out his courage and shouted as he jumped out of his corner.
“—W-wait! I have a question!”
He no longer had the luxury of thinking that he shouldn’t interfere with their training or that he should find the right timing to appear.
The boy’s shoulders jumped as the desperate voice caused him to turn around, revealing his surprised expression. If their positions had been reversed, Brain too, would have shown the same reaction.
“First, I sincerely apologize for interrupting you two. Forgive me. I couldn’t bear to wait any longer.”
“…Is he someone you know, Sebas-sama?”
“No, he is not. I see, so you do not know him either…”
They looked at him with suspicion. However, that was something he had already predicted.
“First and foremost, my name is Brain Unglaus. Once again, allow me to express my apologies for interrupting you two. I’m truly sorry.”
He bowed deeper than before. He could feel the two moving slightly.
After what he deemed long enough to express his sincerity, Brain raised his face and saw that their expressions contained less suspicion than before.
“And what is your business with us?”
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