The Second Son of The Marquis Runs Away from Home ~ Lacking Talent, He Abandons Everything and Becomes an Adventurer ~ - 203

Chapter 203: Understanding (Lowd’s Side)

The armor is released, and as I look down, there is a blade piercing through my body.

My heart, which had been pounding so fiercely, ceases its movement. I’m confronted with the undeniable fact that I’m dying, as my strength drains away along with my bl00d.

“Well done…”

Even in this situation, what leaked from my mouth was admiration. And a sense of loneliness wells up as the realization that the battle has ended sinks in.

“…I, would’ve been alone if it weren’t for you, big brother.”

The one who pierced me… Berg murmurs. His usually inaudible mutter reached my ears now.

“When I was young and felt lonely, I found solace in your adventures.”

The trembling strength gripping the sword blade is transmitted through the edge.

“Venturing alone into dangerous dungeons, fighting mighty monsters, becoming the strongest adventurer acknowledged by everyone… I admired you for that.”

Berg lifts his face that had been bowed. Tears flow from the eyes of his helmet as he continues.

“I became stronger… I chose the path of an adventurer… I could live with pride because you were the strongest.”

I’ve heard similar words many times, but I don’t feel bothered by it.

“Thank you, for being the strongest… for showing me the path I should take… for fighting for me, thank you so much.”

(…Ah)

I finally realize the true nature of the emotions surging within me. It was something I had never thought I’d understand.

(So this is… what it means to entrust…)

A smile naturally spreads across my face as the words that man spoke to me last come to mind.

“It was a good fight.”

Moving my lips as the blade pierces through me, I turn my bl00d into words without caring that it flows.

“It was an enjoyable match.”

As my body crumbles from the edges, I utter words for those who will move forward despite the decay of the realm before them.

“You walk your own path and surpass me… Berg.”

As my body continues to disintegrate and my consciousness fades, I have no regrets.

I never cared about the end. I thought when I die, it will be the time.

But…

(Maybe this end… isn’t so bad after all?)

As my hollow heart is filled, I crumble away…

—

(Berg’s Side)

Lowd disappears into particles of light. Even though the weight that hung over my sword is lifted, I find myself kneeling on the ground the next moment.

“Gu…ah…”

Unable to muster any strength, I collapse. Having exhausted all my strength in the battle against Il-Eater and Lowd, I don’t even have the power to stand up.

Garma, destroyed in the battle against Lowd, cannot be summoned for a while. Moreover, I don’t have any leftover energy to summon it, as maintaining the armor has consumed all my resources.

(Is this… the end?)

My consciousness fades in and out, but something flashes through my mind, holding me back.

(Aria and the others… are waiting.)

I crawl forward, even as the surroundings crumble away. Despite the collapsing realm, I continue to move forward.

(I have to… live and return.)

Struggling to move my motionless body amidst the collapsing realm, eventually even the sensation in my fingertips begins to fade.

Just before losing consciousness, I felt like something appeared in my field of vision…