Chapter 2

The shadow remained seated at the table, looking thoroughly suspicious and yet thoroughly amused, as he said,

“I am a deliverer, no matter where I go. I will not force you to make a choice. If you wish to remain as you are, I will not deny it.”

His eyelids trembled. In the darkness, he seemed to be asking what he would do, remaining pitch black, and turned his gaze toward me. Or rather, I couldn't confirm his exact form, so it was probably just a guess.

What is this guy? What exactly is he? He appeared suddenly, raised his voice suddenly, and offered me an opportunity.

Why? What is his purpose? What means does he use?

“I can understand your doubts to a certain extent! And the answers are easy. But unfortunately, I cannot tell you now. No, I cannot tell you at all!”

From just a few words, I understood something. This guy is incredibly dramatic.

As usual, my body remained frozen, not even my fingertips showed any sign of movement. I couldn't even open my mouth. But this guy continued his monologue as if he understood my intentions.

“I understand. It’s impossible for you to trust me in this situation. It’s like a sheep blindly following a wolf’s words! But sadly, I am neither a persuader nor a negotiator. I am merely a deliverer!”

Of course. How could I trust a guy who exudes weirdness from every pore, every word, and every part of his body? No, I can't trust him at all.

He continued his monologue, ignoring my feelings.

“I am a deliverer. I offer you the chance to change your life. Whether you refuse such an opportunity or accept it with open arms is entirely up to you! Therefore, I must tell you one thing first.”

His voice, which had been rough and self-centered, and it was unclear if he was even talking to me, now clearly turned toward me.

“We indeed have our own interests in offering you this opportunity. That is a fact. It is only natural. We, who are not gods, should not simply give something away. I have brought this opportunity to you because I understand that it benefits us.”

His voice was different from the somewhat frivolous tone he had used before. It sounded very sincere and unmistakably his own words. But that doesn’t mean I can trust them.

“This is a one-time opportunity. You are fortunate to have the right to choose. So, what will you do?”

The shadow asked, and finally closed his overly talkative mouth.

I couldn’t help but mutter, “What do you mean, what will I do?” I have been given no information, no facts. I am just being presented with something unilaterally and being asked to answer unilaterally. As always, I can’t trust him.

My mouth opened. I felt air passing through my throat. I could probably make a sound. If I shouted loudly, the other party members would surely notice. If that happened, even this guy would have to retreat. I might be killed in the process, but that is my role in the party.

Ah, that’s right, that’s my role. To protect the party from danger, to accept it, and sometimes to sacrifice my life. That is my role, no doubt. So, the words I would say were already decided.

“—Of course, I’ll accept it.”

It was a natural response.

I can’t trust him. It could be a trap. It might even be a nasty prank by the mage. But even so, I can’t reject the hand that has been extended to me.

“This is a stroke of luck! I’m surprised. You seem twisted, but you are also a straightforward man. We had certainly anticipated that you would refuse!”

He seemed to regain his momentum, speaking roughly and, perhaps, happily.

Surprised? Indeed, under normal circumstances, I would have refused. Even if it meant losing my life, I would not have hesitated to die for the party. But I realized something.

“I finally understand. I just realized. Continuing to waste my time in this meaningless state won’t change anything. Stagnation breeds decay, and I—”

My body had started moving without me noticing. I had no energy to reach for my sword. There was only despair.

“I will surely give up. Someday, somewhere.”

He fell silent at those words. It wasn’t that he was at a loss for words, but that he had words to say but couldn’t convey them. That’s what it seemed like.

I gently lowered my head and closed my eyes. As expected, Aluena’s face appeared. Not any other beautiful scenery or treasure. Only her image appeared in my mind. I had burned her various aspects into my eyes during this journey.

Her beautiful profile, her earnestness, her loving smile.

And the way she sent admiring glances at the man called the savior.

I thought I hadn’t given up. I thought I would, someday, somewhere. I had continued to think that in my heart. But it was no use.

All I had left was a broken heart and the inertia of staying with the party because she was there.

And during this journey, I realized that someday, I would surely give up. Everything.

“I can’t bear that. If I’m going to give up everything, then—”

“You’re going to take the hand. Even if it’s a wolf’s or a demon’s!”

The shadow gently extended his hand toward me.

That’s right. I have nothing left. A life without Aluena has no value. If I can change that, even if the one offering it is a demon, I will make a contract.

“Welcome, Ruis. Your participation. And I will give you a new opportunity! Because I am a deliverer!”

Strangely, I could see his form, which I hadn’t seen before, illuminated by the moonlight.

It might have been a hallucination, or the impression I received from him might have given form to the shadow. But the figure I saw was unmistakably human, with a smile that looked like lines drawn on his face, a truly demonic expression.