Chapter 11: Kind and Cruel

Sigren’s mother, Carla, had cared for her son until the moment she died.

‘You have to live, Sigren’

That short sentence bound itself to him, becoming something almost like a curse. Because of those words he couldn’t give up his life and had barely managed to escape from the people who tried to kill him. Of course, it was a life that was difficult to live. For a ten-year-old boy, while trying to escape from death, he also had to worry about eating and living. Fortunately, he entered the mercenary corps to do chores, so he could avoid starving. But that was the only fortunate thing. Living there wasn’t easy. He entered the mercenary corps that had the roughest personality among the mercenaries. Sigren was assaulted due to their rage many times, sometimes for no reason. Those with a really bad temper hurt his skin with the cigarettes they smoked. Sigren’s body was filled with small scars from it since he wasn’t properly treated.

However, he endured silently. All again, it was because his mother’s wishes rang clearly in his ear. Nevertheless, amidst the repeated pain and loneliness, a question rang in his mind. ‘I have to live. But what the hell do i live for?’

He couldn’t lie. He was lonely. The thought of someone needing him by their side… it would be a nice thing. He wanted to find the value of his existence, just a little bit, and not live as though he was an insignificant bug.

‘You bastard, you’re not even worth it. You have nowhere to go, just take it. I took you, but you’re a complete useless.’

The reality was cold. The treatment towards an orphan boy who could only do chores was worth nothing more than a toy. The mercenaries threw harsh words, knocked him over the floor, and ruthlessly hit him with their fists and feet. Others, who at least didn’t participate in the senseless violence, did nothing to stop their actions. They just watched with a heartless gaze.

He had always lived in such an environment. In a world without even the slightest sympathy, far from favorable. Not a day went by where new bruises didn’t form on Sigren’s small body.

After all those years, the mercenary corps to which Sigren belonged had to defend the Heilon territory. The fight against monsters was obviously dangerous, but the payment was great.

Sigren, who didn’t even receive a proper weapon, survived the fight against monsters with the sword of someone he’d picked up on the battlefield. The endless fight was tough, but there was one good thing. The battle over life and death made him stronger.

However, that one battle. The onagers were broken. One of the mercenaries who always had bothered Sigren pushed Sigren through to the middle of monsters. “You are so useless. Go, be a human shield!” and that mercenary escaped through the gap.

Sigren was skilled to endure with his life. However, no matter how much his skill had improved, the fourteen-year-old boy was still not strong enough. Eventually, he was deeply cut at his abdomen and passed out due to exhaustion.

Is this my end…?

He was relieved at the thought that it was finally over. One thing that he felt was unfortunate was that he was going to die on behalf of such crap. The mercenary who pushed Sigren was the guy who had the worst temper. There were other people who needed more help than someone like that. He wanted to reach out to the weak. Because no one helped him when he was alone. At least, he wanted to help.

He knew it was a weak mindset that he didn’t want anyone to live like him. The world he lived in was a place where one must exploit someone to go up but he didn’t want to be that kind of person. As a result, he was beaten like a livestock every day and finally met his end.

Yet, still, even a little bit, he wanted to believe that his wish was not in vain. There must be a light somewhere, or he could be the light for somebody.

But it’s impossible now.

Soon after, Sigren closed his eyes.

In the darkness, someone gently stroked his head. It was a kind of touch that he felt for the first time in a long time, it was so comfortable that he could almost cry. Then, when he opened his eyes, Sigren saw a girl asleep at his side in a room full of sunset glow. Silver hair spread out gently on the edge of the bed and glowed in the sunset.

It was the most peaceful sight in his tired life.

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