Villain Ch 144. An Opportunity For Redemption
Allen wanted to refuse it. But again he changed his mind. He wanted to understand what it was about her that had captured the attention and loyalty of Mac and the others. If there was a weakness or vulnerability that he could exploit, he needed to know.
With a forced smile, he replied, “Alright, I’ll do my best to take care of you, Yora.”
Yora’s eyes sparkled with gratitude as Allen reluctantly agreed to be her protector. She genuinely believed that his presence would bring a new dynamic to the team, and she hoped it would positively impact their adventures together.
“Thank you, Allen. I really appreciate it,” she said earnestly.
She knew it was a blunt request, especially considering Allen’s status as a newcomer to the group. But there was something about him that caught her attention. She observed him during battles, noticing how he effortlessly handled every situation on his own, despite being part of a team. There was a certain air of solitude around him as if he were accustomed to standing alone against the world. Yora couldn’t quite pinpoint why, but she felt drawn to him, as if she wanted to accompany him on his journey. Perhaps it stemmed from her guilt over her past relationship, and she saw this as an opportunity for redemption. Or maybe she simply sought solace and wanted to make amends within herself.
Allen’s response, however, was laced with caution. “But don’t expect too much from me, and I hope you’ll be careful. As you said before, I am a solo player. I’m used to fighting and doing everything alone, so there might be a case where I act as my habit,” he warned, his tone tinged with a hint of detachment. It was a reminder that he would fulfill his duty, but he might be couldn’t pour his heart and soul into it. Allen planned to test Yora’s capabilities by allowing her to face a few challenges on her own, to see how well she could fend for herself.
“Let me replace him,” Gil volunteered, his voice filled with enthusiasm. “Allen is still getting used to the dynamics of our group, and throwing him into the deep end might overwhelm him. Let him ease into it at his own pace,” Gil suggested, his eyes focused on Yora.
Mac pondered Gil’s words, contemplating the validity of his point. “Gil has a fair point,” he admitted, nodding in agreement. “Allen is new to our team, and it might be challenging for him to adapt immediately. We should give him some time to acclimate,” Mac added, his tone thoughtful.
However, Yora’s response surprised them both. With a warm smile, she interjected, “Allen will be fine.” Her eyes gleamed with confidence as she continued, “Gil, you’re the only main melee fighter besides Mac. You are the only one who could support him in case we find ourselves surrounded or overwhelmed,” she reasoned, her gaze shifting between the two men.
Allen must admit, the logic behind Yora’s reasoning was hard to deny. It showed that she possessed a basic understanding of gaming strategies and had a clear grasp of each class’s roles and responsibilities, including their weaknesses and strengths.
“Alright,” Mac reluctantly agreed, his expression betraying a hint of skepticism. He turned to Allen, his voice laced with caution. “Please protect her. Yora is our healer, the heart of this team. We’ll find it incredibly challenging to carry on if we lose her,” Mac emphasized, his words carrying a weight of responsibility.
Allen nodded, though the forced smile on his face betrayed his reservations. “I’ll do my best,” he replied, his voice masking his true intentions. He didn’t expect the group he regarded as his worthy opponent to have such a different side.
‘Well, that’s why he went rampage when I killed her in front of him,’ thought Allen. 𝘯𝑜𝘷𝑙．𝑐𝘰𝘮
After their discussion, the group pressed on with their hunt, venturing deeper into the forest. Unlike before, Allen now walked closely by Yora’s side, assuming the role of her self-appointed “bodyguard.” His eyes darted around, scanning the surroundings with hawk-like precision, ensuring that no enemies lurked nearby.
As Allen maintained his vigilance, his attention divided between the surroundings and observing how Mac led the group, he couldn’t help but notice Yora stealing glances at him. Her gaze held a mixture of emotions—a bittersweet smile tugging at the corners of her lips. It was as if her guilt had resurfaced, casting a shadow over her thoughts and tormenting her conscience.
“Is there something you want to say?” Allen asked Yora, his tone tinged with curiosity. He had noticed the peculiar glances she had been throwing his way, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something on her mind. Despite facing away from her, he could sense that her gaze held a different quality, for sure it wasn’t suspicion or anger. His intuition urged him to probe further and uncover the truth behind her cryptic expressions.
Yora smiled faintly and shook her head, her voice carrying a hint of hesitation. “Nothing,” she replied softly, as if reluctant to share her thoughts.
Allen nodded understandingly, accepting her initial response. “Okay,” he conceded, realizing that pressing her further might only yield more resistance. He continued walking alongside her, the rhythm of their footsteps synchronizing with the pulse of the forest, and with Mac and the others.
However, it wasn’t long before Yora broke the silence once more, her voice carrying a whisper of vulnerability. “You remind me of someone,” she confessed, her words hanging in the air with a mix of nostalgia and introspection.
Allen’s brows furrowed as he turned to face her. “Really? Who do I remind you of?” he inquired, genuinely curious about the connection. “Your ex or your crush?” he quipped, his tone laced with playful teasing. Though his guess was based on nothing more than a hunch, he couldn’t help but wonder if Yora’s revelation had something to do with her past romantic entanglements.