“That’s ridiculous. You gods really are worthless.”
‘Would you prefer for me to make sympathetic faces and tell you that I understand how you feel? When I have never bled in my life? I think that would be more ridiculous.’
“You really are twisted!”
Their argument barely entered his ears.
What should he do? The weakness in his heart was creeping out again. Was he just going to be used again? Could this dragon god’s words be trusted?
‘You are uncertain.’
“Be-because…”
‘However, most decisions in life have to be made without seeing what is up ahead. The trick is to find the direction you will not regret. Think on your own, and choose. That is the biggest right given to those with knowledge.’
The dragon god said, and then he closed his mouth.
He really was telling Keita to choose with his own will.
But he had never thought of such things before. Choosing on his own. Having no regrets. He couldn’t do it.
He just wanted to run away.
“…Ah.”
Keita groaned at the thought.
Running away. Now that was something he would regret.
Hating everything, being scared, avoiding, postponing. He had done that for a long time, and felt wretched. If he ran now, he would definitely regret it.
But he was still scared. If he chose, things would happen that he never experienced before.
So, what should he do?
As his mind started to feel numb, Keita made the decision.
“I…I will do it.”
His nerves made his voice shake. But the dragon god heard him.
‘So that is your decision?’
“Y-yes.”
‘Very well. Let me ask you this, then. What is it that you want?’
He recalled the time when Canila first invited him to this world.
To adventure in another world as a Hero. The expectation and hopes that welled up within him when heard it.
“I want to change. To something else. Not what I’ve been up until now.”
‘Hmm. A typical, awkward wish from someone of your age.’
“Gah…”
“Read the room, you old shit.”
The dragon god chuckled as the morning air drifted around them. He ignored the small dragon’s anger and replied seriously.
‘Unfortunately, I cannot make that come true.’
“…Why?”
‘Because you have already done it yourself.’
Keita looked down at his body. But nothing had changed.
‘What changed is your heart. Just now, you chose to move forward instead of running away. From that moment, you are not what you once were.’
“…I don’t know… I don’t feel any different.”
‘You will. Eventually.’
While it kind of seemed like the dragon god had avoided answering the question, Keita wasn’t mad. Next to him, Fi had climbed up onto the star wolf’s back.
“We should get going. You can think about your wish later.”
“Yeah.”
What was he to do? Keita chuckled as he headed north with Fi.
It seemed that his wish to adventure with friends…had also come true.