Mebius World Online – Mari’s VRMMO Diary, Embarking on a Laid-back Adventure as a Novice - Chapter 122
122. Mari-nee talk about their inner thoughts
The weight of the words that reached me made my chest ache painfully. What was Gils thinking when he said that? As I quietly approached, trying not to be noticed, I overheard Gils muttering.
“Useless…were you talking about Mareus?”
I almost stumbled in surprise. Gils, that’s too harsh… Despite some initial mishaps, Mareus-san had been quite helpful in subsequent level-ups. And besides, Mareus-san is one of Gils’ creators. Feeling a pang of sympathy for Mareus-san’ unfortunate treatment, I was debating whether to scold Gils when Vel suddenly chirped loudly, flapping his tiny wings and hitting Gils.
“Hmm, was I wrong?” Gils mused.
“Piyo!”
Vel seemed to be saying, “Get it together!”
Gils considered for a moment, then nodded and said.
“Vel, do you think that way about yourself?”
“Piyo…” Vel’s weak chirp confirmed Gils’ words.
As my level and skill levels increased, Gils grew stronger as well, but Vel showed no signs of change. We tried various things, considering the possibility of hidden skills or abilities, but nothing seemed to work. No one, including Mareus-san, minded this, but it was a different matter whether Vel himself could ignore it.
When I tried to run to Vel to apologize, Gils continued speaking before I could reach him.
“Once, when Maria and my brothers were in danger, I stood by and did nothing, letting my brothers die.”
I immediately knew Gils was referring to the incident in the <Cave of Oath> but it wasn’t as if he let them die…
“Of course, Maria would probably say something like, ‘That’s not true, you protected us.'”
It’s comforting to know he understands, but hearing it out loud is embarrassing.
Feeling my face grow warm, I continued listening intently.
“Even now, I regret not being able to move until my brothers fell. It’s my own weakness that I must confront.”
“Piyoo…”
“The reason doesn’t matter. This heavy burden is mine, and I must face it alone.”
“Piyo?” Vel tilted his head, chirping in a questioning tone.
“Hmm? ‘Why do I feel that way?’ It’s simple. By thinking this way, I ensure I never forget that moment and never lose my way again.”
“Piyo!” Vel’s eyes widened in realization.
“You called yourself useless, Vel, but I realized that only after losing my brothers. You noticed it right after being born. Be proud of that. Our parent, Maria, proves that strong feelings can become strength.”
“Piyo Piyo!”
“That’s the spirit. Like me, you carry the souls of our great brothers. Considering your origins, your potential power might even surpass mine. Don’t rush, but never lose your resolve.”
Despite his cute, chick-like appearance, Vel’s eyes shone with a strong will, and he nodded firmly.
Watching Gils talk about the heroic deeds of Nero and Kuuga from their past, with Vel chirping happily, I decided to leave them to their conversation.
This was a moment for brothers, and I shouldn’t intrude.
…But Gils, praising Nero and Kuuga is fine, but claiming they fought on par with a thousand adventurers or overwhelmed tens of thousands of monsters is a bit much, don’t you think?
Innocent Vel seems to believe every word!
I thought about telling Vel the truth later, but breaking a child’s dreams felt wrong. Could I even bring myself to do it? Probably not…
Imagining Vel’s innocent eyes looking up at me, I sighed and gave up.
Hopefully, Gils’ stories would stop with Nero and Kuuga’s exploits…
Yeah, I should stop talking before I jinx myself.
Huh? It’s already too late??
Hahaha, I don’t know what you’re talking about…
Incidentally, I would soon learn a hard lesson.
Flags aren’t just what you see in front of you, and some flags are unavoidable…