SSS-Ranked Evolution: Worlds Unbound-Chapter 30: The Promise He Made.

"North? The North is riddled with demons that killed the majority of the people here! Why would you want to go there?"

Ren searched his mind for how best to tell his new friend, but maybe some things are best kept to oneself. His eyes fluttered to the window that was slightly open, it had never stopped raining and with each second that passed, it got heavier. His mind drifted to Luna for a minute but knowing her nature, she would be fine. Ren knew he was taking too long to answer, a soft sigh escaping his lips.

"It can’t be that bad." It was his turn to joke but looking at the expression on his friend’s face, the joke didn’t go far.

"Not that bad? The demons mimic immortality, they refuse to die completely no matter how many times they are hit with the blade. You will not make it there, you have a death wish and say it can’t be that bad?" If Ren knew the assassin would have such a motherly personality, he would have kept quiet.

"I apologize for upsetting you. I have a promise I need to fulfil, and without that, I cannot go back to her." His voice heavy with many emotions. When the assassin heard "her", he calmed down a little, as if reverencing the sacred pronoun.

"Does she know you left?" he pressed on.

"She didn’t want me to." Ren managed a small smile, it seemed painful. He was debating what the assassin had said, demons that don’t die, how on earth was he going to do this one? Even if he took Luna with him, they would eventually be overcome, and he would not return to Reina alive. He was getting lost in his thoughts, but his friend nudged him out of it.

"It is best you stay here, going up North will lead to your death." he rose from his chair, deciding that they had spoken enough till Ren stopped him.

"Why would anyone stay here, why would you stay here? What is here in this place? Nothing but desolation." The assassin stopped in his tracks, Ren’s words registering in his brain, slowly, painfully but loud and clear.

"Just like you. I made a promise to find my brother. I will not stop till my last breath." and with that, he left Ren to his own company. Ren’s expression twisted slightly, pulling himself to lay across the massive bed. The words sang in his head over and over again.

To find his brother.

Hanabi flashed many times in his head. He wondered what his sister was doing, was she sleeping well? Was she happy? As he closed his eyes in sleep, a lone tear slid down his left eye. He missed his family so much but for now, the thundering melodies of the rain will have to be enough to drown his misery.

Hours passed and Ren’s eyes finally opened, the sky darkened and what lit up his room was the light from many small candles that weren’t there before. He moaned gently, his mind racing to Luna, had she come back? He pushed himself off the bed, opening the door to let himself out. The hallways were lit with candles, the makeshift curtains danced furiously against the cold harsh winds that let themselves in.

Moving down the staircase, he was almost hit by a kid that was running up the stairs fast but swerved to the right just in time. The place seemed more lively, the kids refused to sleep as some women tried to get them into their respective rooms, but they ended up rebelling. Reaching the bottom, he sighted Luna in the corner with a few kids, receiving bell rubs. His brow raised before passing her a discreet judgemental side eye. She was having the time of her life.

Standing there, a woman approached him with a warm smile, "thank you." her voice was tiny, her fingers fidgeting. Ren cocked his head to the side slightly, why was she thanking him? "She brought back a lot of animals for us. Everyone had a good meal, please come eat." Surprisingly, she held his hand. Ren was frozen at the touch he didn’t realize she had dragged him to the dining and served him a delicious supper.

Slowly he ate and understood why Luna was soaking up all the attention, he was asleep for just a few hours, and she made herself a hero and was getting spoiled silly. As he ate, she stood beside him, not noticing her until she spoke up again, "Von never told me he had any friends." catching his attention, she didn’t give him the blessing of eye contact.

"Von?" Ren’s brows arched to the moon, and then she realized she had said his name.

"He...doesn’t like to be called by his name. So we call him brother." she explained herself quickly, her fingers fidgeting even more, her eyes away from his.

"Where is he?" he moved the conversation forward and quickly, she responded.

"He went to get supplies. He—"

"Elisa!" speak of the devil and he shall appear. He had called out to her and with swiftness, she ran to meet him. He had a box of medicine and other clothing in his hand and gently, she collected it from him. He was wet and muddy and needed another bath. The box was heavy but she was holding it well and she nodded slowly, leaving him.

His eyes followed her before he moved to Ren who was still eating his food, "what did she tell you?" his demeanour had changed. He got...defensive.

"Nothing." he closed the conversation there. Von didn’t push further and left to get changed once again, and maybe have a word with Elisa. Ren watched him leave, and he couldn’t help but wonder.

The food drained him of energy once again and wanted to sleep, planning to take Luna with him till he saw her already asleep with a few kids on her. Not wanting to disturb, he left her there. Two days, Ren had stayed with the people of Karnak for two days, and they had gotten used to his presence. During those two days, he and Von talked less as he often went out to scout and see what he could bring back for them.

But Ren was finally ready to leave, his clothes had dried and putting on his mask, and collecting his weapons, he made his way to the exit. Dawn was just upon him and Luna was still stretching, getting ready to follow him up north.

Being as quiet as possible, he made his way to the exit of the Inn. But reaching the outside, he met Von there, sitting on the damaged fence, as if waiting for him. Their eyes both locked and with a flip, he landed in front of Ren, and closed the remaining distance.

"You are still going?" his purple eyes reflected a lone ray of sunlight, his brows furrowed,

"A promise binds you till death." he nodded slowly and with a huff from Von, he turned his back on him.

"Lead the way Friend." new partner acquired.