novelnext Chapter 25: The Mortal Paradox: Power and Fragility
Chapter 25: The Mortal Paradox: Power and Fragility
Chapter 25: The Mortal Paradox: Power and Fragility
Another question caught him off guard.
He barely knew about his own world, let alone this one, since he had not yet learned much about everyone here.
"It's... different," he said carefully. "The relationship between humans and other races is complex, as well as are the leaders."
He paused before adding, "From what I've observed, this world seems to be all about survival."
The Queen nodded, amused.
His answer was correct, but he missed something crucial.
"Do you know why humans are considered a problem in this world?"
"No, Your Highness."
"That's because humans are more favored by the gods and deities," she explained.
"Yet they also suffer the most."
She smiled and slowly opened her eyes, her gaze sharp yet contemplative.
"Can you compare your strength now to how you were before you arrived here?"
Ryuen lowered his gaze to his hands.
He clenched and unclenched his fists, confused about where she was going with this.
But he couldn't deny it—he had grown stronger in the short time he'd been here.
The people in this world were more intimidating and dangerous than anything he had faced before, yet he managed to stand up to them.
Not to mention the beast he had defeated just the other day.
"I believe I've grown a little stronger," he admitted.
"It's not something I'm particularly proud of."
She hummed in agreement, a small smile playing on her lips.
"A wonderful answer, as expected. Now, let me ask you something else."
Ryuen tilted his head slightly, waiting for her to continue.
"What do you know about the humans who lived here before you?"
Her question deepened his curiosity. He didn't have any any answers, but he replied nevertheless.
"Not much. I've only heard rumors. There are people like me... and others far different."
"Have you perhaps come across these other humans?"
Her smile faded, replaced by a more serious expression.
It felt like his turn to do the questioning had come.
"The only different ones I know of—each one I'd boldly admit—is exceptional and powerful," She replied.
"They are the strongest mortals I've seen."
The Queen rose from her seat and moved to a table where a map of the continent was spread out.
She gestured for Ryuen to join her, and he obeyed.
"The first is Hiroto, though most call him Hiro," she began, pointing to a mountainous region on the map.
"A young warrior with unparalleled skill. He led the Northern region, Army until he vanished after the war."
She sighed softly, her voice laced with pity.
"It would be better if humans simply obeyed and avoided reckless behavior."
Ryuen glanced at her, noting the sadness in her eyes.
She seemed to genuinely pity those who suffered needlessly—a sentiment he found strange.
Not that he cared. He was used to suffering.
He had endured it all before and come out stronger.
However, what bothered him most was not her pity, but the information she had just shared.
"Your Highness, I still don't understand why you're telling me all this," Ryuen said, his voice steady.
"Because their presence and disappearance left a mark—a trail, if you will," she explained, straightening her posture.
"And so will yours. Whether you like it or not, your kind are threats."
"And why is that?" he asked, his curiosity increasing by the second.
"Because humans, annoyingly, grow stronger," she said with a sharp tone.
"Other races train and practice the same skill for months, even years, and their power levels barely change."
She paused, narrowing her eyes at him.
"But humans? Humans keep growing stronger. Their potential is unlimited, and their overconfidence often becomes their downfall."
She sighed again, her expression softening.
"You must be careful, Ryuen. I know it may be impossible for you to return home."
"But laying low and acting weak—even if you are—will help you survive."
She looked him directly in the eyes.
"Many humans have died because they revealed what they could do. That's why the number of mortals in this world keeps reducing."
Ryuen nodded slowly, absorbing her words. "I understand, Your Highness."
"I would like to take my leave now," he added after a moment.
"Ryuen," she said, her tone shifting to one that reminded him of his mother.
"Learn to trust no one—not even your own kind," she warned, stepping closer to him.
"Humans and other races share the same minds. Many have good intentions, but just as many do not."
She paused, her voice turning serious.
"Keep your guard up at all times. And above all, don't forget to survive."
She gestured for him to bow, which he did. As he bent forward, she slid an object into his hair.
"Do not touch it until midnight," she instructed.
"Understood, Your Majesty," Ryuen replied.
"Wonderful," she said with a small smile, stepping back.
As Ryuen turned to leave, she added one final remark.
"Remember, Ryuen," she said, her voice carrying a weight he couldn't ignore.
"A person's skills are honed over a lifetime, but another could devour them all in an instant without batting an eye."