Chapter 389

Chapter 389

Reincarnated User Manual.

Episode 389: W-IFSS: Responsibility Without Pleasure (1)

“It’s too big a decision to make alone.”

With a sigh, the old man muttered. Watching him, Yura frowned in frustration.

“Wasn’t this conversation supposed to be the end of it with you?”

“I understand that the world is in crisis. And I more or less grasp that it’s because of the evil god beyond the mountains.”

“Then…”

“Which is exactly why it’s hard to decide alone.”

A reply tinged with slight irritation. Clearly, the elder felt just as frustrated.

The elder stared at the child who was hesitating and stealing glances.

“Kyrie. Wait outside.”

“…Yes.”

Kyrie left the tent as if released from a seat of thorns.

Only after confirming that Kyrie’s presence had faded did the elder resume speaking.

“To be honest, the root of the problem is simply the concern of an adult for a child.”

“I understand if you still can’t fully trust us…”

“It’s undoubtedly a thorny path ahead.”

In the elder’s hand was a pipe, held before anyone noticed.

Since smoking was considered an act that revealed one’s inner worries, he only lit it after sending the child away.

Fwoo—

A sharp smoke drifted into the air.

Whether it contained hallucinogens or not, the smoke left a mysterious trail, reflecting the elder’s emotions.

“You foreigners speak our language surprisingly well.”

“…”

“I already know you are not ordinary. Perhaps that child really is a hero, and you’re not wicked ones using her for evil ends. Just like the stories passed down orally.”

The elder had been pondering throughout the conversation.

The story of a hero who saves the world, told by these outsiders.

Wasn’t that the tale of a great hero?

In every era, there has been chaos, and the story of a lone hero who overcomes a crisis always exists alongside it.

The young child—Kyrie—also knew the story of the hero.

Though she didn’t show it outwardly due to the tense atmosphere, the elder, who was right next to her, noticed how her heart was stirred.

What the strangers said, even though they had just met, stirred her heart enough to bury the grief of losing her parents.

Her heart thumped so much that she immediately latched onto the suggestion to go on a journey.

And so.

The elder could only harbor complicated feelings toward that young heart.

“Hero stories usually don’t end well.”

Saving the world was no easy task.

Whether what they said was true or not, even if the world was on the brink of destruction, weren’t they essentially asking to sacrifice a child of the tribe?

As an adult, it struck deeply…

Especially entrusting her to the hands of outsiders did not sit well.

“Even I think this way, so the other, more hot-blooded ones surely will too…”

The elder prided himself on his wisdom.

He even understood why southern outsiders called them savages—after all, the temperament of Silleya was generally impulsive and instinct-driven.

In the face of the world’s end, no one would stand by quietly as strangers took a child who could bring glory to their people.

“You intend to take this child with you, don’t you.”

“Yes.”

Yura nodded.

The elder shook his head.

“It would be best to keep this matter secret.”

“…What do you mean?”

Yura’s eyelids twitched.

For a moment, she thought more persuasion might be needed—but the elder’s next words were surprisingly cooperative.

“If you’re going to take her, then do it without talking about heroes.”

“Are you telling us… to kidnap her?”

Hyun-jun’s eyes narrowed.

‘As expected, these bastards who pull blades at the drop of a hat must’ve driven even the elder crazy.’

Hyun-jun clicked his tongue.

Tsk tsk. Whatever lunatic made this world, it’s full of psychos.

“Kidnap her? There’s no way I’d suggest something so disgraceful.”

“Hyun-jun! Why are you clicking your tongue? I told you I don’t want to see you dead!”

The psycho urged him with teary eyes.

Though clearly unhinged, she was so beautiful and pitiful that Hyun-jun cleared his throat awkwardly.

“If not kidnapping, then what? From your tone, it doesn’t sound like you people treat children like objects. Wouldn’t it look better if you sent her off as honorably as possible?”

“That would be the case if your identities were verified… But like the northern tribes, Silleya is also closed off. Even if honor is gained, most would want to keep it for themselves and seek their own achievements.”

Hyun-jun took that as the elder subtly saying he was on the outsiders’ side.

But the next thing out of the elder’s mouth took a bit more time to register.

“From what I’ve seen, the two of you seem very close. Are you perhaps a married couple?”

“…?”

What was this all of a sudden?

Yura’s face turned red, and goosebumps rose on Hyun-jun’s arm.

“Even if you’re not, act like one from now on. Yes, a couple struggling to have a child would be ideal.”

“…Old man. Have you lost your mind? Or is sexual harassment just normal around here?”

“Adopt Kyrie as your daughter.”