Chapter 73: Cross and Ash — Straight Bet

’There’s not much I can do right now...’

Even more time had passed since his scuffle with Cross, and Ash was a little lost as to what to do.

He’d come to the temple for answers. He’d gotten them, albeit they weren’t exactly the ones he was expecting.

The plan was to perhaps enlist the Great Spirit of Fire and/or learn Demitra’s ultimate goal.

He’d found out the Great Spirit of Fire was long gone — replaced by a pale imitation destined for the grave. But his attempt to resolve his other quandary had been successful. It also became clear he was right to assume Demitra was the one he had to stand against. Only...

’How...’

’How do I keep my life?’

Everyone in the instance, except Vera, wanted Ash dead to achieve their goal.

Though Vera wasn’t exactly on his side, as Ash wasn’t sure of her stance on him or whether the wolf would manipulate and shape her view of him.

’I did kind of leave her on a sour note.’

Not that it mattered all too much. Even if she disliked Ash, his death wasn’t necessary for her goal. Unless he decided to stand in her way, that is.

In any case, he needed a plan. And there was really only one path to survival.

Light footsteps sounded behind Ash.

’It begins with convincing or deceiving you...’

Still sitting on the step, Ash glanced over his shoulder at Cross, tracking his approach.

Cross looked healthier, though he was still clearly wary of Ash. He settled onto the step beside him, remaining safely out of reach.

"I apologize for looking down on you, Ash."

’...’

Ash stared blankly at Cross for a few moments before replying:

"Your words disgust me."

Cross sighed before muttering:

"I figured you’d say something like that... I don’t know much about your kind and their culture, but you don’t have many friends, do you?"

Ash turned his attention back to the view below.

"Are you one to talk?"

"Not at all... I’ve spent the past ten years with only memories of my sister and Hounds for company."

Ash replied flatly:

"Creep. Just like your father."

Cross grimaced.

"Please don’t put me on the same level as him."

"..."

"..."

A long silence settled between the two.

Eventually, the fog beyond the barrier lifted, revealing a panoramic view of the seal from its highest point.

With no towering mountain or terrifying beast obstructing his view, Ash could appreciate the seal in all its harrowing beauty.

Ash’s gaze swept across the jagged mountains and crackling sea of lava. Among them, he spotted a few more creatures he’d yet to encounter and probably never would.

Without looking at Cross, Ash said:

"I have a question, Cross."

"What is it?"

"The Seal Scrawlers... what are they?"

Why had they and the other beasts been trapped within the seal to begin with?

Cross’s expression darkened.

"...Soldiers."

"Soldiers...?"

"Yes... My father’s spirit wasn’t enough to contain the fiend on its own, so they sacrificed their lives to empower him. Though their spirits were lost, their bodies remained alive. The world reshaped their identities according to how it perceived them... What, are you going to call their sacrifices self-serving and meaningless?"

"In my eyes... yes. It’s human nature to struggle for life until your last breath, not give it up."

Cross studied him before asking:

"Have you never loved someone? Has anyone ever loved you?"

"...No."

"Ah... that was a bit obvious. I’m more scared that you care so little about admitting it. Though if someone sacrificed themselves for you, they must have loved you, no?"

"From their perspective, I’m sure they did."

"How awful you are... No wonder you rejected my sister so thoroughly. Thanks for doing so. I’d rather not have her grieving for someone as loathable as you after I kill you."

Ash finally turned toward him.

"Your little performance... it was to make your sister hate you, correct? So she wouldn’t despair after you were gone? Wouldn’t think you did it for her, but the people of the nation?"

Cross’s expression tightened.

"...And what if it was? I already know what you’re going to say, so keep it to yourself."

"How conceited to assume she’d care about you after you die. Let alone after you deny her wish."

"And you still said it..."

"Hmm, that I did... But it seems you still plan on killing me. So, you’re still going to sacrifice yourself?"

"..."

Ash waited several seconds, but Cross simply looked away.

"It seems a kernel of doubt has sprouted in your mind. Don’t lie and say you’ve accepted death... you clearly haven’t. You crying on your hands... hand and knees says otherwise. Human nature, remember."

Cross shot him a sidelong glare.

"Do you have nothing better to do than make enemies?"

"You’re the one who made an enemy of me, Cross."

Cross sighed.

"I will kill you no matter what... If not out of necessity, then out of grudge."

"So... a part of you can think for yourself."

Cross glared at Ash as if he were unwell. He couldn’t even find a proper response to something wildly nonsensical.

Eventually, however, he broke that silence with a question:

"You said you wouldn’t allow my will... is that not a little contradictory?"

"Breaking a creed to protect it is a tale as old as time."

"I see... you did say you intended to save Vera... Wait, that’s a contradiction as well! You’re a walking hypocrite!"

"Not nearly, Cross. I promised to save her for myself, not her. Have you not learned anything from what I’ve said? Besides... I’ll save in the way she wishes to be saved.."

"And you call me arrogant...?" Cross shook his head. "You really are an idiot... And, how do you even plan to do so? To save Vera and stop my will?"

"I want to kill the wolf."

Cross stared at him incredulously.

"Are you mad? Wait... never mind. That answer’s obvious. But you know I can’t allow that. Such a selfish decision would kill thousands upon thousands and trap Vera."

"Cross. I know you understand my words. When you choose something, choose it with yourself in mind."

"I’m sorry to disappoint... but I simply cannot do such a despicable thing. I’m a normal person, unlike you..." Cross furtively glanced at Ash’s horn and tail, which were halfway in the ground, then added, "In more ways than one."

"I figured... but how about this? Let’s make a bet... Let me fight Winter. One on one. I only ask that you distract Vera long enough to give me the chance."

Cross burst into laughter.

"Pthh, hahaha! You think you’d stand a chance?! Even with your weird constitution?!"

"Because she’s bonded to me, it doesn’t work on her."

Cross’s laughter abruptly died.

"Wait— seriously?! Then you have even less of a chance! Fine, sure. I’m game. And when you die, it’ll save me a lot of trouble and heartache."

’Not even hiding that you’re scared of me?’

Ash smirked.

"Deal, then... Though, I’d like you to teach me two things in the time we have: mana sensitivity and spirit sense."

Cross gaped at him.

"Wow... you really are shameless. First, you disrespected Father, employed such an underhanded tactic, and made a fool of me, and now you’re asking me for help? Your stupidity is admirable..." He shook his head, then relented: "But sure. Why not? It’s not like it’ll help you much."

"You made a fool of yourself... I simply pointed it out."

Cross released a weary breath and shook his head.

Ash clicked his tongue, and the two fell silent once more.

His gaze drifted back to the Seal Scrawlers.

’Husks of humans turned into monsters...’

Ash pointed at the mob gathered at the base of the stairs.

"What about everything else in here?"

"Well, aren’t you an inquisitive one... Ever since we’ve met, all you’ve done is ask questions or act like a lunatic. I can’t tell if you’re a wannabe scholar or a barbarian."

Ash smiled faintly.

"Those are the makings of a savant."

"If you say so... Everything else is made up of creatures that were caught within the seal, then rapidly evolved under the pressure of its dense mana... I’m surprised you didn’t know such an obvious thing, given that you’re an evolved race."