10 Children of the Village

...

"What exactly is Suburu doing sister?" Rem asks.

"Barasu seems to be dueling with a child sister." Ram answers. "And it seems his sadistic side is also showing.... how unpleasant."

*clack*

"Kid you have a lot of nerve challenging yours truly!" I say while deflecting a sword blow.

"Come my rival!" The kid yells as he jumps towards me. "Show me more of your prowess!"

"Hoho!" I laugh out. "Then come as close as you like!"

*clank*

...

"Are you down with that eyesore of a duel Barasu?" Ram suddenly calls out. "We have to make our way back now."

"Awww are you leaving my rival?" The kid suddenly calls out. "Promise me that you'll come back to hone our sword!"

"Sure Arthur." I reply while shaking his hand. we may be rivals.... but we understand respect. "I'll be back later."

This little guy may be a kid. But he certainly is the toughest opponent I've faced in both lives.....Minus Elsa of course. Arthur here has already proved that he is able to kill the wolves past the barrier, and he has even been considered the strongest here in this village.

His dream is to someday be able to leave this village and 'hone his blade.' Long story short, this kid is worthy enough to be considered my rival when it comes to swordsmanship.

"Rem,Rem, Barasu truly is disgusting." Ram says with a hopeless look in her eyes. "He even considers a child a rival."

"Ram, Ram, Suburu truly is hopeless indeed."

I then a shoot a look of exasperation towards them.

Why must you two be so cruel?

"Um excuse me sir." I hear as a tug pulls at my sleeve. "Can you come with us real quick?"

And turning around I see a little girl with purple hair and a braid.

I've found you!

"Sure, lead the way!" I say while forcing a bright smile.

"Sister, Barasu is even more disgusting then we thought." Ram says in panic. "He even likes little girls, how much of a beast can a human be?!"

..... please..... no more...

"Look at the look on his face sister." Rem says as she points at my face. "Doesn't it even reek of guilt!"

"You two are going to be the death of me!"

...

Now gathered with all the kids we stand near the barrier of the village.

"She should be here soon." The little girl suddenly calls out. "Oh! There she is!"

A little puppy with a bald spot upon his head can then be seen scurrying to the direction Of our group.

It then jumps up into the arms of the little girl.

"Oh who's this little guy?" I ask her while reaching my hand out. "He looks awfully adorable."

*chomp*

"Looks like she doesn't like me huh?" I say with a frown. "I wonder why?"

"I have no idea sir, she's usually under control." The girl says with a look on confusion.

"So your good with animals?" I ask her. "It truly is a wonderful ability you have there."

The little girl then suddenly looks at me weird but quickly gets herself under control.

"You could say that."

...

"See you tomorrow, my rival!" Arthur calls out from behind. "I'll be sure to do what you asked of me, however you owe me a match!"

Rem then shoots a look of interest towards me. Ram already left with her items and I have decided to carry Rem's share.

"Just what did he promise you?"

"Oh nothing much, just told him to watch over those kids." I reply with a smile. "He is the strongest out of them after all."

"Do you perhaps care about those children Suburu?" Rem suddenly asks.

"Would I risk my well being for them?" I suddenly retort. "Honestly I have no idea, but I would feel displeased to see them in danger."

"So your telling me you would risk your life if you saw someone in danger?"

"No, that's not it at all." I say to her honestly. "I would only save them if I'm positive that I can help or have something to gain, or if they are close to me."

Risking my life without gain is simply stupid. If I know I have a 70% chance at succeeding, I'll help. If I'm getting a paid, I'll do it. And letting a friend die is distasteful.

"You truly are selfish." Rem says with envy.

"Rem." I suddenly call her name. "Perhaps you should be more selfish."

She then frowns and stops walking. "I am not allowed to be selfish Suburu."

Not looking back I readjust my grip and keep walking. "And whoever told you that?"

Rem didn't catch up until a good bit later.

....

A tired Beatrice can be seen standing in front of me. "May I ask what you need? You've already found me about 4 times."

"I am cursed, I was wondering if you could cure it."

...