Burden

[Herran Pov]

I see the man talking and I simply take the opportunity to rest since I can't understand anything they say

'He definitely took it easy, so I won't be able to find out anything, where is Julian?'

step step

I hear footsteps I look at the old man approaching with frustration evident in my expression

"You know boy we only see room for improvement when we discover how small we are"

"He has years of experience and a much better physique than someone like you who lived alone, right"

Smiling with that affectionate smile always

"That makes me think, you're very weak so it's unnatural that you managed to survive for so long."

"But if you don't feel comfortable telling us, it's still okay"

"Come on, let's go to your new home"

He helps me get up

'The old man really is a good person, I think he was paranoid just because we are different, but Julian would treat him the same way if he brought an unknown person to our hideout so I can't judge him'

"What's your name sir?"

Surprised, he looked at me as if I had a watermelon on my head.

"The girl told me I might get in trouble if I call you old."

"Hahaha so that was it"

"Well my name is Zombie"

'Did I hear you right?'

"Zombie? like those ribbon monsters?"

"Monsters? You could say yes, I'm almost one..."

'He looks sad'

"I disagree with you zombie, you are a good person, at least I think about it for now"

Looking grateful he said

"I hope so child"

When we saw her arrive to pick me up with a book in her hand

the old man looks amused as he watches her approach

"Thanks for your help Cath"

Smiling he said

"You're welcome sir, it's always a pleasure to help a hero"

'Hero?'

When she looks at me and smiles

"Make sure you learn quickly, Harmódio is not very patient"

And she said goodbye and left

We walked silently towards my new home

"She is strong"

"Who?"

"Catharina, she is one of the strongest of her generation, even though there are strong competitors, she is the hope of a better future"

"I don't understand, what do you mean hope?"

"All children are raised to be soldiers or creators, to fight invaders or help create things to help our people"

"hmm.."

"So being a genius is a good thing?"

He stopped looking ahead while walking and started looking at me as if he had found something interesting.

"Yes child, it's a great thing, geniuses are rare even among our species, which was the most populous in the world, geniuses were rare, since they revolutionized what they did"

'But Julian always said it was a bad thing... maybe the old man is trying to trick me?'

"So there are no negatives?"

"Wrong. Yes, there are negative points, people may look at you differently, or there are cases in which you see different things, making you isolate yourself or be a little unbalanced"

"Balance is an important thing in life, so every characteristic or position has disadvantages, just as people have their weaknesses."

'Balance, so everyone has weak points, which one does harmonium have?'

"What is the harmonium's weak point?"

"HAHAHAHAHA it's a good joke but none of us have found it yet, so good luck trying to figure it out."

"He's a monster when it comes to combat, no matter how many or who he's never defeated, it's an inside joke of ours

So don't tell anyone, but if it's a one-on-one, always bet on Harmódio"

***

"We have arrived at your residence"

I see a house made of wood with a door and some beams around it that made it look cozy

"You can come in, if anything, look for someone"

"Ah!! and before I forget you will have to wake up every day at sunrise for your training with the harmonium"

"Why do I have to do this?"

"I didn't tell you, right? I'm sorry after you get married it's complicated"

He said while laughing at his own joke.

"Well, you're going to be one of the child soldiers, thinking logically is the best way for you to gain people's trust"

"Let's say we don't have good experiences with visitors so be careful when walking alone and try not to be bad with other people"

"Let's say you're everyone's common enemy for now"

I feel an irritation around me

"But why do I have to have their trust? I have to leave as soon as possible"

Looking interested he said

"Why? Is there someone waiting for you?"

Caught in the lie I hang my head

"it's my brother, we separated while escaping from the wolves"

"Hmmm, even so it's impossible for you to get anywhere alive, we are surrounded by beasts, chimpanzees, wolves and other animals that would destroy you even if they were puppies"

"You see, knowledge is power in this world, where they beat us in almost every aspect we have to be more intelligent than them to emerge victorious"

"Enjoy your home and focus on getting stronger, and then you can be free"