A Random in Re:Zero

Loop 682 - Part 47

"God, I look like a struggling dad."

Finally, she calmed down enough to speak again, although she was still sobbing and clinging to my chest.

"I hate being alone and I hate feeling this way!"

I understood her perfectly. I was in a different world, where everything was new and strange. I didn't have a home, my old friends, or my family, so I was working hard to build new connections and something that felt like home.

Although Betty was born here, she didn't really know the world: all she understood was that the vast majority of people lived much shorter lives than she did, and she didn't know how to connect with them. The few close relationships she had ended in loss and pain for her.

"I know: that's why I'm here. I don't intend to leave you alone."

"You will eventually! You're human! You'll grow old and die..."

According to Mother Nature, that's what would happen. However, it turns out this world has many contradictions, and the greatest of them is magic. With some luck, I could use various spells and curses to extend my lifespan indefinitely.

But longevity had too many implications, and I didn't know if I wanted to live that long. However, showing doubt now would mean losing my chance to convince Betty and use her (it pains me to say it, but it's the truth) to save the others.

"That's not entirely true." I denied with a smile. "You must have realized by now that I'm not a normal human."

"So what?" Betty asked in a tearful voice.

"I'm not going anywhere, no matter how many years pass." I forced myself to say, even though I had no idea if I could keep my word, which only reinforced my self-loathing. "I'll be with you as long as it takes until you're no longer afraid."

"Will you stay? Will you live a long time?" She looked at me with a mixture of fear and hope. "Really? Do you promise?"

"Of course." I nodded, extending my hand to take hers.

Obviously, I hadn't planned to do such a thing. My intention was to change Betty's mindset quickly, avoiding having to take care of her for ages. Right now, I was just overreacting a bit to resolve this matter as soon as possible.

I was hoping to be able to help her with her problem, otherwise I would have no choice but to keep my promise.

Betty smiled and took my hand; her eyes sparkled with excitement, as this gesture was the beginning of everything: the foundation of our union.

"Leandro..."

The sentence remained unfinished. Suddenly, a glow illuminated the emptiness around us. I felt a chill run down my spine as I saw a colossal figure materialize out of nowhere in front of us.

From its aura, I guessed it was a very powerful entity, as it emitted an overwhelming pressure: it made me feel like an ant staring at an elephant. Its appearance was indistinct, enveloped in a shimmering mist that only revealed the outline of its humanoid body.

I was petrified. I was too shocked to speak or move, and apparently, so was Betty.

Right after that, a polyphonic voice resonated everywhere, with a piercing sound that gave me a mild migraine.

"AN INTRUDER... I MUST ELIMINATE..."

The unknown creature raised a hand, and a bright orb appeared within it. Suddenly, however, it raised its hand again, and the sphere grew several times larger than its immense body. Even from this distance, the heat and energy emanating from the sphere made me realize that it was a miniature sun.