Aethernea : Soulbound [Book 1]

Episode 108 - Rhur's greatest fear

And Kiel, who flipped himself to lie on his back and rigidly attempted to search his pockets for a recovery ointment he regularly used in his martial arts practice to alleviate pain and accelerate recovery.

Regretfully, let alone pockets, there weren't any pouches or bags left on him. Everything, but a single empty pocket on his pants, had been incinerated.

All that Kiel could do was to glare at Deora's awkward unconscious figure and curse him internally.

The entire time, he continued clutching Elaru's magic egg tightly, prepared to activate it at a moment's notice, in case Zor or Rhur made a move.

However, it seemed that his worry was unfounded, for neither of the two acted out against him.

Rhur, after sheathing his sword, made his way towards Kiel at a leisurely pace. His face that had been chilling a second ago turned warm and caring, which in Kiel's eyes was even more hair raising than his previous dangerous air.

"Brother, are you alright?" Rhur's worried voice reached Kiel's ears, then it abruptly turned self-deprecating. "What a silly question, of course you aren't alright! Look at the miserable state you are in. It is all my fault!"

Kiel's facial muscles twitched. He was trying his hardest not to reveal the murderous hate he currently felt. Shameless!!

Rhur sighed sadly, seemingly oblivious to the murderous intentions of his little brother. "If I had known you wouldn't be able to handle the ginger, I would have taken it upon myself to... ai! Now it is too late..."

Kiel could no longer stop himself from giving Rhur a hateful glare. This brother of his was simply a master of adding insult to injury!

Rhur covered his mouth with his hand, his facial expression revealing nothing but pain and sympathy. "Don't give me that pitiful look... seeing you like this really hurts my heart, little brother."

Kiel continued to glare at him wordlessly.

Rhur sighed regretfully once again. "I know you are worried about me and wish nothing more than to help me take care of this battle. No need to worry! I will manage. Hurry up and forfeit. You are in no state to continue this battle."

"Are you done talking yet?" Kiel growled out in a hoarse voice deeper than his usual tone.

Rhur smiled wryly as if he had failed in coaxing a child.

"If you are done, then either fight me, help me or get lost. I have no patience to listen to your bogus show of sympathy." Kiel hissed under his breath.

Rhur's face stiffened. What? You are not even going to pretend to be polite? You must be in a worse state than I thought!

"Eeeh?! You want me to give you a hand and end your misery?" Rhur put a hand to his ear as if he had trouble hearing Kiel's weak voice.

Like **** I want that!! The vein on Kiel's forehead started pulsing. "Don't even think about it!"

"I know what you are asking of me... but little brother! I... I just can't bear to hurt you!" Rhur's voice quivered.

Kiel felt like puking blood. If this brother of his didn't kill him with his sword, he certainly would with his words.

Rhur gave Kiel several more glances, looking truly heartbroken to see Kiel in such dire straits. Then he seemed to hesitate a bit, unsure what to do.

Kiel thought that Rhur was probably wondering whether he should just kill him and pass it off as showing mercy.

However, in reality, Rhur's thoughts were going in a totally different direction. He suddenly realized that his thinking was incredibly stupid – killing Kiel now would indeed be showing him mercy!