Chapter 43. Ayaka’s Unique Skill

Chapter 43: 43. Ayaka’s Unique Skill <Two Days Later> Shin fluttered his eyes open for the first time since the encounter with Tony. Though he’d managed to neutralize most of the toxic gas from Tony’s arrow, some of it had still made its way into his lungs, clenching them so tight that breathing had become a struggle. Fortunately, Lilian had rushed him to the hospital in the Safezone, where the NPC doctors did what they could to keep him alive—but of course, it came at a cost. Thanks to the coins he earned from killing four players in that brutal battle, he had enough to cover the automatic medical bills and still had around 4,200 coins left. The first thing he saw when his vision cleared was Ayaka, dozing beside him. After he’d treated her wounds and Yuki had shielded her from the gas waves, she had regained consciousness later that same night and since then, she hadn’t left his side, worried sick about him. Shin tried to sit up but immediately winced as a sharp pain exploded in his skull, forcing a groan from his lips. That groan was enough to stir Lilian awake. She’d been sitting quietly in the corner of the room, having skipped work for two whole days just to be there when he woke. Her eyes lit up with hope. "D-Divine Shade!" she whispered, rushing to sit beside him. She pressed her palm to his forehead, her eyes wide with concern. "You’re burning up! Do you need water? You must be starving. What should I get you? Rice? Soup? Pancakes?" Shin let out a soft chuckle at her barrage of questions, touched by the worry painted across her face. "I am starving," he admitted with a smile. "How long was I out?" "Two days, Master," she said quickly. "What should I bring you?" "Anything’s fine." He paused. "Where’s Yuki?" "In her room. Said she needed to clean up or something..." "Oh... alright. Then, could you bring me rice porridge?" "Right away, Master!" She gave a slight bow and rushed out the door. A part of her felt relieved he was alive. But another part trembled with doubt. She wanted to ask him... Should a child of the gods really be killing people like that? But she didn’t know how to ask. Not yet. For now, she’d stay quiet. Alone again, Shin let out a slow breath. There were three people hunting him. One was dead—he’d killed him. The archer had taken his own life with a deadly gas. A shame... if he’d killed him with his own hands, he’d have gained battle experiences from him, maybe after that, he’d have been good with an archer too. He sighed. Lastly, there was the flamboyant one. The one who looked gay-ish. Shin had passed out before he could fight him. Did he die too from the gas? Or could he have somehow survived? The last thing Shin wanted was someone out there, lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike back. He sighed. Maybe he’s dead too. That gas covered a wide area. His gaze drifted to Ayaka, still sleeping peacefully beside him. He’d risked everything to save her. But the way she’d sensed those arrows before they even came... Was that a skill? He gently shook her shoulder. If it was a skill, then she’d be useful. And usefulness was everything now. This wasn’t a shelter nor was he a charity worker. This was the apocalypse, and he wouldn’t really keep someone who’d be useless. Ayaka stirred up, her big jade-green eyes fluttering open and the moment she saw Shin, they lit up. "Oni-chan!!" she squealed, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug. "Ow—oww! Careful!" he whined, wincing. She giggled, nuzzling her soft cheeks against his, overjoyed to see him alive. Shin returned the hug, holding her quietly for a few seconds until she pulled back. "Thanks for saving me," he murmured, remembering how she took those arrows fir him. She looked down. "I just... did my best." Shin tilted his head. "You saw those arrows before any of us did. Was that a skill? Let me see your system interface." She tapped the translucent button in the air, disabling invisible system mode so he could view her stats. The moment Shin read the display, his breath caught in his throat. No way. No freaking way. Ayaka had 23,000 coins in her account. That was insane. You’d have to kill tons of people to earn that much—or just kill someone who had already done the dirty work. But how could a kid like her rack up that many coins? Shin forced himself to stay calm, then read the rest of her interface. [Name: Ayaka] [Age: 11] [Sex: Female] [Level: 4] [Title: Newborn Player] [Class: Assassin] [Unique Skill (Passive): The True Sight Domain] [Description: A mental domain that allows the host to perceive everything within a 500-meter radius. Can see through buildings, detect movement, and eavesdrop on conversations.] "Holy shit," Shin blurted. "You’re an assassin class? Aya... your skill is insane! With this, we can take down our enemies like it’s nothing!" But Ayaka looked down, voice barely a whisper. "I don’t really know how to use it. Sometimes it activates on its own... Sometimes I see and hear things I really wish I didn’t." Her tone darkened. "I’ve seen things I can’t unsee..." Shin ruffled her hair gently. "Hey, don’t worry about it. You’ll learn how to use it. In fact, forget waiting—we’ll start now." "Huh?" "There’s no telling when we’ll be attacked again," he said firmly. "We need to train you so that next time, you’re ready." He leaned closer. "By the way... how’d you get all those coins?" Her breath hitched. Her eyes widened slightly, lips parting, but no words came out. She wanted to explain, but didn’t even know where to begin. How could she say it without sounding like a monster? Like someone who’d kill even the ones they love... just to survive. A tear slid down her cheek. Shin noticed the shift in her expression but decided not to push it. She’d open up when she was ready. "It’s okay," he said softly, pushing himself upright. He checked his MP—it had recovered enough. He activated his healing spell, golden light wrapping around him as his body mended itself. He stood, feeling steadier, but his stomach growled in hunger. "Where the hell is Lilian? She should be back by now," he muttered, pulling on his shirt. He slipped into his shoes and turned to Ayaka with a grin. "Wanna check on Yuki? Maybe she can help teach you how to use your skill. What do you think?" Ayaka’s expression shifted instantly into horror. That violent woman? Will I even survive the training!? TBC