Chapter 22: Trauma quest.
"As such, will you allow me to view your past?"
The question came as a surprise to Aisha, mainly because while she understood her master was trying to help her, his request still didn’t sit quite right.
With a confused look, she asked back, "View my past? I’m afraid I don’t understand, Master."
Ash stared at her for a while.
"I meant it exactly as I said," his words were sharp and confident. "I don’t know your background. That said, I can look into a specific part of your past that would let me better assist you in taking revenge. I find it hard to believe you harbor no hatred after being a slave for inconsiderate adventurers."
Hearing this, Aisha lowered her gaze, sadness slipping in.
"I see. So that’s what Master meant," she managed a small smile, though the pain was visible. "It’s true I remember the people who stole me from my parents, but I know nothing about them. I only know they are dangerous. I don’t want Master to interfere with them."
"Are you doubting my strength?"
Aisha quickly raised her head. "No, Master, I wouldn’t! It’s just..."
Ash sighed in response. "I can understand why you feel scared just remembering them. These people must have done a number on you. Which is why I wish to see for myself; let me share your hatred. Would you refuse me this?"
Aisha shook her head.
"If anything, I am grateful Master wants to help me. I never thought about it until now, the hatred. I forgot about it because all I had to worry about was surviving another day." Tears hung at the edges of her eyes as she looked at him.
"But if Master wishes to do this, I will not oppose. Instead, I will be grateful and happy that you care about me this way."
’I’ll take that as a yes then.’
Ash tapped the air in front of him with his finger, allowing the system interface to pop up.
"Excuse me..."
[Trauma Quest.]
[Target: Aisha.]
[Would you like to proceed?]
He stared at the screen for a while.
From what the system had told him after this feature was unlocked, Ash would dive into Aisha’s past and relive her worst moments—everything that led to the unfortunate situations that made her miserable.
Depending on what he saw, his view of her might actually change.
Ash sighed. ’There is no reason to doubt things now.’
Click!
[You have chosen the trauma quest.]
[Deep dive in 3...]
[2...]
[1...]
A bright light blinded Ash the next second, and then he found himself standing in front of a small building in an unknown town. He was certain he had never seen this place before.
Standing in the middle of the road, he could see people going about their day as regular citizens do.
But more than anything, the number of demi-humans was quite alarming. It was unusual to see this many of them roaming about in a single gathering. Or rather, it was unusual for him.
Normally, in this world, demi-humans—such as elves, wolf-kin, dog-kin, and so many more—are viewed as lesser creatures, even though they have better magic outputs compared to the average human.
According to history, this discrimination started about a thousand years back, after the demi-humans lost a great war to the humans and were forced into hiding.
As much as demi-humans hated humans, they lacked the power to fight back, which resulted in them being looked down on.
Most times they were sold as slaves, while other times, some were lucky enough to show exceptional talent and stand on their own two feet.
Even with that, demi-humans have never been recorded to have their own towns or gatherings unless done in secret.
It seemed like no one could see him, thankfully; he was just residing in some memories.
If the situation were slightly different, the demi-humans would have attacked him on the spot.
Ash narrowed his eyes. He noticed a little girl running from around a corner, a smile on her face while she carried a basket of flowers in her hand.
She had beautiful silver hair and perfectly pearly eyes that quickly caught the attention of anyone who saw her.
’Aisha...’
Ash knew right away that it was her. There was no mistaking it. Perhaps it was because of the bond granted by the system, but even with his eyes closed, he would still know it was her.
He watched as she sprinted into the building in front of him, opening the door with excitement before closing it, all while her voice sang...
"Mama, papa!"
Ash could not truly tell her age, but if he were to base it on human years, then she looked to be at least ten.
’This must be where she grew up.’
[Follow her.]
Ash glanced at the system’s direction. Just as quickly, he noticed some bandits, who appeared to be human, speaking to a man who owned a shop down the street.
As expected, people began to keep their distance and run into their homes, mainly because the group contained more than one person.
While everyone else seemed terrified, the man they were speaking to was not. In fact, he looked happy—way too happy.
Ash looked away and slowly walked to the house where Aisha had run.
Walking through the wall with ease, he found himself in the living room, where Aisha was seated on her father’s lap, laughing and telling jokes.
Like their daughter, they both were elves and also had beautiful silver hair.
The mother was on another chair, sipping a cup of coffee while watching her husband and daughter have fun.
After scanning the house for a brief moment, Ash realized the family was barely making ends meet, and yet, their happiness was soaring to the roof.
The bigger the joy, the harder the despair hits when it’s snatched away.
Ash knew this all too well.
He suddenly sensed something, his eyes shifting towards the door.
And then came the knock.
Baam!
...
[A/N]
I owe an extra Chapter.