Yusha watched Eric Akira carefully along the way. A single wrong move from the man would have been enough. He could draw his sword and cut off his head in an instant. But he didn't know how to use this sword. He had found it by chance on an altar. Still, to survive in this world, he would have to kill without hesitation if necessary.
To see his family again. To see that foolish, sweet sister of his, his father, his mother again. If he had to kill, he would kill!
While these thoughts passed through his mind, he never stopped watching Eric Akira from the corner of his eye. He examined every movement, every step. This newly met man moved forward as if he knew all these roads in the palm of his hand. Never hesitating, never showing doubt.
This only increased Yusha's suspicions.
What if this man was leading him into a trap? What if the heirs of the Holy Heroes had paid him to bring Yusha to them? What if they had set up an ambush?
His mind was filled with scenarios. He created dangers in his own mind. Fear and unease grew heavier with every step.
Eric Akira suddenly stopped.
Yusha stopped with him. There was approximately two meters of distance between them. It was a good distance—close enough to draw his sword if needed, but far enough away. To survive, at least until he reached his family, he had to be careful.
When Eric Akira turned around, he raised his hand toward Yusha with a slightly disgusting, dirty, and mocking grin and pointed to the large building:
— Is this where you were staying?
Even if he had forgotten everything else, he recognized the inn where he was staying from the sign.
Eric Akira's dark blue eyes had darkened even more for a moment. Then, returning to that disgusting smile and mocking attitude, he spoke:
— I knew this already. I was just wondering if my guess was correct. And it turns out I was right.
He was still smiling while speaking. But his smile was strange and twisted.
Then he suddenly stopped. His eyes locked onto Yusha's:
— Now it's my turn to ask for something. Yes, yes, now. You will go on your way, but I will stay with you. I want you to accept me as your traveling companion. I want you to see me as a traveling companion who will never leave your side, and most importantly...
— ...I want you to trust me.
Yusha thought to himself: Never. I will never trust you.
But Eric, as if he had heard these thoughts, continued:
— Don't say never. Maybe one day you'll need me, hmm? But look—I brought you here. What would have happened if I hadn't saved you? When night fell, street traffickers could have kidnapped you. Or you could have died. Or you could have been sold as a slave. You know, a young, fresh man like you has great potential, don't you understand?
His voice changed strangely. Softer, but more dangerous:
— No one wants to waste something like this. They would try their worst fantasies on you. Because no one can say no to an attractive man like you...
Yusha's nerves suddenly broke.
— Enough! Shut up! he shouted.
— Agreed. You're coming with me. But stop talking. Please.
Eric Akira spoke with a mocking tone of voice and a mocking laugh:
— Yes, sir!!