The crystals found inside the monster's heart contained the mystical energy. Some called it Mana; some call it by other names. But in general, it contained the essence of life. Life of a monster.
Noah wasn't very interested in these kinds of things, but since he was working in a factory that manufactured chips—a device designed to stabilize this essence—he overheard some discussions about it.
It could be used as a source of energy, since nearly everything operated on these chips. There was even a talk about replacing a human heart with these crystals. But then, what would that person become?
"You can't touch that bare hand."
Sitting on one of those couches, Noah's hand reached for the green smooth orb like crystal placed inside a crude box made of unknown material. But just then, Tina grabbed his wrist, looking at him with a terrified expression.
He glared at her before picking the crystal up.
Instantly, a strange feeling rushed over him. Something inside him that was sitting deep within him, unbeknownst to him, became excited before becoming a part of him like an extra limb.
"Noah," Tina screamed as she stood up.
The pure essence inside the crystals was chaotic and radiated as soon as it came into contact with its surroundings. That was why it couldn't be sold to anybody.
But all Noah felt was gentle warmth that could liberate him from all his misery. And most of all, he somehow knew that with one single thought, he could empty this low rank crystal.
Feeling extremely relieved, Noah turned to Tina. "I'll buy that."
Her golden eyes were fixed on his hand as her chest kept rising and falling frantically.
"W—what are you planning to do with that, Noah?" She swallowed.
Seeing her expression, his heart ached. But he simply turned to the crystal, keeping his voice calm, ignoring her completely.
"It's an E rank crystal. What's its price, one gold? You add your fee to that. And give me the total."
Although he had done some research beforehand, he didn't know if he would be able to actually buy one at the expense of his own money. The crystal worked as an energy source, and that was fine, but it wasn't important.
The figure beside him started to tremble, and when she spoke, her voice was sobbing.
"Why... why do you hate me so much?"
Noah's breath hitched as his hand clenched tightly against the crystal. Turning slowly toward her, he replied.
"I don't hate you."
Maybe it was her crying face, or maybe it was because his reason was unreasonable, but he couldn't bring himself to continue. But he didn't need to.
"Then is it because of what my mother did to you?"
That was right. He was alone with his sister after his parents died. His mother told him to go to her friend, Annabelle Marshall. And what had she said to him?
Piercing that woman's daughter with a burning look, he said through gritted teeth.
"I still remember what she said to me. She called me and my sister a burden and refused to see us ever again. If she would rather not have anything to do with us... after losing her friend, she should have said so, instead..."
He had been getting on his feet. Because he was born weak, it was very difficult for him to take that step. So her words had reopened the wound he had been trying to close.
"I know, I know." Kneeling in front of him, she placed her hands on his. "She is a horrible person. No one knew that better than me. That's... That's why I left her."
Noah sat frozen by Tina's last words, which she had spoken in a low voice. Her eyes were pleading, and her mouth kept opening and closing, hesitating, cautious of speaking her next words.
"Noah, what do you want me to do? Tell me I'll do anything."
Listening to her, his mask fell. A grimace contorted his face, concealing a multitude of emotions beneath.
"That's the thing. I don't want you to do anything for me."
Because it would remind him of his pathetic self. He had finally something show for his life. But getting back to her would only bring him to his own past. Past which he wanted to leave so much.
Was he being petty? Maybe, but that was how much he hated being useless.
He jerked his hands away, which were still in Tina's grasp, making her flinch.
"I just can't stand you."
His own heart experienced an agony of pain, but Tina paled with a broken expression on her face.
And then it happened. A sharp voice came out from his hand as the crystal shattered.
Usually, when that happens, it dissolves the surroundings with its highly violent essence, as if it got free from its cage after being trapped for an eternity, but...
Tina fell back as the crystal glowed green. The essence inside, instead of bursting, held its place for a moment before starting to compress.
It looked like it was compressing, but Noah could feel that warm sensation that had been only touching his skin now sucking inside by his imperceptible limb as if it had become a black hole.
Slowly, the glow was no more. Only the crystal shards remain, along with the heavenly feeling. Noah felt like he could live again. But—
An unnerving silence settled between them as they stared at each other for a very long time before Tina raised her finger, pointing at him.
"Y—you're... Awakened?"
Noah had his brows frowned in confusion. He definitely didn't mean to tell her about his awakening, much less show her. But somehow, he subconsciously let himself consume the crystal.
A cold sweat broke on his neck as he watched Tina, whose eyes started to read his intention.
"What are you planning to do, Noah?"
Noah didn't answer for a long time before he stood up.
"Don't make this difficult, Tina. And just tell me what you want."
Her eyes were on him; her face was devastated. Being Awakened was not a small issue, but he wasn't planning on telling her. It wasn't hard for her to understand that.
Then she lowered her gaze as she whispered.
"You're planning to leave, aren't you?" She shook her head before stepping closer, her voice gaining an edge. "You can't afford that crystal. Its price is much higher than that. But there is something I want from you."
Noah shuddered as she raised her hand before settling it on his face. It was soft and delicate against his cheek.
"You know, the sons of the Crane guild master are asking me to marry them. All because I'm the daughter of a high ranked Hunter."
Hot air brushed his skin as she paused to take a breath.
"They told me what they're going to offer, but they didn't ask me if I really wanted to marry any of them—or anyone else."
Noah gulped, seeing her eyes filled up with tears, rolling over her cheeks. Her words were forced; she was making a last desperate attempt to hold on to him.
"Noah, you asked what I want? I want you. It's always you. Give yourself to me for one night. That's my price."
She paused.
"Or you don't have to pay at all."