Conquered fantasy world

Chapter 7: Absence

-SLAAAASH!

A sharp blade cleaved through the Orc's arm, slicing clean through flesh and bone.

The mace clattered to the ground as blood sprayed wildly, accompanied by the Orc's agonized scream that tore through the air.

The splatter drenched Marfin from head to toe, painting him deep crimson.

"Thanks for holding it back, kid," the equipped man said with a gentle smile. "Most people would've ignored the dilemma and run for their lives. You didn't."

As he spoke, the man twisted aside, narrowly dodging the Orc's incoming punch.

His sword flared with light.

In a fluid motion, he severed the Orc's remaining arm.

Before it could even react, he lunged forward...

one clean dance of steel...and the blade passed through its neck.

The Orc collapsed.

To the onlookers, it was nothing short of a spectacle.

Flicking the blood from his blade, the one-armed man slid the sword back into its sheath.

"What is your name, brave child?" he asked, extending a hand with a gentle smile.

Marfin slapped the hand aside.

Gritting his teeth, he forced himself upright, cradling his shattered arm as pain tore through him.

"Fuck."

Step by step, he walked past the man and stopped before the fat merchant, locking eyes with him.

"I saved your life," Marfin said hoarsely. "And in the process, I broke my arm."

His gaze didn't waver.

"So tell me—what are you willing to do for me right now?"

The man blinked, surprised. "You're asking for compensation… for saving a life?" he asked, curiosity slipping into his voice.

"Why shouldn't I?" Marfin shot back. "Nothing in this world comes for free."

He inhaled slowly, steadying himself.

"Even a mother raises her child hoping for a return—not money, but a future. Hope. Security."

His eyes hardened.

"In the hope that when she can no longer stand on her own… her child will stand for her."

He took another step closer.

"And that ...whether people like it or not...is a form of currency."

The merchant stared at him for several long seconds. Then, slowly, a calculating smile crept across his face.

"What is your name, child?"

"Marfin."

The smile deepened. "Just Marfin?"

"Yes." Irritation flared across his expression. "I don't have the luxury of a last name."

His eyes hardened. "Why are you asking such baseless questions when I'm the one demanding a reward?"

At that, the merchant burst into hearty laughter, his shoulders shaking as he twirled his broad mustache.

"Because I've taken a liking to you."

The laughter faded, leaving behind something sharper—an intent.

"So, what do you say, boy?" he asked. "Would you come with me?"

***

Mirai stirred in her sleep, one small hand reaching out as a yawn slipped from her lips.

"Brother…?"

Rubbing her drowsy eyes, she peered at the empty space beside her—the spot where her brother had always been.

Gone.

'Did he go to pee?'

The thought came easily.

It wasn't anything new. From time to time, she would wake up to find him missing, only for him to return later. The first few times had scared her, but eventually… she'd gotten used to it.

"He'll come back," she murmured softly, curling into herself.

"I'll tease him again… call him Pee-man. Hehehe…"

The idea made her smile.

So she waited.

A few minutes passed.

Then a few more.

But he didn't return.

"…Brother?"

The smile faded.

Her small heart tightened, an unfamiliar unease creeping in. She knew—somehow—that her brother wouldn't play a prank like this. Not on her.

A frightening thought slipped in.

'Did he leave me?

Because I'm a burden?'

Impossible.

The idea shook her to the core. It had never crossed her mind before—not even once.

Because if that were true…

…he would've abandoned her long ago.

'Something must have happened.'

That was the only conclusion she could reach.

Pushing herself up from her curled spot, Mirai hurried to the small balcony where the rope ladder hung, swaying faintly in the night air.

"…It's so high…"

She had never climbed down from the treehouse by herself.

Her brother had always been there—lifting her, guiding her steps.

To play.

To cook the goblin meat he hunted.

To walk with her.

But..

He wasn't here now.

Not when her heart felt so fragile it might break.

Mirai drew in a shaky breath and steeled herself.

Slowly, carefully, she began climbing down the rope ladder. Her small hands trembled, eyes squeezed shut as she descended rung by rung.

When her feet finally touched the ground, a tiny smile flickered across her face—just for a second.

Then she turned around.

…It's dark everywhere.

The forest felt larger. Quieter.

Still, she forced herself to walk, step by step, calling out in her heart even when her voice wouldn't come.

Nothing.

No answer.

No sign of him.

Her chest tightened.

"Brotherrrr!"

She couldn't take it anymore.

The thoughts she'd been holding back finally gushed out, crashing over her all at once..as the night swallowed her cry.