Chapter 1192 - 545: A Responsibility That Must Be Shouldered

Chapter 1192: Chapter 545: A Responsibility That Must Be Shouldered

A strong sense of shame surged in Steven’s heart.

Blood of a legendary explorer flows within him, yet he is in such a dire situation, unable to even explain how he arrived here.

If the ancestors were to find out, they’d probably be angry enough to jump out of their graves.

His performance truly brings shame to the ancestors.

It’s such a disgrace!

Herbert, however, didn’t mind, as this was quite normal.

Given Steven’s capability, managing to arrive here unscathed is already a miracle; expecting him to remember the route is unfathomable.

["Since that’s the case, you will follow my instructions throughout. Do not trust any of your senses. Go wherever I tell you to go, understand?"]

Herbert’s command was exceptionally clear, bearing absolute authority.

This was the deepest part of the Divine Kingdom Ruins; believing in mortal eyes, ears, or even intuition here could lead to disaster.

"Uh, yes!"

Steven answered instinctively, his heart brimming with gratitude toward Lord Copt.

Once again, he was saved by Herbert. The last time was much the same; during the most difficult times, he received Herbert’s help.

["Good, now, go straight ahead, and don’t stop for anything you encounter along the way."]

"Yes!"

Steven took a deep breath, suppressing the pain and weakness throughout his body, stepping forward, ready to follow the instructions strictly.

However, as soon as he raised his foot, it was as if nailed to the ground, abruptly halting.

His face showed intense struggle, lips quivering as if undergoing a tremendously difficult inner conflict.

["Hmm?"]

Herbert made a sound that carried a hint of question and dissatisfaction.

"..."

Steven’s face was flushed red, cold sweat even visible on his forehead.

He knew that his subsequent actions would betray the kindness of his benefactor, even calling it foolish would be an understatement.

But thinking of that reason, he couldn’t take another step.

Ultimately, Steven seemed to muster all his strength, grinding his teeth, forcing out a sound from between them: "...Sorry, Lord Herbert, I fear I can’t leave with you."

["Hmm?"]

Herbert was bewildered by his gesture, asking in confusion: ["What do you mean? Do you plan to stay here forever? Didn’t see that coming, you’re quite the joker."]

"I’m not joking. I truly can’t leave right now." Steven’s tone was unusually firm, although behind that firmness lay profound unease and guilt.

["So, you really intend to stay?"]Herbert’s voice turned cold.

Not exactly icy, but lacking the original emotion, only stillness remained.

"...Yes, I sincerely apologize, Lord Herbert, I must once again break my promise with you."

Steven forced a bitter smile, lowered his head, not daring to imagine Herbert’s expression at the moment.

He felt like an ungrateful villain, harshly rejecting the helping hand offered by others.

Equivalent to repaying kindness with malice, stomping on his benefactor’s goodwill.

Yet, because of that reason, he had to make such a disgraceful move.

["..."]

Herbert’s voice disappeared, Steven’s heart sank into brief silence.

This silence oppressed Steven as if the calm before a storm.

The result, after a moment of silence, Herbert spoke again, his tone calm:

["Why?"]

"Lord, my daughter is still alive, and she should be nearby, I...I need to find her."

Steven finally uttered that reason, his voice quivering slightly from excitement.

His wife’s dying wish, the fleeting yet genuine joyful memory in his dreams, and his paternal responsibility, like three ropes, tightly bound him.

Teresa could have fallen into that dreamscape with him; she must be nearby, perhaps even just a short distance away.

He couldn’t abandon her and leave alone.

["So, you wish to find her? What then?"]

"...Yes, after finding her, I plan to return to Elda with her." He tried to make his plan sound more feasible, although internally, he was uncertain.

["A touching determination...Unfortunately, it’s quite useless."]

Herbert’s voice remained indifferent, devoid of any emotional fluctuation, merely stating a fact.

No mockery, making it even more cruel.

["You can’t even protect yourself, who do you hope to protect?"]

That statement pierced like a cold dagger, aimed directly at Steven’s most vulnerable spot.

"I..."

["Firstly, are you sure you can find her? You don’t even know where this place is; how can you ensure finding her?"]

["Secondly, even if you’re lucky enough to find her, then what? Can you take her and leave together?"]

["If she really follows you, she likely would end up like your former companions."]

The final stab unveiled Steven’s bleeding wound, reminding him of those teammates who died because of him, his face instantly turned pale.

Steven clenched his fists and shamefully lowered his head.

"You... you’re indeed right, I’m too weak, lacking the strength to protect her."

His voice sank, carrying profound helplessness.

Indeed, everything Lord Herbert said was correct.

He is naïve like that, weak and powerless like that, wishful thinking like that...