With every day that passed, Veyra and I managed a bit further into the ruins. My perfect memory made mapping out the place pretty easy, but the real plus was that the Parasite skill worked on the mist. Honestly, I was a little surprised the skill hadn’t evolved yet, especially after how much I had been using it.

  Maybe there were some skills that required more effort than others?

  “The air…warm…today.” Veyra’s concerned tone entered my mind like a meek whisper.

  Her telepathy had been getting clearer each time she used it. Recently, I began hearing more emotion behind her words, which made it a lot easier to understand her feelings.

  It sounded like she was actually whispering next to me. Is this because she’s getting used to the ability? No, I can’t rule out the possibility that her condition’s getting worse.

  That’s right. Along with exploring further into the ruins and asking the villagers around at night, Veyra’s been trying to speak more and more recently. I didn’t want to bum her out, but the thought had crossed my mind a few times that maybe what she had was something like a curse. If it was something like a curse, there was no telling whether using it as much as she did would make her condition worse or not.

  Not even so much as a shrivelled sound comes out of her mouth. It must have been hard for her up to this point. I only wish there was something I could do.

  Should I try making conversation to lighten the mood? I gave it some thought, then cast my thoughts towards her so that her telepathy skill could pick it up; Y-yeah, the weather’s not bad today, right?

  I couldn’t really tell. I was a golem after all. So I didn’t have skin or a body capable of picking up on stuff like that, but it felt like the easiest way to get the conversation rolling.

  Veyra nodded meekly and put her head down again.

  Not good enough? Damn… Well, what can we talk about? I should stay away from the topic of her voice, so maybe something more personal?

  After a bit of thought, I made the link again and asked:

  Veyra, how’s things been in the village? Are they treating you well?

  She nodded back, her eyes still focused ahead, “They…really kind…” It was faint, but I could tell she meant every word. “Still no…masked…man.”

  It’ll be fine, I’m sure of it! We’ll find him eventually; we just need to keep asking around and exploring! I tried my best to stay optimistic, but the slight crack in my tone might have come through. I still wasn’t entirely sure how this telepathy thing worked.

  “Villagers…thoughts…kind. They…cook well…especially desserts…!”

  Does she use telepathy with them? I’m actually a little surprised. I thought she’d be too timid and try to hide it.

  I was a little worried at first that if she used her skill, they’d see her as weird and possibly run her out of the village, but it seemed like that was unnecessary worrying.

  I’m glad you’re having fun. I had no idea you were so social.

  “Old party…talked a lot.”

  She doesn’t talk much about them, but it looks like she’s alright at the moment. Would it be insensitive to ask? My claw shifted forward in the air and cleared out a large chunk of mist. Would you mind telling me about them? I hear it’s good for the heart to talk about those who’ve passed.

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  “O…kay.” A twinge of sadness came with her words. “Elliot…always included me…when they…would speak.” The corners of her mouth curved as the words left her mind. For a moment, I swear an image of a man with blonde hair came to my mind.

  What was that…? It wasn’t very clear, but I swear I just saw someone pop in my head just now. Was that Veyra’s memory?

  “He…was quite…kind.” Her mopey expression softened for a moment as our eyes locked with one another. “You remind me…of him.”

  M-me? I pointed to myself shyly. Unsure how to respond, I remained silent.

  A sly wriggling vine peeked out of the corner of my eye, and I threw my body in front of Veyra’s. She stumbled back and readied her knife as the parasite skill revealed more vines. They were wrapped and tangled on one another, twisted off the ground like a stem that led to the monstrous open maw.

  What the hell is that thing?! I instinctively brought my floating fists to my side in a panic.

  A massive bulbous head with three rows of teeth glared at us. At least, I thought it was glaring. It didn’t have eyes, but somehow followed our movements.

  “It looks…tough. Should…we run?” Even though she asked that, her fingers were already resting over the hilt of her dagger. If I made the call, she would jump in for a slash or cut. That’s just how she was.

  I’m not sure just yet. How strong is it? I focused my attention on the beast and its health bar, and stats appeared above it.

  {Titanous Flesh Eater Lv23}

  {Although it looks mindless, it is in a raged state and will attack you on sight}

  Level 23 isn’t so bad for the two of us. I probably can’t let Veyra fight this thing on her own just yet, but maybe if she gets the last hit, there’ll be some heavy experience drop? Yeah, that’s the plan!

  A series of magic circles appeared over my head in a flash of green light. I looked around and noticed the broken timbers of splintered wood that surrounded the tree the monster had pushed over, and an idea came to mind.

  Hey, Veyra, I’m not sure how good your old gear was, but would this work? Using the Construct skill, I fashioned a strong bow out of the wood of the tree and strung it with some thread from plant fibres from the tree's shrubbery. I hope it’s okay?

  I handed her the bow, and Veyra’s eyes lit up with sparkling crimson glee. She examined it so carefully, as if it would break if she were too rough with it.

  I wonder if it’s not good enough for her to use. Is it because I made it from the tree, or is it really no good? Before I had the chance to ask, Veyra’s eyes welled up with tiny pools of tears in the corner of her eyes. U-uh, Veyra?!

  “It’s amazing…” Her words flowed into my mind with perfect clarity. I wouldn’t have guessed they came from telepathy if I didn’t see her mouth closed just now.

  After wiping away the tears against her sleeve, she plucked the bowstring with one hand and felt the weight in the other. A warm smile ran over her face as she nodded to me, “It’s great… strong bow…thank you!”

  I never had people thanking me for much in my previous life, outside the game world. Even then, it was half-hearted remarks after helping people with quests and stuff. So I was next to useless on how to react to Veyra’s pure-hearted thank you.

  My instincts took control, and I lowered my head a bit for a nod.

  Make sure to hit your shots, partner!

  “Under…stood!” Her shoulders stretched as they took the full length of her bow's drawback. Tiny nobs appeared on the ground around her and warped into long, thin arrows made from wood. She quickly drew the closest one to her and pocketed the others in a makeshift quiver that I formed next.

  Nice, she’s really getting into her support role! All the magic circles fired off together in a burst of wind. Air blades cut through the sky and lopped off the monster's vines from the base up. It moved pretty slowly, but in a few seconds, I cut it down to nothing but a head on some mulch. Prime for the kill.

  Great, there’s your opening– what the hell?!!

  The vines stretched and wriggled as more spurted out of the base of its head. The meek purple colour of its bulb suddenly brightened and aimed in our direction. Its roots took hold of the dirt and lifted the mouth in our direction.

  It’s a breath attack… Get behind me!!