Conflict (2)

MP told Rinka matter-of-factly.

"What do you think would have happened if you hadn't met Master? Would you have quit being an adventurer?"

"I... My Gift, the Ashura Path, wouldn't allow it. Even if I had to fight alone, I'd have no choice but to keep fighting."

What she managed to force out was a cry from Rinka's soul.

Her voice was stifled, but its anguish pierced my heart.

Yesterday, Rinka had confided in me.

When she wasn't in the midst of battle, pain wracked her entire body.

Rinka had no path in life but battle.

That was――a curse.

"Trust no one, force yourself to drink Mana Potions, and keep fighting alone. That is――the Ashura Path. A blood-soaked road lies both ahead and behind. Nothing awaits but destruction and slaughter. There is no salvation at all. An asura who fights until death――"...