Chapter 64 - Valuable Information

Due to recent events in the war, most of the elves who used to travel to the village near the Nertyrem River to help the locals no longer make that journey. In fact, with so much going on, they simply don't have the time anymore. Their main priorities now are searching for the injured and the weak, as well as looking for more food and water to store.

Years ago, the Nertyrem River was a valuable resource, full of gold and precious stones in its waters. This was a time of great prosperity, but it didn't last long. A few years later, the materials began to dwindle and eventually disappeared completely.

Because of this, the villagers in the area began calling the river Nertyrem, meaning "As much as it gives, it takes."

After gathering some essential information from the elf patrols at the entrance to Svishtar, the boy decides to keep walking with Kazuki, hoping to find more details about the situation and a safe way to reach the village.

However, Círdan, who had just finished treating some patients in the refuge, notices the student talking with the elves at the entrance of Svishtar. Curious, he hurries over as soon as he's done attending to his patients.

— Rei, do you have a minute? I need to talk to you.

— Círdan?! Oh, right… sure, we can talk. I'll be back in a second, Kazuki — Rei responds, surprised, as he walks alongside the elf and quickly says goodbye to his companion.

(...)

Once the two have moved away from the chaotic area, which now feels more like the center of a busy city, Rei is the first to speak.

— Hey, Círdan. What's up? What do you need? You didn't have to pull me away this far; now no one's around.

— Okay, I'll get straight to the point…

— … I wanted to thank you for saving my friend and also thank you for the harsh words you said the other day. — A smile forms on Círdan's face, but he quickly shifts to a more serious tone.

— You were right. If I hadn't been so insecure and held back by my past, I would've moved forward and wouldn't be stuck like an idiot. My ideology would have progressed and reached more people… instead of being trapped, like some kind of penance for my sins.

The sincerity and honesty in the elf's words are clear, and with every sentence, Rei feels that Círdan is truly speaking from the heart. At first, the student was taken aback by this comment. He never thought a simple opinion could impact someone with as much experience as Círdan.

Even though Rei's words were blunt and intrusive, they made Círdan reflect deeply. Despite the anger it caused at the time, Rei's perspective was crucial in shifting how Círdan viewed the world.

— You know, I'll be honest with you. I was angry about what you said, and my pride wouldn't let me accept that someone younger than me could be right and see things I couldn't.

— Even though other people have told me similar things, it wasn't until you said it that I really reflected and found the answers in the midst of my doubts and struggles. Thank you again for opening up my mind and soul. — As he finishes, Círdan gives a slight bow, showing respect.

For elves, bowing the head is one of the greatest gestures of respect, but it's rare due to their prideful nature toward other races. Rei, however, doesn't know this and, not knowing how to respond, simply places a hand on Círdan's shoulder and tells him to stop bowing.

"Wow. I wasn't expecting all this confession. It must be tough to admit your own mistakes."

— Hey, calm down. You don't need to bow. And about what I said the other day… it was just my personal take on what happened with your past. I didn't think that you…

— … But it's cool to know that you found your answer from what I said. I didn't expect you to change your mindset so much from just a few harsh words. — Rei quickly adds, not hiding his happiness knowing his words had such an impact on Círdan's life.

— You and the elves here are amazing! I hope this answer brings change and prosperity to you and everyone here, man. — Rei finishes the conversation on a positive note.

With that, a small smile forms on Círdan's face, and he finally decides to just thank Rei for his encouragement. Once the conversation ends, the boy takes the chance to ask Círdan about the small village near the Nertyrem River.

Círdan, without questioning why Rei wants to go there, carefully explains how to get to that remote region — a village with no special resources or peculiarities. He hands over a hastily drawn map with the coordinates and instructions: head north until reaching a small cliff, where a steep descent is surrounded by mountains.

Although Círdan's drawings resemble those of a child, it's still enough for Rei to understand the directions.

— Thanks for the info, Círdan. I've been trying to figure out where the road to that area was. I owe you one. — Rei says as he steps away from the elf and heads back to his companion.

As Rei approaches Kazuki, he walks over to him with a bit of excitement.

— Hey, Kazuki. I got the info we were looking for. Let's go!