The Boy Who Walks Beyond The End-Chapter 86: Soft Nights

The sun dipped lazily over the hills, washing the world in a soft orange hue. For once, there was no Trace of swords clashing, no screams, no blood. Just... calm.

Zen stood near the wooden fence outside Kael's cottage, brushing a thumb over the edge of his black glove. The wind carried the scent of grilled meat and fresh herbs. It felt almost surreal.

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"I should return to the academy," Zen muttered, not even turning his head.

Behind him, Kael scoffed. "Brat, are you serious?"

Zen raised an eyebrow, barely amused. "It is my academy. And my dorm bed misses me."

Kael crossed his arms and leaned against the doorframe.

"No one's even there, genius. Your academy's off. Everyone's off hugging their fancy noble families or whatever."

He tossed a small pouch onto the nearby table with a soft clink of glass.

"And you have recovery to deal with too. I brought some healing potions. So stay here, take one daily, and actually let your body heal for once."

Zen raised an eyebrow, eyeing the pouch like it might explode.

"Potions taste like regret and old herbs."

[System: Statement confirmed. Side effects may also include bitterness, gagging, and emotional reflection.]

Kael rolled his eyes. "Just drink it, brat"

Zen muttered under his breath but didn't argue. He reached for a vial, uncorked it slowly.

[System: Now that's the spirit. Drink up, brave invalid.]

Zen sighed. "I liked it better when you were worried."

[System: I am still worried. I'm just sarcastic under stress.]

Kael grinned. "You've got time. Spend it here. Chill. Sleep like a normal person."

Zen paused.

Then sighed.

"Fine," he said, defeated. "But I'm not helping you chase chickens again."

---

Later That Day...

Diliya had made tea. Real tea, the kind that didn't taste like regret and old leather boots. The three sat outside, plates half-full, the table a little too small for the sword Kael still refused to put down.

Zen smiled .

[system: Warning. Emotional bonding detected. Heart rate stable. Soul compression at minimal levels.]

"I'll stab you with a butter knife," Zen whispered to the nex.

Kael blinked. "What?"

"Nothing."

---

That Evening

The stars came out one by one, as if shy.

Kael and Diliya had gone inside. Probably talking. Probably cuddling or Probably doing that thing. Zen sat on the rooftop alone, arms resting on his knees, looking up.

Quiet.

For once, just quiet.

He didn't have a Bigroom tonight. No demons. No ghosts.

Just... a roof. A breeze. And the sound of someone who cared laughing inside.

Zen let his head tilt back and closed his eyes.

[system: ...You're smiling.]

"...Yeah," Zen whispered. "Just don't tell anyone."