Liberation of The Slaves

Chapter 82 – The Choices That Shape Who I’ll Be

“Now that I think about it…” I muttered, watching the fading scorch marks left by my fire star blade. “Maybe I should just stick with the original blade magic. No need to overcomplicate it with star shapes, right?”

I lowered my hand slowly. After seeing the sheer absurdity of Selena’s magic—the ridiculous fire shuriken that tore through countless trees like butter—I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of self-doubt creeping into my heart. Could I really stand shoulder to shoulder with someone like her?

But instead of answering directly, she brushed her silver hair over her shoulder, her golden eyes glinting in the morning sun.

“Well,” she said lightly, “if you just want to be a normal person, then that’s fine.”

My gaze snapped up. “Huh?”

She tilted her head slightly, the breeze catching her hair as she folded her arms. “Tell me, how do you think people earn a nickname and become recognized by others?”

I blinked. “Uh… because of their strength?”

“That’s part of it,” she nodded. “But strength alone isn’t everything. There are plenty of B-Rank and even A-Rank adventurers out there who’ve never earned a nickname.”

“Really? Why not?”

“They lack something that makes them stand out—something people remember,” she said. “Without that, they’re just stronger versions of someone else.”

“I see…?” I murmured, not fully getting it.

She noticed the confusion on my face and smiled patiently.

“Some people get their nicknames from heroic deeds. Others from possessing something rare, something unique.” She straightened up. “Want an example?”

I nodded.

Selena’s voice softened slightly as she continued, her golden eyes turning distant.

“There was this girl I heard about while I was staying in the Empire about a year ago. She was just an F-Rank adventurer at the time, but she did something that made people talk.”

“An F-Rank?” I tilted my head. “That low? What did she do?”

“She charged alone into a horde of monsters—thousands of them—just to deliver potions to the injured trapped at the center. She wasn’t strong, but her water magic bought enough time for others to recover. It’s said her courage helped turn the tide of that battle… and saved dozens of lives.”

Selena smiled faintly, a mix of admiration and quiet nostalgia flickering behind her eyes.

“They called her Valor of the Ocean Flower. I thought it was just a nonsense rumor at first, but I heard it from more than one place.”

My breath caught.

F-Rank…?

Water magic…?

My heart skipped.

It couldn’t be—

No… it’s just a coincidence. There’s no way.

I forced myself to breathe, steadying the rush of thoughts swirling in my chest.

“She must’ve been… really brave,” I said softly.

Selena nodded. “She was. I don’t know her name, though. The story spread far, but not the details. Still, it just goes to show—strength isn’t always what earns respect. Sometimes it’s courage.”

“Right…”

I looked away, hiding the tightness forming in my throat.

Could it be…

No—there’s no way to know.

Not yet.

But for the first time in two years, a tiny spark of hope flickered deep inside me.

Maybe…

Just maybe…

One of them survived.

And the world hadn’t forgotten them.

“Anyway.” Selena continued. “It’s not just about strength or deeds. It’s about uniqueness too.”

She flicked her fingers and the white flame appeared instantly.

“There are people who gain a nickname because they have advanced elements. Well, I don’t have a nickname because I don't appear in public too much. But, if I want, I can gain fame solely because of my heavenfire element.”

“Is it because having two basic elements is already an uncommon occurrence, making advanced elements even rarer?”

She nodded. “Correct. By having two basic elements doesn’t mean they are able to combine their elements.”

“There are also people who use unique weapons to gain fame,” she continued. “But for you…”

The white flame then disappeared and she gestured to the scorch marks that I made earlier on the trees.

“Star magic. If you can develop it into something useful—something yours—it could become your signature. Your identity.”

I looked at her. “...But I never say I want fame.”

Her expression shifted subtly—less teasing, more serious.

“Didn’t you say you want revenge?”

My breath caught. “...Yeah.”

I did say it yesterday.

“Then let me ask,” she said, stepping closer, “how do you plan to do it?”

I hesitated.

“I… haven’t thought that far ahead.”

She sighed, placing a hand on her hip. “Haa… Don’t tell me you thought you could just waltz into the empire and take down the nobles yourself?”

“Well, no… I mean…” I rubbed the back of my neck. “Honestly, I’ve been too focused on getting stronger.”

“...You little kid.” She sighed.

“Revenge is more than just swinging a sword or launching magic,” she said. “With the right fame, the right connections… you might never need to lift a weapon at all. Just get close to them—gain their trust. Then when the time is right…”

She made a stabbing gesture with her fingers, then flicked them away casually.

“No one sees it coming.”

My eyes widened. “That’s… a little scary coming from you.”

She smirked. “I’ve met a lot of slaves. Some wanted freedom. Some wanted revenge. Well, most of those who succeed in revenge usually have dark elements and trained themselves like an assassin, though.”

She turned, her silver hair catching the wind.

“But that’s not what I’m worried about.”

I frowned. “Then what?”

She glanced at me from over her shoulder.

“You don’t seem like someone who truly wants revenge.”

Her words hit harder than I expected.

“Your hatred feels… half-baked,” she added, her voice soft now. “You can choose another path, you know. You don’t have to drown yourself in it.”

I opened my mouth to argue, but—

【What she’s saying is right, Master.】

Aza’s voice echoed in my head, steady and knowing.

【Have you forgotten what you once said? When I asked what you'd do if you were ever freed…?】

I recalled that memory, the day where I decided to train myself.

It was also the day she asked me that question.

<“...I said I’d die. Because I had no reason to live.”>

【And now, look around. Hasn’t that reason finally appeared?】

<“What do you mean?”>

【She offered her hand. Whether you love her or not… she’s giving you a future. A home. And if not living with her, then the dream of your parents—to rise as a great adventurer. Or her master’s dream—to free slaves like yourself. Or her dream—develop magic and craft magic tools.】

【All of it is yours now. As an angel and your guide, I merely wish for your chosen path to bring you happiness.】

【The only question left is: will you choose it? Will you live for something more than revenge?】

I stood in silence, the wind brushing past us, the grass rustling gently around my feet.

I remembered the warmth of Selena’s embrace from last night.

Her quiet heartbeat.

Her silent strength.

Her words weren’t scolding—they were a lifeline.

And Aza’s words… felt like a gentle nudge toward something I didn’t dare hope for.

A future.

“...I’ll think about it,” I said at last, my voice quiet.

Those were the only words I could offer to both of them for now.

I exhaled slowly, the air cold against my lips.

Was this what an identity crisis felt like?

Not knowing who I was.

Not knowing what I wanted to be.

Not a slave anymore.

Not yet someone with a clear goal.

Just a boy… trying to find his place in a world that finally gave him choices.

“Well then,” Selena said cheerfully, brushing imaginary dust from her clothes, “let’s continue the training.”

After a short break, we resumed.

“Yes, Master.” I replied.

I closed my eyes, gathering focus.

Alright. Imagine it—sharp edges. Five-pointed star. Spinning fast.

All at once.

I inhaled deeply, trying to pull the image together like puzzle pieces in my head.

And then—

*BOOM*

“Ugh…!”

“Heal. Try again.”

Her voice came without emotion.

“Yes…”

*BOOM*

“Ugh…!”

“Heal. Again.”

I winced.

“Yes, ma’am…”

*BOOM*

“Ghh…!”

“Heal. Again.”

Again!?

At this point, I wasn’t sure if I was being trained or tortured.

I started to wonder if she actually enjoyed this. Is this the hidden hobby of beautiful women in remote forests? Blowing up small boys with good intentions?

She wasn’t even blinking anymore—just healing me with one hand while sipping water from a wooden cup with the other like this was routine.

At first, I thought she was like my mom—worried whenever I got even a small cut.

But now?

Now she was definitely like that demon guildmaster, Karin—calmly clapping while I repeatedly fell from the running lap, shouting, "You’re doing great, keep going!"

By the time the sun stood directly above our heads, I was sprawled on the ground like a squashed insect, arms spread, brain melted.

Even though she kept healing my physical injuries, my soul was not included in the package.

My body was fine.

My mind?

Fried.

I could practically hear the game over music playing in the background.

“Okay, that’s enough for now,” she finally said, stretching a little with a satisfied yawn, as if we’d just returned from a casual stroll—not a magical training session that almost turned me into fireworks.

“Ha… Ha… Ha…”

I was so tired, I couldn’t even lift my arms.

“You better freshen up with a bath,” she added with a smirk. “Otherwise, your sweat might flavor our meal. For lunch, we’ll have meat.”

“Wait—meat?” I blinked up from the grass. “Didn’t you say yesterday we were out of stock?”

She smiled like a sly cat. “That was yesterday. Today, we have it.”

“…How?”

No, seriously—how!?

She’s been with me this whole time! She has been training me since morning!

“Wait a moment.”

Without another word, she disappeared into the forest.

I stared after her blankly, mind still rebooting from training trauma.

Then, just when I thought maybe she’d gone to summon meat from thin air with a snap of her fingers—she returned.

Dragging—no, carrying—a headless boar.

On her shoulders.

Like it was laundry.

It was huge. Easily three times her size. And yet there she was, silver hair fluttering, expression relaxed, casually walking like she just picked up some groceries.

I stared.

I blinked.

I stared harder.

“…U-Uhh… Selena?” I pointed dumbly. “Is that… a boar?”

“Hmm? Oh, yes. A Frenzy Boar. C-Rank monster.” She shrugged like it was no big deal. “It was hanging from a tree branch, so I just picked it up.”

Hanging… from a tree?

My brain refused to process.

“…You mean, some monsters hung it there?” I asked, unsure if I even wanted to know.

She glanced at me, tilting her head like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

“No. It was from one of my earlier attacks. I think my shuriken earlier must’ve sliced its head clean off, and the body landed in a tree. Must’ve been caught on a branch. Blood drained nicely too. Perfect for cooking.””

She said this like someone explaining an instant noodles recipe.

I opened my mouth.

Closed it.

Opened it again.

Closed it again.

Her shuriken… earlier…

This morning…!?

The realization hit me like a freight train.

My brain rebooted.

What the hell!?

This boar has been hanging there for HOURS!?

That’s not how gravity—or common sense—works!

Did the boar’s body bounce after decapitation? Did her magic curve mid-air!?

Then it bleeding out peacefully like a grotesque forest ornament!?

Wait—WAIT.

More importantly—

Didn’t she say her barriers are far away!?

And now her attack pierced through the barrier and hit something beyond it!?

That far!?

Curving like a boomerang!?

THIS ISN’T NORMAL!

I backed away slowly, shooting a terrified glance toward the sky in silent prayer, not for the dead boar, but for my own safety.

I’m training under a monster disguised as a princess.

If I don’t master my star magic soon… I might end up as the next “meat for lunch.”

“I’ll start the preparations.”

Selena chirped, whistling a merry tune as she laid the massive boar down with a thud, pulling out a ridiculously oversized knife out of nowhere like she it was a fun little afternoon hobby.

She’s not a princess.

She’s a walking natural disaster in princess skin.

And somehow... somehow, I live with her.

As I stood there, still shell-shocked, a voice suddenly echoed in my mind.

【Meat…! Finally…! Ah!】

Aza’s excitement leaked out so vividly I could almost imagine her drooling.

<“...You're just excited, aren’t you?”> I muttered internally.

Oh no, she’s totally excited. I could almost see her imaginary tail wagging.

Suppressing a mischievous grin, I turned back toward Selena, pretending to be thoughtful.

“I’m okay with the usual vegetable soup, Master.”

【W-Wha…!? S-Stupid Master! Why are you refusing it!?】

Bingo.

Selena tilted her head slightly. “The training’s over, so you don’t have to call me Master. And… are you sure you don’t want any meat?”

Before I could even open my mouth, Aza exploded in panic.

【N-No! Master! Accept it!!】

<“Then you should ask me properly.”>

【Ugh…!】

I could almost hear her grinding her teeth in frustration.

<“Three…”> I began counting slowly in my mind.

【Y-You! Y-You ate hard bread for two years! Two whole years! Even after arriving here, you continued to eat vegetables! You should eat more meat. MEAT! Moreover, it’s from a C-Rank monster! You should try it!】

Her voice exploded.

It seemed she hadn’t grasped her current situation yet.

<“Two…”>

【Umumumumu…..】

She was fuming now, and it was glorious.

This was the first time she's been like this, and I won’t miss the chance.

<”O–”>

【F-Fine! Ugh..】

And finally…

【M-Master... T-This lowly servant of yours wishes to taste that delicious meat... please…】

A shudder ran through me. Goosebumps. Real, actual goosebumps.

This was the first time I had ever heard Aza beg like a pitiful puppy, and it was deliciously satisfying.

I snapped out of my internal comedy show just in time to meet Selena’s confused stare. “Freed?”

I coughed, struggling to keep a straight face. “Ah, nothing important. I just thought... well, maybe I shouldn’t eat the meat you worked hard to get.

【W-Whaaa!? What are you doing, Master!? You promised! You demon!】

<“Oh? I thought your so-called Goddess embraced all races—including demons. Or are you being racist now?”>

【Ugh… Y-You evil master…!】

From "demon" to "evil master" in mere seconds.

Honestly, teasing her might be better entertainment than any anime I binged on Earth.

But... before she exploded for real, I decided to throw her a bone.

Selena just smiled gently, wiping her hands on her apron. “That’s alright. Consider it a reward for all your hard work this morning.”

Finally, I nodded. “Then I gratefully accept it.”

【Yayyyyy!!】

Aza's ecstatic cheer rang out in my mind like a firework show, complete with imaginary confetti.

Honestly, teasing her like this might become my new favorite pastime.

Yeah… maybe living with a walking natural disaster disguised as a princess, and a gluttonous fake angel throwing tantrums over meat, wasn’t so bad after all.