SSS Talent: From Trash to Tyrant Chapter 576: Garrika’s Decision

Trafalgar found himself within his shop in Velkaris that afternoon.

Arden's absence left the establishment noticeably quieter than usual. The usual bustle of customers, the chatter from the front of the shop, and the familiar haggling over prices or materials were all absent. Only Marella could be heard from the kitchen, occupied with preparing a meal, and Garrika, who sat opposite him at the table.

After a moment of observation, Trafalgar inquired, "How are you feeling?"

Garrika’s tail had been in constant motion since Trafalgar’s arrival, swaying idly behind her chair with an unconcealed sense of contentment.

A wide smile, revealing a hint of fang, graced her features.

"Very well," she responded. "Thank you for sending the items to aid my recovery; they certainly helped significantly." Her ears twitched once. "And you? How have things been on your end?"

"Busy, I suppose," Trafalgar replied, his tone laid-back. "The usual."

Garrika's smile shifted slightly. "That sounds precisely like something you would say."

Before he could offer a response, Marella emerged from the kitchen, carrying the food.

She placed the dishes before Trafalgar with the air of someone who had already determined he needed to eat properly. A loaf of bread, a steaming bowl of soup, and a second plate with a more substantial item were presented.

"Eat," Marella instructed.

Trafalgar accepted the spoon. "Thank you."

Marella gave a brief nod before turning back towards the kitchen.

Trafalgar surveyed the empty shop. "It's remarkably quiet today. Did something occur?"

"They’ve gone out on errands," Marella answered, her voice carrying from over her shoulder. "Procuring supplies and verifying a few matters. Rest assured, everything is in order."

"Alright, I'm glad to hear everything is fine."

Marella disappeared back into the kitchen, leaving the two of them in solitude once more.

Trafalgar took a spoonful of soup. It was warm, simple, and surprisingly satisfying for something prepared so swiftly. He had barely finished swallowing when Garrika leaned forward, a familiar glint in her eyes.

"You’re aware of the force the Council of Sages is establishing, correct?"

Trafalgar brought the spoon back towards the bowl.

"Yes. It would be peculiar if I weren't. Why? Hasn't anything been made official yet?" he asked, glancing at her.

Garrika's smile took on a more mischievous hue.

"Would you be interested in learning more about it?"

Trafalgar paused.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Precisely what I said." She rested her chin on her hand, her tail now moving with a bit more speed. "I possess information. Specialized information, in fact, as I am slated to join them."

Trafalgar ceased eating.

The spoon slowly lowered.

"What?"

Garrika appeared quite pleased with his reaction.

"That’s correct. I am joining the Concordant Wardens of the Council." She tapped a finger lightly on the table. "That is the official designation for the general defensive contingent they are creating. Most people will likely refer to them simply as 'Wardens' once the announcement is made public."

Trafalgar remained silent.

Garrika continued, clearly relishing her possession of knowledge he lacked.

"However, I won't be part of the standard ranks. My position will be elsewhere. The First Concord. It’s intended to be the elite unit for high-risk missions, the primary striking force when standard deployments prove insufficient."

Trafalgar held his silence for another brief moment.

"I was unaware of that particular detail."

"Naturally, you wouldn't be," Garrika stated with a wink. "Nothing has been officially disclosed yet. I suspect even many within the Eight Great Families are not privy to the complete organizational structure. You are likely the very first to know, all thanks to me."

"I suppose I should thank you, then."

"You are most welcome."

He took another spoonful of soup, though his focus had shifted entirely from the meal.

"Is there anything else I should be aware of?"

Garrika’s ears angled forward attentively.

"I will share this with you because it is you. Our captain, or leader, depending on the desired level of formality, is named Eldric au Veyr."

Trafalgar grew quiet.

That name was not one he had anticipated hearing in this context.

Eldric au Veyr.

He recognized the name.

It belonged to one of the ten legendary figures. He was the oldest among them by a considerable margin and one of the most peculiar to engage with in the game. Within the game's narrative, he never resorted to flashy displays. There were no dramatic sword techniques or absurd bloodline transformations. His strength manifested in a different manner.

He was a man capable of transforming calamitous events into valuable intelligence.

Known as the Calamity Cartographer.

Trafalgar's recollection of the specific class description was fragmented, yet the core concept remained vivid. Eldric possessed the ability to interpret catastrophes as if the very world were laying out a map for him. This included deciphering disrupted mana flows, collapsing formations, spreading conflagrations, the movement patterns of monsters, identifying vulnerabilities on a battlefield, charting evacuation routes, and predicting the next location where a disaster would escalate if left unchecked.

Maintaining an outward semblance of composure, Trafalgar simply asked, "What is this Eldric like?"

Garrika blinked, perhaps anticipating a more pronounced reaction from him.

"He's a good person," she stated after a pause. "Very serious and wise. Honestly, the first time we met, I was a bit intimidated. But he truly is kind and concerned for others." Her smile shifted, becoming more pensive. "It's not a gentle concern, though. It's more like... he perceives potential negative outcomes and refuses to allow them to manifest."

Trafalgar found himself understanding that description more than she might imagine.

"I see."

He continued eating, taking his time with the next spoonful.

"By the way," he interjected, "what was the name of the organization you wanted to join again?"

Garrika shot him a pointed look. "The Concordant Wardens of the Council. Specifically, the First Concord."

"Ah, yes. That one."

Her eyes narrowed slightly. "You remembered. You're just being difficult on purpose."

"Perhaps."

A fleeting twitch of amusement touched Garrika's lips, but it vanished quickly.

Trafalgar observed this.

"I had anticipated you would remain here," he remarked. "Assisting Marella and Arden."

Garrika lowered her hand from her chin.

For a moment, her tail movement stilled.

"It's because of you, Trafalgar."

Her response was delivered with simple clarity.

Trafalgar turned his full attention to her.

"What do you mean by that?"

Garrika met his gaze directly.

"I have feelings for you." Her voice was remarkably steady, a stark contrast to the last time she had expressed such sentiments. "I believe I conveyed this to you over a year ago."

Trafalgar remained silent, allowing her to continue.

"I do not require a response at this moment," Garrika stated. "If you were to answer now, I would become upset." A faint smile played on her lips. "Although, I would likely recover swiftly and resume my usual demeanor, as that is my nature."

Her words almost elicited a smile from him, but he suppressed it.

Garrika's fingers gently tapped the surface of the table.

"This is a personal decision I've made. I don't yet possess the strength needed to stand beside you as I aspire to." Her voice softened. "After the war, when I followed you, I truly understood. I believed myself to be strong. And I am strong. However, in comparison to you, and the challenges you confront, it was insufficient."

Trafalgar's expression remained largely unchanged, yet her words resonated with him.

Garrika proceeded.

"Aubrelle offers you certain strengths. Mayla provides others. I wish to contribute something as well." She exhaled, displaying a hint of self-annoyance at her own candor. "Perhaps it is selfish to ask this way, but please grant me some time. I am uncertain how long it will take. I only know that I do not wish to be in a position where you constantly need to protect me."

The kitchen fell silent.

Even Marella, who had undoubtedly overheard a significant portion of the conversation from within, did not interject.

Trafalgar observed Garrika.

He was already aware of her affections; only a fool would have remained oblivious. She had never been adept at concealing her feelings towards him. However, hearing it delivered so directly, without the usual jesting to soften the impact, without the accompanying energetic persistence, infused the moment with a somber weight.

He held Garrika in high regard.

That was the unvarnished truth.

They had endured too much together for it to be otherwise. She had lent assistance to Mayla. She had shed blood in the conflict. She had remained by his side when withdrawal would have been the simpler choice.

And if this was her resolution, he would honor it.

"If that is your desire," Trafalgar finally responded, "then so be it. I will offer no immediate objections."

Garrika's face brightened considerably.

Before Trafalgar could react, she stood abruptly and embraced him tightly.

Trafalgar glanced down at the bowl before him.

"I am still in the middle of my meal."

Garrika released him, yet showed no signs of embarrassment. If anything, she appeared pleased with herself.

"Then perhaps you should eat more quickly."

"That is not typically how it functions."

"For you, perhaps it is."

Trafalgar let out a soft exhalation through his nose and resumed using his spoon.

"Just exercise caution," he advised, his voice now considerably softer. "I would not wish for anything to befall you. The memory of witnessing your injury during the war is not pleasant."

Garrika's smile gentled.

There it was. Not the definitive answer she hoped for eventually, but sufficient confirmation of something deeply important.

He cared and was taking her decision seriously.

"You needn't concern yourself, Trafalgar," Garrika assured him, her ears perked high and her tail now swaying with renewed vigor. "You will see."

Trafalgar regarded her for a brief moment before returning his attention to his food.

"I suppose that I shall."