Rebirth: 100 Days Before Doomsday - Chapter 172

Chapter 172: She’s Not to Blame

Rune’s breathing deepened as his powers began to flow. And after a while, Grace started feeling a faint tingling sensation through his hands, and a gentle warmth spread into her palms. She glanced at him, noticing the slight furrow in his brow which was a clear sign of his intense focus.

“2025,” she called out softly. “You ready?”

[Yes, Master. Preparing to synchronize with Rune’s energy link now.]

A faint hum resonated in Grace’s mind as the system connected to the link Rune was creating. Slowly, she began to see flashes of his subconscious exploration – a blur of mountains, dense forests, and mist-covered valleys.

The first area they reached was a towering mountain range covered in thick, evergreen forests. Rune’s consciousness moved swiftly while the system weaved through the trees to scan the soil, leaves, and air for traces of mutation.

[Scanning… no significant traces detected. The vegetation here is normal.]

2025 was updating her on the progress of the search as they continued.

Rune immediately moved to the next location – a rocky hillside dotted with sparse vegetation. Even though it was only their second location, Grace was able to feel the strain creeping into his energy as he pushed deeper into his search.

[Still nothing. Moving on.]

The third location was a valley nestled between two mountains where rivers crisscrossed like veins through lush greenery. The area showed faint traces of energy, enough to make Grace’s pulse quicken. But as 2025 analyzed further, it became clear that the mutated plants here had long withered away.

[The plants here couldn’t sustain their mutations. The Shadow Rain’s aftermath likely destabilized their growth.]

Grace’s heart sank at the news, but she forced herself to stay focused. “Keep going,” she urged softly, though a flicker of worry for Rune crept into her voice when she noticed the frown deepening on his face.

The fourth area was even more desolate. It was a barren mountain range with jagged cliffs and dry, cracking earth. Rune lingered here for a moment longer, as if sensing something, but 2025 quickly confirmed the disappointing truth.

[No viable traces. The Blood Rain that followed the Shadow Rain seems to have wiped out most of the plant life.]

Grace bit her lip as frustration simmered beneath her calm exterior. She glanced at Rune, noticing the slight tremble in his hands. His breathing had become shallow, and beads of sweat dotted his forehead.

“2025, how is he holding up?” She asked through the mind-link.

[His energy levels are significantly drained. He’s pushing beyond his limit, Master.]

Grace’s chest tightened as she realized just how much this search was taking out of him. “Rune,” she called softly.

He didn’t respond as his focus was locked on the fifth location – a dense mountain forest shrouded in mist. She was able to feel the strain in the link now, like an elastic band stretched too far.

“Rune,” she said again, more firmly this time.

Still no response.

“2025, disconnect him if his energy drops any lower,” she commanded.

[Understood.]

The system’s warning must have registered with Rune because he finally opened his eyes, and his energy abruptly snapped back to him. He exhaled shakily, his hands still clutching hers as he struggled to steady his breathing.

“Rune, stop,” Grace said, her voice tinged with concern. “You have done enough.”

“I can keep going,” he argued, though his voice was faint, betraying his exhaustion.

“No, you can’t,” she countered, her tone leaving no room for debate. She tightened her grip on his hands and locked her gaze onto his. “Look at me. You are drained. Pushing further could hurt you, and that’s the last thing I want.”

He hesitated, but his expression softened at her words. Finally, he nodded and his shoulders slumped in defeat. “I’m sorry,” he murmured in a barely audible voice.

Grace shook her head. “You have nothing to apologize for. You have done more than enough.”

Rune let out a weak chuckle. His usual confidence seemed dimmed but was still present. “Guess I overestimated myself, huh?”

“You always do,” Grace teased gently, a small smile playing on her lips. “But it’s one of the things I like about you.”

His eyes widened slightly at her admission, and a flicker of surprise crossed his face. He didn’t respond, but the faint blush creeping up his neck didn’t go unnoticed.

“Come on,” she said, helping him to his feet. “You need to rest. We will pick this up another time.”

Rune let her guide him to the couch where he collapsed with a tired sigh. Grace fetched a glass of pomegranate juice from the kitchen, handing it to him with a stern look.

“Drink,” she ordered.

“Yes, ma’am,” he replied with a faint grin as he accepted the glass and sipped slowly.

Grace took a seat beside him as he drank in silence. Her mind was racing with thoughts of the failed search. She wondered if the arrival of the Blood Rain ended up killing all the possibly high concentration mutated plants. It seemed like despite her initial great start, she was slowly starting to lose against the fate.

“You are blaming yourself, aren’t you?” Rune’s voice broke through her thoughts.

Grace blinked as she turned to him. “What?”

“You have that look,” he said, leaning back against the couch. “The one that says you think this is all on you.”

She opened her mouth to deny it, but the words caught in her throat, and Rune smirked knowingly.

“You can’t do this alone, Grace,” he said in a soft but firm tone. “That’s why you have us. Let us help you.”

Grace stared at him, feeling her walls cracking just a little under his gaze. “I just… I feel like I have to do more,” she admitted quietly.

“You are already doing more than anyone else could,” Rune said with conviction. “Give yourself some credit.”

“Thanks, Rune,” she said softly. His words warmed something inside her, easing the weight she had been carrying.

“Anytime,” he replied.