Weakest Beast Tamer Gets All SSS Dragons

Chapter 226: Chapter 226 - Taming the Finals (Unit 1) - 17

Han alternately observed the tunnel's progress and the chamber entrances, tense for any sign of danger. The silence between them extended for several minutes, broken only by the sound of earth being removed and the occasional brief instruction from Ren.

"Thank you," Han finally said, his voice low but clear in the confined space. "For not letting me fall."

Ren paused briefly in his work to feel for vibrations while listening, his palm pressed flat against the tunnel wall.

"With the dagger," Han continued, his eyes fixed on the glowing hydra as it worked, "you could have held on alone. Since you probably would have stayed up close to the surface... Matilda or Mira could have thrown something down for you to climb up."

Ren resumed excavation, but responded without turning around, his focus unwavering. "If I had done that, you might not have survived. And I wouldn't be able to sleep thinking I could have saved you."

"Not everyone would make that choice," Han insisted, a note of wonder in his voice. "I... I'm not sure I would have made it. I probably would have been too cowardly."

This time Ren stopped completely, turning to look at Han directly. In the fluctuating light of his mushrooms and the subtle glow reflected by the hydra, his expression was serene but intense, his eyes holding Han's gaze steadily.

"It's not about cowardice or bravery," he said with a simplicity that carried the weight of his old father's deep conviction. "It's about doing what's right in the moment it's needed. Nobody really knows how they'll react until that moment comes... but you would certainly save your sister, right?"

Han thought for a moment before closing his eyes and nodding, "I think it's very likely... I would do anything for her despite the fear."