Silence.
Only the quiet crackling of the fire in the fireplace could be heard. And the heavy breathing filling the room.
The old man still lay a few steps away on the floor.
He barely moved.
Then, in a broken voice:
"W–why…" his words faltered for a moment, "…why didn't you kill me?"
Silence.
Noen's chest rose and fell heavily. His wrists ached inside the chains, his throat still burned.
"Why would I want to kill you?" he finally rasped. "For a punch? Ohh please…" His voice was weak, but honest. "Besides… how would I even do that? I'm chained."
The old man slowly pushed himself up a little, staring at Noen as if seeing him for the first time.
"Why are your powers so… gentle…" he murmured." And… peaceful?"
His eyes widened, full of disbelief.
He continued to stare at Noen.
"You…" his voice now trembling, "…you possess a… a good mini… mini -gods power…"
He gave his head a small shake, still overwhelmed by the thought.
For a moment, he fell silent again, yet his eyes never left Noen.
Then he murmured, almost inaudibly:
"You... you used Lum…"