Saiyan stowaways on the Ark

She is a strong person, and also the kind of person we'll discuss next.

"But you also understand, there are always some special people in this world. They don't seem to care much about the difference in power. They are willing to interact with us on an equal footing, not to take advantage of our power or for any other purpose. They simply provide what should exist in ordinary interpersonal relationships."

Thomas also thought of the many operators he had met during this time, not just Frostnova.

While there are indeed people who are reserved, there are certainly those like Skadi's description.

"Let's not talk about what they can actually help us, but at least they can give us trust, companionship, friendship... and even love."

Skadi's voice suddenly became somewhat subdued.

She then recounted the many people she encountered while wandering the vast land.

Unconditionally trusting a stranger without knowing their identity.

The victims who, after being rescued, witnessed their own strength and expressed gratitude rather than fear.

Or perhaps, by chance, they were forced to travel together for a period of time as “weak land-dwelling races”.

—Ever since that “weak earthly race” died because of the calamity she brought, she has refused to travel with anyone else.

“The last time I drank alone, I cried loudly, drank all the alcohol, and cried until I couldn’t squeeze out a single tear, but it was no use. I still felt sad, and the tragic reality never changed because of my weeping.”

Skadi's helplessness in the face of the giant ape reminded her of the feeling of her companions dying.

Tomat had no idea what was following Skadi like a shadow, harming her while also killing those around her.

However, judging from the expression on her face as she recounted the story, the one Skadi lost was far more than just a companion.

That seemed to be someone who had once given her many expectations and hopes.

In a place where no one understood him and everyone around him was different, he found a rare and precious connection and companionship from one person.

Just like the one Tomat lost.

"...Is that your lover?"

Thomas asked tentatively, unable to imagine what Skadi's expression would be when she cried, her face usually stern.

But the only thing I can truly empathize with is the pain and helplessness felt when misfortune strikes.

To prevent her misfortune from harming those she cared about, Skadi chose to stop forming close relationships with others, while Tomat, in order to forget her wasted efforts, convinced herself to be content with her life that had been spared.

But none of these are choices they truly want from the bottom of their hearts.

[Main Text] Siesta's Hottest Holiday: Chapter Seventy-Seven: Please Maintain a Self-Awareness Consistent with Your Status

"...No, at least not when he left because of me."

The two talked about their past under the moonlight.

Although their experiences differed slightly, setting aside differences in perspective and other aspects, they both discovered similarities in their experiences.

Whether it's the material experience of reality or the more abstract and ethereal journey of the mind.

"Really? You're the same way..."

The bland wine took on a slightly bitter taste. Tomat looked at Skadi, who was squatting to one side, and then looked down at Frostnova, who was still fast asleep.

Perhaps I am now more fulfilled than the young girl from Agor in front of me.

After all, Frostnova had taken the initiative to invite him, hoping that he would open his heart.

Skadi, however, had already armed herself with a cold demeanor, using an almost cruel "gentleness" to refuse others from getting close to her, thus isolating them from the calamities she had brought.

It's not that she's unwilling to spend more energy protecting others.

She was simply afraid that if something she was powerless to resist took away something she valued again, she wouldn't be able to bear the pain.

Skadi didn't ask any further questions because of Tomat's response.

That answer alone was enough for her to understand that the other person had also lost someone important.

"But today's situation is different... 'Too late' and 'Cannot do' are not the same."

Skadi looked up and continued speaking, only to be met with a bottle of liquor handed to her by Tomat.

There is about half of the original amount left.

If she hadn't already finished her drink, this would have been a time for toasting with each other.

Skadi hesitated for a moment before taking the bottle that Tomat, a man of the opposite sex, had drunk straight from, and then downed the rest in one gulp.

Alcohol no longer has any effect on someone like her.

At most, the pungent smell and taste could bring her some psychological comfort.

As for the brain-numbing effect of drinking until you're completely drunk or relieving all your worries, she will never experience that.

Therefore, she can never heal herself with alcohol like a normal person when she is grieving.

The situation is similar now, but because there is someone here who shares a similar stance and experience but is not of the same race, she feels somewhat comforted.

Of course, Skadi would never show such feelings on her face.

“Although I don’t know where you went, I fought that monster when it appeared. To be honest, I’ve dealt with things much bigger than that monster, like the whale you caught before, but the level of ‘quality’ was completely different.”

Skadi stroked her fair feet, which were covered with a little sand, the very spot where the giant ape had once easily pinched between its toes.

"The moment it grabbed me, I realized there was no way to defeat it—and it could take everything from me, whether it was myself or everything around me, if it wanted to."

Like most people who fall into despair upon seeing the Great Ape, Skadi also realized that the end was near after discovering the difference in power.

However, the giant ape—that is, Tomat—did something even more unexpected after that.

It was this unfolding, which outsiders considered a miracle of the world, that gave Skadi more time to savor the lingering fear in her heart.

And recall when was the last time I had this feeling.

"It's incredible that a monster with such terrifying power is not at odds with the world, but is doing good deeds with a kind heart."

Listening to Skadi describe her previous actions from an outsider's perspective, Tomat still felt a bit uneasy.

Because he has always appeared in this form, except for the time he lost control at Lungmen, his transformation into a great ape has always been for extinction and destruction.

However, precisely because Skadi was unaware of her relationship with the giant ape, she viewed the matter with a detached perspective, not connecting it with Tomat, which relieved him of a lot of burden. Unlike in Chernobog, when he felt conflicted about accepting Zoya's gratitude.

"They're probably like us, possessing immense power, but free to use it however they want. Your surprise at the giant ape doing good deeds is like outsiders being surprised at why we don't commit evil."

Thomas replied in a detached tone.

"Plankton marvel at the power of these fish, unaware that fish are insignificant in front of giant whales, and giant whales, placed in the ocean, are still as small as droplets of water."

Skadi used ironic metaphors to describe the perceived difference in strength.

“Whales don’t actually shrink just because they realize how big the ocean is. Although I’m not really in a position to say this, it’s not a good thing to feel powerless and deny your own existence just because you’ve witnessed a powerful being.”

During their earlier conversation over drinks, Tomat had learned that Skadi had chosen not to get too close to others and not to "value others" in order to avoid "harming what she values".

This is a form of self-protective escapism, and in a sense, it can also be considered a form of protection for others.

But now, Skadi seems to have even chosen to give up her own "protection".

After suffering a huge setback, they give up on themselves and deny their own worth.

This was something Tomat had also experienced, except that he felt more powerless because his actions had come to nothing and there was no way to make amends.

And indeed, under the influence of his own doubts, Frostnova's guidance, and Bardock and others, he chose to try his best to get rid of these things.

Skadi, however, found herself in a similar situation due to Tomat's behavior in another form.

It would be really hard to just sit idly by and do nothing.

“I know my strength won’t disappear because of my own perception, but I’m powerless to be proactive. In the past, I cowardly chose to protect myself, ignoring everyone and only trying to protect myself—but today I’ve encountered a force that I can’t possibly protect myself from.”

Skadi's eyes met Tomat's.

What is revealed is gratitude for these comforting words, as well as a willingness to refuse.

"If you don't feel you deserve protection, just find someone else who does."

If you can't find the internal cause, then look for an external cause.

This is quite similar to the obsession with becoming stronger.

And Thomas just happened to know a good example.

A proud man initially pursues the power to be no less than his nemesis for the sake of personal dignity.

Later, he became a husband and father who was willing to set aside his dignity, but would fly into a rage for the sake of his loved ones and family.

If such a change can be made, both oneself and others will likely benefit.

And I am definitely in a better state than I am now, in a state of self-abandonment.

"But the reason I gave up on doing so was because I 'failed to protect the people I wanted to protect'."

Skadi was slightly surprised by Tomat's suggestion.

She believes she has made her past experiences very clear.

"Then this time, just find someone who isn't so easily in danger, someone who is capable, understands you, and is willing to stay with you."

But what Tomat said next stunned Skadi.

She had considered similar things.

However, reality did not give her similar opportunities to make completely different attempts.

Where can you find someone like him, strong enough, who understands you, and who will spend time with you—wait a minute?

Skadi suddenly stared at Tomat's face.

"However, before thinking about protecting others, learn to protect yourself first. There's no need to give up one thing for another. You can't be blamed for what happened back then. I understand the regret of 'not being able to catch up.' Anyway, try to become stronger and find a partner. Isn't that much better than what you're like now?"

However, the latter seemed completely oblivious to this and continued to "persuade" Skadi with seemingly reasonable arguments.

Meanwhile, Frostnova, still asleep, rolled over on Tomat's lap, her brow furrowed, as if she were having a bad dream.

The chat and comment sections have been revived, so feel free to leave your comments. The directory looks rather deserted and lonely.

*Skadi's past emotional experiences come from the storyline of "Under the Tide." The uncle who provided Skadi with clothes had a son who had traveled with Skadi and seemed to have a good relationship with her, but was killed by the "calamity" that Skadi brought, and Skadi was unable to save him in time.

----------------

----------------