Cursed Prayer was spoken in an ancient language capable of moving nature. It was the tongue of the civilization from before the sun vanished.
The language itself had nearly disappeared during the early era of the cataclysm, as humanity was unable to adapt to an environment that changed so drastically. It took hundreds, even thousands of years for them to find a way to survive.
"I remember you lost your memory," Drake said, looking utterly shocked. "But why do you understand it?"
Kaelan stood aghast, not knowing what to do. He took a small step back as his mind began to race. A small bit of carelessness brought about a greater disaster.
He had learned much from his bitter experiences since digging his way out of the grave.
"I don't understand it myself—but the case might be the same as how I remember how to count and speak normally."
Even with memory loss, something engraved deeply into the brain and soul would not simply vanish.
"Perhaps it's similar. I... maybe I was a historian!"
Kaelan was not lying about his confusion. However, he needed to lace a bit of a lie into his explanation.
"I sometimes feel an overwhelming sense of familiarity with ancient places. That language included; I felt very acquainted with it and understood it just like that."
Kaelan's explanation was not entirely satisfying, but it was logical enough that it could not be disputed. Drake and Reynold seemed to accept it. They even looked sympathetic.
But Rebecca was different; she stared at Kaelan for some time before averting her gaze. Kaelan never knew what that woman was thinking. She seemed to hate him yet be indifferent at the same time.
"Well, we'll discuss it later. Kaelan is clearly our friend, there's no doubt about it." Reynold laughed, trying to thaw the atmosphere. "Drake, you can continue writing. Kaelan, you can recover yourself. Save as much of your energy as possible."
Kaelan nodded and began to close his wound.
Drake looked straight into Reynold's eyes; he understood without needing a word. He wrote an additional report without Kaelan's knowledge and hypnotized the rat to deliver the message.
Because the circumstances had changed, Reynold decided to alter the formation. They would also spread out for several kilometers before meeting back up in a straight line.
Rebecca would be with Drake while Kaelan went with Reynold.
"In a situation like this, we must focus on what is in front of us," Reynold said. "It certainly is surprising about the Cursed Prayer, but I trust you."
Reynold struck his back hard as he pulled him into an embrace. "You protected us earlier. From that, I believe you aren't a bad person, hahaha!"
Kaelan smiled. He felt relieved by Reynold's unchanging attitude. Yet, there was an anxiety within his heart.
"Why do you trust me so much? I have no memories or any identity. I am clearly very suspicious."
Reynold glanced at him, observing Kaelan's face which was full of frustration and fear.
"What is it that makes you afraid?" he asked. "We're good friends, just talk to me."
Kaelan went silent for a moment. He felt hesitant and afraid. To him, Reynold was a stranger and it felt wrong to share too much.
"...No. I can't say it."
Reynold glanced over, pulling his arm away from Kaelan's shoulder. He thrust his hands into his pockets and looked at the sky.
"Well, there must be a lot bothering you. You have no one, you don't even know who you are. Imagining that, I feel it must be very difficult."
Living without knowing anyone, being unknown, knowing nothing including oneself. The only thing of importance was his own name. Kaelan Veradis.
"I don't know how horrific that must be. The feeling that you are alone in this world."
What Reynold said hit the mark. Kaelan felt lonely. Even though there were people like Reynold and Lunaria who accepted him, Kaelan still felt alienated.
"I don't understand myself at all. I even feel afraid to try and know myself."
Kaelan understood the language of Cursed Prayer, which turned out to be something not commonly known. He was also a mid-stage Devourer without anyone knowing.
"I am afraid of myself."
Reynold exhaled. He stopped walking and faced Kaelan.
"Maybe that's the reason you don't remember anything. I think you ought to be grateful."
Kaelan was taken aback. "...What do you mean?"
Reynold scratched his head. He seemed to have a bit of trouble expressing his thoughts.
"Sometimes, remembering too much only hurts you. It's possible you lost all your memories because they were too heavy and painful for you to carry."
Reynold smiled bitterly; there was a sense of envy and deep sadness in his smile.
"I envy you for not remembering the wounds. And I'm sure there are many people like me. Rebecca, the Captain, even Drake is envious because you don't remember the bad experiences."
In the cursed world, everyone has unpleasant experiences. There is no way to remove them from memory.
"There are people who must live while carrying wide-open wounds in their hearts. They must get used to it and live with those wounds until they die."
Reynold touched his chest and struck it. He showed a smile and flaunted his chest muscles with high spirits.
"Even with these wounds and this hell, they still hope for a better life!" Reynold said, then laughed. "You, who do not remember the wounds, are a blessing! I'll punch you if you give up just because of that!"
Kaelan was reminded that this world was full of tragedy and misfortune. There were many different types of events and experiences. The commonality was that they all possessed invisible and unhealable wounds.
"Is it really alright for me to forget?" Kaelan asked. "Among them, there might be someone truly precious to me."
Reynold was still smiling. "It does seem cruel to forget. But you always have the choice to try and remember them again. When you are ready to accept it!"
Kaelan felt hesitant. He didn't think Reynold's advice was worth taking. However, it was a rational way to move forward.
"You might feel empty, but remember that you have us, the Radiant Covenant. We aren't an organization, but a family gathered to chase hope!"