Chapter 153: Chapter 153 - Reunion(Part 1)

"You seem pretty restless, you should calm down," Remarked Rosary, as I anxiously paced around the room.

"I can’t help it...I mean, it’s been five years, even speaking to him on the phone was pretty awkward. I have no idea what to say or how to act," I frowned, as I sat on the edge of the bed and began tapping my foot against the floor repeatedly.

A little over a week had passed since that day in the Labyrinth when I ate Monsters for the first time, and I’ve been continuing that routine daily since. Today’s my first day off since I began.

It’s the 37th of December, 2015, the last day of the year. I’m still not fully used to the calendar of this world, ten months with thirty-six or thirty-seven days instead of twelve months with a maximum of thirty-one days.

But that’s not important right now...last night, Argent called me and informed me that he’ll be reaching Kaygee Town today, along with his Monster friend, Izzozon.

He just called about twenty minutes ago and said that he’ll be here in about half an hour...so about ten more minutes from now. And I’m feeling pretty nervous about it, I’ve never had this feeling before.

Feeling awkward and anxious about meeting someone who I haven’t seen in a long time...it’s a first for me. I don’t like it, it’s really stressing me out.

"Shouldn’t you go to the entrance now? He’ll be here soon, right?" Chimed in Prysm.

"Yeah, I guess...okay, I’ll head out then," I nodded as I took in a deep breath and slowly exhaled to compose myself.

I then walked over to the door and opened it, before stepping out and heading down the hotel. As I made my way out of the building and began heading for the south entrance of the town, the which was the direction in which Argent was coming from, I could feel my chest pounding slightly.

Seriously, why am I this nervous? Is this normal? I’ve been fighting Disastrous Grade Monsters constantly for the last week or so, so why’s something like this making me feel so awkward and anxious?

I wonder if I’ll recognize him right away? He did say that he’s disguised himself, having dyed his hair white and used makeup to cover his scars. Well, I’ve never seen him with scars, so that won’t really make a difference.

He said he hadn’t put on colored contacts to hide his eyes, which are naturally golden, a pretty common eye color in this world. Incidentally, I’ve started disguising myself now too, and good thing I did...two days ago, some Knights showed up in town.

Fortunately, they left without causing much of any trouble, since no one sold me out. After I began disguising myself, dying my hair red, wearing a blue colored contact lens over my purple right eye to match my blue left eye, plus makeup to hide my scars, I went to the Guild and told them that I’m wanted by the Knights.

I gave them the same backstory I used in the Kieph Town Guild, earning their sympathy...there’s also the fact that, as far as they know, their most beloved Adventurers sacrificed their lives to save me, so selling me out would be akin to wasting and disregarding that sacrifice.

Heh, if they knew what actually happened regarding the deaths of that trio, they would undoubtedly have sold me out in a heartbeat.

Alright, I’m at the south entrance to the town...is he here yet? He’ll probably call me when he arrives, right? Uh...what if his phone is out of charge or something, though?

We might not recognize each other, since it’s been so long. How can I-...oh, I got it! Yeah, that should definitely work! As I headed out the entrance and made my way forward, I then activated my Monster/Magical Beast Thought Communication.

Since he’s traveling with a Monster, I’ll know he’s here when I sense her through this Skill! I figured I’d meet up with him outside of town before heading back in, it felt embarrassing to have the union while a bunch of other people were around.

Fortunately, I don’t see anyone else outside of the south entrance, good. Now, no matter how awkward our reunion is, I won’t have to worry about-...w-woah!

A sudden chill ran down my spine as I felt my blood run cold, sensing a devastatingly powerful presence entering the range of my Thought Communication.

I gulped as a bead of sweat ran down the side of my face, quickly deactivating the Skill. H-holy shit, that was intense...unlike with most other Monsters, I didn’t feel any aggression or bloodthirst, but even so...I felt like a small rock facing up against a massive boulder.

So this is what it feels like to come across a Demonic Grade Monster, huh? Incredible, what I just sensed made every single other Monster I’ve ever encountered seem like they were completely insignificant and no threat whatsoever.

And before much longer, they came into sight...huh, guess I was overthinking it, I would’ve recognized him even without using Thought Communication. I kinda forgot that I’ve got a photographic memory...

He’s taller than before, and he’s bulked up a bit compared to the last time I saw him, but it’s definitely him. He’s grown a slight, scruffy chin beard, probably to help with his disguise.

I feel even more nervous now that he’s right within sight...he’s jogging over now, having spotted me. I stepped forward as well, raising my hand with an awkward wave as he got closer.

"Uh, hey...it’s been a wh-...," I began, trying to sound nonchalant, before he cut me off by leaping forward and pulling me into a tight hug, nearly knocking me over.

"It’s been ages, you’ve really grown, little brother! It’s so good to see you!" He exclaimed cheerfully, his voice cracking slightly towards the end as he hugged me.

"Y-yeah...it’s really good to see to you," I replied quietly, as I embraced him, feeling a slight lump in my throat forming.

"Here, let me introduce you...this is Izzozon, though she’s heavily disguised and actually looks a lot different to this. Izzy, this is my younger brother, Larrk," Argent introduced us to each other, as she caught up.

"Hi, nice to meet you," I greeted her with a polite nod.

She looks like a normal young girl, but having sensed her power, I know better than to judge a book by its cover.

"Yeah, nice to meet you too. Hey, how powerful are you?" She inquired curiously.

Huh?

"Sorry about her, she’s been looking for an opponent who can give her a proper challenge, but as you can imagine, someone like that’s not exactly easy to come by," Grinned Argent sheepishly.

Hm...fighting a Demonic Grade Monster, huh?

"Well, I wouldn’t be opposed to some simple sparring, at least, provided I don’t get killed," I replied with a wry smile.

"Great! Then let’s do it right now!" She exclaimed eagerly.

"Uh, that’s probably not the best idea. Somewhere deep down in the Labyrinth would probably be a better option. You fighting at even a fraction of your full power would give away the fact that you’re not human," Pointed out Argent, patting her head.

Her hyped up expression gradually calmed as he patted her, letting out a huff as she pouted.

"Fine, I guess that’s fair," She muttered saltily.

"You seem even closer than I was led to believe," I remarked in bemusement.

"H-huh? Well, uh...yeah, I guess we are pretty close, but you’ve probably got the wrong idea," Responded Argent as he averted his gaze.

"Hm? Wrong idea about what?" Inquired Izzozon with a tilt of her head.

"N-nothing, don’t worry about it," He muttered awkwardly.

Wow...yeah, I’m definitely gonna tease him about this.

"Wrong idea as in you’re close friends but not lovers, that’s probably what he means," I remarked with a smirk.

"Hey!" He protested indignantly, his face bright red.

"Huh? We’re not? Even though we kissed each other?" She asked him innocently.

"Oh?" I glanced at him with a raised eyebrow.

"Sh-she means kisses on the cheek!" He explained with a stutter.

"Hm, based on your reactions, brother...am I correct in assuming that you’re still a virgin?" I surmised with a grin.

"Wha-...!? W-wait, the way you said that, does that mean that you’re not...?" He trailed off wide-eyed.

"Well, yeah. Though, I’m not judging you or anything, just a bit surprised is all," I laughed in response.

"I sure feel like I’m being judged."

"What’s a virgin?" Inquired Izzozon curiously.

"Someone who hasn’t had sex before," I informed her, before he could stop me.

"You’ve grown up way too fast," He sighed wearily.

"Oh, I see...that means I’m one of these virgins too," She nodded thoughtfully.

"A-anyway, let’s head into town now, shall we? You should introduce us to your friends, Larrk!" Argent swiftly changed the subject.

"Yeah, okay," I nodded, deciding to give him a break, before turning around and heading back towards the town, "Come on, I’ll lead the way."

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