Chapter 135: One Day in the World of Barbarians (1/2)
”Daisuke! You finally came back!”
Avelin said as she dropped what she's doing to jump into my arms and hug me. Compared to when last I saw her, a lot has changed in her, well, except for a certain part.
However, her innocence is still there and her affection towards me not only didn't change but it even leveled up.
Those last few days I spent with them became the factor and well, it's also because she's already one of my Companions. The convergence of our destinies happened back then when we made that pledge at the location of her previous tribe.
Err... They still didn't know that this is not my real body. I'm just an Incarnation of the original. I thought I would be depressed by realizing that I was just an incarnation. My Adaptability that was keeping me calm was still here along with me.
”You monster! I thought you'll let us wait for long!”
Erin shouted as she also dropped a Wild Beast's leg bone that she was working on before jumping in my arms like Avelin.
Unlike Avelin, she grew on that certain part. How did that happen? It's only a few months. This straightforward and headstrong girl clung to me even tighter than how Avelin was clinging to me. That look on her eyes couldn't really mask what she's feeling.
Err… in any case, it's really nice to see them again. After leaving them with responsibility for the Whiteshade Division as well as giving the 2-year ultimatum, I somehow felt guilty for that.
”I'm sorry but I'm still not here. This is just my Incarnation.”
When Avelin heard what I said, she tilted her head, confused.
”Eh? What's that?”
”Is that why you felt so weak right now? But still… you're a monster.”
Erin somehow got it though. She's always been this kind of a genius. Because of that, her growth along with the boost she got from me, she's already a 5th Stage Saint Realm. However, her Power Level is already close to a Rank 5 Mortal, one more breakthrough and she would reach it. A King Realm is already no match for her.
After Erin said that, she explained it to Avelin who was still confused as to what's an Incarnation.
When she found out this is not my real body, Avelin almost cried, her innocence is still too adorable. If not for me pulling her in my embrace, she will really bawl her eyes out. Even if she's almost as strong as Erin now, this trait of her didn't change.
Erin could only shake her head and let me comfort Avelin. For sure, she'll ask for the same treatment later.
After a while, she asked me the important question.
”How long will that Incarnation last?”
”One day. I'll be with you two until tomorrow at the same time as I appeared.”
Hearing my own answer, I also bitterly smiled. That's not nearly enough to make up for the days that I'm not with them.
Err… Zerina also needed something like this. Even though Yuko was there occasionally, they're not as close like Yumiko and Jayna.
For Zerina, Yuko's a Hero while she's only her party member. She's probably restraining herself due to some kind of guilt when she knew I am Yuko's fiance but I still made her my Companion.
I knew Yuko didn't mind that, it's only Zerina who kept on thinking about it. Maybe it will change if I spend some time with her.
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When Avelin calmed down, the two of them took me to the tent I used to stay before, the place where they would often crash in to stay with me.
I learned about how the Whiteshade Division now boasted almost the same strength as Raiden's army but still stuck to their principle, saving the subordinate tribes who were in need.
From that, I started catching up to what happened to them after I left the World of Barbarians. Meeting Old Man Reol was put up for later, he supposedly went to a Dark Beastmasters' camp to decimate them.
Yes. He's now an Emperor Realm, he really became one and according to Erin, he always mentioned that it was because of me. That enlightenment back then was the trigger.
Because of Raiden annexing the large tribe from before, the other large tribes started to show their hostilities towards the Heavenly Lightning Tribe.