16 Chapter 15: One of Us (2/2)

Luca's heart began to pound as Dominic pointed out the inconsistencies. Inconsistencies that Luca had no answer for. His mood starting to sour as he realized Dominic had been probing him for more information. He groaned. I really am an idiot.

Despite Luca's change in body demeanor, Dominic only laughed. ”It's fine. I wouldn't worry about it. This wouldn't be the first time a youngster like yourself has let their mouth get them into trouble. Don't worry, really, I meant what I said before about treating you like family. You and I are the only ones I've found so far that have had such a noticeable change. Part of it is the intelligence boost. Your mind is making connections with tidbits of information and preexisting knowledge that wasn't there before.”

Luca nodded, feeling relieved that Dominic had gone ahead and diffused the situation. ”That could be it. It would make sense to me.

Dominic nodded in appreciation, changing the topic. ”Thanks for sharing your story, kid. I know that can be hard, you've been through a lot, and I won't pretend to know how hard the things you've been through have been, but I want you to know you've got a friend in me.”

The conversation transitioned away from the heavy and the tragic. Instead, shifting to thoughts about this new world they had found themselves in. Laughing as they critiqued the guild name and the Gemini twins. Sharing between themselves their most outlandish dreams and delusions of grandeur.

Eventually, in the darkest hours of the night, Luca's head began to droop. Both of them had grown weary, badly needing sleep as each of their words had turned to long drawn out slurs. The conversation finally turned to business. Dominic seeming every bit as inebriated as Luca, once again asked if he would join him in guild Chaos. Luca, without any hesitation, responded with yes.

Both of them gave each other tired but elated smiles as they sealed the deal and a newfound friendship with a handshake. Each saying their goodnights to each other as Dominic finally summoned a servant to take Luca to the guest quarters before finding a place for him a more permanent residence in the member's barracks.

”In processing can wait until the morning. He's one of us now, so treat him well and make sure he gets into her team,” Dominic told the servant a male servant, a short and portly man with a pock mocked face, with an infectious smile and an unfortunate case of premature balding.

Knowing that Luca was taken care of, Dominic decided it was time for them to part ways, and with an affirmative nod of his head, Dominic dismissed them both. Telling Luca as the servant led him away. ”I expect big things from you, kid. Don't let me down.”

Luca turned around, his eyes shining with an eagerness to get started. ”I won't, thanks for having me. This is a good fit.”

”I'll see you tomorrow when you start training with the teams.” Replied Dominic as he watched the servant led Luca away. ”You've got a big day tomorrow.”