189 A Soul Gem (1/2)

”Thank you... I'm back.” Said John with a smile

As she saw Serena stared straight at John's eyes. Confused, John stared back.

”You really are back to normal...” She muttered as she let out a sigh

[Eh? That was her way of finding out?]

”That's what I've been trying to say.”

”Well it could have been the dark spirit trying to fool us.” Said Serena

”Fair point.”

Seeing as how everyone was gathered, Azure got straight into the point

”Now that you've cleared the dungeon, I recommend walking through the gate before anyone else tries to steal it.”

[Ah... That's right... We've just cleared the dungeon...]

”Alright, Then we should probably get going.” Said John

”Yeah, I don't want to stay here any longer.” Added Serena

No one had any objections about leaving so without waiting any longer, they began heading towards the giant gate which had formed. On top of that, John had something he had to do.

He suddenly stopped and then turned to Azure and his party who was behind him.

”Thank you!” Said John as he bowed to Azure

Even though it was hazy, John was slowly regaining memories of what had happened. After causing master all that pain, he wouldn't be able to forgive himself if he didn't apologise.

Seeing this, Azure let out a small laugh before saying

”It's fine, don't worry about it. Besides I was just repaying my debt.”

Hearing this, John looked confused as he asked

”Debt?”

”It's a long story.” Said Azure with a nervous smile

As curious as John was, they had just finished a dungeon. He didn't have any time to waste.

”I see... Then, tell me all about it after.” Said John with a smile

”Alright, you can count on me.” Azure replied as he smiled back

As the two parties continued to head to the gate, John noticed that Serena was occasionally glancing at him.

When he turned towards her to see what was wrong, she mentioned it

”Hey... John... I've been wondering this for a while now... But when is steam going to stop coming out of your body? And...”

Without saying the rest, she simply stared at his bare chest.

John quickly realised what she meant by this and began to feel gratitude towards both himself and master for enduring all of that training.

He no longer looked like the skin and bones you'd find in a chicken shop. He was now very wel built with toned muscles.

”And?” John asked as he pretended not to know

”N-Nothing, more importantly, The steam...” Said Serena as she quickly turned away

”Ah... This, Sorry, I can't really get rid of it right now... If I do... I might faint”