53 Rex (1/2)

Peering at three people who were moving closer to them, Alyva took a glimpse at Aldin before greeting Kiro's group.

”Welcome back Missa, Gill, Meg... Also, how have you been, Kiro?” Alyva said, in a cordial tone.

When he heard her voice, Kiro stared at Alyva for a brief moment before darting his gaze toward Aldin, who wore a disturbed expression.

Seeing his reaction, Alyva patiently waited for his response. ”... It's been a while, Alyva, and... Aldin.” Kiro said with an amiable voice.

Hearing Kiro, Aldin was perplexed for a moment. He was about to reply when Alyva called out to the three.

”Huuhaa~ It's getting chilly out here, Missa let's go inside first. It's bad for these two children if they catch a cold.” Winking at her, Alyva said.

Missa stared at her in confusion; however, when she noticed Alyva's playful expression, she wasn't stupid enough not to realize what she meant.

”... Oh, that's right, it would be bad if the two children became sick because of my clumsiness...” Getting along with her play, Missa grabbed the two children and went inside, as Alyva followed suit.

Staring at the group's odd behavior, Kiro bitterly laughed inside. Then he stepped forward, and he repeated his greetings. ”It's been a while, Aldin, how do you do?” Staring at him. Kiro greeted him out of awkwardness.

Noticing his voice, Aldin, who was staring at Alyva's disappearing back, came to his senses. ”... Oh, yup, it's been a while, Kiro, I'm fine, how about you? Why did you suddenly leave the place?”

Hearing his question, Kiro furrowed his eyebrows in trouble. He couldn't simply say he couldn't stand the awkwardness in their group and that was why he left the place.

Seeing his troubled look, Aldin thought that he was still hovering a hatred from abandoning him inside the forest. Patiently standing by for his response, Aldin stared at him, as if waiting for Kiro to curse him and let all his anger out.

Taking a deep-breath, Kiro eventually lowered his head as he apologized. ”I'm sorry, Aldin, you should know by now that I don't blame you from what happened last time.” Rising his head, Kiro continued.

”So you should forgive yourself too, the real reason I left the training lounge, what not because I bear hatred to the group, rather because of my incompetence, I almost dragged Alina to her death due to my shallow thinking.” Looking at his confused Aldin, Kiro said.

Aldin, who was bewildered by Kiro's sudden action, hurriedly denied Kiro's assumption.

”No, no-no. It's natural for you to be dissatisfied in our group, when we abandoned the two of you inside that forest without knowing if you guys can escape the place.” Aldin refuted Kiro's words.

”So, it is acceptable, even if you leave us without a word too...” Exhaling slightly, Aldin made up his mind and kowtowed to Kiro.

The past event has been dragging his mentality like a curse. He couldn't even sleep peacefully at night due to his decision that day. The word 'what if' has been echoing inside his head repeatedly that to the point he almost lost his path, but thanks to Alyva's psychological assistance; Aldin managed to break through the loop of torment.

His abrupt action momentarily shocked Kiro. Then a childish voice resounded inside his head as it awakened him from confusion.

”What are you doing, Master? That guy already degraded his dignity to the point he even kneeled for forgiveness.” Fixie voiced out when she noticed Kiro was spacing out.

”Please get up, Aldin—as I said before, I don't blame you for what you did. A man should not kneel to someone just like that. If you still consider me as your friend—please get up and forgive yourself.”

When he heard Kiro's voice, Aldin slowly lifted his head. Then, when he saw the seriousness of Kiro's eyes, only then, Aldin raised his body on the ground.

Seeing him about to get up, Kiro stepped forward and reached out his right hand to offer his assistance.