13 Head pats? (1/2)

As Ozul approached the living room, he saw an old lady seemingly making something.

On a closer look, she was Grandma Coral, and she was sewing a white shirt for Ozul. She looked much older than before!

Age was starting to take a toll on her body. Before she only looked in her mid-fifties, but now just from a look, you could tell that she was around seventy years old!

Actually, Grandma Coral became 72 this year.

As if not having a kid in the house was holding her health in a standstill, after fully accepting Ozul as her own, her body finally let go. She was starting to look at her age now. Ozul was somewhat worried about her health nowadays.

These days she would sometimes be heard saying how she has no regrets, and she will wholly accept if death came. Whenever she said so, she would get a narrow eye from Ozul and shut up.

Anyways, Ozul approached Grandma Coral and sat near her.

”Oh... you look lovely today.” - Ozul said in the same old monotone.

'I have no other way but to praise her. She always falls for it.'- Ozul thought inside his mind while hoping his 'plan' to work.

”Who are you trying to butter up, young man? So what do you need?” - Grandma Coral replied in a slightly amused tone, but even though she said that you could tell by her expression that she was pleased nonetheless.

”I plan to go into the Forest.” - Ozul taking the cue, explained his intent to venture into the Forest.

”Huh!? Do you know how dangerous the Forest is? Why would you even want to go near it?” - Grandma Coral was genuinely worried about him. She tried to tell him how dangerous the Forest is because she knows that she would not be able to stop him once he made up his mind.

”I have studied it perfectly; I won't go deeper into it. It's important.” - Ozul explained that he knew what he was about to do. He knew that she might be worried.

”Besides, I know I can easily defeat at least a Rank-3 Magical Beast.” - Ozul further tried to ease Grandma Coral's worries.

Hearing his words, Grandma Coral eased up a little. She knew he never lied and had a mature mind. But she was still worried about his wellbeing. She knew that convincing him otherwise was futile.

”Sigh... You don't make it easy for this old heart, you know... Promise me you will come back safe and sound!”- Grandma Coral sighed and said the last part in a stern voice.

”I promise.”- Ozul did not hesitate to make the promise. The part where he would venture into only has Rank-3 Magical Beast as the strongest. He was confident about this trip.

Hearing him say that, Grandma Coral just shook her head and stroked Ozuls head.

These head pats had become the 2nd best thing in the Ozuls list of 'Best Experiences List.' 1st, of course, being alone as emptiness envelopes him in her warm embrace.

He had never imagined that head pats obtained from Grandma Coral would be so... pleasing. He would never admit it, though. But unknown to him, it was evident to Grandma Carol that he likes the head pats as he always closes his eyes at that moment!

Anyways getting out of his trance, Ozul hurriedly went out of the room to hide his satisfaction. Grandma Coral just chuckled at his antics. Only in times like these does he show a childlike behavior, and she enjoys this side of him.

Outside the house, Ozul walked towards the Forest with steady steps.

In between the four years, Ozul had gone to Mr. Smith twice to renew the size of his prosthetics. Ozuls choice of clothes did not change much either.

He had a pointed hat at the top, a white shirt, and black pants. Ozul always had the Samurai Hat on, so it was difficult to notice his face in the shade. If not, the ladies at the streets would have already gone to Grandma Coral for his hand in marriage!!!

Walking down the streets, he could see the same lively atmosphere. Some children playing close to their parents while people strolled around the shops. Some hopeless fellows were just sitting at the sides of the road—same old same old.

Walking towards the Forest, Ozul repeated all the info about the Forest in his mind.

He was just going to the region where the strongest Magical Beasts were only at Rank-3. The vegetation was not as thick to get lost in it either. He also memorized the area which he should avoid. All in all, it should be pretty safe considering his capabilities.

It took him about half an hour to reach the woods. Magical Beasts usually stay away from the settlements. Walking a bit deeper, Ozul could see no signs of humans now.

Ozul kept his vigilance at its peak. The Forest is unpredictable—dangers lurk at every corner.