Chapter 533 (1/2)

“Oh wow, how many years has it been?” Sydney said with a laugh, pouring two cups of tea. Then she raised her eyebrow at Ezekiel. “Still enjoy rum?”

Ezekiel’s smile was sharp as he examined the young woman in front of him who had once been his son’s playmate. She had certainly matured into a confident young woman, but that was not unexpected. Even when she was just a toddler, Ezekiel could tell from the way that Sydney led his son around that she would be a force of nature when she grew up. He just didn’t expect that to be such a literal statement.

There was a frigid, dangerous air around Sydney now. Ezekiel couldn’t figure her out. He also had to focus for a very long time to figure out how old Sydney was if she was the same age as Randidly: 25. Or at least he thought so. Sometimes, it was hard to keep track.

Especially when you weren’t a part of said son’s life, truly.

“Of course I do. It’s probably been at least 10 years, right?” Ezekiel said, feeling strangely old and out of place. She produced a glass bottle from underneath her desk and poured a little in both teacups. Ezekiel nodded graciously and took a deep sip. Then he leaned back in his chair.

“...yea about that long, I believe.” She sipped her tea then too, and to Ezekiel’s surprise, she took a much deeper sip than he had. And as he watched, she finished the cup entirely and poured herself another. Ezekiel kept his face still. Hank was slightly annoyed that they were dwelling here for a while, but wouldn’t say anything because Sydney was apparently the leader of East End. Politically, it was a free in that they could desperately use. The longer they took in their discussion took, the more annoyed Hank would become. Which suited Ezekiel just fine.

She took a small sip from her knew cup and set it down. “...I assume you’ve… seen Randidly?”

Ezekiel nodded cautiously, suddenly on guard. Was there some sort of rift between the two of them? It honestly wasn’t so surprising, considering how Randidly had followed her in a very puppy-dog-esque manner to Rawlands. Ezekiel had thought a few times to say something to his son, but what was there to really say? The kid had a crush.

“...yes. Is there something... going on between you two?”

Sydney barked out a laugh, which was a big relief. Then she shook her head. “No, of course not. I haven’t changed my outlook on that. Although… I was surprised to find that he had moved on. But that’s the System right. It gave us room to grow. I’m just amazed that your family managed to survive. Do you know-”

Ezekiel shook his head, feeling a flash of distaste. “Andrea was in a different area. She likely ended up in a different Zone. It will take a while to see… whether things will work out so perfectly.”

Then he coughed into his hand and asked. “So, does Randidly have a Class? We were only able to talk for a brief time. Does he belong to your Village? Oh, and how is Ace, did he…?”

“...Well yes, Ace is fine.” But Sydney was now giving Ezekiel a very strange look. “Randidly does have a Class… although what it is exactly is the biggest secret in the whole Zone. You didn’t know who he is….? Or what, rather?”

Ezekiel tilted his head to the side. Ruefully, Sydney finished her cup of tea and then poured herself another. This time, Ezekiel didn’t miss as she lightly tapped her finger on the side of her cup and the burst of mist as she rapidly lowered the temperature of the brew. That was how she made the mixture so cold.

“He’s someone important then?” Ezekiel said slowly, confused by her reaction. “I knew he had to be strong because he was just… in the borderlands a day after they opened. But we…”

What could he say? They hadn’t seen each other consistently for years before that and they had no idea what to say or talk about? So they had basically stayed silent?

“It’s understandable. We both know how communicative Randidly is.” Then Sydney paused and sighed. “He’s… well, it’s hard to explain. You are aware of Donnyton, yes? He…”

“Oh, so he’s at Donnyton. That’s… certainly impressive. Or… he’s not…?” The look that Sydney was giving him was even stranger now.

After a brief hesitation, Ezekiel said. “Is he… the leader of Donnyton…?”

“Ha. If only it was that simple.” Sydney looked down at her cup now and fell still. “He’s… much more that than. But without a doubt, he’s the most powerful person in our Zone. And honestly… I don’t believe there is much of a chance that there is someone more powerful than him in all of humanity. He created his own Class, you know. He didn’t receive one from a Village. He’s an… independent.”

Ezekiel blinked. “What does that even mean?”

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