They quickly boarded the Night's Breach as they engaged in conversation.
"I had to find a certain place and mark it on a map. But I couldn't help myself and ended up hunting a few beasts. It just happened, you know. It's second nature now."
"I get that. When you have been a hunter for a long time, you don't even have to think. Your body just acts on its own. I came close to being cleaved in half by a Shardbeast. Their body is already a lethal weapon, but they can also send projectiles and reflect attacks. It can be quite a nightmare. At least I got an essence core from it."
Kharon smiled as he said, "That's quite lucky. Do you have good or bad luck when it comes to essence cores?"
"I usually have bad luck. It has been three months since I last got one. But some people don't even get one after a year, while others get them non-stop. I am just glad that the Shardbeast was feeling generous."
Chuckling, Kharon patted Luke's back as they laughed. The whole ride back into Lunaris Haven was filled with light-hearted jokes and hunting experiences. Kharon could feel himself slowly opening up as he spoke to Luke.
'He has just a calming demeanor. And his laugh is so melodious. Is this how people feel when they interact? Getting a warm, pleasant feeling as they share their interests with one another? Maybe I should try learning more about the Null Order's members. Beyond just their capabilities and motives. Learning the types of activities they like, their favourite snacks... But can I do that without any consequences?'
"Are you Kharon...? You look so serious. Is it something I said?"
Kharon slightly shook as his lips curled upward. His dull, grey eyes met Zack's brown ones. They looked at each other in silence as Kharon replied, "I am fine. I was just thinking about work and how stressful it can be. We should get each other's contacts. That would make it a lot easier to meet up in the future."
"I am still saving up for an arcane bracelet. But we can always meet in the Underground. I usually stand next to the gate when I am waiting for someone."
A puzzled look appeared on Kharon's face as he asked, "But you just got an essence core. Arcane bracelets aren't too expensive, unless you want to buy a really good model. If you want, I can help you find an arcana specialist who wouldn't charge you much."
Luke gave him a small smile as he said, "That wouldn't be necessary. I just prefer to save as much money as possible. Just in case of an emergency. Don't you do that?"
'An emergency...? Maybe someone close to him is in need of medical attention... I know very little about medicine and how treatment usually works. But if a Runic Healing Pod doesn't work, then the condition must be quite rare. The cost to get treated would be quite high.'
"Of course I save money. It is important to expect the unexpected. But seriously, I wouldn't mind helping you get an arcane bracelet. It wouldn't cost anything for me."
"Well, if you insist. I usually like to work for my own things. But receiving a little help won't hurt. Thank you, Kharon."
As Kharon smiled at him, the Night's Breach slowly decelerated before coming to a halt. The passengers quickly stood up and debarked as Luke and Kharon lagged behind. Kharon pulled out a piece of paper as he quickly scribbled on it, before handing it to Luke.
Luke took the neatly folded paper and held it in his hands for a few seconds. He looked at Kharon, who shrugged and gestured for him to open it. As he did, he looked back at Kharon suspiciously.
"Is it really that cheap? The average price of an arcane bracelet is 2,500 Aethermarks. How can you get me one for ten times less?"
"The arcana specialist is a close friend of mine. I ask him to create things for me very often. He usually doesn't charge me much. Sometimes he doesn't charge me at all. But I always make sure to pay him for his hard work. An arcane bracelet won't be too complicated for him."
Luke nodded as he bid farewell to Kharon. Kharon watched as he walked away without even looking back. A sinking feeling filled him as he thought, 'I don't want him to go... Is it normal to want to spend time with someone you just met? This feeling would be associated with children. Not a fully grown adult... Sometimes I wonder how old I truly am. My body and mind are never truly in sync. As if one of them is lagging behind the other. Maybe regaining all my memories will fix this problem.'
Kharon turned around as he made his way through the Underground and up a familiar flight of stairs. He climbed for several minutes in silence as he pondered over his abnormal emotions.
'Even though I am chronologically a century or older, my body is only in its early twenties. And my mind is... all over the place. Sometimes I feel young, old, middle aged. Several months have gone by and yet, I still don't know who I am. I am scared of forging a new identity for myself... If I regain my memories, who will I be?'
Being completely engrossed in his thoughts, Kharon failed to realise he had reached the top. He walked head first into the slanted door to the stairs. As he did, he suddenly heard footsteps as the door was quickly opened. Standing above him was the bulky man, Archer. He extended his hand towards Kharon who took it and felt himself being pulled up.
"T-thank you. I was just a bit out of it. Sorry if I ended up startling you."
"Don't worry about it... sir. I have been waiting for you to return. I was sure that you wouldn't take too long to come back. Would you like anything to eat? I have a few snacks if you want."
Archer scratched his head as his face turned slightly red. Kharon looked at him as he smiled and slowly replied, "No thank you. I appreciate the offer though. I need to return home. I am grateful that you stayed here and waited for me. But I do have to ask. Why aren't you at the Hollow Syndicate? You are usually the gatekeeper."
Looking away, Archer replied as he said, "I- I wanted to meet you again. So I traded places with the guard of this passageway. This route belongs to the Hollow Syndicate, so I knew you would come here. I know it sounds stupid, but I know what I am doing. And-"
"You don't have to explain yourself. I understand you. You are allowed to do what you want. No one has the right to stop you. If being the keeper to the Underground is what you want, then go for it."
Kharon smiled as Archer looked back at him. His blush had faded, save for the stubborn rosiness in his cheeks. Kharon began walking towards the exit as Archer stood still. But before Kharon could open the door, Archer softly took his hand and said, "I like you Raven! I know that I am just a weak, tier 5 wielder while you are a powerful tier 4 wielder who will soon ascend. But all I want is to be with you. So, will you give me a chance...?"
Frozen in shock, Kharon looked at Archer's sincere eyes. The words slowly echoed through his mind as Archer began to lean in closer.
'He likes me? Well, that would explain his constant blushing and his nervous demeanor. But what does he see in me? I am quite cold towards others and don't have any desirable traits. How can I gently turn him down...?'
Seeing Archer's face inching closer, Kharon raised his hand and stopped Archer. He sighed, stepped back, and rubbed the back of his neck. Archer looked at him as his hands dropped to the side. He knelt down as he begged Kharon.
"I will do whatever you want! You don't truly have to love me. I just really want to be with you. Please, just give me a chance! I will grow stronger to keep up with you! If you are ever in need of something, I will do my best to provide it."
Kharon bent down as he looked at Archer. They were at the same eye level as Kharon smiled sadly.
"There is someone who I already like. I don't know if he has the same feelings as I do. And I don't know how he is doing right now. But I really like him. I don't think I can be with someone else without somehow betraying him. I am sorry. But I am sure there will be someone much better than me. You aren't even thirty yet. You have a long life ahead of you."
Kharon pulled Archer up as he hugged him. Archer wrapped his hands around Kharon and tears slowly fell. After a while, Kharon let go and he left Archer in silence...