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Sunday, 21 November 1789 7:32am
Country: Eldoria
Location: ???
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*CREAK
“Is he awake?” Angela murmured.
“To think Loid will succumb to her, haha!” Marcus laughed.
*COUGH
“I believe it’s due to exhaustion that he let his guard down,” Angelina replied, somewhat embarrassed.
*A DAY BEFORE LOID COLLAPSED*
“Loid! LOID! Wake up!” Angela shouted as she shook him vigorously.
“Wait, Angela! Look,” Angelica replied, gesturing towards Loid as he fell asleep and curled up like a homeless cat.
“…”
“…”
There was silence for a minute or two.
“Let me take a photo!!” both Angela and Angelica exclaimed simultaneously, as if witnessing a rare sight.
“Tch, lucky bastard,” Marcus muttered, clicking his tongue.
“Well… I suppose we should get going,” Steve suggested, adjusting his glasses.
“So, who’s going to carry Loid?” Marcus inquired, looking at the group. They all glanced at each other, and after a while…
“No need to exchange glances, we’ll just use a teleportation scroll,” Angelica replied with a twinkle in her eyes.
“No, I’d rather not,” Marcus quickly objected.
“Why? Though…” Angelica asked, feigning innocence.
“Ughhh!… This is why I don’t like you!” Marcus exclaimed, his face turning red.
“Well, he’ll vomit,” Angela retorted, rolling her eyes.
“I’ll go alone, on my own legs. So, no thanks!” Marcus declared.
“Professor,” Angela called out.
“Okay~” Angelica received the signal.
“Hehe,” Angelica giggled, and…
<TELEPORTATION SCROLL>
*SWOOSH
“NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!” Marcus yelled at the top of his lungs.
———————
*NOW*
“Marcus was truly done at that time, hehe,” Angela giggled.
“Angela, you… pff~” Angelica struggled to contain her laughter.
“You bastards, tch. I’m going now,” Marcus said, storming out of the room and slamming the door shut.
*SLAM
“Angela, because of you, he’s angry now,” Angelica remarked to Angela.
“But you were laughing too, don’t you remember? Pff, hehe,” Angela replied, continuing to chuckle.
“Alright then, I suppose you want to tell me something, isn’t that why you’re still here?” Angelica questioned.
*Sigh…
“You’re quite perceptive, aren’t you?” Angela muttered.
“Being perceptive is the first thing you need to become Form VII,” Angelica replied.
“Right! Maybe I should also start improving my perception,” Angela suggested.
“Hmm… Don’t go around telling everyone… Is it about Loid?” Angelica inquired, pointing her eyes towards Loid, who was sleeping.
“Wow… amazing, you even figured that out,” Angela exclaimed.
“Well, his behavior, aura, his previously lifeless eyes now filled with life, and especially his skills… they didn’t match the records, especially that skill… the one he used on that monster?” Angelica analyzed, resting her hand on her chin.
“I was also amazed at first, as Loid never talks and always wears a cold expression,” Angela replied.
“By the way, that flustered Loid was quite cute. It makes me want to tease that cold boy again,” Angela giggled.
“Hmm…? What?” Angelica questioned.
“N-Nothing!” Angelica quickly replied, her face turning red.
“Suspicious,
but I’ll leave it to the kids,” Angelica said.
“W-Who’s a kid? Huh?!” Angela exclaimed.
“Of course, it’s you. Is there any other kid in the room?”
“You!-”
*Sigh
“Let’s save that discussion for later. We have an important matter concerning Loid,” Angela said.
“Well, before we begin, I think we can invite him to join us,” Angelica suggested, narrowing her eyes at Loid.
“What do you mean?” Angela asked.
“No need to pretend, Loid. I know you’re awake. Now, get up like a good boy~”
*SIGH
“Alright… Alright,” Loid reluctantly got up from his bed.
“Well, now…”
*SNAP
“Come here and have a seat,” Angelica snapped her fingers, gesturing for Loid to sit.
“Fine… sigh,” Loid moved toward them and settled into a chair.
“So, what do you want to ask?” Loid inquired.
“Firstly, are you Loid?” Angelica questioned.
“No.”
“So, who are you?”
“…sigh, okay, I’ll tell you.”
Loid proceeded to narrate his story to them.
After a brief silence…
“So, that’s what happened?” Angelica muttered quietly.
“Well, thanks for your honesty, though it’s not your fault that you ended up with him of all people, heh,” Angelica said, standing up and walking towards the door.
Before leaving, she added, “You should be careful! Loid has his own set of problems.”
“…”
“What about you, Angela? Are you not leaving yet?”
“I-I…” Angela hesitated.
‘In the end, she couldn’t say anything, huh? Well, if my friend had died like that and someone else possessed his body, I would be speechless too.’
“I’ll see you soon, Loid. Or should I call you Grey?”
*Cough
‘This girl…’
“Suit yourself.”
“Okay, then. I’ll leave for now.”
—————————————-
As Angelica left the room, Angela and Loid were left alone together. Angela looked at Loid, who still seemed somewhat distant and lost in his thoughts. She couldn’t help but feel a mix of curiosity and concern for him.
“Hey, Loid,” Angela began, her voice softening. “I know this is a lot to take in, but I want you to know that we’re here for you. You don’t have to face everything alone.”
Loid sighed and glanced up at Angela, his eyes filled with a hint of gratitude. “I appreciate your concern, Angela. But I’ve always been used to handling things on my own. It’s… complicated.”
Angela nodded, understanding his hesitation. “I get it. But sometimes, it’s alright to rely on others, especially when you’re going through something difficult. We’re your friends, Loid, and we care about you. You don’t have to bear everything alone.”
Loid remained silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on the floor. Finally, he looked up at Angela, his eyes reflecting a mix of vulnerability and determination. “You’re right, Angela. I’ve been so accustomed to shutting people out that I forgot the value of true companionship. I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to have some support.”
A small smile tugged at the corners of Angela’s lips. “That’s the spirit, Loid! We’re in this together. And trust me, we’ll find a way to help you through whatever you’re going through.”
Loid nodded, a glimmer of hope now shining in his eyes. “Thank you, Angela. I never thought I’d find people like you who genuinely care. It means a lot to me.”
Angela reached out and gently placed a hand on Loid’s shoulder. “You don’t have to thank me. Friends stick together through thick and thin. And I have a feeling that this is just the beginning of an incredible journey for all of us.”
Loid smiled, a genuine warmth spreading across his face. “I’m grateful to have you as a friend, Angela. Let’s face whatever challenges come our way, side by side.”
With that, Angela and Loid sat together, sharing stories, laughter, and a newfound bond of friendship. They began to discuss their next steps, their shared goals, and the mysteries that lay ahead. Little did they know, their journey would be filled with adventure, danger, and unexpected twists, but they were ready to face it all together.
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A/N: Interlude chapter complete
