Return of the Lost One

Companion

“So, what are you going to do now?” The kid continued stuffing his mouth with rice soup as he asked Dugo Zugath without looking at him.

“Me?” Dugo Zugath asked, his mind was still wandering.

“Who else should it be?” The kid put down the spoon on the bowl as he stared at Dugo with a smile.

“I will naturally go back to the Purple Mist Forest and find the Portia.” Dugo Zugath answered, his eyes were telling his determination.

“If it's okay to ask, why are you looking for the Portia so desperately?” The kid asked casually as he took another spoon of rice soup.

“That...” Dugo Zugath was hesitant as he shifted his gaze at the woman and to the kid. He didn't know whether he should answer it because he knew well that his intention sounds so crazy. Who's sane in the world would think that Portia could cure a Forsaken One?

“It's ok if you didn't want to tell us,” The kid said as he chuckled softly. After a moment of pause, he stared at Dugo intently as he continued, “But can I go with you the next time you go there?”

“You want to come with me?” Dugo Zugath was taken aback hearing the other party. He looked into his eyes to see if he had ulterior motives but seeing that he had no malicious intent, he suddenly fell confused. Just what was this kid up to? Dugo couldn't help but ask, “Why? I mean, I'm only a Forsaken One so, the possibility of danger is extremely high. If we meet with some kind of danger, with my ability, there is no way I can protect you.”

“Don't say that brother.” The kid replied as he shook his head and continued, “Did you forget what I just said earlier? You have this strange black energy so you are not a Forsaken One. Besides, if you go there alone, the danger would surely increase greatly. If I go with you, I will probably be of help.” The kid took a moment of pause before he continued confidently, “And also, you don't have to worry about me. I can take care of myself as long as we won't encounter that demon again.”

“Oh?” Dugo Zugath didn't reply immediately as he thought about it. It appeared that this kid had some ability.

In any case, the other party's suggestion was reasonable. Having one more people to go with him was really a good thing. After all, he couldn't do everything alone.

But, could he trust him? After all, even if he wished for someone to accompany him in his journey, he didn't want someone who would backstab him in the future.

“Are you doubting that I may betray you?” As if reading his thoughts, the kid suddenly asked with a slight smile.

Dugo Zugath on the other hand stared at him intently as he was surprised by the other party's question. And his interest in him only increased significantly. He could only tell that this guy was no ordinary individual.

Thus, Dugo Zugath let out a slight smile as he responded frankly, “You're quite good. But yes, I'm really doubting you that you may betray me in the future.”

“Oh? I like that. Honest and direct.” The kid replied with a smile as he continued, “But don't worry brother. As I told you before, I owe my life to you. So, there is no way in the world that I may betray you. If I really wanted to do something malicious to you, I would have left you alone in the Purple Mist Forest and be eaten by the beasts.”

“...” Dugo Zugath turned serious hearing such an answer. The other party was right. If he really meant harm towards him, he wouldn't have bothered saving him and bringing him here.

But speaking of which, what happened after he'd passed out? Dugo Zugath suddenly recalled something. Just how long did he fall asleep?

With that in mind, Dugo Zugath changed the subject as he asked seriously, “By the way, how long was I've been lying on the bed?”

“That...” The kid smiled bitterly seeing the other party suddenly changing the subject. Even so, he still replied a moment later, “More than a week, I think.”

“What?” Dugo Zugath who was just about to take another spoon of rice soup was taken by shock upon hearing such an answer. More than one week? He never thought that it was already that long since he had fallen asleep.

“That's why I also think that the black energy you used before gives a huge strain to your body. So I suggest, don't use it carelessly if possible. After all, you're quite heavy.” The kid said causally adding some jokes. But that was also the truth. Bringing the unconscious Dugo into the house of her big sister gave him enough trouble. Just climbing the cliff surrounding the Purple Mist Forest with Dugo on his back was more than challenging for him.

“Even if I want to use it, I really don't know how.” Dugo Zugath retorted as he took another spoon of rice soup. But he'd just noticed that it was the last spoon. He subconsciously turned his gaze at the woman before him with eyes looking for more.

The woman who wasn't interfering with the kid's talk smiled sweetly when he saw Dugo staring at her like that. Knowing the other party's thoughts, she stood up from her seat and took the bowl in front of Dugo.

“Wait here a moment, let me get some more.” The woman responded as she walked towards the kitchen nearby.

“T-thank you.” Dugo Zugath, who was slightly embarrassed, replied. Since he felt that his body need more energy and wanting for more food, he didn't refuse the goodwill. He'd just set in his heart that he would surely return this goodwill someday.

“So, what now?” Suddenly, the kid sitting from the side spoke. Dugo found him staring at him with a smile. It appeared that this kid was still asking about the matters earlier.

“Do as you please. Just make sure you won't drag me down.” Dugo Zugath replied nonchalantly. But since he agreed, he naturally had thought about it. He felt that having a companion in his journey was not that too bad.

“Really?” The kid let out a bright smile. But although he was excited, it was not to the point that he would jump from his seat as he only let out a smile. After all, he was good at handling his emotions.

Dugo Zugath only smiled slightly as a response. After a moment he closed his eyes thinking about something while he waited for the next bowl of rice soup.

But never did Dugo Zugath think that it was the wisest decision that he made in his life.