The Core Part 3
1189 Words
Chapter 32
Xei summarized what happened during their mission.
However, he did not divulge what happened between the two of them, hiding the pain in his heart.
When Xei woke up and recalled all that had happened, he didn’t think his feelings were just affected by the vessel he used. Kazuyuki and Keisuke were not acquainted. Even if their parents knew each other in the past, what happened in this lifetime was completely different. The amnesiac Xei even has less reason to affect Kazuyuki’s emotions. It only means one thing: Xei fell in love with Nephrite while the latter was inside Keisuke.
However, it actually worried him. It was like what happened to some actors in a drama. They fell for their screen partner but did not know if the one he fell for was the character or the actor himself.
One could say that Xei did run away from meeting Nephrite. He was afraid of Nephrite saying his feelings were just part of the job(If one could call it leading on).
The great Master Xei, well respected as having one of the most powerful positions in The Core, was afraid of being rejected. Such a peculiar sight!
But he didn’t expect that something terrifying could actually happen.
Xei acquired Kazuyuki’s former memories despite not being his original vessel. He learned a lot from it. Kazuyuki had been madly in love with Aijin but they never had a good ending. In their original lifetime, Kazuyuki died on the lake. He also received Keisuke's backstory from their system as Nephrite's mission. He knew Keisuke never fell in love with anyone and died helplessly. Both ended in tragedy.
So whatever developed between them, it was solely their emotions. It was impossible that Nephrite didn't know the risk of it. Since the other person finished the task, it only means he knew what was going on. Yet, he accepted him and they became lovers in that world. Now, Nephrite forgot everything they persevered on.
Bitter, Xei could only hold back not to scare the young man beside him. Guarding his own, newly discovered feelings, he turned to his side to gaze at the person beside him.
Nephrite looked melancholic after Xei stopped speaking. He sighed, “So we got very reliable friends back there. It’s too bad I don’t remember everyone nor everything we did. So, how did we manage to finish the task when you have no memory from the Core at that time?”
Xei shook his head, “This still needed further investigation.”
Xei also told him that he has no way to know Nephrite’s personal memories in the first world.
Nephrite did not ask further. They were already expecting these types of situations before they even started. It was probably one of the unknown problems they will encounter.
“By the way,” Xei shifted his gaze to the ceiling, “Get well soon then I’m taking you out.”
“Eh?”
Xei looked at him again, “Tour.”
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The light thumping of Zireon’s shoes echoed in the half-lit hallway. Unlike most of the time, his movements had a hint of gaiety rather than laziness. At the same time, his eyes exuded decisiveness, as if his usual uncertain demeanor was nothing but a mirage. As if no matter how long-drawn-out his motions were, he could obtain anything that awaits him at the end of this unsure path.
He was about to enter his office when he heard a voice.
“You already showed your true color earlier. Tired of pretending?”
Zireon stopped in his tracks. He smirked without turning towards the direction of it. “No way! Don’t you know how much I love seeing naive people get fooled by my top-notched acting?”
The person in the shadow did not answer Zireon. “I’m surprised you protected the professor, risking your disguise. ”
Zireon glanced at the nearby surveillance cameras. “It doesn’t matter. Once I’m done, I can get the position back permanently,” His grip on the tablet tightened. Zireon turned it on and acted as if he was sorting his files.
“Wasn’t this permanent already?”
“The archive still recognized me only as an assistant.”
“Work hard while you’re at it. After all, you already caused a rift in their eyes after that kick.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t waste this opportunity.” Zireon beamed. “But you know,” he paused, “I think it wasn’t just me who will gain something in this.”
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Like Xei promised, he accompanied Nephrite around the Main City a few days later.
“Why does it seem like the Record Bank can be considered ‘dilapidated’ compared to other establishments and buildings here?” Nephrite asked as he observed the Main City, his voice filled with awe.
Xei took Nephrite for a stroll outside the Record Bank.
Nephrite can’t help but look around, wide-eyed. Other than the Record Bank, everything in the Main City defines one word: futuristic.
From the anti-gravity rail tracks, teleportation portals to who-knows-where, holographic signboards, and unusual buildings, the Main City had it all.
“Our Record Bank was the only place here that needed to handle Linear time. Hence, our building itself is affected. We have to renovate once the outer post starts to rust, though.”
“But it’s not like the Record Bank lacks funds though?” Nephrite asked.
To his surprise, Xei chuckled. Nephrite glanced at him. “Yeah, it does not. But we can’t be wasteful with our resources, right—?!”
Xei frozen. He was similarly surprised as the other was. It’s been a while. When he noticed that Nephrite was looking at him, he hid his confusion and smiled. “Let’s get some equipment for you, first.”
But then, as they passed an alleyway, something caught Nephrite’s attention.
Xei followed Nephrite’s gaze.
It was a shop in bright red signboard with a white toque at the end of it. Written on it using a silver-plated Luciano font: Ciao!
“I-is this what I think it is?” Nephrite asked Xei without looking at the other person.
Xei chuckled once again. Nephrite looked at him this time, eyes sparkling. Xei smiled.
“Yes, it is a Pizzeria.”
Who would have thought? Pizzas are universal! Nephrite chuckled.
Without further ado, they decided to have a meal first.
Nephrite was not familiar with design but the interior of the pizzeria amazed him.
A white-tiled pizza oven was visible through a window, as a separate enclosed, temperature-controlled room for making the dough. Pendant lights hanged above each table. Except for the glass window of the kitchen, the rest of the walls were plain white but the floor was finished in grey terrazzo.
On the other side of the store was a marble bar counter. Behind it was a tall blond man. Upon seeing them, the man instantly smiled, his green eyes lit up, giving off a vibrant atmosphere to his surroundings.
Nephrite sensed a sudden flicker inside his head, a subtle feeling of deja vu.
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