The Survival of the Third-rate Villain-Chapter 222 - - Back to Zion [1]

(Raye’s POV)

"..."

I stood silent in front of the Zion Academy’s gate. It’s wide open and nothing is stopping me from stepping inside.

In fact, the merchant I escorted all the way here is already in with their whole group.

-...

-...

Zephyrus and Pyro were just looking at the gate in total silence too. They’re perched on each of my shoulders.

We’re excited to meet the others, but at the same time—we’re nervous.

We want to show them how strong we’ve gotten and tell them stories about our time in the dungeon... But it’s been so long that we don’t know what we’ll say to them first.

In fact... We don’t even know where to go first.

"Should we head back to the cabin or to Kyle’s store?"

I asked.

-I don’t know...

-meep.. me too...

Zephyrus and Pyro replied. I nodded my head, understanding their indecisiveness.

And so, I thought to myself for a moment, maybe for about a minute.

Then... I decided. It’s actually the first thing that came into my mind earlier, but I asked Zephyrus and Pyro earlier for their opinions too.

So opening my mouth.

"Let’s head to Old Man Rey."

I muttered that.

*****

The two agreed with my suggestion, in fact—they too thought that we should head there first.

Well, the three of us think of Old Man Rey as our guardian or something, so it’s not that surprising that we want to see him first after coming back.

Anyway, so with that—

We entered the Zion Academy and headed to the hospital.

It’s early in the morning, around 6 AM.

We didn’t see that many people on our way.

The streets are silent and peaceful. I saw some students, but I don’t know any of them.

And just like that, after about half an hour of walking—

Zephyrus, Pyro, and I arrived in front of the hospital.

...

...

...

Tap—

We entered the hospital without beating around the bush. I saw some staff and nurses as soon as we got in.

And coincidentally—

"Huh?"

Someone we’re familiar with was also there. We looked at them and they looked back at us, surprised.

And opening my mouth—

"Hello mister, long time no see."

I greeted them with an awkward smile on my face.

"Yeah, it’s been a while, kid."

Then Raphael greeted back. He was the healer old man that took care of me before and is now taking care of Old Man Rey.

"We’re here to visit the old man."

I declared. Pyro and Zephyrus nodded their heads at my words.

"I figured. Follow me, I’ll accompany you guys there."

I nodded my head in silence as a response, and without further ado—Raphael started walking. I followed right behind him with Zephyrus and Pyro still on my shoulders.

*****

We reached the room where Old Man Rey is not long after. Raphael stopped in front of the door and looked at me, signaling me to go in first.

"..."

I walked forward in silence. I grabbed the doorknob, and with slight nervousness—I opened the door.

Creak—

And inside, I saw Old Man Rey... Still peacefully sleeping.

’I guess not...’

I thought with a fake and forced smile on my face. For a second, I thought I would enter and see him up and awake. I imagined him there, greeting me—and me, hugging him.

But I guess that’s not going to happen. My heart ached a bit because of that.

And opening my mouth—

"I’m back, old man."

I mumbled that.

-...

-...

Zephyrus and Pyro remained silent. But I can feel that they’re dejected too.

"His condition is good now, but he’s still not showing any sign of waking up. Maybe that’s because of his age... I’ll try my best to get him to open his eyes again, but I can’t promise that he will."

Then, Raphael said that. He’s trying to be gentle about it, but the news he just delivered to me wasn’t.

Basically... He said that there’s a chance that Old Man Rey wouldn’t wake up anymore.

Though despite hearing that—

"..."

My expression didn’t change. Nor did Zephyrus’ or Pyro’s.

After all, the three of us know...

"He’ll wake up, don’t worry."

I said to Raphael, looking back at him.

He smiled at me, and after nodding his head—

"Then, that’s all... I’ll be leaving you guys here now."

He excused himself. I just waved at him goodbye.

*****

After Raphael left, I sat beside Old Man Rey’s bed and watched him.

Zephyrus and Pyro flew off my shoulders and landed beside his head to take a look at him.

We don’t know what to say. And even if we do... He probably wouldn’t be able to hear it.

So for now—

’I’ll just keep everything in... I’m going to tell you a lot of stories once you wake up, old man.’

I decided on that.

Anyway, as the three of us were just silently resting beside Old Man Rey...

Tap- tap- tap—

We heard footsteps approaching.

Our heads turned toward the door, there was only one incoming.

"Must be one of the guys."

I mumbled with a slight smile on my face, I’m excited to see anyone of them right now.

And just then... The door of the room opened.

Creak—

"..."

The one who entered saw me. I saw them too.

"..."

We stared at each other for a while, not saying anything. They looked shocked, and so was I.

But after a few seconds, I regained my composure.

And with a smile on my face—

"It’s been a while, Jerusha."

I greeted her.

And Jerusha—

"Haha, it’s been a while... Raye."

She greeted back, a sweet smile rested on her face.

She’s still as pretty as I remembered—her hair, her eyes, her smile... They’re beautiful.

’I mean, duh... Not even a month had passed for her.’ fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm

I thought as a small laugh escaped my face.

"..."

An awkward atmosphere enveloped the room. I don’t know what to say. And the same could be said for Jerusha.

She’s just standing there, looking at me with a smile on her face.

I was about to open my mouth to break the silence, but then—

-mama...! meep!

Pyro beat me to it.

"...?!"

My eyes widened when I heard him, and my head immediately snapped in his direction.

Pyro was there, standing with his small feet while his hands were up asking a hug from Jerusha. A wide smile was on his face.