Return of the Fallen Volume 10 Chapter 122
Arc had no eyes but if it did they would be rolling in annoyance at this moment.
“What a stupid and inappropriate question. Why would you ever introduce me with what reproductive organ I have or don’t have? Besides the odd sex question, did it ever occur to you that I may not be either? Have you already forgotten that I am an artifact? Tell me do you see a dick swinging or a hole or…
Kazuki looked at Arc curiously.
“Seriously, are you seriously looking for something that isn’t there? You moron.”
Kazuki smiled teasingly. It was obvious he had mentioned this in a joking manner and only now did Arc realize it and go quiet.
“What’s wrong Arc you were really giving me an ear full just now. Why so quiet?”
“Your jokes, I would appreciate it from now on if they did not include me. Never mention this again. I am called Arc and that is it. Maybe one day when I have found my memories, the missing piece, maybe then my name will change. Before that time, Arc, got it?”
Kazuki was still smirking as he nodded along.
“Of course of course. I’ll call you arc and that’s it, heh.”
*Tzzzt*
A spark of electricity snaked out of Arc and shocked Kazuki.
Kazuki was going to laugh this off but arc had used a good amount of Origin energy and so it actually did sting a little.
Kazuki’s arm straightened on reflex and he was a little stunned.
“You really just wasted some of your Origin energy just to get back at me?”
“Sure did, it seems we both can be petty when we need to be.”
Kazuki found this to be extremely childish. The amount of energy Arc had just used was equivalent to a few stars. That may seem small on the grand scale of things seeing as there were 100’s of billions of stars in this Lower Realm. The truth was that these stars, once they were gone, the Origin energy went with them, and although new stars could be birthed in the Lower Realm, that did not mean new Origin energy could appear or be produced. So this little waste of energy was more of a big deal than Arc put it.
Kazuki just shook his head before he stepped forward and appeared in front of Asuna and everyone else.
The moment he appeared Nunully was already leaping into his embrace lovingly. Asuna was already rolling her eyes.
“Enough you’re smothering him. Don’t be so selfish and let me have a turn.”
Kazuki couldn’t help but smile. He recalled a time when Nunully would have no courage to be so affectionate with others watching and when Asuna would be pissed and not show her true feelings.
(Well, she still seems a little mad but that’s just Asuna.)
Kazuki curled a finger and his power wrapped around Asuna and pulled her into his arms and the three shared a hug. Kazuki then planted a soft but playful kiss upon their lips.
Everyone was already gathered and was waiting to eat. Before that though, Kazuki introduced Arc to everyone.
Lin saw Arc and was amazed.
“To think there was an Artifact in a Lower Realm, how unusual and rare. It’s nice to meet you Arc. Please treat Kazuki well.”
Arc liked Lin’s welcoming attitude.
“I’ll treat Kazuki as well as he treats me and never worse.”
Kazuki chuckled hearing this.
(You really know how to put it on. Especially after you just shocked me.)
(Hmph, I meant exactly what I said. You treat me well and I’ll treat you in kind. You mess with me, I’ll be more than happy to give you a nice return in full.)
Kazuki was starting to regret messing with Arc earlier.
Some had seen Arc from before in Kazuki’s memories but most had not but they had heard from him directly about the events from when he was almost killed inside of the Miasma. They were surprised to find that Arc actually had its own thoughts and emotions.
“Kazuki just how much shit are you going to pull out of your ass huh? It’s always something with you. I mean can we get a breather here? Hehe.”
Shin was already cracking jokes as usual and everyone was already very accepting of Arc. They knew very little but most were on board for the simple fact that Arc had saved Kazuki’s life. Even if it was to gain something, that was only natural in this world. Rather they would be suspicious if Arc said it had done it for no reason.
“Kazuki what exactly is Arc?”
Shaila the ever curious of the bunch asked.
Kazuki felt a tinge of static run across the surface of his hand as Arc thought Shaila was teasing it as Kazuki had done moments ago. Kazuki as well was about to laugh before he felt the hair on his arm start to stand and he quickly explained.
“Arc is Arc. As I mentioned to you about what an artifact is and what Origin energy is. Artifacts when combined with Origin energy have their own real thoughts, emotions, and wills. Because of that, each Artifact in my eyes is considered an individual. In regards to Arc, all I can say is Arc is Arc. Just as I am Kazuki and you are Shaila and so on.”
Shaila was still confused as were others but not to the point it left them running in circles. The answer to the question was just something one couldn’t answer exactly. How do you explain what you are to someone else? They can’t know you exactly because they are not you and therefore there will always be gaps unfilled in said answer.
Arc though was satisfied with Kazuki’s answer and thought the subject had been dropped when Mei came over and asked.
“But is Arc a boy or a girl? From the voice alone I can’t tell. Arc, what are you?”
Moe static snaked around Kazuki’s arm and tiny sparks of purple electricity jumped between the hairs on his arm.
(Arc relax. Are you really going to get mad at a child again? Stop taking everything so seriously.)
The small sparks calmed and faded away.
(I, am not angry.)
“Little girl, I am neither a male nor a female, now please, leave it at that.”
Mei’s expression suddenly became serious.
“Don’t call me little. Mei is a big big bird. You are the little one.”
Laughs spread out among everyone and many felt pity for Arc.
“Don’t mind her, she hates being referred to as small is all.”
Arc sort of huffed inwardly but Kazuki still heard it.
(Fine, now that we’ve done the introductions I’m sure you wish to inform them about Earth right?)
Kazuki went quiet and Arc came to a conclusion rather quickly.
(You do plan on telling them about what I’m capable of correct? You must have figured it out already right? If I can track your granny master’s soul then of course I can track the whereabouts of planet Earth and the exact Realm it resides in. With this those that wish to return to their homeworld…
Arc stopped there as it became obvious that Kazuki was well aware of all of this.
(Don’t tell me, you have no intention of telling them that they can return? Sure My power is nowhere near what it once was and it would take a while to recover enough energy to even get them there but at some point, I will have the energy and it will become a possibility. You are going to tell them right? Or is there a reason why you wouldn’t? it’s not about all of them leaving is it but rather one of them. Asuna right?)
Kazuki sighed inwardly.
(The moment I realized what you were capable of, it hit me like a wall. For my friends to return back to Earth, that would suck yes but I could still go on and be happy for them but if Asuna chose to leave, that would be as if someone stole a piece of my heart. I know it’s selfish to think like that and she has every right to know but…No, She must know. If it were me and someone held back such information, I would not be able to forgive them.)
Even though Arc could only open a fist-sized rift across multiple Lower Realms that was only because of the amount of energy it had. Kazuki and Arc had gathered energy for a very short time during the day. If they had weeks or months, the power gathered would dwarf what was obtained previously. In the end, finding a way back to Earth, it was only a matter of time.
Kazuki knew this, he understood it and he could not be so selfish as to deny the people he cared about the truth.
“Everyone, with Arc’s help, there is a high possibility, no it’s basically a guarantee that you can return to Earth if you wish. If you want to go back home…I won’t stop you.”
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