Chapter 77: An Unexpected Reunion

Hours earlier, upon exiting the dungeon.

Aelonen, Kelvin, and the others stood outside the dungeon, all looking toward the portal as they eagerly waited for Chris and Lilith to emerge.

However, just moments later, the portal suddenly disappeared.

Everyone widened their eyes in disbelief.

"NO, NO, NO, NO! BIG BROTHER CHRIS!" Aelonen yelled in shock.

A wave of sorrow washed over the group as they realized what had happened. With the portal gone, there was no longer any way for Chris and Lilith to exit the dungeon.

Kelvin held his head and stared at the ground, struggling to believe what he had just witnessed. Everyone around him was in a similar state, unable to accept what had happened.

They all knew they were alive and had managed to escape the dungeon because of Chris and Lilith. The two had saved them, and now they were gone.

The soldiers and staff members nearby, who had been preparing to congratulate those who had successfully exited the dungeon, stopped when they noticed the strange atmosphere.

General Howard, accompanied by another burly man who appeared to be around his age, approached Kelvin and Damien. However, as they drew closer, they soon noticed the condition everyone was in. Their clothes were tattered, and there were obvious signs of battle all over them.

Several people were seriously injured and were drinking healing potions to recover, while most had their clothes stained with a mixture of green liquid and blood.

"What’s going on? What happened?" General Howard asked Kelvin and Damien.

Kelvin remained silent, his gaze fixed on the ground.

Damien, however, began recounting everything that had happened inside the dungeon. As he explained the events to General Howard, the latter’s expression grew darker with every passing moment.

Learning that some youngster had killed so many of their talented and promising youths filled him with rage. His face turned red with anger, and when the two men heard someone mention a demon, they exchanged shocked glances.

"WHO WAS IT? WHERE IS THE ONE WHO DID IT?" Howard yelled.

"I don’t know. They were captured by Lilith and that guy named Chris and taken away. After that, we were attacked by a horde of insect beasts and had to fight for our lives." Damien shook his head.

"When Lilith and that guy appeared again, they joined the battle. I didn’t see that Nathan guy anymore. They helped us get out of the dungeon, but unfortunately... It seems they were lost inside forever."

’Chris... Could it be him?’ The other man standing beside General Howard wondered inwardly, but soon shook his head. ’It shouldn’t be him.’

"Nathan... Nathan... I know who he is. I know his family." General Howard clenched his fist. "They will all be held responsible."

Damien shook his head. "No, General Howard. I don’t think it was Nathan who did it. His behavior was different. I’ve met him before, and I know what kind of person he is. I suspect someone was controlling or possessing him."

General Howard’s eyes widened at the suggestion.

"Are you certain?"

Damien shook his head. "I don’t know for sure, but I’m pretty confident that wasn’t the Nathan I knew."

General Howard remained silent for a moment before finally nodding.

He turned his gaze toward the place where the portal had once stood.

"It’s a pity. Princess Lilith was one of the most promising and talented youths in our country. I can’t even imagine how His Majesty will react when he hears about this." He sighed. "And that guy, Chris... From what you’ve told me, he sounds like a very talented young hero. It’s a shame they were lost like that."

"No! Big Brother Chris wouldn’t die! I’m certain of it!"

Aelonen’s sudden voice made everyone turn toward him.

"I know my Big Brother better than anyone. There’s no way he would die like that!"

"But, Aelonen, even if he were still alive, the portal is gone." Kelvin shook his head with a regretful expression. "I would like to believe that my sister and Chris are still alive too, but even if they are, they won’t be able to get out."

Aelonen shook his head with a determined expression.

"I don’t think so. If it’s Big Brother Chris, I’m sure he’ll find a way!"

"Do you really believe that?" Kelvin asked, looking at him with a hint of hope.

"I do... I’ll stay here and wait for him."

Saying that, Aelonen sat cross-legged on the ground, keeping his eyes fixed on the place where the portal had been.

"Then I’ll wait with you," Kelvin said without hesitation, sitting down beside him.

"We too!" Kenna, Denna, Melvin, and Max joined them.

Seeing this, the other youngsters slowly approached and sat down as well, one after another, without saying a word.

Their lives had been saved by Chris and Lilith. The least they could do was hold on to hope and wait for them to return.

General Howard was stunned by the sight. Almost everyone who had exited the dungeon was now sitting on the ground, their eyes fixed on the empty space where the portal had once stood.

He was deeply moved by their determination, and a proud smile gradually appeared on his face.

’No matter whether they manage to return or not, a prosperous generation stands before us. Such camaraderie and determination are commendable.’

He nodded to himself before walking over and sitting down with them. The other old man beside him also smiled and followed his example.

Seeing the two old men sit down, the soldiers and staff members soon followed suit.

If anyone happened to stumble upon this scene, whether an ordinary citizen or even the king himself, they would surely be stunned to see so many people sitting silently on the ground, all staring at an empty space.

...

Several hours later.

"Aelonen, my friend, are you really sure they’ll manage to get out?" Kelvin asked from beside him.

There were tears in his eyes, but he stubbornly refused to let them fall.

"I’m sure." Aelonen nodded without taking his eyes off the empty space. "Just wait. You’ll be surprised soon enough."

"Young man, your belief in your friend is truly commendable." General Howard nodded from nearby. "Having such unwavering faith in someone is rare, even within the military. I’ll pray that your friend stays safe."

"Thank you, General." Aelonen nodded gratefully.

In the next moment, a sudden change occurred, leaving everyone stunned as they quickly jumped to their feet.

A portal had appeared in the exact same place!

"I TOLD YOU!" Aelonen shouted excitedly. "I KNEW HE WOULD FIND A WAY!"

Everyone eagerly watched the portal, waiting for someone to emerge.

However, a few minutes passed, and nothing happened.

"Why aren’t they coming out?" Kelvin asked anxiously.

"Just give it some time," Aelonen replied. "We waited for hours, and the portal suddenly appeared again. I’m sure they’ll come out any moment now."

...

The portal suddenly began to glow before two figures stepped through.

"BIG BROTHER CHRIS!"

"SISTER!"

Chris and Lilith had barely emerged when they were greeted by the sight of everyone rushing toward them, their faces filled with excitement and disbelief.

Before exiting, Chris had already stored Azreon and Aura inside his Beast Pouch. He had expected to find nobody waiting on the other side, so seeing the entire group still there caught him completely off guard.

Lilith was just as surprised.

"What are you guys still doing here?" she asked, her eyes wide.

"Aelonen said you guys would definitely make it out, so we all waited patiently for your return." Kelvin stopped in front of them with a big smile. "I must admit, I was doubtful at first. It’s so good to see you two again!"

"BIG BROTHER CHRIS!"

Aelonen rushed forward and hugged Chris tightly.

"What the fuck!? Aren’t you a grown man!? Control yourself!" Chris exclaimed, slapping him on the head.

"UGH!"

Before he could say anything else, however, his attention was drawn toward the others.

All the youngsters who had been inside the dungeon stepped forward and bowed deeply toward him and Lilith.

"THANK YOU FOR SAVING US!"

Their voices rang out together, catching Chris completely off guard.

"Y-You’re welcome?"

He scratched his head, not knowing how to react. The whole situation made him feel incredibly awkward. He wasn’t used to receiving such treatment, especially from so many people at once.

Lilith, who was standing beside him, chuckled.

"What?" He turned toward her.

"It’s rare to see you looking so awkward. It’s hilarious... Pfft..."

"You... Just see if I don’t spank you again, even if it’s the last thing I do," he whispered, lowering his voice so that only she could hear him.

She immediately covered her mouth to stop herself from laughing, her cheeks turning bright red.

"CHRIS!?"

Suddenly, a familiar voice called out his name, making him turn toward the source.

His eyes widened in shock when he saw the man standing nearby.

"Aldric!? What are you doing here!?"

He quickly approached the old man, still unable to believe his eyes. Of all the people in the world, he had never expected to meet him there.

Aldric approached him as well, and the two shared a strong hug.

"So it was you the others were talking about! I was sure it had to be someone else with the same name! Didn’t you go into the Wilds?" Aldric asked, looking pleasantly surprised.

"Hahahaha! It’s a long, long story, old man. Your old brain probably wouldn’t be able to comprehend it, even if I explained everything!" Chris laughed heartily.

"Damn brat! My brain works a lot better than yours! Who knows if there’s anything left inside your head after all the trouble you’ve gotten yourself into!"

"You two know each other?" General Howard asked in surprise.

Both men turned toward him, and Aldric nodded.

"Yes, we’re friends."

"Yes, yes," Chris added. "This old man once needed some love advice."

"Don’t speak about that!" Aldric immediately yelled, looking startled.

"Hehehe. Cough, cough."

Chris cleared his throat before continuing.

"First Degree: Of Sweet Words and Praise..."

"SHUT YOUR MOUTH!"

Aldric immediately jumped toward him and covered his mouth with one hand.

"Don’t listen to this brat! He’s just talking nonsense!"

General Howard was completely stunned. He had been good friends with General Aldric for many years, but he had never seen the old man behave like that before.

"What are you even doing here, old man? Did you come all this way just for sightseeing?" Chris asked, swatting Aldric’s hand away.

"I came to talk to Howard over here about some discoveries we made regarding..." Aldric paused before lowering his voice so that only Chris and Howard could hear him. "The demons."

"Oh, you made some discoveries?" Chris looked surprised. "I learned quite a lot myself. We can share what we know later."

General Howard’s eyes widened. "You also know about this!?"

Aldric shook his head with a smile. "He was the one who discovered them in the first place."

Howard stepped closer and lowered his voice.

"Then, do you know what happened in the royal dungeon? Was it really the demons’ doing?"

"It’s complicated. It has a lot to do with the demons, yes." Chris nodded.

"EVERYONE, I HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT TO MAKE!"

Suddenly, Kelvin appeared while holding a magnetophone, shouting loudly enough to catch everyone’s attention.

Everyone flinched at the sudden noise before turning toward him.

"TODAY, WE WILL DRINK AND FEAST TO CELEBRATE OUR ACHIEVEMENTS, AS WELL AS TO THANK BIG BROTHER CHRIS AND MY ELDER SISTER FOR HELPING US ESCAPE ALIVE! I WILL PERSONALLY COVER ALL THE COSTS!"

"HELL YEAH!"

"THAT’S WHAT I WAS WAITING FOR!"

"THE PRINCE IS GENEROUS!"

Everyone immediately became excited, cheering loudly at the announcement.

"Well, it seems we’ll have to continue our discussion another time," Chris said to Aldric and Howard.

Looking at the lively scene around him, he shook his head with a helpless smile.

’I should get going.’

He turned around and took a step to the side, only to have Lilith grab his hand.

"Oh, no, no, no! You’re not going anywhere!" She pulled him toward the others.

"Woman, just let me leave in peace. I’m not used to these things." He smiled helplessly.

"No way!"

She completely ignored his complaints and continued dragging him along.

Meanwhile, the soldiers and staff members immediately got to work, bringing out food and drinks at full speed.

Before long, everyone had gathered inside a huge tent filled with tables and chairs, and the celebration began.

Chris found himself sitting at a random table with Aldric and Howard across from him.

"Here, drink this. It’s surely better than what they’re serving here. Let’s celebrate our reunion!" Aldric said as he took out a bottle of wine and poured some into their glasses.

"That’s some good stuff!" Howard exclaimed when he noticed the bottle, laughing heartily.

Lilith calmly approached and sat beside Chris before taking a glass for herself.

"Thank you."

"I shouldn’t drink," Chris said, shaking his head as he tried to refuse.

"Shouldn’t drink? How can that be? You’re the star of this celebration!" Howard protested.

"Yes, yes, Big Brother Chris! You must drink!" Aelonen added, slapping the table.

By now, many people had gathered around their table. Kelvin and his entire party were there, along with Damien and the others from Lilith’s group. Several other nobles from the country had also joined them, leaving the table packed with people.

At first, many of them were surprised to see General Howard sitting there, especially with another man of similar stature. Even if they didn’t recognize the other man, it was clear that he held a position equal to Howard’s.

However, they soon decided not to worry about it and simply enjoy the celebration.

"Not drinking? I didn’t take you for a coward. My mistake. I should have considered that," Aldric teased.

"Huuuh? What did you say, old man? Who’s a coward!? I dare you to repeat that!" Chris slammed his hand against the table and stood up.

"Then take the drink!" Aldric challenged.

"Fine, fine! Just one drink!"

Chris grabbed the glass and gulped it down.

...

Two hours later.

"Then, I was escaping from those dark spirits. The damn things were fast, and they kept closing the distance. I searched everywhere for something that could help me get away. My life was hanging by a thread! Then... I spotted something... Can you guess what it was?"

Chris looked around the table as he recounted his story, his face completely red. By now, he was thoroughly drunk.

"Big Brother Chris... *hiccup*... Don’t tell me... *hiccup*... Was it another cliff?" Kelvin asked, his eyes widening.

"ANOTHER FUCKING CLIFF!"

Chris suddenly stood up and slammed his hand against the table.