Extra Pages: The Author's Odyssey
Chapter 196: Homecoming [4]

After some time on the swings, we explored the other areas of the park. We played hide and seek, had a little picnic on the blanket we brought, and even tried our hand at flying a colourful kite.

As the day unfolded, Lilya's laughter became the soundtrack to our adventures. The park became a magical realm where the worries of the world faded away.

Eventually, we found a quiet spot under the shade of a big tree. Lily sat beside me, her eyes filled with curiosity.

"Big brother, why did you have to go away from home? Where did you go?" she asked, her innocence tugging at my heart.

I sighed, wondering how to explain the complexities of my situation to a five-year-old. "Lilya, it's a bit complicated. You see your brother has a dream, I want to become a hero that's why I have to go study at Nova Academy and when I become a hero I will start to manage our guild, so when that time comes will you help me, big brother?"

Lilya looked at me with those big, trusting eyes. "I promise, I will help you when I grow up!"

I nodded, smiling. "That's good."

The sun's genital light casts a warm glow over the park. Lilya and I sat there, watching the colours of the sky change.

It's so peaceful here...

It's been three months since I have reincarnated into my novel and all of the three months I did was practice, worry about the plot, try to stop a monster coming into Silva City, fight against an assassin from 'New Sun' and kill Tony Stark who turned himself in fallen human.

I didn't receive a proper rest in all these three months at all.

That's why I like this vacation very much.

But I know that this rest for only a few days, I have to search for a herb that wakes up Isabella's sister and since I'm back here home, I also have to replace Lucas's memories that I'm missing.

There's just so much work to do...

"Wow, is that you Lucas?"

"…hm?"

As I was in my deep thoughts, I suddenly heard someone call my name.

Turning my head in the direction of where the sound came from I soon spotted two individuals heading in my direction.

On the left, a guy with dark hair and green eyes smiled as he looked in my direction. On his ears were a couple of earrings, and coupled with his white designer T-shirt and tight black pants, I could immediately tell that whoever he was, he came from a relatively prominent family.

"haha, it is you! How long has it been!"

Seeing me turn around to confirm that I was indeed the person he was looking for, the youth's smile deepened.

Glancing next to him, the long-haired youth pointed towards me as he nudged his friend with his elbow.

"Get a hold of this Caster, it's Lucas!"

Indifferently nodding, wearing long jeans, and a red sweater, a relatively muscular and tall individual slowly walked in my direction.

"…who?"

Staring at the two individuals making their way towards my direction, tilting my head to the side I frowned.

Who were they?

Were they perhaps the old Lucas's friends?

Judging from how friendly they were, I assumed they were…but why did my heart feel a slight sense of repulsion and disgust?

The two individuals approached with wide smiles, but an uneasy feeling gnawed at the edges of my consciousness. Despite their apparent friendliness, something felt off, like a subtle undercurrent beneath the surface.

"Lucas, don't tell me you've forgotten us!" the guy with earrings exclaimed, a hint of disbelief in his tone.

I tried to recall, but the memories from the original Lucas were still fragmented. There were gaps and missing pieces that left me uncertain about certain relationships and interactions.

"Sorry, I've been through a lot lately, and my memory is a bit hazy," I replied cautiously.

The long-haired youth, Caster, looked at me with a sly grin. "Come on, Lucas, it's me, Alex! We used to be inseparable in high school."

I raised an eyebrow, sceptical. "Alex? I don't recall having a friend named Alex."

The unease within me intensified, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. The friendliness seemed forced, and their insistence on familiarity only deepened my suspicion.

"Look, Lucas, we heard you're back in town, and we thought we'd catch up. It's been ages!" Alex insisted, his smile unwavering.

Caster, on the other hand, remained silent, observing the exchange with a penetrating gaze.

"I appreciate the sentiment, but I've got plans with my sister, and we're enjoying a peaceful day at the park," I said, attempting to politely dismiss them.

However, the atmosphere grew tense, and Alex's friendly demeanour faltered for a moment, revealing a flicker of irritation.

"Come on, Lucas, don't be like that. We just want to catch up and reminisce about old times," he insisted, his tone taking on an edge.

Caster finally spoke, his voice low and measured. "Lucas, you don't remember us, but we remember you. We must talk."

The cryptic statement sent a shiver down my spine, and I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to their visit than a simple reunion.

"I'm sorry, but I have to go. Maybe some other time," I said firmly, taking a step back.

As I moved away, the unease lingered but I tried to ignore it.

"Where do you think you are going?"

"Wha-?"

Before I could take a few steps forward, I was forcefully dragged back, turning my head back I saw caster was holding back my neck.

Coming close to my ear caster said in a small whisper, "Listen here you piece of shit, do you think you can just turn me down now because you were accepted into Nova Academy? I'm asking you one last time nicely come with us or we'll beat you here in pulp."

Ah! I see now, what type of friendship they have.

They are just third-rate bullied, who used to bully Lucas.

I feel sorry for them now. Why? Because I'm not the same Lucas, yeah I have memories and emotions of old Lucas and right now that emotion telling me to beat the shit out of them.