12 The Unknown Hero (3)

The entire city of Lizan was running high on emotion. People suddenly popping back into existence was sending shockwaves throughout the nation. People were happy to be reunited with their loved ones, but not everything was fine. There were a ton of unforeseen circumstances that popped back up along with these sudden appearances.

When people went missing they never returned. It was the truth and had been for a little over a year. Because of this, most of the missing people have been declared dead either by their families or by the government. A lot of people tried to move on with their lives. The widowed found new families, big business houses transferred ownership to the next kin, etc. There even had to be a presidential change because the former president had reappeared as well.

Now that these people were back, it was hard for them to believe these changes as time had stopped for them. Most of these people were not even recognised as Astranians anymore as they had been dead for quite some time. And their sudden appearance in a way had caused more issues than solving them.

It could be said that Aeron was lucky that it had only been a week since he disappeared. Also, since Uncle Mack knew the right people, Aeron got his citizenship back within a few hours of being found. The others, however, weren't that lucky or privileged and hence would have to struggle a bit longer.

Just as the chaos had started settling down, the director of the special force, Major Tom Killen called for a press conference to make some important announcements.

"As the director of the special force, I'd like to request everyone who had returned from the grasp of the mist to report to their nearest police station, as soon as they can." Major Killen informed the audience at home, "I urge everyone to step up as this is being done to ensure that something like this never happens again. Also, it'll help our esteemed scientists to know more about the mysterious mist and hopefully find a way to get rid of the mist once and for all. Henceforth, helping us to minimize the disappearances in the future."

Major Killen further stated, "We also have reasons to believe the sudden reappearance of the lost people was not a natural phenomenon, but a saviour's doing. An angel in the guise of a man must have helped the people return back. We want to reward the person who like a godsend, helped hundreds of family reunite with their loved ones. Thus, together with the government, we have decided to give a million gold bills to the person who can prove that he or she was the unknown hero of Lizan."

The auditorium burst into chaos after the announcement was made. Reporters were jumping over each other to question Killen if the special force knew anything about the man so that the general public could aid them in searching for their saviour and hero. But Killen informed them they were just as clueless as any of them.

"What a nuisance..." Zaen scoffed from the kitchen as he was making some onion rings for Aeron.

Aeron was on the sofa watching the live broadcast. It had been a day since Zaen defeated the ghoul and saved hundreds of people from the mist. Sadly, only the people who disappeared in Lizan made it back to their homes while the mist reigned with terror over the rest of the country.

"A million gold bills... bro, you can make a fortune!" Aeron rushed into the kitchen with a beaming smile, "Just show them your smartphone and they'll believe you! Just like I did! You'll be super-rich, not saying you're not rich now but just think about it!"

Zaen shook his head as he was reminded how innocent and simple-minded his brother was. As smart as Aeron was, he still didn't know much about the cruel world. But Zaen did. As for why Zaen had told Aeron about the smartphone and the ghoul was because he never lied to his brother as he had always treated Aeron like an adult capable of hiding his secrets.

When Aeron saw Zaen's tattered clothes, he realised something was wrong. Moreover, he was sure his brother didn't own or wear clothes like that, especially in public. After all, as a streamer, he had an image to protect. Thus, seeing Zaen in such clothes made Aeron question about it.

At first, Zaen tried to deny it and play it off but in the end, he gave up. Zaen told everything he knew to Aeron in the simplest way he could. At first, Aeron was taken aback, thinking his brother was probably lying to him and making up a weird story about monsters and stuff. It was only when Zaen showed the smartphone and the items in his inventory to Aeron that he realised Zaen was telling the truth.

When things calmed down a bit, Zaen decided to let uncle Mack know that Aeron had returned home safe and sound. But as usual, he was busy in a meeting. But uncle Mack called him back an hour later.

He was elated to know that Aeron was safe. And then he asked Aeron if he knew anything about who saved him or anything regarding that. Zaen was about to reveal his secret to uncle Mack, but he felt weird. Something told him not to give any details about the smartphone or the fight with the ghouls, to uncle Mack. Thus, Zaen told uncle Mack what Aeron had told him.

"Aeron said for him not even a second had passed and had I not told him, he wouldn't even realise what had happened to him." Zaen told Mack who seemed to be lost in something, "I think it's for the best that he doesn't know or remember anything. I don't want him to have any trauma because of what he might've been through, don't you think so uncle?"

"Huh? You're right, totally right." Uncle Mack was clearly distracted by something.

Zaen found it a bit weird because he had never seen Mack lose focus during a conversation before. After all, he was a lawyer by profession, and good listening skills were a necessary quality in the profession.

"Oh, and uncle, since Aeron is here, please don't go forward with disposal of the trust. He's going to need the money now. Instead, I'll send some of my money to aid the people if they still need help."

"Alright. I'll get it done." Mack responded, "Also take care of the little one for me. I'll be visiting the two of you soon and don't forget to get Aeron tested for any kind of contamination or disease he might or might not have acquired while he was missing."

"I've already booked an appointment for tomorrow don't worry."

Their conversation ended after that and Zaen made Aeron swear not ever tell anyone about the smartphone. Not even uncle Mack. Aeron quickly agreed with Zaen.

Back in the present day...

"But bro... it's a million gold bills!" Aeron complaint once again but Zaen's answer remained the same.

Zaen took his apron off, on which the face of a red panda was printed in front, before forcing Aeron to sit on a chair.

"I don't trust them. If they get to know I'm the one responsible for it, I'm sure they'll do more than just award me. Furthermore, they can take away the artifact. And what'll happen in case something like this happened again? The force or the government won't help us, just like they didn't help us earlier. The way I see it, the artifact is safe with me. And Aeron, don't talk about it with anyone. Not even uncle Mack." Zaen reminded Aeron once again before ruffling his hair.

"I know and I won't."