Blood is thicker than water (1)

Absolute stillness surrounded them with Levinte mentally crying while waiting for his response. He desperately hoped that Acre would shatter the awkwardness between them. One could hear the breath of the wind because of the sheer silence.

During the hush, they heard someone talking without any care about their surroundings. "Did you hear? The empress decreed an official gathering of the nobles."

Another responded in a loud voice, "Really? Such a shame! I wanted to greet the Duke of Xiphos." Then the gossiping group walked past their shelter, their audible conversation decreasing. Levinte glanced at them from the corner of his eye.

Acre paid no heed and his stunned expression seemed to linger on as he finds it difficult to utter. After gathering his thought, he said, "What did you see?"

Explaining every detail he could remember, Levinte left no crumbs to waste to substantiate his claims. The more Acre listened, the more he was surprised. He began to speculate that this kid was no ordinary one.

"Fascinating.." Acre breathed out, eyes wide open. "I haven't heard of something like this in the past centuries."

"Is it weird? Am I weird?" Levinte fretted, scared of his opinion toward him. Acre quickly denied it and the food came just in time, shortly interrupting their conversation.

"Don't worry, I believe in every word you said. Supernatural occurrences are more common than you think." Acre assured as he digged into his dessert.

Levinte: "So my dream was true? "

Acre: "Yes, very accurate in fact. Those weren't just illusions."

Goosebumps flooded his skin and a gasp escaped his lips. "How did this happen?"

Acre wiped his mouth before speaking and shrugged, "I don't know."

Levinte grimaced at his response. This mister is too laid back! "So what do I do now?" The boy asked. The experience was amazing and scary but it could be a once chance coincidence, so he did not dare to boast about his 'new and uncovered' ability. Plus, someone could have bestowed the dream on him for some unknown reason, meaning the power was from an external source.

"For now, don't worry about it too much. As long as it doesn't cause you any harm. If this repeats, then tell me."

Levinte nodded, "Mn." There was no one else he could count on, especially in matters like this where things are beyond his comprehension. The man sitting in front of him was already the mystery itself.

Feeling assured, Levinte could munch his food in peace. Acre watched him observantly, unknown intention glimmering in his eyes. When the boy lifted his head, Acre quickly tore his gaze and acted as if nothing happened.

Then Acre asked, "Have you experienced anything like this before?"

"Hmm," Levinte mused. "Sometimes, I would feel a sense of déjà vu when I've seen something similar in my dreams. I think it's called a precognitive dream, but that's the opposite of what happened."

Acre hummed, his eyes narrowed while deep in thought. 'A dream god's power works differently..." Acre pondered.

As usual, Acre paid for everything. After lunch, they decided to walk around and enjoy the scenery and cool wind.

"Tell me more about yourself," Acre said, hands behind his back in a relaxed manner. Levinte had a habit of looking upward at the sky when he appeared lost in his world. "Ask me specific questions and I'll answer them."

Acre: "Where are you from and how old are you?"

Levinte: "I'm from Borneo Island. For your information, it's part of the Shormian Archipelago. I'm 19 years old."

"You're very young to be traveling alone," Acre raised his brows in surprise and glanced at him. "How did you go to the memorial park? It's very far from your region."

Levinte: "I took a two-hour flight with my mom. We parted ways at the memorial park."

Acre: "Why did you part ways with her? Where did she go?"

"To a place where she would be happy and free." Then he fell silent for a second and said, " I dreamed of this moment to get away from home as soon as I turned 18. My mother told me she would return to her hometown after I left home."

Sensing a great dejection from Levinte, it was impossible not to feel intense empathy with the young boy. Acre placed a hand on his shoulder.

An intense ache stabbed Levinte in the heart. His thoughts drifted back to his childhood and the moments with his mother. As much as he wanted to cry, he found himself in a position where he was unable to access the emotion.

They continued to amble in silence, appreciating the peaceful ambiance. Levinte wore the same downcast, distant expression throughout their walk. When he thought about his father, he did not feel anything; no hate and no love. Numbness overpowered his sadness and anger.

"The important thing is that you achieved your goals and you should be proud of yourself. Past is past. Your future self needs the present you, so do your best in every moment."

Upon receiving the typical advice from the man, Levinte remembered that Acre is more than a century old and had experienced many things in his long life. The corners of his mouth curved up and he chuckled, smiling broadly at Acre. Seeing the boy smile, Acre felt relieved and happy.

Levinte: "To be honest, my mom's roots are in this continent."

Acre: "Really? Where's she from?"

Levinte: "I haven't gotten the chance to visit there but I think it's Duo Village."

Shocked, Acre widened his eyes. "Duo Village? You mean Tio Duo Village?" The boy's words somehow piqued his interest. Levinte answered, "Yes, it's a bit far from here. My mom told me to go there if I had nowhere to go left."

"Levi," Acre called, and Levinte lifted his head in response. "What's your full name?"

The boy frowned and tilted his head, a big question mark displaying on his perplexed face. "Um... Levinte Rian Orion?"

Acre looked like he had seen a ghost, taking a step back as if to distance himself. His mouth fell agape and he stared owl-eyed at Levinte. "What?!" Levinte naturally reacted to his distress signals.

When the other began approaching, the boy retreated. Levinte felt beyond horrified when he saw Acre opening his arms.

"What are you doing?!" Levinte shouted and was attacked by a bear hug. "I can't believe it!" Acre squeezed Levinte in his embrace and wiggled him. "Uncle, call me uncle!"

"What in the damn world are you babbling?" Levinte did not understand a single thing, he was helplessly stuck in a tight hug. Moreover, the strength of the embrace! He felt like he was being crushed by a press machine.

Overflowed with happiness, Acre released him and placed his hands on Levinte's shoulders. Grinning from ear to ear, Acre laughed, "You, young one, are my relative!"