Arena Eight: Recap & Reform IX

"Arnold!"

Anastasia called out to me as I stepped out of the castle. I looked at the flaxen-haired girl running towards me with a wry smile.

She was accompanied by Grey, who waved his hand while walking slowly towards me.

Anastasia soon approached me and before I could react, she hugged me tightly.

"I was so worried! You were reported missing, and then Jeffery took Roxy hostage..."

Her voice ended with a relieved sigh as she buried her head in my chest.

I put my hand on the back of her head and gently ruffled her hair.

"It's fine now. I'm fine, no harm's done. You can let go now."

"... I see."

Anastasia reluctantly let go as she heard my words. I smiled at her once more before looking at Grey.

"Great to see you alive, Arnold."

"Yeah... But you don't look so well, Grey."

I asked, eyeing him over. The old spy looked extremely pale and was dragging his feet, unlike his usual alert and guarded state.