Chapter 924: Family Surprise
"We're here..."
The rendezvous spot was a secluded clearing, surrounded by dense trees that seemed to form a natural barrier.
The vehicle came to a halt, its engine humming softly before falling silent.
Rey stepped out, his eyes scanning the area.
The air was tense, thick with the weight of expectation and a slight hint of dread.
"Stay alert," Tess muttered as she adjusted the strap of her rifle. Josh nodded, his usual casual demeanor replaced by a sharp focus.
Rey's gaze shifted toward the edge of the clearing, where movement caught his eye.
Two figures emerged from the shadows-a man and a woman. The man walked confidently, his posture straight, exuding authority.
The woman followed a step behind, her eyes cold and calculating.
The moment Rey saw the man's face, his heart skipped a beat. He froze, his breath catching in his throat.
It was him.
"Rey?" the man's voice cut through the silence, laced with surprise. "What the hell...?"
Rey didn't answer immediately, his jaw tightening.
His older brother, Ezra, stood before him, looking almost exactly as he remembered-sharp features, piercing eyes, and that same smug expression that always seemed to say he was better than everyone else.
Ezra stepped closer, his gaze narrowing.
"Where have you been all this time? After the world went to hell, we thought you were dead. Mom and Dad didn't even bother to look for you. Can't say I blamed them."
Rey's fists clenched, but he remained silent.
'Here it comes... not even a minute since we reunited and he's already started...'
First, he circled around Rey, his eyes ogling every part of his body as he made his observations --but silent and loud-as he finally stood in front of him.
"Average as always..."
His remarks were loud and curt, and he even chuckled for extra effect.
"Mum and dad were right to have moved on so quickly. They shouldn't have cared as much as they did."
Rey remained quiet as he watched.
"And honestly?" Ezra continued, shrugging. "I didn't care either. You were always so... average. Nothing special. Just a dead weight. If you'd died, it wouldn't have made a difference to anyone."
Josh bristled, taking a step forward. "Hey! That's enough-"
"Stand down," Ezra snapped, his voice sharp. "This is a family matter. I'll speak to my brother without interruptions."
Tess shot Rey a concerned look, but Rey held up a hand, signaling her to stay out of it.
His older brother was definitely their superior, so they couldn't properly defend him even if they wanted to. Just based on their reaction, it was clear they wanted to say something to him, but hierarchy prevented them.
'Well... I can't say I blame them.' Rey leaked out a small smile. 'He's probably stronger than they are.'
It was at this point that he really wished he had an Appraisal Skill.
'But, oh well...'
Ezra smirked, taking Rey's silence as submission. "I'm honestly surprised you're still alive. The apocalypse doesn't exactly favor the weak. What, did you find some lucky group to leech off of? Or maybe you just hid while everyone else fought to survive?"
Rey finally looked up, his eyes locking with Ezra's. His expression was calm, almost serene, but his gaze was cold-so cold that Ezra faltered for a moment, the smugness wavering.
"You haven't changed a bit, Ezra," Rey said, his voice quiet but firm. "Still the same arrogant, self-absorbed prick you've always been. And you know what? I'm not surprised. Not in the least."
Ezra blinked, caught off guard by Rey's tone.
"But here's the thing," Rey continued, stepping forward. Each step seemed to radiate an unshakable confidence, the kind that made Ezra unconsciously take a step back. "
I'm not the person you remember. That weak, quiet little brother who let you walk all over him? He's gone."
Ezra's eyes widened slightly as Rey stopped just a few feet away.
For the first time, he seemed to notice the shift in Rey-the way he carried himself, the strength in his stance, the fire in his eyes.
Rey smiled coldly, a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "So, let me make this clear. From now on, you don't get to disrespect me. Not me, and not my team leader. The next time you try, I won't let it slide. Not even once."
Ezra shivered involuntarily, a chill running down his spine.
He tried to mask it with a sneer, but the confidence he usually wielded so effortlessly was
gone.
Without another word, Rey turned away.
"Tess," he called over his shoulder, his tone light again. "I'll patrol the perimeter. Signal me when you're done with the exchange."
Tess nodded, her expression a mix of pride and concern. "Got it."
As Rey walked off, Ezra stood frozen in place, his fists clenched at his sides. He watched his younger brother disappear into the trees, his mind racing.
This wasn't the Rey he remembered.
Not at all.
**************
The forest was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves. Rey moved with purpose, his thoughts swirling but his heart steady.
Ezra's words, the scorn in his voice, the dismissal-none of it mattered. Not anymore.
"The person he remembers is gone," Rey thought, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Let him cling to his memories. I've moved on."
The world had changed, and so had Rey. And as he patrolled the area, his resolve only grew stronger. Whatever lay ahead, he would face it-not as the boy he once was, but as the man he
had become.
'What matters now is getting stronger. People like Ezra are simply mere distraction... a waste
of time and energy.'
[STATUS WINDOW]
- Name: Rey Skylar
- Race: Human
- Class: NIL
- Level: 35 (12.90% EXP)
- Life Force: 15
- Mana Level: 50
- Combat Ability: 20
- Stat Points: 10
- Skills (Exclusive): [Doppel]
- Skills (Non-Exclusive): [Grand Magic Application]. [Grand Magic Mastery]. [Grand Combat
Application]. [Grand Weapon Mastery]. [Grand Battle Aura]. [Grand Mana Regeneration].
- Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
[Additional Information]
Unknown... no information has been provided.
[End Of Information]