"Let's form a team and leave together".
"…"
The atmosphere in the mechanic workshop turned awkward for a few seconds until Aragorn laughed. "Haha, you're joking right?"
On hearing that, Rex felt like jumping into an ocean and hiding there forever in shame. This was so f*cking embarrassing but in the end, he did none of that as Aragorn's words instead surprisingly gave him more confidence.
"I mean what I said".
"For the past 2 weeks, we've grown to become great friends. We know most things about each other already and I believe that we'll flourish together so I'm serious, let's form a team and leave together".
"Like me, Dragon Horn Village is just a temporary stop to you. Your ambitions for power lie farther away from here, follow me let's seek power together".
After saying his mind, Rex heaved a huge sigh of relief like he just dropped a huge burden from his shoulders that was previously holding him back.
Now, he could only wait for Aragorn's reply as Aragorn turned to look away.
Rex did not just arrive at this decision on a whim. For the past 2 weeks after completing his last system mission and after killing Pain, Rex went through a period of self-reflection as he reflected on all his previous decisions till now.
In his self-reflection, he dwelt more on Cassandra's words. He discovered that only some of the decisions that he made till now were perfect.
Most of his previous decisions were flawed one way or the other.
As he hunted alongside Aragorn for 2 weeks, he slowly learned the power of brotherhood and camaraderie. He finally understood why the Ancient Spartans could lose their helmet in battle but were adamant at not losing their shields.
The Shield did not just protect them, it kept the whole line protected.
As Rex hunted with Aragorn, he noticed that most of his flaws no longer mattered since with a companion now, Aragorn covered up for him the same way that he did when Aragorn made mistakes.
No human was perfect, humans rather complemented each other to replicate perfection. This was the lesson that Rex learned in his 1 month in Dragon Horn Village and this was why he made his proposal to Aragorn.
According to Cassandra, in his future life where he was evil, he was a lone wolf also. Rex guessed that being a lone wolf influenced his decision too.
With a companion like Aragorn, they could keep checks and balances on each other which he guessed would decrease his chances of going to the dark side.
Like they said, the idle mind was the devil's workshop.
After Rex confirmed his proposal, Aragorn kept quiet for 5 solid minutes before he finally spoke. "Do you know why I came to Dragon Horn Village?"
"No". Rex replied sincerely. "But I believe that it has something to do with your daughter, I heard some rumors during my stay here".
Aragorn laughed softly as his eyes turned red and wet. "Those rumors are mostly true. Yes, I have a daughter, Anabel".
Aragorn picked one of his Blood Pistols and looked at it while caressing it. "A Larkinson in a lowly village like this, I know you must have made your own theories but I trust you so I think it's time I opened up".
"I am from a side branch of the Ancient Larkinson family. After awakening the Blood Gunner mystic ability, my master took me in".
"My master was a Super grade mystic warrior, a powerful mystic mechanic who was from the main branch of the Larkinson family".
"Under him, I flourished and my life was on a smooth trajectory. At the age of 18, I got married to my dream girl and on the same year, Anabel was born".
"Well, in every powerful organization or Ancient mystic family, there is a great whirlpool of politics that only the strong ang experienced can survive".
"Till today, I don't know the real culprit but my master was assassinated".
"With my master's death, I became defenseless. Vulnerable, I could no longer protect my family, my wife died and Anabel was taken by a notorious Super grade mystic warrior of the Great Shelters, the Grand Slave-master".
"Yes, he is a slave trader and he took my precious away from me".
"He saw me too insignificant to kill and that is the only reason why I survived. As for my family, I already fell from grace, no one helped me".
"This is the reason why I keep on roaming the earth rim hunting down any slave traders. Since I can't save my Anabel, I try to reduce the guilt of failure as her dad by helping others from the same situation".
Aragorn turned to face Rex. "I would love to join you and get power together but I hate to put you in danger. Rex, allying with me spells danger".
"You have no idea what it feels to have a Super grade mystic warrior as your archenemy and I believe you don't want to experience it".
"Hahaha".
"…What is funny?"
Rex laughed again. "That is your reason? Peace of cake compared to mine; I am the target of a whole Ancient mystic family".
"My strongest enemies are no less than at least 1 Legendary Mystic Warrior".
"…"
"Sit, let me tell you my story".
For the first time, Rex told a stranger about his family. Of course, he omitted certain details like his system but he told enough for Aragorn to understand.
When he was done, Aragorn was flabbergasted as he laughed.
"Damn bro, you're so f*cking messed up!"
"We're both f*cking messed up!" Rex laughed in reply.
After they both laughed to their fill, lamenting their situations and the powerful enemies that they had to overcome, they finally came to an understanding as they kept quiet and looked into each other's eyes.
Rex sipped on his beer before speaking. "I am ready to keep your secrets, fight alongside you, help you in time of need and be your brother forever".
Aragorn patted his chest. "I am ready to keep your secrets, fight alongside you, help you in time of need and be your brother forever!"
It was cringy but this was a necessary step to take.
Once they both made this declaration, it was like a stamp from heaven sealed the pact as the bond between the both of them increased instantly.
Their trust for each other rose to a new high, a brotherhood was created.
Both of them shook hands and laughed. "For our powerful enemies!"
"For our hopeless situations!"
"For power!"
For the rest of that day, both of them stayed in the workshop as they drank till stupor while discussing more about their lives and powerful enemies.
"You know, Anabel would be 5 this year".
"Don't worry, we'll rescue her before her 10th birthday". Rex declared confidently in his drunkenness as Aragorn laughed loudly.
…
The next day, on waking up, Rex and Aragorn finally got ready to leave Dragon Horn Village. Aragorn was ready to follow Rex to the Gundam Shelter since he was also in a desperate quest for power.
Aragorn made the finishing touches to his Monster Babe before hauling the massive Monster Truck into his storage ring.
With that, they finally set course to leave the village. They informed no one of their decision, not even Maximo knew that they were about to leave.
After getting to the edge of the village, they were both surprised to see a group of villagers surrounding what looked like a massive beast.
"How did a mystic beast get so close to the village?" Rex asked, stunned.
As they walked closer and as Rex looked closer, he was stunned to see a massive Black Spider. A species of spider that he was familiar with, a Dark Mist Spider, Rex's eyes opened as wide as saucers.
"You will meet your pet in Dragon Horn Village". Rex could still vividly remember the voice and tone as the mysterious archer said this.
The next moment, he went wild.
"GREY!!!"
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