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Chapter 5 - The Gold Ring pt1

Luke's POV

In the midst of our enigmatic surroundings, I found myself sitting across from two strikingly similar girls at a table, where a third girl was serving us food. Their resemblance was uncanny, and the possibility that the two sitting across from me were twins lingered in the air, evident in their shared features and mannerisms.

Jared took it upon himself to introduce them, providing their names and a brief description. "These three girls are also members. Those are Bennett and Roseanne. The one preparing the lovely food is Michele," he explained, his words laced with a hint of humor. "Though they might look lovely, they are all super annoying."

Roseanne's quick retort didn't miss a beat. "Who is more annoying than you?" she inquired, teasing Jared, who responded with a playful smile.

Michelle chimed in, breaking the playful banter with a friendly greeting. "Nice to meet you all," she said, her demeanor warm and inviting.

However, the conversation swiftly shifted back to business, and Jared addressed Roseanne with a request that hinted at the underlying productivity of this unconventional company. "Anyway, back to business. Roseanne, with how things are going, we need a new layout for our building. Since you are an architect, you should not find it difficult to handle, right?" he posed.

Roseanne's answer was swift and resolute. "Fine, I will do it," she affirmed, showing her willingness to contribute her expertise to the company's ambitious endeavors.

As the events unfolded, I, Jared, found myself contemplating the unspoken questions that had lingered in Luke's mind. His curiosity had been patient, and he finally chose to approach me after our shared lunch. Perhaps he felt it was the right time to delve into the unknown territories of our world, seeking understanding and clarity. It was as if he didn't want to come across as too intrusive, too eager.

Luke's inquiry struck a chord within me, taking me by surprise. "I did not want to disturb you, but can I know something?" he ventured cautiously, his eyes reflecting the desire for knowledge.

With a nod of encouragement, I invited him to ask his question. "Go on, ask," I urged, allowing him the space to seek the answers he sought.

His question pertained to a realm that was far removed from the demon's deal, a realm I had traversed in pursuit of higher knowledge and power. "How did you get there?" he inquired, his curiosity directed toward a facet of our existence that existed beyond the ordinary.

A mixture of emotions welled up within me—surprise, reflection, and even a hint of amusement. "Well, I am surprised that it was not about the deal with the demon but this," I admitted candidly, acknowledging the depth of his query.

His candid response caught my attention. "I don't really care about the demon," he confessed, revealing his priorities and his genuine interest in understanding the broader scope of our reality.

Understanding the complexity of my journey, I attempted to simplify my explanation. "Fine, all I did was use the demon to ascend to a higher realm and just moved through this lower realm's space," I offered, trying to encapsulate the essence of my experience.

Luke's reaction, though thoughtful, conveyed the sense that my explanation wasn't as straightforward as I had intended. "Well, I can't see someone doing that and calling that simple. Anyway, I am tired and going to bed now," he declared, his voice carrying a sense of resignation. His quest for understanding, while fulfilled, had taken a toll on his mental energy.

With a simple farewell, I acknowledged his need for rest. "Night," I said, extending my good wishes.

His response was prompt, reflecting his sense of closure on the matter. "Yeah, night," he replied, his tone carrying a note of finality as he retreated to his thoughts and impending slumber.

As Luke's consciousness faded into the embrace of sleep, I remained, reflecting on the intricate web of secrets and knowledge that surrounded us. Our company, enigmatic and unconventional, offered a sense of belonging that Luke, like myself, was coming to terms with. Amidst the complexity and the unknown, this place—Grims HQ—had become our unexpected sanctuary, a refuge for those seeking answers and understanding in a world that defied convention.