"Days?! It's only been a few hours!" I exclaimed in surprise, but my outcry was directed at Ever.
She, as usual, responded calmly within my mind, "I didn't mention the difference in days. I was talking about the speed of time flow in that place. Eight hours there pass for one day, but I wasn't aware of the time differential between your dimension and the dungeon."
"So, how many days have actually passed?" I asked, somewhat calming down, addressing Arman.
"It's been two days since you entered there. You're lucky I managed to reassure your parents, telling them it's not uncommon during dungeon expeditions. Besides, I was confident that, in case of danger, you'd immediately use the return stone I gave you," he said with a smile.
"Most importantly, your parents are at ease. By the way, here's your return stone," I said, handing Arman his stone. It's better to keep it with you since it doesn't have the same system perks as mine.
"No, you hold onto it for now. I belong to a strong guild, unlike you, the lone wolf. Maybe you'll consider joining us?" Arman asked.
"I don't see myself in a team with anyone yet, but if you have some free time tomorrow, maybe we could explore a more challenging dungeon together than what we just experienced?" I suggested.
"You want to go into a Level B dungeon? Do you think this is a joke?" he replied with a threatening tone.
"If I wasn't confident in myself, I wouldn't have even asked you. Just answer me, are you with me, or do I have to take the advancement exam to go alone?" I said calmly.
"If you pass the exam, I'll go with you," he replied after a brief pause.
"How will that be different from me going alone after passing the exam?" I asked, puzzled and slightly irritated.
"It means I'll be sure we'll survive there. Dungeons are becoming more and more dangerous. Yesterday, a group of rookies, accompanied by a veteran of Rank B, entered a similar dungeon and never returned. They all perished, and after the portal opened, they found ogre tracks in a kobold dungeon. Do you think it's wise to venture into a higher-ranked dungeon in a small group after an incident like that?" he asked me with a look that clearly said only an idiot would do so.
"Alright, we're agreed. You're with me?" I asked.
"No, go home. I need to return to my guild," he said, patting my shoulder.
"Well, then, see you later," I told him and headed outside to call a taxi.
While waiting for the taxi, my mind was filled with thoughts. "What should I tell my family? What should I do next? Should I go to the Awakening Center today? Should I tell my parents I plan to venture into a new dungeon?" As I contemplated, the taxi finally arrived, and I headed home. My family might be waiting for me, though I still hadn't decided within myself whether they were 'my' family.
Perhaps due to the battles with goblins and what I witnessed in their camp, I began to feel a stronger connection with the people in this world. But internally, I found myself doubting my feelings and myself. Whether they were dear to me or not was a secondary question. What concerned me most was the fear of getting closer to them. Would this world be a repetition of my original one, or would I hold them as dear as my younger brother in this world?
After some time of contemplation, I heard the taxi driver addressing me.
"Hey, we've arrived. Payment, by card or cash?" he asked, his gaze seemingly searching for the answer.
"Card, though. Can I make a transfer?" I asked him.
"Yes, of course. Transfer to this number," he said, pointing to a scrap of paper with a phone number attached.
I didn't delay, quickly entering the number in my banking app and making the payment. It was fortunate that this bank worked equally well in this world. After settling with the taxi driver, I leisurely entered the yard of my home. My father was sitting near the grill, cooking something. The aroma of the food enticed me, as I'd spent enough time without food in that portal, though it was true that I hadn't prepared for entry into that dungeon myself.
Upon seeing me, my father stood up and addressed me.
"Hello, son," he said with a sigh. "You disappeared for a few days and now returned as if nothing happened. Your mother and I were worried sick about you. Our concern deepened when we learned that Arman didn't go with you. You told us you'd be going there with him. Do you know how your mother scolded me every day for this? But I'm glad you returned safe and sound. Go inside; the kebabs will be ready soon," he said, gently pushing me towards the house.
I couldn't even interject when he reprimanded me and, it seemed, even praised me. Or was it just my imagination? Following my father's guidance, I had to go inside immediately. Upon entering the house, I was greeted by my mother, who was in the kitchen, preparing something.
She didn't immediately realize it was me who had entered and instead spoke to my father.
"Have you finished preparing everything? It'll take me a few more minutes, so call Jasur down to eat," she said.
I didn't know what to say, so I stayed silent, thinking. But before I could come up with a response, my mother addressed me again.
"Erlan, why are you so quiet?" she asked. Then she looked in my direction and, surprised, added, "My son, you've finally returned. Don't stand in the doorway; come in," she said, getting up from her seat.
She came over to me and embraced me tightly, as if making sure that I'd returned. After a moment, I extended my arms to hug her as well, and when she felt my embrace, she loosened her grip slightly, but within seconds, she tightened it again. We stood that way for quite a while, I'd say no less than 20 seconds, if not longer.
"Why were you gone for three days? You told us you'd go with Arman! You mustn't lie to your parents, Temir," she said after releasing me from her embrace.
"Sorry, Mom," I said softly.
"Go on, call Jasur for dinner," she said, moving towards the kitchen.
I stood still for a while, watching my mother head to the kitchen. After a short while, I made my way to my younger brother's room, thanks to the guidance from Ever. I quickly found his room. Already standing in front of the door, I gathered my strength and knocked.
"Knock, knock, knock." After three knocks, I opened the door, saying,
"I'm back, Jasur."