Chereads / Grey - Of Black and White / Chapter 15 - 45 Years Old Kid

Chapter 15 - 45 Years Old Kid

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[ Genetics Data...

 Verified ]

[ Sufficient Despair Experience Points Accumulated:

 One(1) Black Orb Acquired.

 Unlocking Unique Trait ]

[ Unique Skill: Skill Share is Now Available ]

[ Unspent Black Orb(s) Transferred to Current Orb Pool ]

[ Skill, Regeneration: Level 1 Temporarily Transferred to Target via Skill Share ]

[ Transfering...

▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮ ( 100% ) ]

[ Skill Transfer: Regeneration ( Level 1 )

 Successful ]

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Zanno opened his eyes slowly, taking in his surroundings. He found himself in a dimly lit room of the hospital's intensive care unit, the air heavy with anticipation. Confusion flowed through him as he tried to recall how he ended up here.

Memories of despair and anguish flashed through his mind, leaving him unsettled. As he tried to make sense of his situation, a voice echoed in his mind, seemingly originating from the depths of his consciousness.

「 Olivia 」

"Zanno, my son."

"Your despair has granted you access to a unique trait and skill."

Zanno's brows furrowed as he listened intently, unsure of what was happening.

「 Zanno 」

"Mom?"

「 Olivia 」

"You now possess the unique trait of Skill Share, allowing you to temporarily transfer your skills to others."

"Additionally, you have acquired the Black Orb, a symbol of your accumulated despair."

As the voice spoke, a black orb materialized in Zanno's hand, emanating a mysterious energy. He studied it, feeling a strange connection to its presence.

"The Black Orb represents your Despair Experience Points."

"It is a source of power and potential."

"You may choose to utilize these points to unlock further abilities or enhance existing ones."

Zanno's mind raced, trying to comprehend the significance of his newfound abilities and the implications they held. He realized that he had been granted a unique opportunity, but also a heavy burden.

"For now, I have temporarily transferred the skill, Regeneration ( Level 1 ), to your father via your Unique Skill, Skill Share."

"Looks like he needs it more than you right now."

「 Zanno 」

"Is that really you, Mom?"

「 Olivia 」

"I am her collective consciousness stored within the system, Zanno."

"I am here to guide you and provide assistance when needed."

Zanno felt a mix of emotions—gratitude for his mother's presence and guidance, yet a pang of sorrow realizing that she existed only as a consciousness within this realm. Nevertheless, he knew he had to focus on the task at hand.

「 Zanno 」

"Tell me what is going on, Mom?"

"What should I do next?"

「 Olivia 」

"These powers and abilities you possess were activated by a soul traveler."

"This traveler right now is you and you, are him."

"Connected through a similar genetics code, the server somehow managed to summon him from another world to be the champion of this era."

Zanno's mind whirled with the weight of the revelation. He had become the vessel for a soul traveler, someone from another world who was destined to be the champion of this era. It was a responsibility he hadn't asked for, but one he knew he couldn't ignore.

「 Zanno 」

"So, I'm connected to this soul traveler?"

"What does that mean for me?"

「 Olivia 」

"It means that you now have access to his memories, skills, and experiences, and so does him, to you."

"Once the synchronization is fully integrated, you will have access to both vehicles' capabilities."

"Right now, I will put you on standby mode again to accelerate the process."

"Sleep well, my son."

Zanno fell asleep after Olivia's words, his mind filled with questions. As he drifted into slumber, he could sense the merging of his consciousness with that of the soul traveler. Dreams and memories intertwined, blending the two identities into a harmonious whole.

Days turned into nights, and nights turned into days as the synchronization process continued. Zanno's dreams became a tapestry of the soul traveler's experiences and his knowledge. In turn, the soul traveler began to understand Zanno's world, his history, and the challenges he faced.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Zanno awoke, his eyes filled with newfound clarity. He could feel the presence of the soul traveler within him, their thoughts and memories entwined. He now possessed a wealth of knowledge from another world, a fusion of his own identity with that of the soul traveler.

「 Zanno 」

"I can sense you, traveler."

"We are bound together, aren't we?"

「 Soul Traveler 」

"Indeed, Zanno."

"Our fates have entangled, and together we are stronger."

"Our connection allows us to draw upon each other's strengths, enabling us to some..."

"Unbelievable feats."

Zanno glimpsed at his father, who was still in a coma, recovering from the battle with the Servants of Nihilius. Concern was visible on his face. The fight had taken a toll on him, but Olivia acted swiftly and Zanno's Regeneration ability was able to save Jengo's life.

"I am sure he will be okay, Zanno."

「 Zanno 」

"I am ready to embrace our shared destiny."

"With our combined abilities, we can bring hope and change to this world."

"Let us face the challenges ahead together."

「 Soul Traveler 」

"Agreed, Zanno."

"But that is the 45-year-old you talking."

"The current vehicle is 7 years old."

"We still have to go through a lot, you know."

"Especially..."

"Puberty."

「 Zanno 」

"Oh my god!"

"Oh no..."

"The zit phase."

"Not again."

「 Soul Traveler 」

"Haha..."

"I know what you mean!"

「 Zanno 」

"By the way, what is your name IRL?"

Zanno stopped briefly, realizing that he was using abbreviations from another world. Terms that other people in Aena will never understand.

「 Babah 」

"Just call me Babah..."

「 Zanno 」

"Babah it is, then."

"It's good to have a name to address you with."

「 Babah 」

"Likewise, Zanno."

"It feels more…"

"Personal now."

As they conversed, Zanno's attention was drawn back to his father's still form. Concern and love filled his eyes once again.

「 Zanno 」

"Babah, do you think Dad will wake up soon?"

"I can't help but worry about him."

Babah's expression softened, understanding Zanno's concern.

「 Babah 」

"Recovery takes time, Zanno, especially from such a traumatic encounter."

"But our Regeneration skill has brought him back from the brink."

"Trust him. We'll be here for him when he wakes up."

Zanno nodded, taking comfort in Babah's words. He knew that patience was crucial, and his father's well-being was their top priority.

「 Zanno 」

"You're right, Babah."

"I'll be patient and have faith in his recovery."

"We'll support him every step of the way."

「 Babah 」

"That's the spirit, Zanno."

"Remember, we're in this together."

"We'll face both the extraordinary and ordinary challenges that come our way, including the infamous zit phase."

Zanno couldn't help but chuckle, feeling relieved momentarily.

「 Zanno 」

"Puberty and all its trials..."

"I guess that's a universal experience, no matter which world we're from."

「 Babah 」

"Haha…"

"Indeed, it's a shared journey that both of us will go through…"

"Again."

「 Zanno 」

"Hehe…"

「 Babah 」

"By the way, we should take care of our vehicle also."

"The left leg is crippled again after Olivia transferred the Regeneration Skill to Dad."

「 Zanno 」

"I guess it's better that way. Everyone in Cardinal Peaks will have questions if the leg, miraculously healed."

"Including Dad!"

「 Babah 」

"Agreed."

"That will definitely blow us wide open."

"Hmm… Let's try something."

「 Zanno 」

"What do you have in mind?"

「 Babah 」

"Hey, Mom!"

"Are you here?"

「 Olivia 」

"I am always here, dear."

"What is it that you need?"

「 Babah 」

"Is there any way to make Dad forget about what had just happened?"

「 Olivia 」

"One moment."

Olivia was silent for a while, focusing her energy on the connection between her and Jengo.

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[ Accessing Aenapedia...

▮▯▯▯▯▯▯▯▯▯▯▯▯▯▯▯▯▯▯▯ ( 5% ) ]

[ Requesting Information: Memory...

▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮ ( 100% ) ]

[ Requested Information...

 Acquired ]

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「 Olivia 」

"There might be a way to help Jengo forget the recent events, at least temporarily."

"There is a skill known as Memory Suppression, under the General Skill Tree."

"It allows me to temporarily suppress specific memories or experiences."

"Your unique skill Skill Share will serve as a bridge for me to implement it to your father."

"However, it's important to note that this is not a permanent solution and should be used with caution."

Zanno was lost in thoughts, considering the potential benefits and risks of utilizing Memory Suppression.

「 Zanno 」

"If it can provide Dad with some relief and protect our secrets, then perhaps it's worth a try."

"But we must be careful not to erase crucial memories or disrupt his overall sense of self."

Olivia nodded, understanding the importance of striking a balance.

"Can I learn the skill, Mom?"

「 Olivia 」

"Yes."

"You can spend your Black Orb to unlock the skill."

「 Zanno 」

"Great!"

"Let's do it, Mom."

"For Dad's sake."

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[ Soul Request…

 Accepted ]

[ Spending Black Orb to Unlock Memory Suppression…

 Successful ]

[ Skill: Memory Suppression, Level Up

 Memory Suppression: Level 1...

 Activated ]

[ Remaining Black Orb(s): 0 ]

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「 Olivia 」

"I will proceed with caution and only suppress the memories related to the encounter with the Servants of Nihilius."

"This way, Jengo can focus on his healing without the burden of those particular events."

「 Babah 」

"Thank you, Mom."

"Your assistance is greatly appreciated."

「 Olivia 」

"It's my pleasure."

"I'll perform the Memory Suppression skill shortly."

"In the meantime, continue to support your Dad and provide him with a nurturing environment for his recovery."

Zanno and Babah expressed their gratitude, understanding the delicate nature of the situation. They trusted Olivia and knew that she would handle the procedure with care. As Olivia prepared to perform the technique, a mixture of hope and uncertainty was transparent in his eyes.

「 Zanno 」

"Babah, do you think this is the right decision?"

"To alter Dad's memories?"

「 Babah 」

"It's a difficult choice, Zanno, but we must prioritize his well-being and recovery."

"If this helps him find peace and aids in his healing process, then it's worth exploring."

"We'll be here to support him every step of the way."

"We also must maintain the secrecy of my existence."

Zanno nodded, finding relief in Babah's words. Together, they would navigate this next phase, making decisions with their father's best interests at heart.

With Olivia's guidance and the strength of their bond, Zanno believed that they could overcome the challenges that lay ahead as a chosen champion of Aena.

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Jengo slowly opened his eyes, his vision adjusting to the light in the room. He looked around, confusion was evident on his face.

「 Jengo 」

"Where..."

"Where am I?"

Zanno approached his father's bedside, a mixture of relief and apprehension in his eyes.

「 Zanno 」

"Dad, you're in the hospital."

"You were in a coma."

Jengo blinked a few times, trying to process the information as Zanno hugged him. Tears filled his eyes.

「 Jengo 」

"What happened?"

"I..."

"I don't remember."

Zanno's heart was relieved, realizing that the Memory Suppression had worked as intended. His secret was safe.

「 Zanno 」

"There was a zak'nagi attack…"

"Again."

"But this time, it's not the normal ones."

"People have been calling it Bombugs."

Jengo listened intently, a mix of concern and confusion on his face.

「 Jengo 」

"Bombugs?"

"I've never heard of them before."

"What do they look like?"

"Were they flying like the Stingers?"

「 Zanno 」

"No Dad."

"The Bombugs are small."

"They look like scarabs."

"Blowing themselves up after latching on their victims."

"That's why people are calling it Bombugs."

"And Dad..."

"You got injured while trying to protect me."

Jengo's eyes widened, a sense of protective instinct overcoming him despite his lack of memory.

「 Jengo 」

"I..."

"I tried to protect you?"

"Are you okay?"

「 Zanno 」

"Thanks to you, Dad."

"You fought off the Bombugs and saved me."

Jengo's face was still gloomed with confusion. He struggled to recall the details.

「 Jengo 」

"I..."

"I wish I could remember."

"But I'm grateful that you're safe."

「 Zanno 」

"I am just glad you're awake, Dad."

Jengo smiled, feeling the love and support radiating from Zanno.

「 Jengo 」

"I couldn't ask for a better son, Zanno."

"All praises to Him."

As they two were catching up, a doctor came in to check on Jengo's condition. The doctor greeted them with a warm and familiar smile.

「 Doctor Ahmed 」

"Mr. Starr, how are you feeling?"

「 Jengo 」

"I'm a bit confused, doctor."

"Can you please explain what happened?"

The doctor proceeded to provide Jengo with a simplified version of the events, focusing on his injuries and recovery.

「 Doctor Ahmed 」

"You were involved in an unexpected zak'nagi attack, Mr. Starr."

"These new creatures, the Bombugs, appeared suddenly and caused chaos."

"You sustained injuries while trying to protect your son, Zanno."

"But thanks to the efforts of our medical team and your strong spirit, you're now on the path to recovery."

Jengo nodded, still trying to come to terms with the situation.

「 Jengo 」

"I..."

"I don't remember any of it."

"But I'm grateful that my son is safe."

"Thank you for taking care of me, doctor."

「 Doctor Ahmed 」

"It's our duty, Mr. Starr."

"We're here to ensure your well-being."

"If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to ask."

Jengo expressed his appreciation before the doctor left the room. Zanno remained by his side, offering support and answering any additional questions his father had.

As they continued their conversation, Zanno's mind could not stop but ponder about the secret he carried. He knew that one day, he would have to reveal the truth to his father, but for now, he focused on his recovery and providing a sense of normalcy.

「 Babah 」

"Olivia, activate Appraisal!"

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[ Skill: Appraisal…

 Activated ]

[ Name: Ahmed Qulat

 Race: Human

 Level: 1

 Class: Physician

 Job Level: 11

 Threat Level: 1 ( Low)

 End of Appraisal ]

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「 Babah 」

"Don't worry Zanno, I have your back."

"Or should I say, I have..."

"My back?"

"Hehe."

「 Zanno 」

"Understood."

"Lightning sometimes does strike twice."

"You can never be too sure, right?"

「 Babah 」

"Yeah, I know what you mean."

Zanno's mind was full of questions, but he knew better than to press further at that moment. Both Zanno and Babah understood the burden they were carrying.

「 Zanno 」

"We'll have to be cautious, Babah."

"It seems like the forces at play are more complex than we initially thought."

「 Babah 」

"Indeed, Zanno."

"We must stay vigilant and prepared."

"The truth will reveal itself when the time is right."

"Until then, let's focus on helping Dad to recover"

"And keeping him safe."