"Smart kid."
Ruger squinted his eyes, smiling warmly as he reached out to touch Kevin's head. Kevin did not resist, nor did he dare to. Even after Ruger admitted his identity, Kevin couldn't help but tremble slightly all over.
This wasn't just any man standing before him. This was a god—a real, living god! And just moments ago, Kevin had boldly pretended to be his child.
He's here to settle accounts with me! Kevin thought frantically, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
"You're afraid of me," Ruger said softly, his voice as gentle as a spring breeze.
"No!" Kevin looked up in panic, his black eyes meeting Ruger's celestial gaze for just a moment before he lowered them again. Whispering with shame, he admitted, "Yes, I'm very sorry…"
"You don't have to apologize, kid." Ruger's smile didn't falter. "After all, I came here without any prior notice... Do you know why?"
"Master Ruger, I'm sorry. I had no choice but to pretend to be your child just now." Kevin's words rushed out as he tried to explain himself. "I will tell them the truth tomorrow..."
"It's not because of this."
Kevin froze mid-sentence. Ruger's calm interruption was puzzling, and Kevin found himself staring up at the god's face, his confusion plain to see.
"I came here for you, but not because of your disguise." Ruger smiled again as he reached out to gently tousle Kevin's hair. "You know, kid, you are special."
"Special..." Kevin echoed the word hesitantly, his brows knitting together. "Special how?"
Ruger nodded slightly, his expression shifting to something more contemplative. "I can't see you… Even if you're sitting right in front of me, I can't see you."
The god gently cupped Kevin's face, lifting it so their eyes met once more. Ruger's voice was filled with a mix of curiosity and amusement as he explained, "You are here, clearly within my reach. My hands are touching you, yet to my sight, you're invisible. You have no past, no future… My child, you are the most fascinating and unique person I've encountered in all my life."
Ruger let go of Kevin's face, his amused smile returning. "Kid, can you tell me what's going on?"
Kevin stared at him, his mind racing. He couldn't tell if this was a question he could answer—or even if he should answer it. After a moment of hesitation, he lowered his head, sadness creeping into his features.
"I don't know," he finally admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry, Lord Ruger. I don't know anything. I don't know where I came from, why I'm here… or where I should go next."
Ruger's sharp eyes softened as he took in the boy's forlorn expression. After a moment of contemplation, the god glanced briefly at the ornate sword hanging at his side. Kevin noticed Ruger's gaze and stiffened slightly, wondering what it could mean.
The god broke into another gentle smile. "Really…" he murmured, as though confirming something to himself. Then, ruffling Kevin's hair once more, he asked, "In that case, are you willing to be my son? My adopted son?"
Kevin's head shot up in shock. Had he heard that correctly? Ruger looked back at him expectantly, his smile warm and sincere.
"Father!" Kevin burst out after a moment of stunned silence, his voice filled with excitement.
I've hit the jackpot! Divine legs, here I come! Kevin thought gleefully.
To be fair, Ruger hadn't initially planned to adopt Kevin. His main reason for appearing had been curiosity. Yet after spending just a short time with the boy, Ruger had found himself unexpectedly drawn to him. There was something refreshing about Kevin's honest and resourceful nature.
Of course, Ruger also couldn't ignore Kevin's peculiarities—or the strange bond he seemed to share with Cu Chulainn. Ruger had overheard Cu Chulainn's earlier declaration about Kevin being important to him, and Ruger trusted his son's instincts implicitly. If Cu Chulainn felt Kevin was vital, then Ruger had no reason to doubt it.
"Good, good, good!" Ruger said, his good mood evident as he reached out to pull Kevin closer. He pinched Kevin's soft cheeks and patted his head affectionately. "From today on, you are my child. However…" Ruger's tone grew more serious as he studied Kevin's slight frame, "your body seems a bit too weak. Nowhere near your brother's level of strength."
Ruger thought for a moment before removing the sword from his waist and handing it to Kevin. "Take this, kid. It will protect you on my behalf until you come of age."
Kevin hesitated at first, but the weight of Ruger's gaze made him accept the gift. The sword felt strange—its blade was spherical, and it had no traditional hilt. As Kevin examined it, the sword began to float in his hand.
"This is the magic sword Fragrak," Ruger explained, watching Kevin's reaction with interest. "It has many special properties. Its sharpness is unmatched, capable of slicing through anything like butter. Wounds caused by this sword cannot be healed by ordinary means. It also has a unique ability to nullify an opponent's most powerful attacks."
Ruger went on to explain how the sword's power could rewrite reality, turning an enemy's deadly strike into a failed attack. Hearing this, Kevin realized just how valuable the sword was. Although he initially hesitated to accept such a precious gift, Ruger's raised eyebrow convinced him otherwise.
"Thank you, Father!" Kevin said earnestly as he clutched the small orb-like sword in his hand. It transformed back into its dormant state, a tiny sphere that fit snugly in his palm. Holding it gave Kevin a strange sense of security.
Ruger nodded in approval. After a brief silence, he asked, "Would you like to return to my realm with me, or do you wish to remain here with Cu Chulainn?"
Kevin's gaze shifted to the still-sleeping Cu Chulainn. After a moment of thought, he replied firmly, "I want to stay with him."
Ruger smiled faintly, his eyes showing a hint of approval. "Very well. However, your body is still too fragile. I will arrange for divine fruits to be delivered to you daily. Eat one every day for the next three years, and your body will become strong enough to withstand any illness."
Kevin expressed his gratitude once more, and Ruger rose to leave. Before disappearing, Ruger glanced back at Cu Chulainn. "It's not the right time yet," he said cryptically. "Take care of yourself and your brother."
As Ruger faded into the darkness, Kevin clutched his new weapon tightly, feeling a mixture of hope and uncertainty about the path ahead.
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