Blood Assimilation

After reaching the location of the abandoned building that used to be a factory, Randy pondered whether he should head inside right away as he walked toward the abandoned building. However, after he thought of something, he changed his mind afterward. 

At this point, Randy suddenly came to a halt, standing a few meters away, and then glanced at the abandoned building in the distance for a brief moment before deciding to walk away, seemingly heading back home.

As he walked away from the abandoned building that used to be a factory, he gradually recalled his conversation with his friend just a while ago before he reached the city.

…

[Hello? Is that you, bro?]

"Ah, yeah. It's me. Why do you sound uncertain? Do you not have my number stored or something?" 

[No, that's not it. Why aren't you here when we were attacked by that monster a while ago? I thought you said you would be partaking in this special training session. But you aren't even here? Even after I waited for you to come out from your class's bus, I did not see you until the end.] Jiang Chen spoke in a confused tone. 

"Well, I am currently not on the school bus; Actually, I am heading home right now." Randy replied.

[What?! What do you mean?] Jiang Chen doubtfully asked in confusion.

"More importantly, why were you there? I thought for sure that you'll not be participating in the special training session, considering that your ability is not that useful in close combat and at most a useful support-type ability." Randy asked in return.

[Ah, about that, I was informed to come along and provide support to my classmates with my ability. After all, my awakened innate ability is very useful in detecting the weaknesses of monsters and beasts. In any case, I was a special case, and that's why I was selected to be a part of this special training session in the first place.]

[As you know, people like us with support-type abilities don't usually go to universities that heavily focus on combat training, but instead technological and science-type universities. And therefore, this opportunity was one that I could not simply ignore if I am to fulfill my dream of participating in dungeon raids someday. At least, this way, I will be able to showcase my ability and hopefully get to apply for a combat training university]

Jiang Chen enthusiastically explained to him. 

"…I see. That's great then. But anyway, I need your help with something." Randy spoke after a moment of brief silence. 

[What is it? Right, why aren't you here again? Did something happen to you during that terrifying monster's attack? Oh, right, did you see that guy that defeated that monster? He had such a cool appearance, just like when I saw him in that virtual video the other day.] Jiang Chen said in an awestruck tone. 

Hearing this from his friend, Randy shook his head with a smile on his face, and then he said a moment later: "Well, I did see him. But that's not what's important right now. I need your help to get out of the special training session. All you have to say is that I was among the injured students sent back to the city when asked by my instructor."

[…]

Jiang Chen was bewildered by his words for a long while before he doubtfully asked him: [Why did you decide to opt-out of the special training session? Isn't this something that you heavily emphasized the other day that it'll be a very crucial step in increasing your experience in combat or something, so why did you decide to ditch it? Do you have something else in mind? To be honest, I am still confused by what you just said, so… Care to explain a little?]

"…Well, it's nothing too special; I just thought that there was something more useful in increasing my experience, strength, and combat power than using the academy's method. Although this method might be dangerous, it is still better than the academy's training method." Randy explained.

"You know, after seeing that monster attack us out of nowhere, I realized just how weak I was because I couldn't bring myself to fight it after seeing its terrifying appearance. And so I made this decision which would make me get stronger quickly. Otherwise, I won't be able to protect anyone or anything even if I wanted to in the future." Randy continued in a serious tone.

[…So that's your reason, but where are you going exactly? Are you planning on becoming a hunter or something? I mean, don't get me wrong, I also wish to enter a gate one day but isn't that too dangerous if that's what you decided on doing?] Jiang Chen asked in a worried tone.

"No, I am not planning on becoming a hunter… At least, not yet."

[Then…?]

"...I will tell you later when you come back from the trip in two weeks, and after we meet again. But for now, can you do me this favor? I don't want my parents to worry about my whereabouts in the likelihood that they decide to inquire about my well-being after the attack. Which I am very sure that they most likely heard about it already." Randy pondered and then said to him.

Jiang turned silent for a brief moment without saying anything, seemingly pondering over his words before ultimately sighing and saying: [You know, you always like to do things by yourself. This is just like in the past, bro. In the past, you were bullied by your classmates all the time. But you did not want me to tell your parents about it, saying something like it doesn't matter. I regret listening to you at that time. And now, what? You're trying to go on some adventure somewhere that I don't even know? And you want me to cover for you?]

Jiang Chen sighed once again after saying this, and then he continued: [But as your friend, I can't just ignore your request simply because I am worried. Just know that if you do not return in two weeks, right after the special training session, I will be reporting this to your parents so that they can look for you themselves before it's too late.]

[However, this time around, I will not simply stand by and watch on as my friend goes through so much trouble. Of course, that means that I will also search for you since I will be partly at fault for keeping this secret that I don't even know the full details of.]

"…" Randy was genuinely touched emotionally when he heard these words from his friend and did not say anything for a while before speaking in a low voice: "Thank you…"

Jiang Chen, on the other hand, pretended that he did not hear him just now and then asked: [Huh? Bro, what did you just say? I didn't hear you just now. Can you repeat what you said just now?]

"You— "

Randy sighed a moment later while ignoring his friend's teasing remark just now and then said: "Whatever! But I truly appreciate your help this time, bro. Don't worry, when I find some transformation techniques during my journey, you will be the first one I give them to." 

[Ooh! Really?! I can't wait! In any case, although I don't know where you're going, you had better make sure to take care of yourself. After all, this is a tumultuous world, and anything could happen at any given time, so if you're planning on going to another city, then you better watch out for yourself because not every city out there is as friendly toward outsiders] Jiang Chen seriously said to him.

'Another city, huh? I guess that could be another choice since there are some cities with more danger in terms of wild creatures that roamed around compared to our Sky Rise City, so going there might indeed increase my combat experience. However…' Randy silently thought to himself.

And then he replied in assurance: "Don't worry, I will make sure to watch out for any trouble!" 

[Alright then. Bro, I will go and inform your teacher about this matter since we just arrived at the base. So take care of yourself out there.]

"Okay, thanks once again, bro."

…

As Randy recalled this, he had a smile on his face as he walked towards his family house that was not too far away at this time. 

He decided to come back home one more time to see if his mother and little sister were still home before departing on his journey. He wanted to say his farewell to them in the distance, even if this separation was only going to be momentary.