Powerless Boy is reborn as Lustful Elf
Chapter 43: Meeting Jusin

Chapter 43: Meeting Jusin

Alex saw the rugged features of the man who belonged to that strained voice

The man’s hair was a dull shade of brown, thick and matted to his forehead with sweat, the damp strands clinging to his skin like wet earth after a heavy rain.

A full but slightly thin beard framed his square, handsome jaw, the edges rough and uneven

His jawline was square and strong, carved with the kind of rugged handsomeness that only years of exposure to the elements could create.

His eyes, sharp and assessing, landed on them. "What can I do for you?" he asked, his voice still carrying that edge.

But when his gaze finally settled on Thalorin, the hardened lines of his face softened, as though the sight of him had peeled away some of the roughness that clung to his features.

His lips parted, and a wide, genuine smile spread across his rugged face, crinkling the edges of his eyes.

It was a smile that transformed him, softening the hard angles of his jaw and making him appear almost youthful for a fleeting moment.

"Well, what a rare face to see these days," he said, his voice shifting as laughter laced the words, deep and rich

He withdrew his head with a slight nod, his smile lingering as if savoring the moment.

There was a subtle rustle, and then a soft, metallic hum filled the air.

The mechanisms hidden within the gate groaned to life, a low, steady sound that vibrated through the ground beneath their feet.

Slowly, almost deliberately, the gate began to shift, its heavy frame gliding smoothly along the polished track

Alex exchanged a brief glance with Thalorin, his curiosity piqued, a flicker of anticipation rising in his chest

Jusin’s frame filled the space, broad shoulders straining against a worn tunic stained with dirt and fur.

His sleeves were rolled up, revealing forearms corded with muscle, and his boots were caked with mud, hinting at the labor he’d been immersed in.

He wiped his hands on his trousers, leaving faint smears, and stepped forward, his presence as imposing as the mansion behind him.

The morning light bathed the courtyard of Elaris Hold in a soft, golden glow, illuminating the tall figure of Jusin as he stood before the open gate.

His rugged face softened with recognition, and a warm smile spread across it, crinkling the corners of his sweat-dampened eyes.

"Thalorin, my good friend," he greeted, his voice a deep, gravelly timbre that carried the weight of genuine affection.

He took a step forward, his boots leaving faint imprints in the dusty earth, and extended a hand as if to clasp Thalorin’s shoulder, only to pause mid-motion, hesitating.

Thalorin mirrored the smile, his golden hair glinting as he tilted his head. "Jusin," he replied, his tone rich with warmth.

Without a second thought, he opened his arms wide, the folds of his cloak parting like wings, inviting a hug.

The gesture was unreserved, a quiet testament to the bond they shared, undeterred by the passage of time or the dirt of the day.

Jusin laughed, a rough, hearty sound that echoed faintly off the stone walls of the mansion.

He raised his hands in mock protest, palms outward as if to ward Thalorin off. "I’m stinky and stained with mud, you old fool," he warned, glancing down at his tunic, its once, fine fabric now streaked with dark smudges and clinging to his broad frame with the dampness of exertion.

His sleeves, rolled to the elbows, revealed forearms dusted with soil and flecks of animal hair, a testament to the labor he’d been buried in before their arrival.

Thalorin didn’t flinch. His chuckle was low and unbothered, a rumble that seemed to rise from deep within his chest. "As if I care about a bit of mud," he said, stepping forward and pulling Jusin into a firm embrace.

Their arms locked around each other, the hug a clash of contrasts, Thalorin’s pristine cloak against Jusin’s grimy tunic, the faint scent of lavender from Thalorin mingling with the earthy tang of sweat and stable muck.

They held the embrace for a moment, shoulders shaking with shared laughter, the sound a melody of reunion that filled the courtyard.

When they parted, Thalorin kept a hand on Jusin’s shoulder, his grip steady as he looked into his friend’s eyes. "It’s been a slightly long while," he said, his voice softening with sincerity. "I’m so happy to see you."

The words carried a weight, a quiet joy that spoke of years of trust and the comfort of seeing a familiar face after too much time apart.

Jusin nodded, his smile lingering as he clapped Thalorin’s arm in return. "Nice to see you too," he replied, his tone equally earnest.

His hazel eyes flickered with a spark of camaraderie, and for a moment, the two stood there, basking in the simple pleasure of being together again, the mansion’s towering silhouette framing them like a silent sentinel.

Then Jusin’s gaze shifted, landing on Alex, who stood a step behind Thalorin, his pack slung over one shoulder. Jusin tilted his head, sizing him up with a curious, appraising look.

"This the new kid, yeah?" he asked, his voice gruff but not unkind, a hint of interest threading through it.

Thalorin turned slightly, gesturing to Alex with a proud nod. "This is Alex," he said, his hand resting briefly on Alex’s shoulder as he made the introduction.

"And this, Alex, is Jusin, master of Elaris Hold, your new home." His tone carried a note of formality, but the warmth beneath it was unmistakable, a bridge between the two worlds Alex was straddling.

Jusin’s smile returned, broad and welcoming, as he extended a hand. "Good to meet you, lad," he said, his grip firm and calloused as Alex shook it.

The handshake was brief but solid, a quiet promise of acceptance wrapped in the strength of his grasp.

"Come on in," Jusin added, stepping back and waving them toward the mansion’s entrance, his boots scuffing the ground as he turned.

Alex followed, the gate whirring shut behind them with a metallic clang that reverberated through the air.

As he stepped across the threshold, a wave of scent hit him, Jusin’s odor, sharp and pungent, wafting from his mud-streaked clothes.

It was a mix of sweat, damp earth, and the musky tang of animals, unmistakable and strong enough to wrinkle Alex’s nose.

He glanced sidelong at Thalorin, who seemed oblivious to it, and steeled himself as they ventured deeper into Elaris Hold