Souls Online: Mythic Ascension
Chapter 133: Nostalgic Steps

Chapter 133: Nostalgic Steps

Once Leo was outside, he slightly regretted running out like that. However, he just couldn’t find it in himself to just go back like nothing had happened. His pride refused to let him meekly take all those jokes(?) about his appearance.

So instead he chose to once again explore the neighbourhood where he grew up as a way to indulge in some nostalgia. Walking down the street, he remembered the good times that he had with friends, the trouble he used to get up to with his sister and so much more.

Walking by the old ice cream shop, he saw that the owner was still there and was serving some children with a smile on his face. Leo stood in the window, watching the scene with a forlorn look on his face.

’It’s been so long since I have seen Mr. Coney. He is looking old now...’

The man who used to spoil him and his sister whenever they tagged along with their mother on her errands now had a full head of grey hair and his face was now full of wrinkles. Leo wanted to go in and say hello but denied himself that when he felt the ears on top of his head twitch.

He bit his lower lip before turning his head and walking away, his fingers digging into his palm as he realized that this nostalgia trip was in some ways painful.

’He probably doesn’t even remember me or Luna...But I am glad to see he is still around.’

Leo kept walking with his head down, letting his feet lead him without thinking too much about where he was going. He soon found himself at Faerie Lake: The park that carried memories that he would never be able to forget.

He had spent countless hours here, playing with friends after school and when he joined the Track and Field team, this is where he trained. The shimmering lake was just like remembered, a gleaming gold as the setting sun refracted off the surface.

’Hah..The first place I end up after all this time is here? It’s just like that day..’

His heart felt heavy as he remembered the loveliest yet most bittersweet memory that he had. However, he didn’t let the dark memory weigh him down for long and forcibly pushed it aside, instead he chose to fall back into an old habit of his: Running.

He started off at a slow jog, allowing his body to warm up slightly as his features remained hidden beneath the oversized hoodie. Soon though, he began to pick up the pace, each stride a tiny bit longer and propelled him further.

’Hahaha~! This feels amazing~!’

He cheered as he felt the wind rushing past his face as he blazed around the track of the park, allowing him to forget about his troubles for once. Even after a few minutes of running, Leo didn’t feel out of breath in the slightest and instead felt refreshed as if the air was somehow cleaner.

He barely noticed that he was actually running incredibly fast as he cleared the mile long track loop in under 8 minutes without even breaking a sweat.

’Let’s see how fast I can really go!’

Was the thought he had before he broke into a full tilt sprint. He felt the urge to laugh as the wind roared in his ears, his feet barely touching the ground before he launched himself forward again. The 2nd lap was faster than the first as he slid to a stop, the gravel path kicking up a cloud of dust behind him.

’6 minutes and 4 seconds? That’s not bad~! Better than my previous peak!’

He was reveling in the runner’s high as he bounced on the balls of his feet debating on whether he should run again when he noticed another person nearby coughing as the unexpected cloud of dust struck them in the face.

Immediately panicking, Leo reached out with his hands but dared not touch the other person so they ended up outstretched in the air awkwardly.

"I’m so sorry! I didn’t notice you and it wasn’t intentional"

The other party was wearing a large baseball cap, a ponytail sticking out from the back of it, and through the tears, spotted sapphire coloured eyes that radiated annoyance as she waved away the dust.

"Jeez! What is wrong with you? You just kicked up a whole sandstorm, Jerkwad!"

Her voice was familiar to Leo, whose gaze faltered at the soft yet harsh voice that he hadn’t heard in years.

"A-Are you Crystal?"

He asked with a quiver in his voice.

’It can’t be her. No way. Absolutely not! Right?’

The girl was rubbing her eyes as she growled back

"How do you know my name? Are you a stalker?! Step back now before I call the Cops!"

Leo didn’t know whether to laugh or cry when he heard the aggressive tone in her voice.

"Haha..No. I am not a stalker Crystal. I don’t know if you remember me but I am Leone. We used to.."

"Leo?! No way! Oh my god, is it really you?! It’s been forever! How are you?!

The aggressiveness was gone, instead replaced by surprise and delight as the girl looked into his eyes before grinning and giving him a hug.

Leo was caught off guard by the sudden show of affection from someone he hadn’t seen for years.

"I honestly thought you had left town. You didn’t even try to contact me once!"

Suddenly the affectionate hug grew tighter as she attempted to give him a bear hug. Yet after dealing with Luna’s immense strength on multiple occasions, her hug only made him feel snug at best.

"How dare you run away without a word! Also what is up with this ridiculous pink sweater?! It is so not your colour!"

"Hahaha! You never change Crystal!"

Leo couldn’t help but find himself laughing, the bittersweet joy of their reunion warmed his heart and he was grateful she was acting like nothing had happened.

"We need to totally catch up! Let’s go to the old ice cream shop. I am sure the Old man would be happy to see you!"

Crystal giddily remarked, her mood shifting once more. It was something that Leo always admired about her. As the daughter of two politicians, Crystal always had to maintain a strict demeanour when in public settings but on her own, she allowed her emotions to flow freely like a stream.

"I am sorry Crystal."

Leo immediately apologized as soon as the hug was broken. Crystal flinched as she averted her gaze, her gaze faltering slightly as she tried to play it off.

"What are you sorry for Leo? We just met again after so long...I–"

"Yes I know it’s been three years since we saw each other. It’s also the reason why I need to apologize. I didn’t leave town. I didn’t...There is so much I want to tell you..but I don’t know how."

Crystal’s face was indescribable as she stood there speechless. She had tried to play it off as if nothing happened all those years ago but it seemed that fate had a different idea in mind.

Crystal felt her cheeks burn in embarrassment. Why did their reunion have to take place right on the spot where they had last met all those years ago.

How could she forget the last day she had seen him before he suddenly disappeared.

After all, it was the day that she had confessed to him.

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