章 29: I'm Being Avoided...?

It didn't take too long of a wait before the guards brought Major Lucas to the gate. However, beyond my expectations, Garuda and Selen also tagged along, coming with him to "welcome" my arrival.

"..."

Garuda was staring at me judgingly. It was as if I were a wanted man who suddenly appeared before her. However, Selen and Major Lucas were mostly the same as the previous loops.

"So, you're Hvir?" Major Lucas walked forward with a smile on his face. "Is it true that you have the ability to see the future?"

"Huh?"

I tilted my head slightly before looking at Selen. Did she misrepresent my ability to her father?

"No, sir. My ability allows me to revive after death, at the exact moment of midnight, December 30th," I explained as I opened my system panel, showing them the display. "It's useful since my memory is preserved, but it has the drawback of making me suffer from the pain of death every time I respawn."

The three of them examined my status and simultaneously opened their eyes wide. "Level 11?!"

"... Ah."

Right, I forgot that the level is shown together with the ability. Well, there's no point in hiding it, anyway. "Yes, the level also remains mostly preserved after revival. It gets reduced by one right after, though."

"Is that level... real? Can you prove it?"

Major Lucas asked, simply curious about it rather than doubting my words. I didn't want to waste more time, so I quickly walked towards and grabbed the side of the gate, made of a solid bar of metal, and gripped it tight.

*CREAAAAK!*

And, with just that, I left a deep handprint on the bar's surface. Major Lucas laughed as he extended a hand. "Amazing! With that much power, we're more than happy to welcome you to the shelter!"

"Thanks..."

I took his hand and was mindful of the strength I put in; otherwise, I might end up destroying his hand. After that, Selen walked forward and did the same, offering a handshake.

"(I-I'm Selen... It's nice to meet you...)"

Although her voice was so soft it was hard to hear, with my enhanced senses, I was able to pick it up. "It's nice to meet you too, Selen."

Her cheeks flushed a little after I shook her hand. And then she ran to her father's back and hid. As usual, she's extremely shy whenever she's outside of "work."

Riding on the momentum, I turned to Garuda and extended my hand. Her judging stare remained unchanging, but slowly, she stepped forward and took my hand with a deep frown.

"You should already know my name, right?" Garuda muttered as she went to grab my hand with a sigh. "I'm...!"

But as soon as our hands touched, I felt something weird. I couldn't explain it other than the sense of getting "electrocuted" by a small current. Like something tickling my arm and running up toward my head.

"YOU LIED...!"

And, without warning, Garuda shouted with a face filled with anger and embarrassment. Her hand moved, about to slap my face, but with how low her current stats were, I was able to easily catch her wrist.

I pulled her closer, with her wrist up in the air, making her have to tiptoe just to remain standing on the ground. Her face warped with pain as she gritted her teeth, but her gaze remained filled with the same emotions as previously.

"You... what skill did you just use?"

I was sure of it. Other than her charm skill, she also used another one just now. Was it something like mind-reading? Otherwise, she wouldn't have figured out that I lied to her.

"Kuh!"

Garuda groaned as she used her legs, attempting to kick my family jewels, but I was able to block her kick with the heels of my leg. With both attacks dwarfed, she looked like she was about to cry, as she no longer struggled.

"Calmed down? I'm not really forcing you to disclose your skills, but I now know that you have some mind-reading and charm skills other than your other three." I muttered as I slowly let go of her wrist, which turned a little bruised from how tight I grabbed it.

"I just want you to answer one thing, and I'll let everything be water under the bridge... Why did you do it?"

Garuda frowned as she held her wrist, turning to glare at me while glancing at Selen and Major Lucas. After a while, she let out a deep, remorseful sigh before answering.

"I don't know what my past self was thinking, but... she probably just wanted to have you for herself. That's all I can say."

"Have me...?" Like, physically?

She did "invite" me that night to do it with her, but I doubt that's the entire reason. At least, I can confirm one thing. Garuda's not my enemy. I heaved a sigh of relief, finally realizing this point. It was like a heavy burden was lifted off my shoulders.

'I was used and dumped by my girlfriend in the past, and now, I'm forgiving Garuda even after she tried to use her charm skill on me... I guess I haven't changed since then at all... still soft and naive.'

As they say, one couldn't change their core personality that easily. After I shook my head, I turned to see Garuda already walking away. Selen was going after her with a worried expression, while General Lucas was looking at Garuda and me alternatingly before showing a faint smile.

"Ahh, youth."

"..."

No, Major, it's definitely not what you're thinking.

Anyway, after that, since the shelter was already filled, I was offered to join the attack force to gain access to the military barracks instead. Of course, that was my other purpose for coming back to the camp, so I didn't refuse.

'For this loop, my priority would be to see how long I can survive with this Military Camp.'

They did survive three days alone, so my being here should increase their chances of surviving. There are less than a few hours left before the monster invasion begins.