### Chapter 18: Kuro’s Return
A week flew by in a blink of an eye.
Night Star Lan had already been in this so-called game world for over two weeks.
She could feel time passing down to the second, with no skips or jumps allowed.
While Night Star Lan was enjoying her time with Luo Xi, she hadn’t forgotten her main goal.
If the story hadn’t started yet, she’d be getting worried.
She couldn’t afford to wait here for years or decades.
No internet, no games, and no other friends—it was not enough with just Luo Xi around.
There were still Luo Xi and many colorful lives outside that needed her attention, making her return the top priority.
“What are you thinking about?” Luo Xi’s voice echoed next to her.
Night Star was sprawled on her lap, deep in thought.
Luo Xi had long become comfortable with the knee pillow after-dinner ritual.
In these two weeks plus, Night Star Lan and Luo Xi lived an extremely relaxed life.
Without the internet, they traveled all over the mountains and waters, taking in the peaceful scenery.
The environment was perfect for a hermit lifestyle.
After their travels, Night Star Lan would regale Luo Xi with stories from the modern world. And after, they would stick together like glue, following every whim.
At night, they’d soak in hot springs, sleep like logs, and live a tranquil existence.
If they stayed much longer, Night Star Lan might just turn into a nature-loving hippie herself.
On a side note:
Night Star Lan could feel Luo Xi becoming more and more attentive towards her, with maternal warmth shining through in everything she did. She was being taken care of with such detail it was almost overwhelming.
Night Star Lan was naturally delighted.
She had initially planned to try pushing Luo Xi off the bed for some real intimate moments but ultimately failed, with Luo Xi confining her to bed for a whole night.
Seems like Luo Xi was still rather shy about such things. Better take it slow then.
On the bright side, she had grown accustomed to kisses and didn’t push Night Star Lan away anymore.
Praise the lord!
Back to the point:
Luo Xi asked a question.
And Night Star Lan lazily replied.
“I’m wondering when our story will finally begin.”
“Which story?”
“Ahh…it’s complicated, something like a major event. Like if your life or Kuro’s suddenly changes drastically.”
“Your arrival has changed my life a great deal. The story began from there.”
“Sounds like it.”
Night Star Lan nodded thoughtfully.
Their meeting indeed marked the beginning of a story.
But this isn’t the main plot.
The main plot probably revolves around Kuro.
Then at that moment…
Luo Xi, who had been stroking Night Star Lan’s hair, slightly lifted her head and whispered softly.
“Kuro’s back.”
“Huh?”
Night Star Lan looked up in puzzlement, unable to sense any sign of Kuro’s return.
Not even a tiny hint?
That’s so lacking in flair.
“Luo Xi, let’s go see what’s happening.”
Night Star Lan tugged on Luo Xi’s sleeve, eager to check out what Kuro brought back.
Judging by her guess, Kuro was definitely the catalyst for the events to come.
Though initially reluctant, Luo Xi went along with the idea.
The next second…
Night Star Lan and Luo Xi found themselves under a large tree.
They spotted Kuro talking with someone, presumably another person he brought back this time as well.
“Hmm…”
Night Star Lan narrowed her eyes, feeling a strange familiarity with the stranger beside Kuro, like she had seen him somewhere before.
At this moment, Kuro also noticed their arrival and quickly stood up to greet them.
“Night Star Lan, my friend! Hilo too, I never expected such a warm welcome upon my return. Feels good!”
Luo Xi, used to this kind of reception, glanced at the human with Kuro.
“Who’s this?”
Kuro started the introductions.
“Let me introduce our new guest—his name is Charlize. I met him during my travels, we hit it off well, and decided to bring him back for the festivities.”
Only now, Night Star Lan recognized exactly who Kuro had brought back.
Though the aura was different, she was certain of the face.
It was the Dream Narrator!
And in human form, weak and powerless!
Who would have thought Kuro would bring him back?
This must be the beginning of the story?
Curiosity filled Night Star Lan’s mind, deciding to remain a bystander in this matter.
Charlize stood up, bowing gracefully to Luo Xi and Night Star Lan.
“Pleased to meet you both.”
Kuro quickly slapped an arm around Charlize, his smile warm and sincere.
“No need for formalities, Charlize. Your friend’s friends are also mine. Allow me to introduce them. This is Hilo, she and I share the same origin—I have no qualms calling her mine, and those two girls beside her are actually the same person, named Night Star Lan. I recently brought her back for the stay.”
“Thank you for the introduction, Mr. Kuro. Your friends are beautiful.”
“Hearing such praise makes me feel great! I love welcoming warm guests!”
Night Star Lan sighed inwardly seeing Kuro and Charlize get chummy. That level of enthusiasm felt downright weird.
If a modern man received such warm treatment from Kuro, he might assume Kuro was into some odd hobbies, causing discomfort.
Meanwhile, Charlize remained composed, unaffected by Kuro’s zeal.
Luo Xi stared coldly at Charlize, seemingly reading his thoughts.
From what could be gathered, Charlize was genuinely the real deal. He respected Kuro, her, and even Night Star Lan deeply.
Perhaps Kuro’s display of power had left him in awe, shattering his previous worldview and invoking thoughts of noble beings related to faith. So, a huge sense of awe filled his heart.
Even if Kuro was overly friendly, it wouldn’t sway his judgement.
One cannot live without self-awareness.
And fortunately, Charlize possessed a healthy dose of self-awareness.
Luo Xi dropped her gaze.
Though this human Kuro rescued was somewhat better than usual, she wasn’t interested.
However, right as she prepared to leave with Night Star Lan, Kuro called out to her.
“Hold on, Hilo. I want to try something, and I need your help.”
“What is it?”
“I want to grant humans the power of the stars and send them into society. Let’s see what changes occur!”
“Why do you think such a thing is necessary?”
“We need to learn! We need to merge with the masses! Humans will rule the future, and our destinies are intertwined with theirs. Cutting ties is impossible; according to destiny, some humans must acquire power to form an unbreakable bond with us. Only then can we reach higher dimensions!”
Night Star Lan observed silently, thinking, “I knew it.”
The appearance of the first generation star holder and Kuro was directly linked.
As expected.
She would likely witness the birth of the first human endowed with stellar powers today.
—
Feel free to give me feedback or further adjustments!
