Villain's Second Heart: Trapped in A Fantasy Novel (BL)-Chapter 13: That Same, Beautiful Sky

[Alcor Star (Ezra)

Level 10 → 11

Strength +1 (15)

Vitality +0 (12)

Agility +1 (14)

Spirit +0 (13)

Charisma +0 (12)

Luck +0 (9)]

"Whoa. It really is just like a game...and why's my luck so low!?"

Ezra glanced over his shoulder. It seemed Deek and Oberyn both leveled up too. He peeked at Oberyn's screen.

[Oberyn Omekia

Level 13 → 14

Strength +0 (11)

Vitality +0 (10)

Agility +1 (17)

Spirit +1 (19)

Charisma +1 (15)

Luck +0 (14)]

He didn't know what all the attributes represented, but as he watched Oberyn's chest heave up and down in the battle's aftermath, he agreed with the increased 'Charisma'. He couldn't help but bite his lip as he watched the Nephilim strike a cool pose and sheathe his sword.

They surveyed the battlefield. All that remained of the Manticores were their fangs.

Deek dutifully collected all the fangs from the ground. She noticed Ezra watching her with curiosity as she went about her business.

"All magical beasts leave somethin' behind. 'Drops', they're called. These Manticore fangs are pretty valuable, ya know!"

She pocketed the spoils and led the group out of the nest, eager to return to the farm and wash up. Though Oberyn doubted any amount of cleaning would rid his clothes of the Manticore stench.

As they stepped out of the nest, the cool, fresh air hit Oberyn like a wave, washing away the stench of blood and decay. His face immediately softened, and he closed his eyes.

"Gods, I never thought I'd be so happy to see that blue sky again."

Oberyn's words were loaded - heavy. His time on Earth hadn't exactly been pleasant, but the time spent in the Manticore nest was a low point even by those standards.

The lingering aurora of mana remained in his mind, a reminder of the raw power they had just faced. It was over, but his muscles remained tense, his grip on his sword's hilt firm. He was ready for another battle, though he felt no danger.

"It is a beautiful sky," Ezra remarked, brushing against Oberyn and standing at his side as the two looked skyward together.

"Looking up, I could almost forget I'm in a new world. The sky is just the same as the one on my Earth."

Even as Ezra's arm brushed against his, Oberyn didn't step away. He let himself enjoy the moment.

"I think I'd like to hear about your world, sometime," Oberyn said wistfully. But he wasn't sure why he said it. They'd be parting ways, soon. He had to go back to Asteria, and Ezra had to find his own path.

"Only if you tell me about your moon."

Oberyn's heart skipped. He'd nearly forgotten telling Ezra that he was from the moon. He was surprised the human even remembered.

Their hands were close enough to touch - to lock fingers if they wanted. Oberyn curled his hand, thinking about the sensation, indulging himself for the shortest of moments before he broke away and started walking back in the direction of the farm.

"We'd better get going. Not much daylight left, and I'd like to get back to Asteria before midnight at least."

"O-oh, right."

Ezra watched Oberyn walk away, the warmth between them fading too fast. Charisma boost or not, the Nephilim still knew how to put up a wall.

The climb back to the farm was long and arduous - in his past life, Ezra would have never made it, but his new body had great stamina. Even still, they were all out of breath when they made it back up the steep cliff.

"You okay?" Oberyn asked as Ezra reached the top. He was the last one to make it to the top.

"I'm fine, thanks," Ezra heaved. "Maybe just...a little thirsty, is all."

Oberyn watched over Ezra as he leaned over and caught his breath. If he'd any water on him, he would have shared.

Ezra looked up and caught Oberyn staring. The Nephilim quickly looked away, but even he had to admit his longing gaze was obvious.

"Just...making sure you're doing alright. I don't want you to slow us down," he blushed.

Meanwhile, Deek was lying flat on the ground, exasperated. "Where's the love for me, Mr. Nephilim!?" she wheezed. "I could use some water too!"

Deek provided the perfect distraction for Oberyn. He rushed to her side, overly concerned and doting. She ate up the attention, sticking her tongue out at Ezra as Oberyn offered to carry her some of the way.

Deek ended up being carried, but by Ezra, not Oberyn.

It was nearly sunset when they arrived back at the cabin. Oberyn was quick to not linger, staying close to the door.

"Thank you again for everything, Deek. And you as well, Ezra. I won't forget the kindness you've both given me."

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"What are you talkin' about, are you leaving already?" Deek pouted. "What about dinner? And stay the night, at least! Ain't nothin' good in these woods at night, trust me!"

Oberyn locked up. "I can't," he said, his voice firm. "I really must return to the king as soon as possible. I need to recharge."

"One night won't kill ya," Deek argued. "Come on, we can have a sleepover! It'll be fuuuun! I'll make somethin' yummy for dinner, too!"

As she spoke, Oberyn's stomach grumbled. He'd used a lot of energy, and his health was still quite low.

"...Fine. I'll leave at first light."

"Aw yeah!" Deek exclaimed, pumping her fist in the air triumphantly. She nudged Ezra in the ribs and whispered to him. "Now you have more chances to put the moves on him!"

Ezra was taken aback, looking at Deek in shock.

"Oh, don't give me that," she winked. "Hey, why don't you two get settled in our guest room! I'll grab ya when the food's done!"

She led them through the house to a room in the back corner - a small but tidy room with a nice wide window overlooking the meadow. She also gave them both some used clothes to change into.

"There's only one bed, but you two can share, right? Not like Oberyn here takes up much space!"

The two young men shared a look.

"Share...the bed!?"