"See you tomorrow, Doms."

"See you too."

"Goodbye, Arthur!" Clark calls out cheerfully, waving his hand energetically as Arthur's limo pulls away.

Arthur nods quickly and rolls down the window, waving one last time before the limo drives off into the evening.

Now it's just Clark and me standing in front of my house. The quiet of the evening surrounds us, and I sense Clark's mood shifting.

"Mons—Dominic, when can I go home?" Clark tugs at my hand, his voice tinged with sadness.

I look down at him and see the worry etched on his face.

After our conversation about his family and realizing what his disappearance might mean to them, it's clear he's grappling with the weight of his decision to run away.

He misses his parents and wants to return, but being stranded in an alternate universe makes that wish unattainable.

I kneel to meet his eyes, trying to offer reassurance despite the uncertainty of our situation.

"Don't worry, Clark, you'll see them soon."

In truth, I don't know when or how we can manage his return. The concept of a portal linking different universes isn't covered in the web novel I know, which means I have no leads or knowledge to draw on yet.

"R-really?"

I nod, maintaining a confident facade. "Yes, you will. But for now, we must figure out how to make that happen."

"But what if they're not worried about me?"

"They are worried, Clark. Think about how happy they'll be to see you safe and sound when you return. That joy will overshadow everything else."

Clark wrestles with his thoughts momentarily before finally nodding, a tentative acceptance crossing his features.

"Okay."

"Don't worry, we'll figure this out together. I promise."

I extend my pinky toward him, emphasizing the seriousness of my promise.

Clark's eyes widen before he wraps his tiny pinky around mine, sealing the promise.

"Let's go inside."

Clark nods, and we walk toward the front door. I push it open and lead him into the house.

As soon as we enter, I see Celine on her Commlink. Noticing us, she looks up, her expression shifting from surprise to curiosity.

"Oh, welcome home, Dominic!" Her gaze quickly moves to Clark. "And who is this young man?"

"Mum, this is Clark Williams. I met him today and invited him over for dinner."

"U-Uhm, hello, Miss Eneneforte," Clark says, slightly nervous, bowing politely.

I can't help but chuckle at his slight mispronunciation of our surname.

"Hello, Clark," Celine greets him warmly, her tone welcoming.

She then turns to me, her expression becoming more serious. "Dominic, can we talk privately?"

I nod, having anticipated this conversation. "Sure."

I then glance at Clark, who seems a bit apprehensive. "You can sit in the living room right there," I point to a cozy area with a few soft chairs and a couch.

Clark nods obediently and heads to the living room, settling into a chair.

Celine and I find a quiet corner in the kitchen for our conversation. She faces me with a straightforward demand.

"Dominic, explain."

I take a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. I recount the whole story to her—how I discovered Clark peering longingly into the restaurant, how we shared a meal, and what I learned about his difficult circumstances, including being bullied for being 'Manaless.' I also mention he is from Celestria, carefully leaving out the part about him being from another universe.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

As Celine listens, her expression softens with each detail I share.

"I see… poor guy." She glances over at Clark, sitting on the sofa, his small legs swinging back and forth. "I guess he can stay here for a while."

Her response makes me smile; her acceptance is more forthcoming than I anticipated.

However, there's still one potential hurdle: André. Will it be okay with him to let Clark stay here?

"Thanks, Mum, but what about Dad?"

"Don't worry. Knowing your father, he will let Clark stay here temporarily."

Her assurance eases my concerns further. Yet, as relieved as I am about Clark, another worry creeps into my mind: André and his Stargate raid at the Emerald Coastline.

"Mum, about Dad, is he okay? Did they manage to close the Stargate that opened up recently?"

"Yes, he's fine. Your father demolished the monsters inside the Stargate."

I can't help but chuckle at her nonchalant depiction of a dangerous situation. But André demolished monsters that are [A] rank? That's impressive. If Celine says they were demolished, it's safe to say he's either [A] to [S] rank.

"Oh, by the way," she continues, smiling across her face, "your father said you did a wonderful job defeating Lumi in the duel. He was so happy that you won."

Hearing that brings a genuine smile to my face. Knowing André is proud of my achievements adds a layer of satisfaction to the victory.

"Thanks, Mum, that means a lot to hear."

With the matter of Clark staying with us seemingly settled, I feel reassured about my father's safety, and I feel pride in my accomplishments.

I'm ready to focus on helping Clark adjust and finding a way to address his unique situation. But first, it's time to make him feel welcome in our home.

"I should tell Clark the good news," I say as I walk toward the living room. "Clark."

He turns to face me, his eyes bright with anticipation. "Yes, Mon- Dominic?"

"I have some great news. You're going to stay here temporarily while we find your parents."

Clark's face lights up with a broad smile. "Really?!"

"Yep!"

"Thank you, Dominic!" He dashes over and hugs my legs tightly.

I smile down at him, ruffling his hair affectionately. Taking care of this young version of myself from another universe feels strangely fulfilling.

"Dominic, you should give him a bath and let him stay in your room." Celine's voice calls out from behind us.

I see Celine approaching with a cup of hot chocolate in her hands. "This is for you, Clark," she says, offering the cup to him.

Clark carefully takes the mug, his hands wrapping around it gently.

"Be careful, it's hot," I caution.

He nods, then cautiously sips the hot chocolate. His eyes widen in delight at the taste.

"This is delicious!"

Without hesitation, he gulps down the hot cocoa, seemingly unfazed by the heat.

"Fufufufu!" Celine laughs softly at his enthusiasm. "Did Clark get his foodie trait from you, Dominic?"

Her comment is playful but implies a more profound connection, almost as if I'm adopting Clark.

"Hahaha, so funny, Mum."

"Did you say something?"

"Nothing, Mum."

"Uwah!"

Clark's excitement is infectious as he finishes the hot chocolate with a satisfied exclamation,

"Thank you, Miss Eneneforte!"

"You can call me Celine."

"Okay, Miss Celine!"

I can't help but smile at the exchange. But noticing his dirty appearance, I realize it's time to take care of his immediate needs.

"Clark, let's get you cleaned up."

"Okie!" Clark responds with an enthusiastic nod.

The transformation from the scared and shy boy I met earlier to one brimming with happiness warms my heart. It starkly contrasts my less cheerful childhood memories from my previous life.

"Dominic, you can use your old clothes for him."

"Okay, Mum."

My gaze then drifts inadvertently to the shelf where the Demon Orb I won at the auction is displayed.

I had almost forgotten about it. I should take it to the character I know from the web novel who can purify the orb tomorrow after school.

"Uhm, Dominic, where's the bathroom?" Clark's voice pulls me back from my thoughts, reminding me of the task.

"Follow me," I reply, reaching out to take his hand.

We walk together toward the bathroom, Clark's small hand in mine feeling like a tangible connection to my past and a reminder of the responsibilities I have embraced in my new life.

════ ⋆★⋆ ════

We are in my bedroom, and I gently towel Clark's hair dry. Suddenly, Clark starts shaking his head like a puppy trying to dry its fur.

"Clark, you shouldn't shake your head like a puppy," I advise as he vigorously tries to dry it himself.

"Okie," he replies, a bit more subdued.

Clark is now wearing what seems to be my old clothes, which fit him quite well.

I hadn't realized Celine had kept these, but the Eñeforte household is always full of surprises.

Master, don't forget the 50 Stat Points you earned from the duel earlier.

That reminder pops up just as I finish up with Clark. The day has been so hectic that I have nearly forgotten my stat points.

"System, distribute 12.5 points each to Strength, Endurance, Agility, and Speed."

Strength: 168 > 180.5 (D-)

Endurance: 182 > 192.5 (D-)

Agility: 171 > 183.5 (D-)

Speed: 182 > 194.5 (D-)

"Dominic, who are you talking to?" Clark's curious voice pulls me from my thoughts.

"Oh, it's nothing."

I do not intend to reveal my System to anyone, not even to Clark, who seems to hail from another universe.

After drying his hair, I put the towel aside. "There, feeling better?"

Clark nods enthusiastically. "Yes, thank you, Dominic!"

"Great! Now, let's find you something to drink. You must be thirsty after that bath."

Clark hops off my bed, his energy seemingly boundless.

"Can I have more hot chocolate?" he asks, his eyes shining with hope.

I chuckle, delighted by his eagerness for the warm drink. "Sure, let's make some more hot chocolate for you."

With that, we head to the kitchen to prepare another round of his new favorite treat, the warmth of the house and the comfort of newfound routines wrapping around us like a cozy blanket.