My attributes are increasing infinitely Chapter 516: Family reunion

Both of them appeared in front of a small, plain-looking hut that stood quietly at the edge of an open patch of land. It did not have any remarkable features. The roof was slightly uneven, the walls were made of rough material, and the overall structure gave the impression that it could collapse if a strong wind passed through the area. There was no visible aura of power, no grand formation, and nothing that would suggest that someone significant lived there.

Ethan stared at the hut for a moment, his expression gradually shifting into disbelief.

"Why do powerful people always choose to live in places like this?" he said, his tone filled with confusion. "Is this some kind of fetish? Or are they just trying too hard to look mysterious?"

Null burst into loud laughter, his voice echoing across the quiet surroundings.

"Did you hear that, you old bastard?" Null shouted without restraint. "Come out and greet our young friend. And greet your daddy as well."

From the way Null spoke, Ethan could tell that the two of them shared a long and complicated history. There was familiarity in the insults, and an ease that only came from years of interaction.

A moment later, the door of the hut creaked open. An old man slowly stepped outside, leaning on a wooden stick for support. His movements were slow, and his body looked frail, as if even standing upright required effort. His face was lined with age, and his presence appeared so weak that an ordinary person might assume he could collapse at any moment.

"Null, you fool," the old man said with a snort. "How many times have I told you to speak with respect? Or have you forgotten that I control your supply of alcohol?"

Null immediately changed his demeanor. The loud and arrogant tone disappeared, replaced by an almost comical humility.

"Ah, come on," he said with an awkward laugh. "I was only joking, great village chief. Please do not take it seriously. Let us go inside. We have something important to discuss."

The old man gave a dismissive snort but did not argue further. He turned around and walked back toward the hut.

Ethan and Null followed him inside.

The moment Ethan crossed the threshold, his eyes widened in genuine surprise.

The interior was completely different from the outside. It was not a cramped or dull space. Instead, it was vast and vibrant, like an entirely separate world hidden within a small structure.

A serene garden stretched out before them. A clear pond lay at the center, where swans moved gracefully across the water. Trees surrounded the area, their branches filled with birds that hopped from one perch to another while singing softly. The atmosphere was peaceful and alive, carrying a sense of quiet harmony.

At the center of the garden stood a simple tea table with three chairs arranged neatly around it.

"Sit," the old man said without turning back.

All three of them took their seats.

Null began to explain everything that Ethan had told him. He spoke without interruption, carefully recounting the details. It was clear that hearing the information from Null carried more weight. The old man trusted him, and that trust gave credibility to the words being spoken.

As the explanation continued, the old man’s expression gradually darkened. His relaxed demeanor disappeared, replaced by a serious and focused gaze.

When Null finished, silence lingered in the air for a few seconds.

"Are you certain?" the old man asked, turning his eyes toward Ethan.

Ethan met his gaze calmly.

"Why not gather everyone and present the information together?" Ethan suggested. "You can say that you have discovered something related to Hyperion, along with a greater threat. Both of you should have enough influence to call others, correct?"

The old man did not respond immediately. Instead, he shifted his attention back to Null.

"You understand the consequences if this turns out to be incorrect," he said in a low voice.

"I understand," Null replied without hesitation. "But I trust him."

There was no doubt in his tone. His confidence was steady and unwavering.

The old man studied him for a moment before nodding slowly.

"Very well," he said. "We will contact the others. I cannot guarantee that all of them will come. And if what he says is true, then a god is influencing this world. That would mean there are agents acting on its behalf."

"You are right," Null agreed. "But we should proceed anyway. I cannot see through him at all. That alone is enough to make this situation unusual. Either he is far beyond us, or he does not belong to this world."

The old man did not argue further.

They decided to organize a gathering. Invitations would be sent to all entities who had reached level five hundred. It would not be an ordinary meeting. It would be a test of truth, influence, and survival.

After the discussion ended, Ethan stood up.

"Old man, I need a place to stay," he said. "And I require these materials."

He handed over a list.

The old man took it and examined the contents carefully.

"I have some of these," he said after a moment. "The rest belong to the villagers. I will need to ask them."

"That is fine."

"You may stay on the land beside this hut," the old man added. "If you want, I can build a house for you."

Ethan shook his head.

"That will not be necessary," he said plainly. "Your sense of design is horrible. I will build it myself."

With that, he turned and walked out.

Null almost laughed, but he noticed that the old man had already begun arranging several jars of alcohol. He quickly suppressed his reaction.

"I was not laughing," Null said, forcing a serious expression. "Do not misunderstand. Let us enjoy ourselves. It has been a long time since we last met."

Outside, Ethan stood in the open space beside the hut.

He raised his hand.

Energy gathered silently around him. The ground trembled slightly as a massive structure began to take form. White marble rose from the earth, shaping itself into towering walls and elegant pillars. Precious gems embedded themselves into the surface, reflecting light in subtle patterns.

The construction continued without pause. Every detail was refined, every line precise. The castle was not merely large. It was designed with purpose and care.

This would not be just a residence.

It would be the place where he would be married.

He had made up his mind. He did not want to remain separated from Rose any longer.

Within an hour, the castle was complete. Its architecture was intricate yet balanced, grand yet controlled. It stood in clear contrast to the simple hut nearby.

Ethan lowered his hand.

Then, with another motion, he released the space within his inner world.

One by one, his family members appeared.

This time, everything was different.

After the fall of the god from the fate race, the effects that had erased their memories were gone. The barrier that had separated them from their past had been broken.

They remembered him.

They remembered everything.

The moments when they had treated him like a stranger. The confusion, the distance, and the pain of not recognizing someone they loved.

The realization hit them all at once.

Before anyone could speak, Rose moved.

She rushed forward and threw herself into Ethan’s arms. She held him tightly, as if afraid that he might disappear again. Her body trembled, and tears streamed down her face without restraint.

Ethan held her just as firmly.

"I am sorry," she said repeatedly. "I am so sorry. Please forgive me. I acted like I did not know you. I hate myself for that."

Ethan did not answer immediately.

Instead, he leaned forward and kissed her.

It was not a brief or hesitant gesture. It was direct and filled with the emotions that had been held back for too long.

In the distance, Elizabeth quickly covered Zara’s eyes.

"Mother, I am not a child anymore," Zara protested, her voice carrying mild annoyance.

"I know," Elizabeth said, laughing softly. "I just forgot."

Tears were visible in her eyes as well.

After a while, Ethan pulled back slightly, though he did not release Rose completely.

"You taste so sweet," he said quietly.

Rose’s face turned red. She struck him lightly on the chest.

"Stop that, you shameless man," she said, though she tightened her embrace instead of letting go.

Ethan then looked beyond her.

His parents stood there, along with the others.

For a moment, he simply looked at them.

"Mom. Dad. Everyone," he said. "I missed you."