Reincarnated With A Glitched System: Why Is My MP Not Running Out? Chapter 2018: They’re Coming Back Pretty Soon

"I never imagined you required a place like this so desperately, Father. However, I’m relieved I could assist," I stated, offering a slight nod. "Regarding the materials, feel free to extract anything you deem necessary. I trust your discernment implicitly."

"Thank you kindly!" he responded, his head dipping in agreement. "I will primarily focus on cultivating using this location's ambient Qi. Nevertheless, I might also incorporate some materials, perhaps fusing them into my physical form to further refine my power through my unique practices."

"Speaking of practices, could you elaborate on what they entail?" I inquired. "Might you be willing to impart that knowledge to me, Father?"

"My child desires to learn from their old man? Even after achieving such considerable strength? Are you quite certain?" he questioned, inclining his head. "Do you truly believe you can glean anything substantial from me?"

"What?! You were the one who first instructed me in swordsmanship, Father! Without your guidance, I would be utterly clueless!" I exclaimed, a chuckle escaping my lips. "Naturally, I wish for you to teach me."

"...Very well," he conceded, nodding. "Perhaps once we have concluded our business with the dungeon, we can afford to relax, and I shall impart a few select techniques to you. Does that sound agreeable?"

"But what about the present moment? We have the entire day at our disposal," I pressed, unwilling to wait.

"Your persistence is quite remarkable, but very well," he acquiesced with a nod. "I suppose I am indebted to you for your recent deeds. Furthermore, you are my beloved daughter, after all. Say, Zephyrus, would you not also care to learn from your father?"

"Oh? I had no idea such an opportunity was available..." my brother uttered. "My elder sister is always so forthright in these matters... but alright! I accept!"

"Siblings learning together! That is a much better arrangement. Instructing only one might prove rather monotonous," my father jested, ruffling both our heads. "My two children... you are my entire world! Your presence brings me unending joy. Not merely due to your accomplishments, but simply knowing you have grown into healthy individuals is enough to elicit the widest of smiles! Hahaha!"

He drew us both into an intense embrace. While we felt a touch of awkwardness, an overwhelming sense of happiness washed over us, cherishing his presence.

"Excellent, then!" my mother declared assertively. "It appears we have explored sufficiently and conversed adequately for the time being. Shall we make our way back to the first floor and relish the remainder of the day? The atmosphere here remains rather oppressive, and to be frank, this locale is excessively hot! Sylphy, would you be so kind as to facilitate our departure from this place?"

"A-Ahah, indeed, indeed, understood," I confirmed, nodding. I conjured a portal leading back to the first floor, and we finally stepped out into the vibrant, verdant wilderness. "Now this feels significantly better. The air is so invigorating~!"

"It’s delightful!" Aquarina chimed in, extending her arms in a full stretch. "Ah, I truly needed this! I find myself craving a trip to the beach now! Is that a possibility?"

"Yes, there is a vast expanse of beach. We glimpsed it when we plummeted from the heavens!" Celica affirmed, nodding.

"I would also like to go," Celeste added. "It has been quite some time since we experienced a proper seaside outing, complete with brilliant sunshine and all. While the lake within the dwarf city was adequate, it ultimately felt somewhat artificial."

"Yes! That sounds immensely enjoyable!!!" Lara voiced with great enthusiasm. "Ah, I do lament Luck’s absence! When are he and Zack expected to make their return?"

"I am missing Zack as well!" Mist chimed in, nodding in agreement. "I wish he could be here to partake in this moment of joy with us..."

"I am confident they will be back with us soon," I assured them with a gentle smile. "Through our connection via the system, I can sense that they are safe, in good health, and continually enhancing their strength."

"I have already received a communication from Arafunn, incidentally," my mother disclosed. "He is on his way back... I believe the timeframe is perhaps tomorrow or the day following?"

"Wait, what?!" The collective exclamation erupted from all of us simultaneously. Even amidst the raucous symphony of the jungle creatures' calls and songs, our unified voices possessed enough volume to momentarily silence the surrounding wildlife.

"My apologies for not informing you sooner. The sheer number of pressing concerns occupied my attention..." my mother sighed audibly. "Furthermore, there is the matter of the evil god's curse, and then this entire predicament involving Sylphy... Ah, pardon me, I did not intend to categorize it as a predicament, my dear."

"No, no, truly, it is quite alright. It was indeed a predicament," I conceded with a laugh. "In any case, is this not absolutely marvelous news?! They are returning!"

"Yes! I have missed them terribly!" Lara enthusiastically agreed.

"Me too!" Mist echoed, her sentiment clearly conveyed.

The two individuals who exhibited the most profound joy regarding their impending return were, quite understandably, their respective romantic partners. Lara held an intense desire to reunite with Luck. Perhaps their romantic entanglement would finally progress into a formal relationship. I held out hope for this outcome.

As for Mist and Zack, they were already a committed couple, and a separation spanning three years represented a considerable duration.

I could only speculate on the intimate moments they might share once their reunion finally occurred. If both were prepared to advance their relationship to the next stage, they would likely...

Yes, perhaps it was best if I refrained from contemplating such intimate activities between my friends. This was wrong, Sylphy, you incorrigible, wanton woman.

"I cannot deny that I miss Zack and Luck. They were, after all, our companions," Aquarina mused, nodding thoughtfully. "Even now, it feels peculiar that the irritating fellow with the emerald hair is absent, or that shy beast-kin who perpetually sighed beside Lara, all while pretending to possess a heart of stone."

"Hahaha! Indeed, those were our comrades," Celeste chimed in with laughter. "I do wonder, after all these passing years, have they matured into something superior, or perhaps something distinct?"

"We've all evolved in our unique ways," I affirmed with a nod. "However, to measure our current selves against who we were merely three years ago would be an unfair comparison. We have all undergone growth."

"Well, with the exception of a certain individual, you haven't really transformed that much, Sylphy," Lara teased, a chuckle escaping her lips. "Hahaha!"

"W-What?! You haven't changed a bit either!" I retorted, though it was a fabrication.

"Nuh-uh, I've gotten considerably taller and I'm a cute young woman now!" Lara declared merrily. "Heheh!"

Her observation was accurate. Lara was no longer a child. She had blossomed into a beautiful young lady, possessing a graceful height and slender build, exuding a more mature allure, yet she still retained her vibrant, childlike wonder.

"Me too!" Mist exclaimed. Despite her continued petite stature, her development was evident. Her facial features had refined, shedding their baby-like roundness. She now presented herself as an elegant young woman.

"Yes, yes, both of you have blossomed splendidly," I sighed, folding my arms. "It's hardly my fault that I'm the sole half-elf amongst us who barely seems to change!"

"You are lovely just as you are," Aquarina voiced, her tone gentle. "And I believe you've matured precisely as much as you needed to. I happen to favor my girlfriend being pocket-sized."

"Pocket-sized?!" I exclaimed in shock. "Oh, you did not just say that! How could you possibly refer to me that way?! I am most certainly not pocket-sized!"

"You're a shortstack," she quipped, planting a kiss on my forehead.

"Shortstack?! W-What on earth does that even signify?!" I cried out in indignation.

"Shortstack, definition: Shortstack women are defined as petite, usually 5’4" or shorter, with a curvaceous, busty, or stout build. The term combines ’short’ with ’stacked,’ meaning well-endowed. It is often used in internet culture to describe a specific voluptuous and compact physique."

Alice's voice suddenly reverberated from behind me, bestowing upon me the definition of a term I hadn't even known existed.

"W-What?!" I gasped.

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