Digitize: Rebirth of the Silver Death God

As classes for the day had ended, Nero told Elly to wait for him a while as he made a quick trip to the roof, but he only saw a few unfamiliar faces as he got there. Some who recognized him as they greeted, Nero nodded at them before turning around, leaving down the stairway; his eyes were a bit disappointed as he muttered.

"It looks like he's already left."

Ryu, the dutiful tail, spoke in reply, "Of course, the Mendez Family, though lax in certain aspects, is still a very influential force, as the sole young master of that kind of backing, he has countless responsibilities to attend. In fact, you forming an acquaintance with him was something even I didn't expect."

Nero rolled his eyes at this as he continued walking for a bit; he then asked, "That meeting for the Digitizers Union, what's it about?"

Ryu took his eyes from his mobile phone, staring at Nero as he answered, "It's simple, they want to assess and compare each of the newly rising talents in all various societies before the Gate of Legends. As you know, we'll be going up against most races, including hostile forces during this event, and while death shouldn't be of the main concern, humiliation is something that can not be allowed."

Nero had a curious expression as he turned to Ryo and asked again, "Oh, then are there any noteworthy talents other than those listed on the Rising Talent List?"

Ryu smirked as he answered, "Naturally, while persons like that Child of Blaze and Gold Spear Child are indeed at the pinnacle. Some talents prefer to remain low key, only erupting when they see the need."

'Hmm, it looks like these societies might be more than meets the eye; I guess I'll need to double my effort in training for the rest of the week.'

Nero thought with a firm set of eyes, Ryu seeing his look, smiled in a satisfied manner, it seemed that his intention was sent across well; he no longer paid him any mind but shift his attention back to the game on his smartphone.

Having finished their conversation, the two then made their way through the school building halls, arriving at the entrance to the main square of the compound. They were about to exit, but right at this time, Nero and Ryu knitted their brows as they saw someone waiting for them, a familiar face that Nero know too well.

"What do you want... Velmon?" Nero asked in an icier tone than the usual, his eyes having a tinge of murderous intent as every time he saw him, he subconsciously recalled the scene of his mother kneeling.

Ryu knitted his brows but said nothing; he stood a step behind Nero with his eyes fixing onto the hawk-nosed Jason, who crossed his arms together with a curious look on his face.

Velmon stared at Nero with a smile as he spoke oddly but warmly, "Nero... we haven't spoken much since that time, but I won't blame you; such is our... fate. Destiny calls all heroes together, and in the end, only one can reign supreme; I'm looking forward to the Gate of Legends; let's both do our best for humanity." 

"What?" Nero said in confusion, he knew that Velmon was a digitizer as he had spoken to Elly before, but he didn't expect the latter would say such words.

Velmon chuckled as he turned around, his back facing Nero as he replied, "Take care now, I have some important work to do... till then, my dear friend..."

As Velmon said those words, he walked off with Jason, who gave Nero a sharp look before continuing behind Velmon like a tail, the two growing distant as both Nero and Ryu stared at them with a severe look.

'That son of a bitch dares to call me his friend, he surely must be losing his mind, humph!' 

Nero thought to himself with an angry expression, but that soon faded as he took a deep breath and calmed himself down. He saw that Ryu had a pensive expression and couldn't help but ask.

"Ryu, what do you make of his words?"

Ryu shook his head as he continued to stare in the direction Velmon left before speaking, "I don't know, but I can only say one thing, you should do your best to be careful of both... there is something different about them."

Nero had a stern expression when he heard Ryu's words; even Adult Nero, who was quiet all this time, had a similar opinion; he frowned while thinking to himself.

'That Velmon... even in my previous life, we had never interacted, even more so after that event; so why? Why do I sense such an aura from his being?'

Adult Nero thought with an odd expression as he floated in Nero's consciousness, his back leaned against the air in a laid-back manner as he drifted aimlessly.

Nero naturally knew nothing of his older self's thoughts, he was about to leave with Ryu, but at this time, Elly had appeared from the side with Clair.

"Nero, we're ready!" Elly said with a perky smile; it seemed she had forgotten about the previous affairs.

Nero thought her manner a bit strange but said nothing about it; he looked at Clair, who lowered her head with a slight blush; he made an awkward look as he pointed at her and asked, "She's coming too?"

Elly puffed out her flat chest and replied, "Of course, Clair's planning to visit Kara; since it's nearby, I thought it would be best to drop her off at the Fortune Medical Center."

Ryu's eyes had a flicker when he heard this, while Nero nodded and replied, "Alright, we're also ready."

Elly then turned around and waved her hand; following her actions; a black car drove up quickly before halting beside them. The door then opened, but the driver who came out had an extraordinarily ordinary and solemn face rather than the charming Screwgelman.

Elly had a slightly sad look as she didn't see Screwgelman, but her expression swiftly recovered when she spoke, "Bradson, take us to the Fortune Medical Center."

Bradson made a polite gesture and answered, "Yes, Miss Elishia."

Everyone mounted the car without any further ado, which soon after left the campus, trolling across the fairly crowded streets as it vanished into the afternoon.