The city was expansive.
From the gate in the city center, they took a taxi to their house on the outskirts. Owing to the city's sheer size, the journey was relatively long.
Since the appearance of portals and mana beasts, the world's population has concentrated in cities for greater safety.
As a result, lands outside these protected zones became devoid of humans. Country borders no longer played a significant role, as no one remained to defend or maintain them. Only the cities and the territories they controlled offered protection.
Oliver's house was in an old residential area on the city outskirts.
It was a small, three-bedroom house, one of many similar structures nearby. The bank loan on the house had yet to be paid off, but the safety and security it provided—unlike more crowded apartment complexes—made the debt seem worthwhile.
'Home sweet home.' Oliver thought as he stepped through the front door.
The memories he had forgotten came rushing back.
'The marks and stains left behind by us are still there.'
Oliver looked at the corner of a wall.
The wall was covered by scribbles, and a few places were stained.
All of it was made by him and his brother.
'It's nice.'
While others would consider it an eyesore, something dirty to be cleaned, Oliver liked it. He didn't wish for it to disappear.
If it disappears, it would not be the same house he called home.
'Now that I think about it, where is my stupid brother?'
"Mom, where's the other son of yours?"
"He has classes."
"During the summer vacation?"
"Yeah, he joined an academy since he would have to take public exams soon."
"Oh!" Suddenly, Oliver remembered.
The academy his mother spoke about was a tuition centre that specialized in cracking entrance exams for colleges. These exams can be collectively called public exams since they are conducted by a special government body.
"Where is the academy?" He asked after thinking for a few minutes.
"Near his school."
"Okay," Oliver muttered and walked to his room on the second floor.
The moment he opened the door, a wave of musty odor hit him, causing his nose to scrunch up.
Before Oliver could walk in, his father walked up to him with an embarrassed smile.
"Dad, your mushroom experiment was in my room?"
"No, you can't say that without proof."
"MOM!"
"No." His father immediately waved his hand and covered his mouth. "Don't, your mother doesn't know. Please, you don't want your father to die young, right?" He spoke in a hurry.
"Hmmm."
Oliver hummed in affirmation.
"Okay." His father released the palm that was covering his mouth.
Oliver, being a total snitch, immediately ran straight to his mom to complain about his dad. He once again showed he was a true villain.
Now, his mother was arguing at his behest.
"He he." He chuckled.
—
Late in the evening, almost half past eight, Arin still hadn't returned home.
They were waiting for him to return and have dinner together.
"He said he would return by 7." Mother said in a worried tone.
"The kid is acting out these days. He seems to be getting into fights. Did you see the bruises on his face?" Oliver's father asked.
"Hm."
"I should go and look for him. He is already an hour and a half late."
"Should I come with you?"
"No."
"Dear, then take Oliver with you."
"Before that, should I call him again?" Oliver asked.
"His phone is switched off." Mother answered.
"Okay, let's go together Dad," Oliver said and quickly put on his shoes. He had an inkling that it was somehow related to the bullies.
"Dad, you should go check near the academy. I will look around the area he might be hanging around." Oliver suggested.
The chances of Arin being near the academy were slim. Oliver knew it and was intentionally sending his father that way.
Because those who were bullying Arin were kids with superpowers. And his father, a normal person, meeting them would not end well.
Kids these days are capable of doing anything. Be it battery, physical assault, assault with deadly weapons, robbery, or even murder, nothing was out of the question.
Adding superhuman strength and abilities would only increase the severity of their action.
'I can't send my father in harm's way.' Oliver said in his mind and walked away.
As he was walking, he refreshed his memory as to where his brother might be.
He had investigated most of the situations that led to his brother's death. That's why he could find those who caused it and get revenge.
'So, where was it? The abandoned building the kid thugs used.'
'I think it's near the west side of the residential area.'
Oliver picked up his pace and ran. He carefully controlled his blood to increase his stamina as he ran.
The reason the human body feels fatigued is due to the build-up of waste chemicals during strenuous activities. Oliver could control and replace his blood and even heal his body. Therefore, he practically had infinite stamina when he controlled his blood.
The summer air flowed over his skin and cooled him as he ran through the streets of the residential area.
There was not much traffic, and most of the people he saw were pedestrians.
However, Oliver easily avoided them as he made his way to the west side.
The buildings on the west were old abandoned schools and public facilities. Just behind it was a small park filled with overgrown trees and plants.
It took Oliver a few minutes to reach there.
Immediately, he noticed the tall trees and plants littered around the area.
The dim streetlight illuminated only a few meters into the dense foliage.
'The reason for the fast growth rate of trees and plants was because of the mana beast blood spilled here.'
'In the past, a small D-rank gate opened and dumped thousands of small frog-like mana beasts. The frogs were not dangerous, but their blood contained nutrients that could make plants grow faster and even mutate.'
"Best to be careful," he muttered. "There shouldn't be any dangerous creatures, but better safe than sorry." Oliver then pushed through the shrubs.