The Incubus System

The Incubus System Chapter 621. Black and Blue

After ten minutes of walking, I arrived at the coffee shop. Once I stepped through the threshold of the coffee shop, the smell of freshly brewed espresso beans and frothy milk wafted through the air, causing my senses to come alive.

I scanned the room, taking in the cozy atmosphere with its rustic wood tables and mismatched chairs, each one adorned with a different pattern or color. The walls were adorned with local art, adding a touch of whimsy and character to the space.

Despite the bustling crowds and the clattering of cups and saucers, there was a sense of calm and community here. People sat chatting with friends or tapping away on their laptops, all lost in their own little worlds.

I didn't see Larry, so I decided to order a latte and take a seat. As I waited for my drink, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me.

It had been a few months since I'd last been in a coffee shop. A human coffee show to be precise. And I had forgotten how much I missed the simple pleasures of this. The sound of laughter and conversation, the warmth of a mug in my hands, and the comfort of a cozy chair.

"Your latte, sir," the waiter put my order on the table.

"Thank you," I said.

I sipped my latte and looked around the room. I felt so calm and more than anything, there wasn't a single spy following me.

I sat in the coffee shop for 5 minutes, lost in my own thoughts before I was startled out of my reverie by the sound of someone panting and out of breath. I turned to see Larry stumbling through the door, a look of apology etched on his face.

"Sorry, I'm late," he gasped, panting as he tried to catch his breath.

I frowned, not just at his tardiness but also at the strange way he was dressed. Larry had on a flu mask and sunglasses. His black hair also a bit longer than before and a little messy, I guessed he didn't have time to cut it. As he approached, I noticed that his HP point wasn't full. It was a strange sight and one that immediately set off alarm bells in my head.

"What happened?" I asked. My curiosity and concern mixed in my tone. I couldn't shake the feeling that something had happened, and I was sure Larry was trying to hide some wounds. Did the association torture him to get my location? Or Ruby?

Larry hesitated for a moment as if he wasn't sure he wanted to reveal the truth. But finally, he sighed and sat down opposite me, his shoulders sagging in defeat.

"It's a long story," he said, running a hand through his hair. " I was attacked by a group of bandits yesterday. They were trying to steal my wallet, but I fought back. I managed to kick all of them, but not before they left a few bruises," he explained.

I cringed. 'Bandits, huh?' It was a pathetic lie. But yeah, I decided to pretend to believe him. Judging from how he lied to me, I was quite sure it was because of Ruby.

"Are you okay? Do you need to go to the hospital?" I asked.

Larry chuckled ruefully. "No, no. It's nothing. A few bandages and some rest will fix it. I just didn't want to scare anyone with my appearance, that's all." He sounded like a tragic hero.

Despite his words, I could see the pain etched on his face and the way he winced as he shifted in his seat.

"Do you want a drink?" I offered, gesturing towards the menu. "My treat."

Larry hesitated for a moment as if he was trying to weigh the pros and cons of accepting my offer. But finally, he waved his hand in the direction of the waiter. "I can't say no to a free drink," he said with a grin.

The waiter approached, a friendly smile on his face. "What can I get for you?" he asked.

Larry scanned the menu for a moment. "A cappuccino and a croissant," he ordered.

The waiter nodded and jotted down the order before turning to me. "Anything else?" he asked.

"That's all," I said.

"Okay, I will get it for you right away," he said. Then the waiter left.

"So what's up?" I asked, turning my gaze to him. "Why did you call me here?"

Larry hesitated for a moment before sighing and explaining. "I just wanted to make sure you were safe," he said, his tone filled with worry. "I haven't seen you in months, and no one knew where you were. Who knows if aliens kidnapped you and scooped your brain out of your head?"

I couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of his words, but I could see the genuine concern in his voice. "Sorry for making you worry," I said, feeling guilty for causing him so much stress. "But as you can see, I'm fine," I reassured him.

"I'm glad," Larry said, visibly relieved. But then he bent his head and murmured in a much lower voice, "But that doesn't mean you're safe."

I raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Why? What do you mean?"

Larry threw a furtive glance around the room before leaning in closer. "Because the danger is everywhere," he whispered. "Like some crazy bandits who like to kidnap and put their victims in basements. You have to be careful."

I frowned, trying to make sense of his words. "Is this about Ruby?" I asked openly.

The horror quickly painted his gesture. It was too clear although he was trying to cover it. "No-Not her. Of course, it's not her. Ahahaha" he ended it with a nervous laugh which made me sure it was because of her.

"Tell me what she said and what she did to you," I said straight to the point before I took a sip of my latte.