The Incubus System Chapter 1559. Dramatic II

The Incubus System Chapter 1559. Dramatic II

Larry deserved an award for this performance. Not just an ordinary award, either. I was talking about the kind presented on a massive stage, complete with dramatic music, a standing ovation, and an emotional acceptance speech about how difficult it was to portray a man who had lost absolutely nothing.

Nathan sat there silently, staring at the table as though Larry had just delivered the most devastating news of his life.

For a while, he didn't say anything. His expression was difficult to read. Disappointment was certainly there, along with something that looked suspiciously like regret. But beneath those emotions, I noticed something else. Doubt.

Nathan lowered his head, his fingers tightening slightly around the edge of his chair. He seemed to be replaying Larry's words, examining them from different angles. So he wasn't completely convinced.

Nathan finally straightened his back. He looked at Larry for several seconds, studying his face with an intensity that made me wonder whether he was searching for some inconsistency in the story. Larry, meanwhile, maintained his sorrowful expression perfectly. This guy was terrifying when he actually decided to use his brain.

“Thank you for telling me,” Nathan said eventually.

Larry nodded solemnly.

Nathan glanced at the surrounding students, apparently realizing how much attention their conversation had attracted.

“And… sorry for causing all this trouble.”

“Don't mention it, man.”

“I should get going.”

Larry's expression became even more sympathetic. “Yeah. I understand.”

Nathan stood. For a moment, he seemed about to ask another question. His lips parted slightly before he changed his mind. Instead, he gave Larry a small nod. “I'll see you around.”

Larry stood as well and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Be strong, brother.”

I pressed my cup against my lips to hide my grin.

Nathan nodded again. Then he turned and walked away.

Larry remained standing, watching him leave with the solemn expression of a man bidding farewell to a soldier marching toward certain death. Several students followed Nathan with sympathetic gazes.

One girl even whispered, “Poor guy.”

Ladies, if you knew what that man had done to my best friend, you wouldn't be feeling quite so sorry for him. Still, I had to admit the entire performance was impressive.

Once Nathan disappeared through the cafeteria doors, Larry finally sat down. I didn't approach immediately. Instead, I remained near the pillar, sipping my tea while keeping an eye on the entrance.

I wasn't particularly interested in accidentally walking into the middle of this tragedy and being forced to explain why Ethan looked suspiciously cheerful after supposedly spending the entire night crying over Damina's departure.

Once I was satisfied that Nathan had genuinely left, I made my way toward Larry's table. He was eating his lunch. Grilled chicken. Rice. Vegetables.

I pulled out the chair opposite him and sat down. “Never thought he'd make his move this fast,” I remarked casually. “Guess he really missed me that much.”

Larry looked up. For one glorious second, his tragic expression remained in place. Then it cracked. “Pfft!” He burst out laughing.

I grinned. “Nice performance, by the way.”

“Dude!” Larry leaned forward, laughing harder. “You should've heard what he said before you arrived!”

I raised an eyebrow. “Oh? What did our heartbroken Romeo say?”

Larry wiped the corner of his eye. “He said Damina reminded him of someone. Someone he couldn't remember.” He lowered his voice, clearly enjoying himself. “He said whenever he thought about her, he felt like there was something important he was forgetting.”

I brought my tea to my lips.

Larry continued, “And get this. He said she reminded him of someone who made his heart scream.”

I stopped moving. For a moment, I simply stared at Larry and took a slow sip. Someone who made his heart scream? Did he mean Damian? More specifically, Damian Lucio Malignus, the one who had kicked his ass over and over again. Lysathiel and I had erased Nathan's memories of those incidents. But apparently, removing memories didn't necessarily erase every emotional impression associated with them.

I smirked.

Larry narrowed his eyes. “What's with that face?”

“What face?”

“That evil-looking smile.”

I shrugged. “Just appreciating the beauty of fate.”

He stared at me. “That's a suspiciously creepy answer.”

“Thank you.”

Larry shook his head before leaning back in his chair. “By the way, why didn't you join the act? You know.” His grin widened. “Come over, pretend you're devastated, maybe shed a few tears. Make the whole thing more realistic.”

I stared at him. This bastard. He wasn't satisfied with delivering an award-winning performance by himself. He wanted to drag me onto the stage too.

“What exactly did you expect me to do?” I asked. “Fall to my knees and scream Damina's name?”

Larry snapped his fingers. “Exactly! Imagine it, dude! You rush over, grab my shoulders, and ask whether Nathan has heard anything about her. Then I tell you she's gone, and you collapse onto the table.”

He demonstrated by dramatically lowering his forehead toward his lunch tray.

I watched him in disbelief.

“Then,” he continued, lifting his head, “Nathan realizes you're suffering even more than he is. Suddenly, the two of you become brothers united by heartbreak! Beautiful, right?”

“Beautifully stupid.”

“Come on! It would've been legendary!”

I shook my head. Sometimes, Larry was an idiot. Other times, he displayed a level of cunning that made me wonder whether he was secretly an ancient trickster god disguised as a college student. But I understood why he was enjoying this.

“Nah,” I said. “I don't want to add more trouble. I prefer leaving this one to you.”

“You are no fun.” Larry glanced at me. “Is this because of her? That queen?”

I leaned back in my chair. “No. Not really. I don't have a problem with her anymore.”

That was true.

Whatever happened between Lysathiel and Aurelion was ultimately their business. I'd already explained my position, and I wasn't interested in spending every waking moment worrying about whether the Queen of Light approved of my decisions.