Best buddies

"Hey, Ebson, what are you thinking about? Want a soda?" On the bustling commercial street of the Marley Capital, a Black Hair young man in Trench Coat handed a bottle of soda to his Comrade.

The equally young Ebson sat in a daze in his chair until his Comrade reminded him. He was about to say something, but the slightest movement of his lips aggravated the bruises on his face, causing a sharp, needle-like pain that made Ebson hiss.

It can be seen that the young Ebson was not like the ruthless and powerful head of the Louis Family who would later become. At this time, he looked like a shy, weak and easy-to-bully young man.

Seeing the wound on Ebson's face, his Comrade's expression changed, and he asked with a gloomy look, "What happened to your face? Was it Roy and those bastards who did it again? Those bastards, I'll go avenge you right now!" After saying that, the Black Hair youth shoved the iced soda in his hand into Ebson's hand and turned to go find those people to settle the score.

Ebson quickly grabbed him, stammering, "No, it wasn't Roy and his group who did it, no, don't be impulsive."

"Not them? Then who would bully you?" The Black Hair youth asked, somewhat puzzled. Ebson looked ashamed and stammered for a while before finally revealing the truth, "It was... my father."

The Black Hair youth was stunned. "You, your father? Why did he hit you?"

Ebson's eyes dimmed as he said, "He... he didn't like me studying science. He wanted me to go into business. Our family is in the arms trade. He knew I applied to the Capital Institute of Technology, that's why he took action..."

Seeing Ebson's dejected look, the Black Hair youth quickly comforted him, "What's wrong with liking science? Your father is just too stubborn. Besides, the Marleyan are currently using their Titan Warriors to subdue other countries, so there's practically no market for arms. Don't worry, I'll talk to your father about it later."

Ebson's mood improved slightly from his Comrade's words, but then he remembered his Comrade's family situation and asked, "By the way, how's your Younger Brother doing lately? I heard he keeps insisting on joining the army?"

The Black Hair youth chuckled dismissively, then plopped down next to Ebson. "Let him go if he wants. That kid's always eyeing that title. I don't want to compete with him for it, so I don't know what he's in such a rush. Oh, by the way, I'm throwing a party tomorrow night. Liddy and the others will be there too. Don't be late, and remember to bring two bottles of your family's good Wine."

Hearing this, Ebson was somewhat moved. From childhood to adulthood, only his best friend cared about him the most. The two had known each other since they were young, and Ebson regarded him as his best friend. Their relationship was not that of brothers, but it was even better than that of brothers.

The Black Hair youth never forgot Ebson. Because of his personality, most of his peers looked down on Ebson and even deliberately distanced themselves from and bullied Ebson. Only he stood up for Ebson every time he was humiliated. He was even cornered by more than a dozen people for standing up for Ebson. He remembered that both of them were beaten up like pigs that day, but their relationship became even stronger.

As the two grew older, the shy and timid Ebson became even more shy and his appearance was also quite ordinary. On the other hand, the Black Hair youth became more and more handsome and confident as he grew older. Ebson often watched with envy as his best friend casually threw bags and bags of love letters from girls into the trash can.

At the same time, Ebson was also very grateful because his best friend had never distanced himself from him. He even took Ebson to various events and gatherings, which allowed Ebson to have some friends, albeit few, but at least he wasn't always alone.

The girl Norman mentioned earlier, Liddy, was their classmate and friend, and also the girl Ebson had a crush on. Unfortunately, given Ebson's personality, he probably wouldn't dare to make a move until he died. Ebson could guess that his best friend had invited Liddy to this party because of him.

Ebson sincerely said to his Comrade, "Thank you, Norman, you'll always be my best brother."

Norman, the Black Hair youth, chuckled and hooked his arm around Ebson's neck. "Why are you suddenly getting all sentimental? What's going on? You're not after me, are you? Let me tell you, I don't like men. Also, get ready, fix up the bruises on your face, dress nicely for the party, and I'll help you out. I guarantee I'll get you into bed with Liddy!"

As the two chatted and laughed, preparing to leave the shopping street, Ebson noticed a photography studio on the corner. His eyes lit up, and he suggested, "Norman, let's go take a picture!"

Norman: "Sure."

As the shutter clicked, a flash of white light illuminated two smiling young men in a black-and-white Photograph.

Suddenly opening his eyes, Ebson quickly sat up in bed, looked at his hand, and then silently walked to his desk. He picked up a beautifully framed photo, the Photograph inside of which was faded and the Photograph of the two smiling young men were blurred.

Thud! Ebson slammed the picture frame onto the table with such force that the glass cracked in several places.

"I'm not wrong! I'm right!" Ebson muttered through gritted teeth, his body trembling slightly with emotion, his pupils contracting, and tiny arcs of electricity flickering within them.

Knock, knock, knock! A knock sounded at the door, Bill's deep voice came through, "Master, what's wrong? I think I heard something. Are you alright?"

Ebson took a few deep breaths, gradually calming himself down. The electric spark in his eyes disappeared, and he replied calmly, "I'm fine. You should go and rest."

Outside the door, Bill glanced back, then inhaled the half-smoked cigarette in his hand, squinted, and recklessly exhaled the nicotine from his lungs, a unique stimulation that brought him pleasure.

The stinging pain in his fingertips made Bill frown slightly. Looking down, he realized that the cigarette had burned down to the bottom and had burned his fingers.

Bill tossed away his cigarette butt, staring at the small burn on his finger. A wisp of steam rose, and in the blink of an eye, the wound was completely healed. "This ability is incredibly convenient," Bill grinned, pulling another pack of cigarettes from his pocket. People had been trying to persuade him to quit smoking, but now, seeing this, he realized he'd probably never be able to.

(This chapter is packed with information; I highly recommend reading it repeatedly.)