X-Rank Hunter

"This..." Jim was speechless not knowing how should he respond to this. Only then he noticed that his mom was actually right before him.

Why didn't you tell me that you are there? I should have been warier and not let my foolish tamed beast show the egg.

Oh right, I didn't know that the egg is with my newly tamed beast in the first place so how can I warn him?

Dang it!

Besides, how did you notice that this seemingly ordinary egg is actually a special one? Even my tamed beast failed to recognize its worth to actually show it in front of anyone!

"It seems like your son is really pretty lucky!" Just as Jim was at loss for words, the guard couldn't suppress his astonishment as well and commented heartily.

He lifted up his head and a visage of a middle-aged man in his early forties surfaced under his straw hat. No coldness could be felt in his demeanor of which one could be expected to a guard who barely interferes in his surroundings but instead, one could feel an overwhelming warmth from his heartfelt smile.

"Tito[1] Jason, what do you mean by that? Do you recognize this egg as well?" Jim who just heard his uncle suddenly spoke up, asked warily. He was surprised to see the sudden reaction of his uncle.

It seemed that the guard was actually his uncle! Or maybe it was just a honorifics. Nevertheless, his uncle still knew as well the value of the egg! How could he not be surprised by that?

"Hahaha stupid kid, how could I not recognize something as great as this!" Uncle Jason responded as if he was talking to a fool.

"This egg is actually that great?" Jim muttered in disbelief.

He already knew that this egg was not ordinary since it came from one of the Four Greatest Hunters but seeing his uncle and mother's attitude towards it, only then he realized its greatness.

It was very rare to see his uncle show his excitement or perhaps, it was the first time Jim saw his uncle becoming like that. He always found his uncle unmoving and always sitting in the same spot. Very rarely he moved or talked especially to the other people.

Of course, it was a different story if we were talking about Jim. His uncle had a different attitude towards him compare to any other people in the village. Whenever Jim started a conversation with him, like saying 'good day' or 'hi uncle, how are you today!', his uncle would at least reply back few words with a smile revealing on his lips.

Although his uncle would only reply to him with some words, it was already considered better enough. Unlike when other people tried to talk to him, his uncle would only stay still as if he was not hearing anything at all.

It went without saying, his uncle almost spent most of his time sitting on the same spot from morning to evening.

Even while raining, or under the heat of the scorching sun, he wouldn't even bother moving. Even when something or someone was causing havoc around him or in the village, he would rarely make a move.

Jim didn't even know if he was eating at all. How much more if the other party was pooping or peeing, Jim really was curious about it.

But unfortunately for him, he always failed to uncover it and only saw the other party on the same spot every now and then.

He even was wondering if his uncle was really guarding the village in the first place.

It was as if his uncle was just a painted stone statue! If not for the fact that Jim had already talked to his uncle before many times over, he would surely believe that he was just a statue in clothing!

Even domestic animals and tamed beasts failed to notice his uncle's presence! Even wild birds would sometimes perch on his body not realizing that he was actually a human.

"Son where did you get this egg?" Charley who was once again ignored, asked impatiently. She really wanted to beat Jim up to a pulp this time for ignoring her again and again.

Did I really not matter to you? Do my existence means nothing to you?

Do you still consider me as your mother?

Her piercing glare as if peering through all lies made Jim to shiver as if he was standing nude before her.

But what could he say? He only knew that the egg came from his dreams, would she believe him if he told it to her?

But noticing the curiosity in his mother's eyes that as if she would eat him at any moment, Jim could only give up and replied leisurely, "Someone gave it to me in my dreams."

"..."

Sapak!

Jim was sent flying!

The impatient Charley couldn't suppress her anger anymore and gave her unfilial son a vicious punch!

Are you kidding me? Someone gave it to you in your dreams? Are you taking me as a fool?

Even if you wanted to lie, make it at least believable!

As Jim was sent flying, the egg was dropped behind and Bantay immediately dived to the ground and caught it with his hand, as if his life depended on it!

"Master," Bantay muttered helplessly as he followed his gaze to his master who was sent back to the forest.

What should I do now? Should I avenge master? But she was his mother! And a strong one at that!

But first of all, how could a mother become like this to her son?

Sigh. Maybe I should put a blind eye this time. Yes, just this time.

Just like that, Bantay closed his eyes and wiped the helpless tears that escaped from his eyes. He tried to harden his heart as he stored back the egg in the space inside his body.

Meanwhile, Jim who was now lying weakly to the ground in the nearby forest had found himself crying. He really didn't know what he had done wrong!

I knew it!

I knew that no one would believe me. I shouldn't have told that to anyone!

I just tell you the truth why are you so harsh to me!

Is the world has gone mad? Did its rules change recently?

Is telling the truth has recently become a sin? And telling lies is the most right thing to do?

Standing up in great difficulty Jim was just about to complain to his aggressive mom when she found her just in front of him. She was standing fiercely with a cold glint of her eyes as she spoke, "Now tell me, where did you find that egg! Spout more nonsense and I will skin you alive!"

Lunok.

Swallowing a mouthful of saliva, Jim found himself completely helpless as there were no more words wanting to escape from his mouth.

I already told you the truth, why do you keep interrogating me!

Besides, with your ability, you can tell whether I am lying or not so why do you keep asking?

Charley already knew that her son was not lying, but she still didn't know if what he said was the truth. She could only see through lies but not the truth. If the person she was seeing through, truly believe in what he said, even though what he believes was actually a lie, she still could perceive it as the other party was telling the truth.

To make an analogy, if a person said that the sun was revolving around the planet and there was no doubt in his words, then Charley could tell that the person was not lying even if what he said was actually a lie!

Charley found it so much frustrating! And she probably was venting her anger to Jim for ignoring and disobeying her as well.

But seeing her son who was just about to lose his mind, Charley could only sigh deeply and spoke, "Forget it. Let's go back home first."

Seeing that his mom didn't want to pursue the matter anymore, Jim heaved a huge sigh of relief. He struggled to his feet and walked back to the village together with his mom.

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[1] Tito is a Filipino term for Uncle.