Chapter 93: A Race Against Time
Nero locked eyes with Dumbledore, searching for even a flicker of amusement.
But there was none.
The weight of what hung between them pressed down like a curse, suffocating in its intensity.
"...You are serious," Nero finally muttered.
Dumbledore chuckled softly, his blue eyes twinkling with something unreadable.
"Finally, I could get back to you."
He leaned back in his chair, stroking his beard.
"Over the years, I've balanced between being respected and feared. Very few challenge me openly, and fewer still do so persistently."
Then, with an amused tilt of his head, he added, "Only you have kept me on my toes so consistently, testing my patience and my creativity since the day we met."
Dumbledore's chuckle deepened. "You truly have a talent for making my life considerably more complicated, Nero."
Sheepishly, Nero scratched the back of his head. "Er... sorry?"