Bully Lord

Part-245

“Wow, I didn’t even notice,” he said, his voice a mix of disbelief and wonder. The change felt surreal. He could feel the growth spurts manifesting not just in his stature but also in his confidence.

“Guess the martial art training is paying off,” Lily teased, crossing her arms as she inspected her brother with a critical eye.

James chuckled, brushing off her remarks. “Or maybe I just had a late growth spurt.”

As he adjusted to the realization of his height, he could feel a sense of pride swelling in him. He had come a long way, not just in his physical capabilities but also in his mental fortitude. The countless hours spent honing his skills in the dungeons and martial arts were finally paying off, and he couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment.

Just then, James’s mother, Farzana, entered the room, her expression curious as she noticed the lively discussion. “What are you all talking about?” she asked, her voice filled with warmth.

“He hit his adolescent growth spurt, so he’s getting taller,” Lily explained, an amused smile on her face. “He’s officially taller than me now.”

Farzana’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she looked closely at her son. “Now that I see you, you’re even cuter than before,” she remarked, her voice dripping with maternal affection.

James felt a pang of embarrassment at her words, his cheeks warming slightly. “So I wasn’t cute before?” he asked, his tone playfully dramatic.

At his response, laughter erupted in the room. His family’s amusement filled the space with joy, and James couldn’t help but smile, even as a part of him felt a bit downhearted. Farzana approached him, patting his head affectionately despite his newfound height, which had now surpassed hers.

“You’ve always been cute in my eyes,” she said, her tone serious yet filled with love.

Lily grinned and said, "Well, you've definitely moved up—you're at least cuter than a monkey now. You're my cute little monkey."

James sighed dramatically, feigning defeat. “Somehow, that makes me feel even sadder.” The playful banter continued, their laughter echoing through the house, creating an atmosphere of warmth and belonging.

In this moment, he felt a deep sense of gratitude for his family. The dungeons and the battles he faced were essential, but so was the support and love he received at home. No matter how tough things became outside, here, in the comfort of his family, he was just James—a son, a brother, someone cherished and loved.

As the evening wore on, the three of them shared stories of their day. Samuel talked about work, recounting tales that made James laugh. Lily chimed in with her own experiences at school, the challenges she faced, and the small victories she achieved. The warmth of their camaraderie was a stark contrast to the isolation James often felt during his training sessions in the dungeons.

Eventually, the topic shifted back to James’s adventures. He shared snippets of his latest encounters, the strategies he employed, and how he had adapted to the challenges of the online scammers. His family listened intently, their expressions a mixture of awe and concern. They knew the dangers he faced, but they also saw the determination in his eyes, the spark that set him apart.