《Lackey's Seducing Survival Odyssey》 Chapter 1: Prologue

Chapter 1: Prologue

[Before you dive into the pages that follow, a friendly heads-up: This is a realm of pure fiction. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, all names, characters, businesses, ces, and events in this book are a figment of my imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any semnce to real persons, whether alive or departed, or actual events is purely coincidental. That''s all!! So, buckle up for an Odyssey of Lackey''s Life] In this world, opportunities sprawled across vastndscapes, awaiting those astute enough to seize them at the right time and... right ce. Those who grasped these chances emerged as the greatest individuals, carving their legacy in the history. Conversely, those who failed to capitalize on their opportunities often found themselves sumbing to societal expectations, relegated to criticizing and envying those who ascended. Yet, amid this dynamic intery, there existed individuals who chose a different path.... Steal other''s opportunities. This ''insidious act'' was not confined to the realm of humans; it extended to every living being unburdened by guilt when it came to seizing the prospects of others. Just like that, in a world where magic was possible... In that world, even monsters lurked around in the shadows to grasp opportunities.... In a certain ce, "AARRGHHHHH!!!" "R-RUN!!" "S-Somebody Hel----arhhh----" The cries of people echoed through the small vige, a haunting symphony of fear and despair. mes erupted everywhere as ugly monsters hunted their prey whenever the opportunity presented itself. Monsters who missed their opportunities began battling others to steal opportunities... All in all.... Everyone wanted an opportunity, whether to survive or whether to shine like a star... In the midst of turmoil, a child cowered in the shadows, desperately trying to protect someone. "Huff" "Huff" The child panted heavily, his eyes hazy, blood flowing from his head and covering his vision. The air around him filled with a sense of vulnerability and desperation as everyone struggled to endure the chaos. ''Thud!!'' With a loud sound, something broke into the house. The child immediately held the person lying on the bed, driven by a fierce desire to protect whoever it was. "gggrrrrrr!!" With a groaning sound, a green-coloured monster, also known as a goblin, slowly entered the house. But suddenly, "BOOM" The monster was suddenly busted like a balloon. The child couldn''tprehend what happened; it was then he heard a voice, "Child" The child was jolted, attempting to look at the person, but he couldn''t clearly see who it was as his vision was already blurred by his blood. "Child, I can save everyone, including... the person you are holding." As soon as the child heard those words, he muttered with hope, "R-Really?" his voice a little patchy. "Yes" "T-The" "However, I need something" "....I-I don''t have any" "You have, child. You do....." The child, with his blurred vision, saw a big figure standing in front of him. "You do have something I truly need" "M-My life?" The child asked with hesitation. However, feeling a trembling body in the bed, he asked, "If my life is enough, please sa" "I don''t want your life, child." "T-Then?" "What I want is Your----" Chapter 2: FINALLY, I GOT A JOB!!!

Chapter 2: FINALLY, I GOT A JOB!!!

Earth, 2024... "FINALLY, I GOT A JOB!!!" Eximed a young man with ck hair, his joyous promation cutting through the hustle and bustle of the busy street. "Has he gone mad?" "Shouting like an idiot" Passersby murmured and shot him strange nces, deliberately avoiding proximity. Yet, the ck-haired young man paid no mind to the onlookers; his attention was solely on the piece of paper clutched tightly in his hands. /APPOINTED/ Tears of joy streamed down his face, "Finally, finally..." he muttered the word repeatedly,ughter escaping him inaudibly. Justnding a job was his lifelong goal. Back in school, he wasn''t the academic star or even an average student. Instead, he was like a bit of an oddball...an utter failure, struggling with every subject despite relentless day-and-night studying. No matter how hard he tried, attempting to cheat or studying honestly, sess in exams seemed impossible. Concerned about his academic performance reaching a critical point, his parents made the tough decision.....not to ''invest'' more money in his education. At just 15, he found himself reluctantly dropping out of high school, closing the door on any dreams of college. Though disappointed, his parents, driven by a sense of ''Familial'' duty, attempted to find something he was good at..... Yet, every effort ended in disaster, and their disappointment in him deepened. Initially, they guided him to work as a server in a friend''s bakery, a suggestion he epted without hesitation...because he felt he had no other choice. However, in the blink of an eye, he found himself unceremoniously ousted from the bakery. The disappointment in his parents'' eyes escted to sheer exasperation when they received the ''details'' from their friends: On the very first day, he clumsily shattered a set of utensils. The following day, customers took unexpected slips and slides, courtesy of his iplete floor cleaning. What''s more, he nearly got into a fight with a customer for reasons unknown. And just when they thought it couldn''t get any worse, tasked with the seemingly straightforward job of cleaning the restroom to avoid their dwindling customer base.....he not only broke the flush but also managed to clog the drain. Imagine thisthe entire bakery was inundated with shits. "MY BAKERY STORE NOW SMELLS LIKE SHIT, AND HE?.... HE WAS THERE, LAUGHING LIKE AN IDIOT!!!" This was what their Friend, the owner of the bakery shouted with deadly eyes. His parents, frustration boiling over, shouted and scolded him for what they perceived as utter uselessness. Still, as parents, they persevered, attempting to find other job opportunities for him. Thanks to understanding neighbours, he managed to secure a position as a delivery guy in a pizza shop. This time around, he very sincerely put in his very best effort, determined not to cause any more problems for his parents. Surprisingly, he sessfully held onto the job for more than a week. However, as fate would have it, the following month brought a sudden end to his employment. Internal strife among the delivery staff erupted, and he became the target due to his refusal to join their payment hike strike. To make matters worse, they framed him as their strike leader. However, this wasn''t the actual reason for his termination.....Fuelled by anger at being falsely used, heshed out violently inside the pizza shop, resulting in a severe altercation. Customers, witnessing the brutality, called the police, and he was promptly fired for his aggressive actions. Only with the support of his parents did he manage to navigate the legal consequences and emerge from prison with rtively few problems. This incident marked another setback in his turbulent journey, leaving him once again without a job. After that incident, his parents ceased rmending him for any further jobs. Even so, he persisted in his job search by his own way, managing to stay employed for longer durations than in previous positions. However, inevitably, after around six months, he found himself let go, often for reasons unbeknownst to him. Twelve years slipped away, marked by ack of permanent employment. By this time, his parents had already cast him out, concerned that his ''presence'' might disrupt thefort of his younger brother. Currently, he resided in a rundown ce where housing was more affordable, scraping by with the little money he could muster.....Life was a constant yearning for more. A few days ago, he heard his younger brother had been working in a respected and poprpany called ''Yoogle''... Swallowing his ''pride'', he pleaded to his younger brother and, after persistent requests, managed to secure a job through his brother''s rmendation. ''Ring~Ring'' The phone''s insistent ring pulled the ck-haired young man from his thoughts. Wiping away the tears that had welled up, he retrieved an old-fashioned button-type phone and answered hesitantly, "Hello?" "Did you get the job?" "Y-Yes, it''s all thanks to you, brother--" "Yeah, yeah...I know you got the job" "Y-Yes?" "Listen, shithead, I helped you because you begged me, not because of our brotherhood or anything. Do. you. get. it?" "....." The ck-haired man''s lips trembled as he nodded, holding the phone but remaining silent. The other side just continued without waiting for a response, "Anyway, hereafter, don''t ever contact me or even MY parents. They''ve totally forgotten about you and are living happily. I don''t want you to disrupt their healthy life after all this time just because I helped you..... Do. you. understand?" "...Y-Yes, I won''t" the ck-haired man said with a small smile. "Good. Then all the best... Mr. Security guard". "Y-Yes, S-Sir, and Thank--" The ck-haired man was about to respond, but it seemed the other party had already cut the call. Staring at the phone, he slipped it into his worn-out ck pants. As he started walking with heavy steps, he hid his trembling eyes, determined not to let the tears spill over. ''Step, Step...'' No anger lingered towards his younger brother or his parents. Deep down, he knew he deserved thebel of being called useless..... Not able to break the shackles and to create his own path and be controlled by his father till now... He was truly useless. If he had heard those words eight years ago, he might have punched his brother''s face and made sure he regretted ever saying them. However, after being berated with disgusting and disparaging words by society, he felt his little brother was better off. Society changes everything and.... Everyone. ''Ring~Ring'' The jarring sound jolted him from his thoughts. Retrieving his phone, a gentle smile adorned his face, "Yo, man. Did you get the job?" Hearing the infectious cheer in the voice, the ck-haired man masking his face responded with an equal measure of enthusiasm, "Yo, Man, I finally got the fucking Job!!" He dered happily, a smirk ying on his lips. "N-NANI!! Fucking Job!!! I-I-I am alsoing!! Wait there...I want that job, let me sign up for that!!" "Sigh, you damn fucking, idiotic Baka!! It''s just a security job" the ck-haired man sighed, a mixture of exasperation and amusement. In that moment, he couldn''t help but smile at the thought of his overly enthusiastic horny otaku friend. In his high school days, he wasn''t alone; he had two friends. Even though he dropped out, his friends still maintained his contact. His friends were different from him....what set them apart was their dreams and the passion that fuelled those aspirations. One friend was a budding novel writer, fueled by the desire to craft entire worlds and captivating journeys for readers to immerse themselves in.....He achieved his goals. His dreams materialized, and he found resounding sess, now employed at the prestigious novelpany ''ZebMovel''. The other friend, a damn otaku, harboured a fervent wish to create entirely new gaming experiences for ''people'' like himself....His unwavering determination paid off, and he achieved his goal, currently working at the renowned gamingpany ''FlyStation''. As he reflected on their paths, the ck-haired guy couldn''t help but feel a mix of emotions.....pride for his friends'' achievements, a tinge of envy. Unlike him, they had clear ambitions propelling them toward fulfilling lives, stirring a sense of longing within him. "Oh, a Security job?" The ck-haired man snapped out of his thoughts upon hearing that and replied, "Yes, a security job" with a smile. "You know, we could get you better j" "No, no, I don''t want my only friends to hate" the ck-haired man immediately refused. The thought of relying on his friends for a better job crossed his mind, but he dismissed it. He was well aware that any trouble he caused in a better position would reflect negatively on his friends. Just like him, they had faced their share of struggles, and he didn''t want to be the reason for any disruption in their sessful lives. And also his father might cause something regrettable.... The ck-haired man wasn''t heartless; he understood the value of his friends'' hard-earned sess. "sigh, Still the same" "..." The ck-haired man just smiled, offering no verbal response. "Anyhow, you finally got a permanent job... It''s time to party. I will call that other closet writer" "Well, I don''t hav" "I will pay, you idiot!!" "Hehe..." The ck-haired man chuckled. As he stood in front of the crossingne, watching the vehicles pass by, his emotions were aplex intery of various feelings. "Hmm.... Have you..." "Hmm?" "Have you heard about ''Her'' engagement?" The ck-haired man''s body flinched for a second before his gaze fixated on the red light. "No" He muttered. "..." "...." The silence lingered for a few moments, both men feeling a palpable awkwardness. His friend, sensing the difort, decided to change the subject, "You know, I got hit by a 3D girl" "...Hmm? What? Are you sure it''s a girl? It''s not a trap, right?" The ck-haired man replied with genuine surprise, his curiosity piqued. "Jerk, she has big tits and a lean body..., You know it''s really big.... She is definitely a girl" A hint of annoyance carried in the voice. "...Oh? Interesting, who is that unlucky girl?" The ck-haired man raised his eyebrows in shock, intrigued by the unfolding narrative. "Tsk, she should be lucky enough to have me, you single jerk!!" The ck-haired man''s lips twitched, a mix of amusement and disbelief crossing his face. He was about to reply when, "HONK!! HONK!!" A deafening honking sound reverberated through the air, and the ck-haired man saw a big white milk truck hurtling towards him, seemingly out of control. Everything seemed to slow down in the ck-haired man''s eyes, ''Am I going to die?... heh'' he thought, a rush of fear and uncertainty coursing through him. In a split second, ''THUD'' ''SSSHHHHKKKKKKKKK----'' The white milk truck''s tyres screeched as it collided with the wall of the building, finallying to a halt. Its entire front side was now covered with a vivid crimson colour, a shocking and surreal sight that left the onlookers momentarily frozen in disbelief. "SHIT!" The driver of the truck emerged unscathed, stepping out with a mix of disbelief and relief. Chapter 3: Wee, Woo, Wee, Woo…

Chapter 3: Wee, Woo, Wee, Woo...

"W-Where am I?" The ck-haired man muttered. The ck-haired man slowly opened his eyes, his gaze fixed on a sky-blue ceiling. He couldn''t feel his body as if devoid of any sensation. Seeing a new environment and a strong sense of liberation, He thought with an amusing smile, ''Did I get transmigrated like in the novels??'' Though he felt something wrong about his transmigration because, "You are still alive, young man" a voice reassured him. As he turned his head, he found himself still in the same ce. Something caught his attention behind him....a brown-haired middle-aged man holding the back of his cor as if he had yanked him out of harm''s way just in time. Rising to his feet, The ck-haired man expressed gratitude, "Forgive me, sir, and thanks for helping me". The brown-haired middle-aged man patted down his clothes as he stood up, "It''s alright, young man. Please stay alert. Nowadays, there have been many truck idents" he advised, giving the ck-haired man a reassuring pat before swiftly leaving the scene. The ck-haired man looked at the brown-haired man with a profound sense of gratitude. Turning his attention to the truck, he observed that it had hit a dog. The sight made him sigh with relief, knowing it could have been him under those tyres. Inwardly thanking the man who pulled him from the brink of danger, the ck-haired man couldn''t shake the lingering feeling of escaping death. The mere thought of being crushed under the truck sent shivers down his spine.....He wiped the beads of sweat from his face, the intensity of the ordeal etched on his features. "But damn, did I really just think I transmigrated?... Shit! Chuunibyou" he thought, feeling awkward. The idea of being transported into an anime world seemed absurd, and he chided himself for letting his imagination run wild. He pondered over the fact that he needed to decrease his ''intake'' of these fantastical anime stories. Despite being an adult and a ''responsible'' member of society.... he couldn''t resist watching and reading them. "Tsk, this is all thanks to those idiots" heined about his friends. Talking about a friend, "AETHER!!!" Hearing his name being shouted with urgency, Aether looked down at his right hand, still tightly gripping the phone as if his body automatically gripped it. "Yo" Aether answered with a carefree attitude. "What the fuck happened? I heard lots of noise" "It''s fine, just a truck that was about to hit me, but someone saved me" Aether said in relief, ncing at the driver who was being scolded by the onlookers. "You didn''t get hurt, right?" "I''m totally fine" Aether replied, a smile breaking through as he felt the genuine concern in his friend''s voice. However, the conversation took an unexpected turn. "Sigh...Anyhow, you said truck, right?" "Yes?" "Damn, man, you just missed the straight ticket to Isekai... tsk, tsk... Nowadays, Truck-kun is not doing his job correctly, tsk, tsk" Aether''s eyes twitched in annoyance, fully aware of the reference due to his friends'' insistence on watching and ying those ''unnecessary things''. He cannot possibly say he also thought that... Shit! ''gggrrrrlll'' Suddenly, a wave of dizziness washed over him, and his empty stomach grumbled in protest due to theck of breakfast. "You bastard, if I die, I will definitelye back to haunt you as a ghost" Aether said with mock seriousness, pushing aside the gnawing hunger....because he doesn''t have much money to waste on a restaurant. "Hahahahaha.... I''d like to see, but if you were a girl, I''d like to see more... you know what I mean, right?" "You horny dog!!" Aether eximed, a mix of exasperation and disbelief in his voice as he walked away from the incident. "hahahaha..." As Aether distanced himself, a sudden haze blurred his vision, and his stomach grumbled loudly, ''ggrrrrrrrrrrrllllll'' "Anyhow, I''ll let the other bastard know we are having a party at my house today..." ''GGRRRRRWWWWWWLLLLLLLL'' ''Shit, it seems I have to eat; otherwise, I will really die...'' Aether thought, feeling the hunger. With a sense of urgency, he decided to look for a more affordable fast-food option. It was then, ''Thud'' He suddenly copsed to the ground, "Huh?" he felt his eyesight slowly disappearing, his lower body going numb. He attempted to move, but his body seemed to have lost all strength. Then, he felt something.... a chill sensation ran down his back, prompting him to move his trembling hand to touch it. A shiver coursed through his body as he realized there was something gushing out from a small cut on his spine. With hazy eyes, he looked at his hands and saw a crimson colour staining his trembling fingers. ''Who?'' That was the only thought that came to his mind. "He...Heh..Heheheheh" a strange, eerieughter echoed from his mouth as tears poured from his eyes uncontrobly. "H-He...hahah...lp...hahaha...me..." Aether tried to ask for help, but the people around him stood away, treating him as if he were a maniacughing while fully drenched in blood. The tform around his body was covered in crimson, yet no one came to his aid. "H-Hey, is he manic?" "Why is heughing in this situation?" "Maybe this is just a prank??" "Yeah, just a prank, making us call the ambnce, and in the end, he is going to say ''It was all a prank''" "Yes, Fuck these shitters" People around him took out their smartphones, recording hisughing face as theyined about the heartless society, all the while he was drenched in blood. "W-Why n...now?....hahaha....Fuckers!!...hehehe.hhh..eeee.. Help hhheeee!!" Aether shouted, unable toprehend their mutterings. However, no one came to his aid even after his desperate cries for help. "Come on, Do you think we fall for the trick?" "Haha.. Yes, look at his face, he must be mocking us inside!" "Damn man, you really going too far with a prank" "H-Hey, I-I think he is real" "Just how many blood packets he brought....urh... look at the ground, it''s spreading everywhere! Arrhh" From the people''s perspective, it seemed like he wasughing at them with a mocking expression, though it was far from the truth. Feeling no oneing to his aid, the ck-haired man nced at his phone and noticed it was still on the call. His friend was shouting at him over the phone, but he couldn''t hear properly. Unable toprehend what his friend was saying, with a hoarse voice, Aether spoke, "A-Allen -cough-cough- Please destroy my phone -cough-cough-and erase my zoogle every ount....history-cough-cough" Even if his phone was just a basic model, it still supported 4G, MP4, etc. Even if its disy was low quality.... even if it looked like a censored version... everything was fine, right? Even if he were to die, he wanted to die with dignity. Just about to lose consciousness, someone in the crowd shouted, "Hey, he is seriously bleeding!" "W-What? R-Really?'' "YOU FUCKING MANIACS. HOW COULD YOU STAND THERE AND TAKE VIDEOS!!!" "W-What are you talking about!!" "LOOK AT HIM YOU IDIOTS!!" "W-Wait, Look at him, no matter how you loo" As someone was about to help him, "Wee, Woo, Wee, Woo..." The loud sound of a siren made Aether pull back his consciousness. Immediately, an ambnce arrived at the spot, and they took Aether and set off. Leaving the people who were dumbfounded, they truly believed he was just pranking them. "Come on, people, how could you just watch him like that?" a sensible person asked with mild anger. "H-hey, he wasughing" "Y-Yes, he was justughing. Who wouldugh when they were about to die?" "I still think he was just pranking us" "Yes, who called the ambnce? I think it was also set up" "..." "..." "Who? No one? Hahaha...Then it must be his crew members. They failed to prank us, so they immediately took him out before we reported him to the police" "...Yes, it''s possible" "Yeah, I know, right? He wasughing like a maniac and with his body drenched in blood... It almost scared the hell out of me" People around the blood-drenched ce chattered about this ''prank''.... their voices were a mix of confusion, scepticism, and... lingering unease. .... ... ''Wee, Woo, Wee, Woo...'' Inside the ambnce, the stark white walls entuated Aether''s shock-stricken face as his gaze locked with the same brown-haired middle-aged man, wearing an unsettlingly amusing smile. The middle-aged man then retrieved a document and began to read aloud, / Name: Aether Gender: Male Age: 27 upation: None Martial Status: Single Blood type: Rh Null Medical Conditions: PBA (Pseudobulbar Affect), Infertile. Physical Appearance: Height: 6 feet Weight: 170 pounds Hair Colour: Jet ck Eye Colour: Deep blue Distinguishing Features: Small scar on the left cheek / Tucking the document away, the brown-haired man proceeded to examine Aether''s eyes with a torch. After a few minutes, he nonchntly remarked, "Looks like I stabbed you correctly; only your lower body is paralyzed, nothing severe.....hmm" The clinical way in which he spoke belied the horrific circumstances Aether found himself in. Aether,cking the strength to inquire.....He only wanted to know ''Why?''. As if sensing Aether''s unspoken questions, the brown-haired man divulged the grim reality, "I am sorry, young man. We are organ traffickers. We have been following you for the past few months. We have a client who was looking for some body parts with rare Rh Null blood, and you are the easiest targetpared to others who have families around them." The middle-aged man''s words hung in the air, each syble intensifying the ominous atmosphere within the ambnce. He continued his exnation, all while methodically donning white gloves. Aether wasn''t sure what he heard because his mind was going nk; he only caught a few words. "But really, boy. If I had been a littlete, you would have been knocked out by the truck and wasted our money and time" the middle-aged man muttered as if saying today was the day they prepared to finish him. The removal of Aether''s clothing, leaving him in his underwear, felt like a dehumanizing vition. "Infertile... ah," the man muttered as his eyes lingered on Aether''s crotch area. ''I guess we don''t need that part'' he mumbled inwardly and looked at Aether''s face. "You really had a bad life....ah" He said when he saw Aether''s still smiling face, as a small light chuckle leaked from his mouth. "They say ''Having a smile means a blessing,'' but for you, it was anything but a blessing..." The middle-aged man muttered, his voice tinged with a mixture of bitterness and nostalgia. Memories flooded back, vivid images of how people recoiled when Aether was drenched in blood. He sighed, shaking off the haunting recollections, a weariness etched into the lines on his face. He wasn''t in this line of work for the thrill or the sadistic pleasure of witnessing others'' torment. Just like any other ordinary person, he yearned for a simple life... to provide for his family, to watch his children grow. Yet, he had chosen the wrong path, a decision that weighed heavily on his conscience. The gnawing guilt, however, was overshadowed by the stark reality that survival often requiredpromises. Who cared about the moral high ground when the only goal was to endure another day? See this man, Aether who could have done many more things if he wasn''t aw-bidding man. The middle-aged man felt pity for Aether after reading his documents. He had specifically chosen Aether, aware that the world wouldn''t mourn for a person like him. Though Aether had some friends, they were inconspicuous figures, akin to low flies, and they had families. So if they trying to pry more.... a simple threat would be enough to keep them at bay. "BOSS!!" A sudden shout pierced the air as someone opened a small window from the driver''s seat. "What is it?" Boss, the middle-aged man, inquired. "Which hospital should we go to?" Boss''s lips twitched, a subtle sign of irritation, but heposed himself and instructed, "Take the next right, then turn third left. After around 1 km, you''ll see Duk Hospital." "Huh? I know the hospital. You could have told me the hospital''s name instead of telling me the route," the other party retorted before closing the window. Veins popped on Boss''s forehead in frustration. He had been mentioning the hospital''s name every time, yet this bastard forgot like a retard. "Arrgh" he sighed, calming his nerves. Boss then turned his attention to Aether, who had already closed his eyes, his heart still beating despite the apparent stillness. Chapter 4: Laugh…

Chapter 4: Laugh...

Aether''s POV ''Why me?'' I thought, the weight of despair settling in my chest like a heavy stone. ''Because I don''t have anyone.....'' I wondered, my mind aching with the echoes of loneliness. I pondered when everything went wrong.... My thoughts became a swirling storm, and my mind started to get fuzzy; is this what death feels like? I began to recollect the memories, each recollection a painful stab to my heart. I was born as an unwanted child between two famous celebrities. "I want to live" Whether I was cursed or not, the moment I turned three, they divorced and walked away from each other. For the sake of upholding their public image or perhaps due to legal obligations, they took turns caring for me, splitting the responsibility every six months. I found myself tossed back and forth between their lives.... My only longing was for love, yet what they offered was a mere substitution.... money wrapped in the guise of affection. At a certain juncture, my father remarried, and as a result, my mother assumed permanent custody of me. It brought a genuine sense of happiness, as I believed I had finally found a stable and enduring home. Despite the knowledge that she might not harbour deep affection for me, I clung to the hope that through unwavering performance and discipline, I could earn her acknowledgement and eptance.... I thought just like any other child wants. "I want to live" However, reality proved to be cruel. Before long, she entered another marriage. As a woman navigating societal expectations, she feltpelled to maintain a particr image. In this facade, she used me, portraying herself as making a sacrifice for my sake, all to avoid loneliness without a father figure.... Regrettably, the man she married never uttered a single word to me. His gaze treated me as if I were a contagious disease, a pariah. The situation worsened when my mother, carrying his child, gave birth to my younger brother. To tell the truth, I was genuinely thrilled to have a younger sibling. Anticipation bubbled within me.... I wanted to y with him. I wanted to show him what means to be a good big brother. "I want to live" ..I wanted to give him piggyback rides, take him to amusement parks, feed him with a small spoon, and shower him with endless love unlike me.... However, the moment he entered this world, my mother uttered words that shattered something inside me, "My child is going to be the greatest person in the world" Her words were apanied by a lovely and joyful smile, one I had never seen until that day.... A smile I longed for.... She was showing now.... But not for me... ah? And soon everything within our home shifted. My mother, who had at least listened to my words before, began treating me like a true gue, more akin to a leech. From that day forward, my life took a drastic turn. I was forbidden from ying with him. I wasn''t allowed to go out of my room until they called me. I was only allowed to see him or even see my family when they called me for dinner. The dinner table became a ce of confusion and frustration as I struggled toprehend why they incessantlypared me to my brother. Even then, I had to wear gloves, a puzzling restriction I couldn''t grasp till now. To add to my distress, my brother effortlessly excelled in every aspect, outshining me at every turn. I found myself constantly overshadowed by my brother. Despite my earnest desire to reach his heights, no matter how hard I tried, he consistently outperformed me. Whether it was studies, athletics, extracurricr activities, or talents like acting and singing, he excelled in each domain.... I finally acknowledged he was better than me.... Yeah, way better than me!! Still, as a big brother, I never envied him. "I want to live!" .....At a certain point, my mother seemed topletely forget my existence..... Desperate for her Love..... I resorted to an idiotic n.... A single regret that would alter the course of my life. A regret I still had.... In an attempt to draw her attention, I rebelled against them. I cut sses, and neglected my studies, allowing my grades to plummet to the bottom, despite previously maintaining a middle-level performance. I turned a blind eye to everything around me. I adopted an ''I don''t care'' attitude and delved into the delinquent lifestyle.... Engaging in skirmishes with school delinquents and eventually ascending to the role of their leader. I found myself standing up against those who harassed women and elderly individuals, earning a somewhat reluctant reputation as a defender of justice among the delinquent circles. It was during this period that I formed an unexpected friendship with two idiots who were being bullied by some thugs.... In a way I am a good Delinquent, I guess? Eventually, my efforts yielded results, but not in the way I had hoped... My parents instructed me to drop out. Yes, they literally asked me to drop out instead of discussing the problem. It was then everything went broke for me.... Despite My mother being an actress and My second father was a powerful businessman and politician. They put me in a bakery workshop.... Trulyughable but neither Media... that now focused on my brother nor My first father who was a famous actor paid any heed. Yes, I visit my first father sometimes, not for the money but for some love and yet, much like my mother, he avoided me. When I could no longer bear it, I confronted my mother, seeking an exnation for theck of love. The answer she provided was bitterlyughable... "A defective product that only knows how tough" It was utterly devoid of emotions as if she didn''t even consider me human. It was then I finally understood why.... Because... I am a defective product thatughs at other''s pain. ....What cursed body I born with.... I had been born with this ''Disease'' (They called). I smile... Laugh.... Always.... Anywhere.... Anytime.... It doesn''t matter what other''s problems are and what others are going through in their life.... I wouldn''t be able to show sadness for them. Even I couldn''t able to show my own pain and sadness to others.... What a cruel disease...ah? ..... ... What the fuck? This was the fucking body you guys gave me!! I wasn''t the one who wanted this fucking body!! I wasn''t the one who asked you to give birth to me!!! Do you think I wanted to be like this? "I want to live!" .......I can''t even cry in the wretched world!! No matter what I tried, all I could do wasugh andugh.... Laugh at other''s pain.... Laugh at other''s sadness.... Laugh at other''s failure.... Laugh at my friend''s life... Laugh at my friend''s struggle.... Laugh at my cat''s death.... Laugh... Laugh... Laugh... Laugh... All I knew was just a FUCKING LAUGH!!! In the end, I Laughed at my own sadness. Why? Why should I suffer for your mistakes? So You guys didn''t want a defective child in order to maintain your prestige....ah. "Arrh," a groan escaped me as a sharp pain stabbed my chest. I-I supposed this was the end... My... My life until then had been controlled by my second father, who used his power to make me submit to my brother. Just a few days before, I had received a call from my second father stating he had a job for me... It was a job as a security guard. Hehe... I couldn''t help butugh when I heard the job details. What''s more, it was under my brother''spany. Even though my second father had a bigpany and was a politician, my brother had joined anotherpany. I wondered why... "I want to live!" ....Was he one of those guys who wanted to shine but not under their father''s shadow? What fuckers.... They didn''t know what kind of opportunities they had... And my second fatherno, that bastard who wrecked my life... I always wondered why, no matter what, I was the one who lost a job even in a simple matter. ''Why didn''t you put a margin on this data? Because of this, we lost a million-dor project... You are Fired!!'' That''s what my lost boss said. Seriously, myst job really tried hard to find a reason to fire me...hehehe.. Million dors? Thatpany can''t even be worth a thousand dor project...hehe Anyhow, After receiving the call, I understood... I FUCKING UNDERSTOOD THAT BASTARD WRECKED MY LIFE! "Arrrhhh!" I felt my consciousness fading away. Until the veryst moment, I couldn''t even control my own death.....Truly Useless... L-Let''s take a rest; I''ve had enough of this nonsense. "I WANT TO LIVE!!!!!" WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU??? You want to live... no, me... I want to live. I want to live... ah? .... For what? Just to live this unwanted crap again!! W-What''s wrong with me? I want to die, that''s all.... .... ... B-But, I-I also want to live.... Arrrhhh... Just.... Just, sigh... I find myself without a clear path to move forward since ''she'' left me. She was light in my darkness.... yet, this body was the reason she left me.... Really a defective product.... What''s the point of living any longer? I wondered what kind of man she was going to marry. She was a wonderful woman, and having her as a wife would have been a blessing. "Arr," my body feels lighter. It''s a strange sensation but feels really good...hehe.... Hehe...he.... "BUT I DON''T WANT TO DIE!!!" I cried. "I don''t want to die like this, P-Please, I don''t want to end my life here, I want to see her again, I want to have a happy family, I want to punch that ''bastard'' face that ruined my entire life, I want toarhhhhh" ... ..... I-I guess, there was no point in being stubborn. T-This was not an Anime... Where god would be awed by the resilience and chose me.... Hehehe, I truly corrupted.... But hey, sometimes I wish this was just like an anime where the main character gets stronger by staying resilient. A little hope..... I feel a little s-sleepy....ahhh..... Let''s sleep... B-But before I sleep, I-I have to at least punch this man who took my life; otherwise, I would feel like shit now..... I tried to clench my fist, but I couldn''t fee----- Chapter 5: He just faced his…. Another death?

Chapter 5: He just faced his.... Another death?

Third Person''s POV "Thud" "Hmm? Is he even alive?" The brown-haired middle-aged man frowned, observing as Aether''s clenched hand made contact with his body. Though it was a light hit, the middle-aged man couldn''t help but be intrigued by Aether''s resilience even after death. "Farewell, kid" He stood up, preparing to move the stretcher, when suddenly, a sharp, ominous sound filled the air. "SSSZZZZZZZNNNHHHHH" The ambnce jolted, skidding to an abrupt stop before hitting something. "WHAT THE...!!!" "B-BOSS!! RUN!!!" "You idiot! Did you hit anyone?" The middle-aged man grumbled as he opened a small window. "..." But there was no one in the driver''s seat. Frowning, he peered at the front view and realized a car had collided with the ambnce, and people now rushing towards him in panic. "Fuck!" The middle-aged man cursed, hastily covering Aether''s body with a white sheet and flinging open the ambnce door. People were rushing toward him, their expressions a strange mix of confusion and shock. Beads of sweat formed on the middle-aged man''s forehead, his mind racing toprehend the unfolding chaos. Everyone running towards him like he did something worse than hitting a vehicle... Fear enveloped him, then, his gaze caught the blinking ''+'' symbol near the side. "They could help me!" he muttered, a brief but hopeful smile breaking through the tension. This was the designated spot where he was ordered to deliver the parts. The other party was rich and powerful, so there wouldn''t be any problem even if the people caught him... Swiftly, he pulled the sturdy stretcher, its wheels gliding effortlessly on the pavement as he strategically positioned it for a seamless transition towards the hospital''s entrance. However, the initial sense of relief that enveloped him swiftly transformed into perplexity. The approaching people didn''t even spare a nce in his direction; instead, an air of panic seized them, urging them only to run in.... fear? Run they did, as if pursued by an unseen force, leaving the man standing there with a furrowed brow and a growing sense of unease. "RUN!!" "RUN!!" echoed through the crowd, a desperate cry that resonated with a palpable fear that seemed to grip everyone in its clutches. The man strained toprehend the situation, his gaze scanning beyond the fleeing crowd in search of answers, but.... nothing immediately caught his attention. Frowning, his eyes slowly ascended towards the sky, "What the---------" He began, his unfinished sentence hanging in the sky. Earth, 202..... ____________________________ [....] [....] [.....Searching....] [....] [....] [.....Searching....] [....] !~Ding~! [Found the Suitable Recement No.28!] !~Ding~! [Request: A strong will to live?] !~Ding~! [Affirmative: Soul has a strong will to live!] !~Ding~! [Request: Compatibility?] !~Ding~! [Affirmative: 82%] !~Ding~! [Request: Wait for the response!!... The reports sent to the #####] [....] [....] [....] !~Ding~! [epted] !~Ding~! [Request: Please Prepare for Transmigration of Soul] !~Ding~! [Affirmative] !~Ding~! __________________________ UNKNOWN PLACE "Hmm... What''s this peculiar feeling?" Aether pondered, a sensation enveloping his entire body as if it were suspended in mid-air. "Could this be the afterlife?" he mumbled to himself, cautiously attempting to open his eyes and explore what he believed might be heaven. After all, he reasoned, he hadn''tmitted any grave offences... except for that one incident of shoplifting. ''I mean, surely, the gods won''t be this petty, right?'' he thought, grappling with the uncertainty of the situation. He had heard ''From Source'' that in heaven, there were ethereal beauties like Freyja, Aphrodite, Virgin Mary, Amaterasu, Parvati, and Wang Yuyan.... "Maybe not thest one, I suppose?" Aether mumbled with a hint of self-deprecating humour, attempting to inject a touch of fun into the tumultuous thoughts swirling within him. Despite the sincere wish to open his eyes and embrace the heavenly scenery, the weight of his eyelids seemed unusually burdensome. ''So, am I prohibited from glimpsing into the realms of paradise? Just because I stole expired food?'' Aether questioned in his introspection. And then, unexpectedly, !~Ding~! An rming sound jolted him awake. "Arrrhhh" he groaned in difort. As he forced his eyes open, the sight before him was unlike anything he had ever witnessed..... ''What in the world is this?'' Aether pondered, captivated by the surreal and extraordinaryndscape unfolding before his eyes. The world unfolded before Aether''s eyes, a panorama of stones and vibrant nts.... It wasn''t that he hadn''t witnessed such wonders in his own world, but these nts seemed to possess an animated quality, dancing in the sky as if engaged in joyfulmunication with the universe. The stones, unlike any he''d seen before, shimmered with an iridescent purity, untouched by the corrosive influences of the chemicals from his world.... Life pulsed through them like a live stone... ''WOW!!'' Aether stood, utterly taken aback by the ethereal atmosphere that enveloped him. The air itself seemed to hum with a harmonious melody of existence. ''pprrrrr'' Suddenly, a bubbling sound interrupted the surreal symphony. Aether turned towards the source, his eyes widening once again at the breathtaking beauty that unfolded before him. ''SHIT!! This is truly Heaven!!!'' Aether''s exmation echoed through the ''celestial'' as he beheld a magnificent gradient, multicoloured Flying Horse.... a majestic creature resembling a Pegasus, standing regally in the distance. ''E-Everthing is true??'' Aether felt as if his childhood fantasy had materialized into reality. The sheer wonder of it struck him profoundly. ''So, after dying, everyone wille into this Fantasy world... Heheh... If my friends were to know this, they would be the first to willingly die without even regretting... ahahah'' Aether couldn''t help but feel a twinge of sadness as memories of his friends flooded his thoughts. Shaking his head to dispel the mncholy, he realized he was in heaven... a fantastical realm where he could witness fucking everything!! "rrhmm?" He attempted to move towards the majestic Pegasus, but an unusual resistance enveloped his body as if he were submerged in thick air. Frowning, he was about to ask for help from ''Heavenly Gods'' (He believed) when, to his surprise, the Pegasus.... upon closer inspection, appeared to have no legs. ''Interesting, it seems having wings negates the need for legs... Fascinating!'' Aether found this observation more intriguing than disheartening. He wasn''t particrly sad about it... ''I mean it may look like a sea horse but stil'' ''Sea horse?'' He squinted his eyes, and after a few seconds of analysis, a realization struck him. ''Bob, Bob, Bob...'' He finally looked at those bubblesing from his mouth while his body slowly descended. "..." ''Bob, Bob, Bob...'' "..." ''Bob, Bob, Bob...'' "FUCKKKKK!!!" ''I am drowning!!!'' Panic surged through him, and he urgently attempted to move his body upward. ''ppprrrrrr'' ''Shit!!'' He attempted to swim as fast as he could because that Sea Horse was hastily pping its wings, closing the distance between them. Why would he be scared of a seemingly small cute sea horse? Because it wasn''t small at all; it was colossal, nearly double his size. Moreover, the way it looked at him sent shivers down his spine, as if he were nothing more than prey to satisfy the hunger of its thousands of offspring. ''Shit! Shit! Shit!....'' He propelled himself forward as rapidly as possible. He didn''t even nce back; his sole focus was on escaping the water as swiftly as possible, the urgency propelled by the unknown and ominous sea horse behind him. "PPRRR!" Feeling the resounding sound of bubbling water, Aether channelled every ounce of energy into his hands and legs, determined to put as much distance as he could. ''Splutter'' "-Ha-" As soon as his head emerged from the water, Aether inhaled deeply. Despite the exertion, his resolve remained steadfast. Spotting a near-shore, he set his sights on it, swimming with renewed vigour. The sea horse almost reached him but Aether with his every ounce of energy, propelled towards shore... And soon, "Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha!!" He breathed heavily as he pulled his exhausted body onto the shore, the adrenaline still coursing through his veins. "Ha-Ha----" "PPPFFRR!!" "SHIT!!" Aether eximed, catching a glimpse of the colossal sea horse almost reaching for his leg. Instinctively, he used his hands to propel himself backwards, a surge of panic coursing through him. Staring at the sea horse now, Aether was more terrified than shocked. It bore no resemnce to the typical sea horses he knew..... The one before him had rainbow-coloured hard skin, big strong wings and ck sclera, its gaze piercing through Aether. Aether unconsciously gulped, fearing that those formidable wings might grant the ''Thing'' the ability to fly. If it could fly, then he was in serious totally fucked up!!! Suddenly, the creature averted its gaze from Aether. ''Splutter'' Then, it disappeared from Aether''s view. The fear hadn''t subsided; he remained frozen. He just faced his.... Another death? "He...he" "I told you this bastard was here" "Making use all this way, Fuck this Bastard!!" The new voices, filled with frustration and annoyance, snapped Aether out of his fearful reverie. With a perplexed expression, he turned to look at the neers, but before he could discern them clearly, ''Thud!!'' He suddenly felt a searing pain in his head, and he fainted immediately. "Sigh, why did you do that!!" One of the neers expressed irritation, as if moving Aether was a tiresome chore. "I mean, his weird face is annoying and disgusting." Another neer shrugged dismissively before effortlessly hoisting a 15-year-old boy with white hair onto their shoulder like a sack. .... ... .. Chapter 6: DON’T TOUCH ME!!

Chapter 6: DONT TOUCH ME!!

"Arrhh!" A White-haired boy groaned in pain, his frail frame giving the impression that his skin clung tightly to his bones, emphasizing his skinny physique. "Hmmm..." The white-haired boy''s eyes fluttered as he gradually opened them, adjusting to the uncertain surroundings. "Armmrr!" He instinctively grabbed his head when a surge of pain shot through it, lifting his upper body with pained eyes. Sitting up, he nced down, realizing he wasid out on a sheet of paper on the floor. Examining his own body, he wore a sack-like dress.... a sense of disbelief washed over him. "W-What the...!!" He mumbled in pain, his gaze fixated on his small and delicate hands. With wincing pain, he stared at his hands with disbelieving eyes, tracing the lines and contours as if seeking reassurance. "N-No, No, No, No...." Ignoring the difort in his body, he rose to his feet and approached a mirror in the small room that appeared to be a..... Storeroom. Surveying the bare wooden walls, devoid of furniture, not even a chair or toilet, the boy finallyprehended.... "I-It''s the same as my old room" he muttered in disbelief. "D-Did I return back?" The white-haired boy murmured, a small sense of fear creeping into his heart as he grappled with the surreal possibility of... regression? ''p!!'' A sharp p echoed in the small storeroom. "Come on! Aether! Calm Down!!" The white-haired boy, a.k.a Aether, shouted at himself in an attempt to break free from the perplexing thoughts racing through his mind. "OUCH!" Soon, he cried out in pain as the p finally hit his nerves. After a few minutes of calming down while rubbing his pained cheeks, he realized, ''It''s not a dream...ah,'' Aether thought, epting the bewildering reality surrounding him. Feeling a slight headache, he returned to his previous ce. It became evident that a bandage was wrapped around his head, a faint reminder of an unseen injury. Calmly surveying his surroundings once more, ''This room is the same as when I am with my parents....'' he thought. The familiarity of the setting shed with the childhood terrors. Hey on the same white paper, gazing at the ceiling with a furrowed brow, his expression a canvas of worries and... fear? He was trying to recall the events, his mind grappling with the fragments of memories that seemed....elusive and distant? First, as soon as he got a job... he was killed by some organ traffickers due to his rare bloodline. The bitter irony of his fate struck him.... What a good way to live man! ''Thinking about it again, doctors did say I had rare blood...'' Aether nodded in acknowledgement, but soon, his face turned serious. "Those fuckers!!" Aether''s eyes burned with fierce anger towards those heartless perpetrators who took his life without a shred of guilt. Second, he found himself back in his past... That''s what he believed. "...." Aether wasn''t sure whether he should be happy about it or feel sad, considering theck of an isekai experience.... ''Tsk, Seriously Me! What''s wrong with me? Did I really start deluding myself?'' Aether thought, immediately shaking off any fantastical notions. "Wait a second, My friend once told me that if an organ is transnted, it''s not just a new lease on life.... He swore there''s some kind of cosmic exchange and miracles of gods, like memories and traits could tag along with the donated kidney or heart" Aether muttered, his face contorted in shock. ''Fuck! If it''s true then, Am I inside a teen boy who is going through the same tough life as me?'' He slowly mouthed each word, his expression bing increasingly bizarre. However, "THERE IS NO FUCKING WAY THAT MONSTER IS ON EARTH!!!" Aether immediately stood up, a grimace etched on his face as he moved towards the door. Despite a moment of hesitation, he steeled himself, remembering the surreal sights of ''Sea Horse'' beyond his imagination. If that thing was in Earth then there was no way he didn''t know it. ''Thud'' He slowly opened the door, first peeking out into the hallway. The room he was in was thest one in the corridor. ''Though the room is the same. this is definitely not my house..... There is no one?'' Aether questioned before stepping out. Despite the room inside bearing a resemnce to his previous one, the expansive hallway that stretched seemingly for miles contradicted any semnce of familiarity. There was no way his parents would build something like that just to annoy him. He wasn''t sure whether it was a good idea or not but.... Aether couldn''t confine himself indefinitely in that room. As he walked down the corridor, he scrutinized the structure of the building. "Hmm... Sure, it''s definitely not my parents'' house..." Aether muttered as he continued to walk. Suddenly, "WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU!!" "!!!" Aether was startled when he heard someone screaming. Without conscious thought, his legs propelled him toward the source. "YOU ARE THE ONE WHO CAME TO ME, NOT ME!!" Aether leaned against a particr door, the origin of the vehement cries. "DON''T TOUCH ME!!" Hearing those trembling words, Aether, without hesitation, pushed the door open. "Stop it!!" Aether shouted with authority, instantly recognizing the rity of a situation where someone was attempting to assault ady. He might not have a pronounced sense of justice, especially after his past attempts at shoplifting to survive during dry days. However, he drew a clear line when it came to harassing women.... If he ever witnessed someone mistreating ady, Aether would be the first to intervene. This unwavering stance.... cost him several jobs in the past as he couldn''t stand idly by when customers or colleagues faced harassment. Upon entering the study-like room, Aether''s expression turned to stone. There were five people in the room, strategically positioned - two sitting on one side of the sofa and three on the opposite side. The first pairprised a dark ck middle-aged man and a young girl with flowing blonde hair. The second trio featured a dark blue middle-aged man, a bluish-ck-haired young boy, and a bluish-ck-haired young girl. The room exuded a serious and charged atmosphere.... as if the fate of a nation hung in the bnce. "Hmm...." Aether scratched the back of his head, attempting to maintain hisposure in the midst of the tense atmosphere. "Cough-Cough...ahem.... Sorry?" Aether said with an awkward expression, attempting to diffuse the tension in the room. He turned to leave the room, seeking an escape from the ufortable situation when amanding and hoarse voice stopped him dead in his tracks. "You came at the right time, Ether. Come pour some tea for the guests" The use of the name "Ether" caught Aether off guard, a momentary confusion clouding his expression. Was he the one they were addressing, or was there some misunderstanding? Aether hesitated to react.... "Seems like you aren''t teaching your ve correctly?" An amused voice followed, shedding light on the context of the conversation. Now, Aether flinched hearing those words.... The mention of the term "ve" added ayer ofplexity to the unfolding scenario. ''ve....ah?'' This time, Aether understood that he was the one they were talking about since his sack dress clearly indicated who he was. He wasn''t sure who he was really and what the hell was happening if he acted a little different others might get suspicious.... Uncertain about the dynamics at y, he decided to y along. "Ether!" The same authoritative and hoarse voice demanded his attention again, radiating a hint of menace that sent a shiver down Aether''s spine. "Y-Yes" Aether stammered, feeling a growing sense of suffocation in the room. "Pour.Some.tea" Aether turned back, locking eyes with the dark blue-haired middle-aged man who pointed towards the table with an air of authority. As he approached, Aether took the teapot, while attempting to pour the tea into the cup. ''Ssh'' However, due to his trembling hands, some of the tea sttered around, adding an unspoken tension. "Hehehe... Come on! You are scaring the poor guy" Came the amused voice again, injecting a touch of humour into the tense ambience of the room. Chapter 7: Does he swing that way?

Chapter 7: Does he swing that way?

"Hehehe... Come on, you are scaring the poor guy" came the amused voice again, a dark ck-haired man injecting a touch of humour into the tense ambience of the room. However, Aether, having witnessed the ugliness of the world with his own two eyes and experienced how people could change, saw through the fa?ade. He recognized the tone of the person who seemed to be supporting him for what it was.... .... A Fake Sympathy. Despite the inner turmoil and the pressure he felt, Aether managed to control his emotions. Pouring the tea carefully this time, he presented it with a professional demeanour to the dark ck-haired man and the blonde-haired girl, whom he assumed were the guests based on their seating arrangement and manner of speaking. He did work everywhere so he knew one or two things... "Here''s your tea" he said with a calm demeanour, determined to carry out his role despite the unsettling atmosphere in the room. "Have a pleasant day, Thank you." Without waiting a second, Aether decided to leave, thinking, ''Shit! I have to find out where am I and what is happening!'' "Hmm? Who told you to leave?" The same authoritative voice echoed, making Aether flinch involuntarily. "Stay There!!" "...Yes," Aether nodded before standing near the door, just a few inches away, ''Tsk, just a few inches away from the door, tsk, tsk'' realizing he was now at the mercy of the situation. The dark blue-haired man scrutinized his ve''s new actions. Both guests showed visible displeasure, but they soon concealed their emotions, leaving an air of tension hanging in the room. The presence of a ve in such an important meeting was not just a breach of etiquette; it was a deliberate act of disrespect aimed directly at the other party. The room, already tense, seemed to vibrate with an addedyer of unease. Even though there was someone present in the room silently, he was better than a ve.... Anyhow, "So?" The blonde-haired young girl asked as she sipped the tea, her tone softer than before. Aether raised his eyebrows, hearing the same voice but noting the shift in demeanour. Hearing the girl''s softened tone, the bluish-ck-haired boy nced at the dark blue-haired middle-aged man who gave him a nod of approval. Emboldened, he dered, "I Like You" The words resonated from the bottom of his heart. The blonde girl nodded in response, maintaining an air ofposed indifference as she continued sipping her tea. The boy, however, dropped a bombshell, "However, I cannot ept you as my first partner." ''ttrrr'' A ripple of tension passed through the room, causing a subtle tremor in the girl''s tea cup. Biting her lips, she fought to contain her emotions, unwilling to show any sign of vulnerability in front of a.... mere ve. The girl, who had been barking like a dog before, now swallowed every bit of emotions in order to maintain her pride, honour andposure. This was the very reason the dark blue-haired middle-aged man made Aether stay in the room. "I-I remember we were engaged under our parents'' blessing when we were children... deciding I am your first partner, so what happened now?" The blonde girl trembled as she spoke, her voice revealing the pain she was trying to suppress. Witnessing her distress, the boy, despite his earlier promation, couldn''t help but feel a tinge of sadness. He instinctively lifted his hand to offerfort but, "DON''T TOUCH ME!!" The sharp scream reverberated through the room, and the boy immediately pulled back his hand. Aether stole a nce at the distressed girl and couldn''t help but feel a twinge of sadness...no, not for her, but for himself. If he had known it was just a ''Lover''s Quarrel'' he might not have found himself in this predicament. Cursing his misguided sense of justice that fucked up him too much this time, he eagerly waited for the unfolding drama. Regardless, Calming her emotions, the blonde shifted her gaze back to the boy, silently pleading for answers to her unspoken questions. The boy remained silent, looking at the blonde with an awkward expression, unsure of how to respond. "Ahem" the dark blue-haired middle-aged man seated beside the boy cleared his throat, gaining the attention of both the blonde girl and the dark ck-haired middle-aged man beside her. "I know it''s your mother and his mother who made that promise, but..." He pointed to the bluish-ck-haired boy and continued, "...but, my son, he is the chosen one, and for that reason, we cannot allow him to first marry a" Before he could finish his sentence, the dark ck-haired middle-aged man motioned for him to stop, indicating that saying more would be unwise. ''Drip, Drip'' In the midst of the tense atmosphere, tears began to drip from the blonde-haired girl''s eyes. Biting her lips, she looked at the boy..... her eyes reflecting a single lost hope. "Listen, Lia, I am not abandoning you... I truly like you. Trust me, I want to be with you just as much as you want to be with me. What I am saying is that I cannot marry you first... That''s all. Being second doesn''t mean my love for you will diminish. Please understand me... Lia," the boy pleaded, watching his loved one cry in pain. "I-I see... O-Okay then. I understand... hmm... I understood..." The blonde girl nodded repeatedly while wiping her tears, her voice faltering, "I don''t mind, b-but... Tell me the truth, Kai Is it because I-I am not talented enough?" "..." The room fell silent as the boy grappled with the weight of her question, his silence revealing more than words ever could. "I-I see..." The blonde bit her trembling lips, epting the painful truth. Her eyes betrayed the storm of emotions within, flickering between disappointment and the lingering hope that perhaps the situation could be different. Just as the boy was about to express his thoughts, "I-If I trained more, I-I think I cou" The blonde tried to voice her determination, hoping to change the inevitable oue, but, the dark blue-haired man, interrupted her with an unyielding statement. "I am sorry to say this, youngdy, but.... It''s not possible" his words hung heavily in the air, closing the door on any possibility of altering their predetermined fate. "Velc! You are crossi--" The dark ck-haired man shot a heated re at Velc, his displeasure evident in his sharp gaze. "U-Uncle, let''s leave..." The blonde stood up gracefully, a mixture of pain and respect colouring her expression as she addressed Velc, "I need some time to think." "Hmm" Velc nodded with understanding and added, "His engagement date is already decided, so please make your decision before that." "!!!" The blonde showed visible shock at the revtion of an imminent engagement, her eyes widening before she hurriedly left the room, leaving a resounding ''thud'' as the door closed. ''Thud!!'' "...." The dark ck-haired man red at Velc, his eyes piercing with a warning, "You will face the consequences of hurting my niece" his words hung in the air like an unspoken threat before he turned and left the room. Velc, the object of the warning, simply shrugged off the impending consequences with an air of indifference. ''Oh, shit! What the fuck just happened? And why was she ring at me when leaving!!" Aether screamed inwardly. Observing the departure of the guests, Velc sighed and turned to his son, who wore a sombre expression. "It''s fine, son. She will definitelye around.....it''s just, that some girls just need time to decide what they really want," Velc reassured his son in a soothing tone. "Hmm," his son nodded in acknowledgement, standing up and announcing his departure, "I am leaving, Father." However, he paused before passing Aether, turning to him with a gaze filled with curiosity and authority, "Come with m-" But Velc interrupted, "No, My son. I need to speak with him." ".... Okay" his son acquiesced, leaving the room with a sense of reluctance. ''Thud'' "...." "...." "...." A heavy silence permeated the room, now upied only by Velc, a bluish-ck haired girl, and Aether.... who was sweating profusely. ''W-What happened?'' Aether wondered why that man was scrutinizing him so intently. After a minute, the girl spoke with a delicate voice, "Father." "Yes, Dear?" "It''s about time the teacher wille" the girl said. "Hmm... You can leave," Velc said, and soon the girl left. Aether didn''t even see her when she nced at him. ''Thud'' "...." "...." The room now echoed with an oppressive quietness, with Velc and Aether both engaged in an unspoken standoff. ''What the heck is wrong with this man?'' Aether pondered, finding Velc''s gaze unsettling enough to send shivers down his spine. It was then, a serious and ludicrous thought entered his mind, ''Does he swing that way?'' Aether flinched, realizing the absurdity of his thoughts. If that''s what Velc was waiting for, then... Aether was mentally prepared for suicide!!!! No, it''s not that he didn''t want to fight; instead, the past delinquent Aether sensed something unsettling about Velc. Observing his posture and the way he exerted pressure on Aether, it felt like he was a mere ant standing before a true giant. And if Aether was forced to do ''something'' then.... it''s better to die than struggle. "Ether?" Suddenly, Velc called Aether with a soft voice, as if the previous authoritative tone was a facade. Aether''s face turned ashen. He didn''t understand what was happening, where he was, or even who he was. Yet, it seemed like his life was nearing its end. "Ether?" The voice shifted abruptly, regaining its authoritative edge, making Aether sigh in relief. ''I am thinking too much,'' he mused, looking at Velc and answering, "Yes." "Who are you?" "...." Aether blinked his eyes for a few seconds, ''I really fucked up...ah'' he thought. Chapter 8: He seems to have emotions of....

Chapter 8: He seems to have emotions of....

"Who are You?" Those were the words that Aether himself wanted to know. He attempted to recollect any kind of memory rted to this ce.... But, there wasn''t a single recollection about this room or the questioning man. "ETHER, Who are you??" Velc''s authoritative voice demanded an answer. Hearing the insistence, Aether snapped back to reality and looked at Velc with an unknown expression as he repeated, "Ether...?" "..." Velc''s lips twitched, and seeing that Aether couldn''t help but find the situation amusing, ''I mean, does anyone ask who you are while calling your name?...Heh... Wait. Yeah, there was one who asked me before... his name is ''interviewer''....'' Aether chuckled inwardly, recalling how he managed to irritate the interviewer. However, the amusement didn''tst long. "Do you think it was funny?" Velc asked sternly. Aether remained silent, thinking, ''Of course, duh!! Looking at your twitching face and annoyed expression, the same face I saw with the Interviewer... It looks amusing!!!'' Seeing Aether staying silent, Velc also cooled down after a second he asked, "Who am I?" "Ve--" "If you say ''Velc,'' then I''ll kill you right here!!" ''What the fuck am I supposed to tell then?'' Aether thought but sealed his lips. It''s not that he didn''t want to answer.... it''s just that he didn''t know. That''s all. Instead of dwelling on this question-and-answer trail, Aether decided to tell the truth... Only the truth!! Because that man seems to nearing his limit! "Well, I don''t remember who I am, who you are, or what I am doing here," Aether confessed with a pained and scared expression. Whether Velc believed it or not, Aether knew he spoke only the truth. Seeing Aether''s expression, Velc turned... scared? ''Hmm?'' Aether frowned, not understanding why Velc appeared scared instead of being doubtful or an act of concerned. Velc immediately stood up and grabbed Aether''s white hair, and a pained cry escaped from Aether''s lips. "aarrhhhh!" Aether, who initially thought Velc was going to ''harm'' him in a way he thought.... However, he was surprised to find Velc effortlessly lifting him by just holding onto Aether''s hair. The pain, though excruciating, was limited to the sensation of each hair being tugged. Despite the pain coursing through him as each hair bud seemed on the verge of being pulled out, Aether couldn''t help but be in awe of the middle-aged man''s strength His past delinquent side once had entertained thoughts of such antics as wanting to lift someone with his bare hands but the bizarre and weird hairstyles (Some even bald) of his fellow thugs had deterred him from trying it himself. Regardless of his past, With his legs dangling in the air, Aether cried out in pain as Velc sharply stared at his neck.... ''Hmm... Thank god!'' Velc thought before, ''Thud'' Suddenly, Velc released his grip, and Aether fell to the ground, clutching his head in pain. Aether fell down and held his head in pain, ''BITCH!!'' he screamed, he clenched his fist but.... Although Aether felt an intense urge to punch his face, seeing Velc''s posture made him reconsider, and he bit his lips, epting the humiliation. ''I will promise you... I will pay back this humiliation a thousand times worse!!'' Aether vowed silently, clenching his fists in determination. ''Sigh'' Velc sighed audibly as he settled back onto the sofa, deep in thought. Aether, slowly regainingposure, stood up. "You don''t even remember anything?" Velc inquired without bothering to nce at Aether. "...Yes," Aether responded, maintaining a re at the man. "Not even your vige?" "Vige? Yes" Aether answered, processing the new piece of information. ''It seems Ether belong to a vige'' he thought. "Hmmm...." Velc pondered for a few minutes before dismissing Aether with a simple instruction. "You can leave now..." "Okay," Aether replied tersely,cking any semnce of respect. Of course, why would he? Velc already knew Aether lost memory so, trying to maintain the same personality was going to be a pain in the ass. As he turned to exit the room, Velc issued a warning that sent shivers down Aether''s spine. "And if you dare to run away.... I will make sure to put you in the sameke that caused your memory loss!!" ''Thud'' Closing the door, Aether''s heart raced as he leaned against the wall.... Those words felt like a genuine threat, and the memory of the sea horse monster resurfaced, causing Aether''s legs to tremble. Suppressing his emotions, he walked back to his so-called room. After Aether left the room, Velc''s voice resonated in the now-empty space, "Did you observe anything different?" Emerging from the shadows of the corner room, a figure, silent until now, gracefully approached Velc. "Yes, Master!" This figure was a white-haired old man adorned in a meticulously tailored butler''s attire. He wasn''t using any kind of power to hide his presence or anything since guests already knew his presence. It''s just that he stayed in the corner like a doll so Aether didn''t see that man... "He appears to harbour emotions of joy, anger and.... ego...." The butler remarked as he positioned himself before the intricately arranged teapot. While scrutinizing the teapot, a slight frown crept upon the butler''s face. The meticulous arrangement of the teapot was a subtle etiquette known only to well-trained butlers or esteemed royal servants, ''Perhaps it''s just a coincidence...'' The butler nonchntly shrugged, resuming his task of cleaning the table. "But we cannot be entirely certain; he may be putting on an act... Despite his memory loss, he willingly followed your orders" The butler continued his duties, seamlessly transitioning to preparing tea for his Master. "No!" Velc''s immediate dismissal echoed through the room, prompting the butler to cast an inquisitive nce at his Master. "Why, Master?" While it might seem insolent for a mere servant to question his Master, this particr butler held a position of great importance. "Because he didn''t even spare a nce at my daughter!" Velc eximed with a stern face. From the very moment Aether entered the room, he seemingly failed to acknowledge Velc''s daughter. It wasn''t about expecting a mere ve to pay attention to his daughter, but Velc couldn''t shake off the feeling that the previous version of Ether, before memory loss, had always disyed a keen interest in her. He stared at her every time and everywhere like a.... stalker. "As forplying with my orders.... it was likely a result of his survival instincts. I deliberately emanated an aura of intimidation to ensure his obedience, so... I believe hispliance was genuine.... and... Yes, That doesn''t seem like an act, especially considering how he red at me without fear" Velc exined the subtle dynamics of his interaction with Ether, highlighting the deliberate pressure he exerted and Ether''s fearless response. Furthermore, Before memory loss, Ether never made eye contact with others.... "It appears that memory loss has granted him a certain boldness... He needs to be tamed now, or else...." Velc trailed off, his thoughts lingering on the potential consequences. The butler, acknowledging Velc''s observations, wore a subtle smile, reflecting a sense of satisfaction at his master''s astute awareness of the changes in their surroundings. Noticing the subtle smile, "Tsk, You surely know everything, and yet you''re asking me!!" Velc''s voice carried a hint of irritation. "Hehe..." The butler giggled softly as he handed a cup of tea to Velc, "As I promised my previous Master, I was only allowed to guide you and the rest is up to your decision, Master" "Tsk, that old man...." Velc clicked his tongue in mild annoyance, taking a sip of the tea. "Inform the old man... just in case he felt I was hiding something," Velc added with a serious tone. "Hehe..." The butler chuckled lightly, acknowledging Velc''s instruction. "Anyhow, who is responsible for this? Who pushed him into theke?" Velc inquired, frustration still evident in his expression. "That is... one of my disciples, Master" The butler responded. "..." Velc stared at his butler, his silence indicating both astonishment and discontent. "Sigh, I already punished him for his recklessness..." "..." Despite the exnation, Velc continued to gaze at his butler. "I am sorry, Master. I will punish him again" The butler offered an apology. "It''s not about the punishment, Alfred.... What if Ether died? You do know how important he is to us!!" Velc expressed his concern with a touch of fury. "...." Alfred remained silent, absorbing Velc''s words. Seeing no answer, "Sigh, Next time anything like this happens again, I will make sure that disciple of yours disappears from my house...." Velc delivered a stern warning. "I will surely teach that brat, Master" Alfred bowed respectfully, acknowledging Velc''s directive. While Velc and Alfred having a nice chat, Aether left alone with his thoughts, gazed into the air with a mixture of shock and.... frustration? evident on his face. "I got this..... SHIT!" !~Ding~! Chapter 9: !~Ding~!

Chapter 9: !~Ding~!

''Step, Step'' A hurried echo of footsteps resonated through the strange, elongated hallway... A group of workers, engrossed in their tasks, paused to catch a glimpse of a... White-haired man, moving with a blend of haste and urgency.... more of a hurried walk, yet a semnce of a run. Their eyes followed him, and whispers floated among them, creating a subtle undertone of curiosity. ''Fuck!, Fuck!, Fuck!....'' Aether screamed inwardly while attempting to flee, but for some unknown reason, his progress was hindered. It was as if an invisible force sought to thwart his escape. Upon emerging from the Velc''s room, he resolved to leave... disying a nonchnt demeanour. Yes, he was not the least bit frightened at the prospect of encountering that Sea Horse again.... His running wasn''t fueled by fear..... That was definitely certain.... Believe him, He didn''t have any fear, not even a shred. "Fuck! This Body!" Aether eximed, gasping for breath. The strain on his physical form was evident, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, yet his determination overshadowed the physical toll. ''Huff-Hufff-Huffff...'' Ignoring the pain coursing through his body, he surveyed the people around him, d in work attire, in stark contrast to his sack, they wore costly maid and butler dresses. ''Sure enough, this was definitely not my country!'' he thought. The realization struck him like a revtion, a stark contrast to the familiarity of his own surroundings. Although his inner ''weeb'' found the situation intriguing and told him ''that'' was ''Real'', the ''Mature'' side of him told the rational, reasonable and realistic.... possibilities. The people in his vicinity paid him no heed. As if wrapped in their own worlds, they remained oblivious to the drama unfolding within his reality. Eventually, he spotted a glimmer of exit. The sight of freedom beckoned to him like a distant oasis in the desert, fueling his determination to escape the enigma surrounding him. With all his might, he attempted to sprint, though, to onlookers, it seemed more like a determined jog. His every step echoed with a sense of urgency... an urgency that he wanted to know. As he emerged, what awaited him was, "SHIT!!!" Aether stood frozen, his eyes widening at the unexpected sight before him... It wasn''t the outside world that startled him, but rather the presence of a massive gate situated at a ''considerable'' distance. The details were blurry, visible only when he squinted against the vastness between them... His attention shifted downward to his trembling legs, on the brink of giving out at any moment. The sack dress he wore clung ufortably to his fatigued form, each step a testament to the physical toll of his escape. "ha-ha-ha-ha..." Aether gasped for breath, he felt his spinning in a tornado... as desperately scanned for a nearby wall to lean on. Finding support, he gradually lowered his body and settled into a seated position. After a few minutes of much-needed rest, he squinted his eyes again, acknowledging the formidable distance thaty ahead. "Yep, it''s really a long way!" he muttered under his breath, a realization that settled in with a touch of resignation. Taking a moment to survey his surroundings, Aether nodded in understanding. "Hmmm..." The vast yard and the imposing mansion hinted at a privileged and opulent environment, ''It seems I am in a big shot''s house'' he thought, the revtion adding ayer ofplexity to his predicament. Slowly standing, he embarked on the long journey towards the gate, each step a deliberate effort. The passage of time was marked by sweat-soaked determination, and the physical toll manifested in the way he held his knees, aching from the exertion. "Ha-ha..." Aether exhaled audibly, the pain evident in his weary posture. "OI, What are you doing here?" An armour-d man, stationed as a guard near the gate, inquired with an amusing smile, noting Aether''s dishevelled appearance. "Ha-Ha... I was asked to buy a few things!" Aether replied, attempting to mask his exhaustion with a casual demeanour. "Buy? You?" The guard''s amusement lingered, sceptical of Aether''s exnation. "What? Is it wrong?" Aether retorted, his tone challenging. Instead of answering directly, the guard smiled and yfully suggested, "Should I ask the Master to verify that?" "...." "Go Inside!!" "Ahem-Ahem... I see around" Aether said, deciding it was prudent to retreat from the gate and any potential probing questions. ''Looks like he really forgets everything'' the guard observed, watching Aether depart then beats of sweat appeared on his forehead, ''Hope they didn''t know I was the one who hit his head!!'' The guard trembled. He was the guy who struck Aether''s head upon his escape from near death. If Velc knew he was the one responsible for Aether''s memory then.... The guard''s hand trembled in fear. While the guard was contemting a change in his job, Aether strolled into the yard, his gaze fixed on the immense marbled mansion that towered before him. Its grandeur surpassed even the President''s Office he had seen on television. ''It was worth a try....'' he thought as he nced back at the gate which was guarded by the armed guard... He looked up at the sky and his eyes lingered in the sky for a few minutes before sighing "Looks like I really have to face reality..." he mumbled. After a moment''s reflection, his ''Weeb'' side won in the ongoing internal struggle. There was no sun in the sky, and yet, the surroundings were bathed in an otherworldly illumination.... that means... ''Did I really Isekaid?'' He wondered as a realization dawned on him. An amusing smile yed on his lips as he contemted the fantastical turn his life had taken. What''s more, he didn''t seem to be surprised or even had any kind of overreaction... ''I wonder, why?'' He pondered surely anyone at least show some reaction outside and yet, Aether maintained a calm nature.... as if he didn''t care. ''Well, I guess.... Maybe I had been unconsciously thinking and yet I was stubborn to ept the reality..?'' He thought with a doubtful gaze. Just as he continued his exploration of the yard, a voice interrupted his thoughts. "Hey!" A cute voice snapped him out of his contemtion. Turning around, he saw a bluish-ck haired girl approaching him. "What?" Aether said, his tone unintentionally brusque. The girl frowned, clearly displeased with theck of respect in his tone. Her captivating blue eyes held an undeniable charm,plemented by bluish-ck hair subtly ented with shades of blue. She was dressed in abination of a pristine white shirt and a stylish ck skirt. ''Ah, I saw this girl with that man... his daughter, right?'' Aether thought, recalling a connection. "What happened to you?" she asked as she stood before him. "What do you mean?" Aether replied, feigning ignorance. Seeing her speaking to him, he wondered whether Ether and She had some weird rtions.... She squinted her eyes, then remarked, "I heard you had memory loss." "...Yes," Aether nodded, inwardly cursing the old man for spreading the news so quickly... ''Damn that old man already spread the news... ah!!'' "Hmmm... that''s the reason... ah," she mumbled something to herself before abruptly eximing, "Boom!" "Puff!!" Aether suddenly felt a sharp impact on his stomach. He crumpled to the ground, groaning in pain, ''Damn it!'' Looking up, he shot an angry re at the girl. "Hmm.." The girl, seemingly unfazed by the scene, nodded before walking away. "That Shit!" Aether cursed at the girl and slowly stood up, his hand clutching his aching stomach. Expecting the worst, he gingerly probed the area, half-expecting to find a hole, but to his relief, there was none. Sighing in both pain and frustration, he fixed his gaze on the retreating figure of the girl who had assaulted him. Without a second thought, he ran towards her, each step resonating with determination. ''Step, Step..'' Hearing the approaching footsteps, the girl turned in surprise as Aether closed the distance. Aether, despite having a sense of justice when it came to aiding women, was also a firm believer in gender equality. With a sudden burst of indignation, he eximed, "Take that!" andnded a retaliatory hit in the same spot where she had struck him. However, "Crack, Crack" "Aarrhhh---" Aether hurriedly stifled his scream, gritting his teeth and swallowing the pain. His hands trembled from the impact, but he managed to control his emotions. The urge to scream was strong, but his pride prevented him from sumbing.... even though it had been shattered on numerous asions. The girl, unfazed by the retaliation, simply patted her stomach and regarded Aether with a smiling face that caused his heart to skip a beat. "Ba-Dump!" "You are not the weak boy I know...." she said, her words echoing with a mysterious understanding. And soon, ''Thud'' Aether copsed to the ground, his body unable to withstand the umted strain. The wounds he had incurred were taking their toll, and he had pushed himself to the limit by running around and getting hurt again. Just as he loses consciousness... And it was then, that a familiar sound resonated in his mind. !~Ding~! Chapter 10: Slave.... Eternal Contract

Chapter 10: ve.... Eternal Contract

/ "Child, I kept my part of the contract.... Now it''s your turn to do that." Hazy and bloodied eyes strained to discern the person who uttered those words. Slowly, the eyes turned, surveying the silent aftermath of chaos. It seemed as if the nightmare was finally over, and the vision moved forward, navigating through a surrealndscape. The bodies of monstersy lifeless on the ground, and the cries of humans were stifled, reced only by an overwhelming fear that hung in the air like a heavy fog. "Thank Yo---" / "-Ha-ha-ha-ha-" Aether jolted woke up from a weird nightmare, his face drenched in sweat, hands trembling in fear as if he had witnessed something unspeakably grotesque. The remnants of the dream lingered, casting an eerie shadow on his waking reality. ''W-What was that?'' He thought, clenching his head in pain, attempting to shake off the haunting images etched into his subconscious. After a few minutes, he finally calmed down, his breath steadying as he surveyed the surroundings. The room was more spacious than his cramped storage room.... This time, instead of lying on the cold floor with a single paper sheet, he found himself on a soft bed, itsfort contrasting with the lingering unease from the dream. His hand instinctively reached out to touch the bed, and a sense of tiredness washed over his body..... the kind that onlyes after confronting a vivid nightmare. ''It''s been ages since Ist slept on a bed...'' He thought, the novelty of the soft mattress offering a momentary distraction from the unanswered questions that loomed over him. Yes, both before and after being abandoned by his parents, Aether never had the opportunity to rest in a bed. Initially, it was due to his parents'' weirdness, andter, it was because hecked the financial means to afford one. The luxury of sleeping in a bed was reserved for school days alone.... especially in the Infirmary. His eyes gradually closed, surrendering to the pull of sleep as a small, involuntary smile erupted on his face. However, the tranquillity was short-lived... "You can Leave!" Hearing a stern voice, Aether immediately opened his eyes only to find a face ufortably near his own. Startled, he jerked backwards, locking eyes with a white-haired middle-aged man whose expression radiated annoyance and disgust. "W-Where am I?" Aether asked, his voice carrying a mix of confusion and defiance. The man turned to look at Aether with an even more exaggerated disy of disgust and said, "It looks like you have really forgotten everything, tsk, tsk..." He clicked his tongue and then, "Leave!" The man repeated, his tone harsh, pushing Aether off the bed. ''Thud'' "Ouch!" Aether winced in pain. The white-haired man, unfazed by Aether''s difort, efficiently reced the bedsheet with a new one, the act dripping with indifference. Slowly standing up, Aether''s body felt like it was truly in pain. He scanned the surroundings again with a clear mind. As he scanned the surroundings, the sterile atmosphere of the room revealed a tableau of white beds, medicines neatly arranged, and a collection of unfamiliar books scattered about. ''It looks like a clinic...'' He thought. Seeing Aether lingering around, the middle-aged man said with annoyance, "You have to leave; otherwise, I will be the one who gets punished... Leave now!!" Hearing that, Aether couldn''t help but frown, "Why is that?" he questioned while searching for something he desired ever since he found himself in this enigmatic ce.... no, World. ''Hmm, It looks like memory loss did alter someone''s character....'' The man observed Aether''s nonchnt demeanour, an indifference that getting on his nerves. With a sly smirk, he remarked, "I should not treat a SLAVE." The words hung in the air, a deliberate attempt to elicit a reaction. To the man''s dismay, Aether merely nced at him, shrugging off the provocative term as if it held no weight. "Why did you treat me then?" Aether questioned, his gaze now fixed on the mirror. He stared nkly at his reflection... "Hmm...." The white-haired man sighed, realizing his attempt to provoke Aether had fallen t. Annoyance seeped into his tone as he conceded, "You should be grateful that Young Miss brought you here!!" "Young Miss... ah," Aether frowned, his attention caught by the mention of a title. Yet, his eyes and thoughts were singrly focused.... ''White hair?'' In front of him stood a teenage boy with striking white hair, dark blue eyes, and a slender frame that seemed fragile enough to be carried away by a..... gentle breeze? Pathetic!! Then, Aether couldn''t help but notice the uncanny resemnce, his mind racing toprehend the odd familiarity. However, what truly rendered Aether speechless was... ''He looks just like when I was in my teenage... though except for the white hair,'' Aether mumbled to himself. ''Tap, Tap'' A touch on his shoulder jolted Aether out of his contemtion. He turned to face the man. "Leave!" Recognizing the anger etched across the man''s face, Aether nodded and began to make his way out. But before he could close the doorpletely, "Where was my room?" Aether inquired as he peeked at the white-haired man. "Go and ask other lowlives!!" The man retorted, his toneced with frustration. The transformation in Aether''s demeanour seemed to have irked him considerably. ''Tsk, if he just stayed like a doll and punching bag like before, it would be fun, but now....'' The man''s thoughts trailed off. He briskly took the bedsheet that Aether had used, and then, with a sudden and unexpected burst of power, /mes/ "sshooooo!!" .... ... Aether wandered through the area, inquiring with other servants about the location of his room. Despite their evident disgust when speaking to him, Aether brushed off their disdain, determined to gather the information he sought. Upon finally locating his room, he entered with a sense of weariness. ''Thud!'' "System!" Aether called out, anticipating the familiar response.... That''s the first thing he did. ... but there was no reply, noforting ''Ding'' sound to acknowledge his summons. "Interface!" Aether changed his words, hoping for any kind of acknowledgement. .... silence. "Menu!" .... nothing. "Dashboard!" .... no response. "Inventory!" .... still silence. "Profile!" .... not a single beep. "Panel!" .... the void echoed his calls. "Sigh, did I just imagine that?" Aether wondered aloud. Before fainting, he was certain he had heard a bell ringing sound inside his head, signalling the presence of the system. Just as he was about to give up, a spark of inspiration struck him seeing the wooden door. He focused on a basic word, a term he hoped would reconnect him with the elusive system. "Log" ..... "Log... in!" !~Ding~! "I got this... SHIT!!" Aether''s face met his palm as he stared at the see-through ck screen suspended in the air. [Request: Logging in] [.....] [.....] [Affrimative] The virtual world seemed toe alive as Aether''s consciousness connected with the ethereal interface... However, suddenly an odd sensation rippled through him, a subtle alteration in his body. / Name: Aether Sex: Male Race: Human Level: 0 Title: ve (Eternal Contract) Attributes: Strength: -1 Agility: 0 Intelligence: 3 Magic Affinity: 0 Charm: 1 Compatibility: 82% Affection Points: 00002 (1000 Affection Points = 1 *any Attributes) ???? / Even as Aether''s inner weeb erupted in joyful cries, his mature side stoically embarked on the task of analyzing the newfound data. "There is my only name, Aether, so what about ''Ether''?" Aether mumbled, a hint of disbelief colouring his voice. ''So am I truly Aether? But he did only call me ''Ether'' though?'' Aether''s forehead wrinkled with a frown as he pondered whether Velc just misspelled his name. Then, ''Eternal contract...ah?'' Aether''s frown deepened; the concept of an eternal contract stirred uncertainty and difort within him. "That means, no matter what, I will always remain a ve until death?" Aether couldn''t help but mumble in fear and anger. Moving on, "What the heck was negative strength? Is that even possible?" Veins pulsed on Aether''s forehead as he grappled with the notion, his gaze instinctively falling upon his own slender limbs. ''Sigh, I really wonder how in the world I was able to survive until now,'' he thought, contemting the apparent physical weakness. Examining other attributes, Aether brushed aside concerns about Intelligence with a nonchnt mutter. "Well, I think at least I have some points in that area," he said, a smug expression momentarily gracing his face. ''Compatibility...?'' He wasn''t sure what it even meant, ''Like characterpatibility or what?'' He thought. "Affections...?" Aether mused, deciphering the potential implications of this intriguing attribute. As for... ???? "That''s the fucking Cheat!!!" Aether''s exmation echoed in the room, his eyes gleaming with a mix of surprise and excitement. "That''s the fucking cheat that literally is an ''OP'' Hidden Skill!!" Aether''s dark blue eyes shone with newfound curiosity. He found himself fixated on the mysterious "????" to the exclusion of everything else. With a sense of curiosity burning within him, Aether attempted to touch the screen. Regardless of his efforts, his hands seemed to pass through it, and the panel remained unresponsive, disying only Aether''s data. "Hello, System?" Aether called out, his excitement evident in his tone. Even though he was on the verge of reaching age 30, a supposed perfect adult, Aether''s heart retained its childlike wonder. Perhaps, he mused, everyone carried a bit of that innocence within them..... "Hello, Log... in?" He tried differently this time once more, yet the silence persisted, devoid of any voice or scribbling on the panel. "Maybe mine doesn''t have a soul," he pondered, his initial curiosity and anticipation waning. A tinge of sadness crept in as he realized the absence of anypanions in this unknown world,pounded by the realization that he was, in essence.... an eternal ve. That''s what his system says. After a series of other weeb-like chants directed at the enigmatic ck panel, Aether''s curiosity gradually subsided. "Arrhh..." He once again felt aching in his body, prompting him to decide on taking a rest before delving into any other matters. As hey on the white paper on the floor, Aether couldn''t help but smile weakly, "My life never changes... ah." Even though he worked his ass off to change in his past.... He removed the sack-like dress and, in that vulnerable moment, something caught his attention... "Hmmm? What''s this?" Chapter 11: My name is Aether... Master

Chapter 11: My name is Aether... Master

[A/N: Some readers may be annoyed by the names Ether and Aether (Switching) in the following Chapters, but it is intentional and holds meaning. If you don''t like it, feel free to read as Aether....No problem??.] "Hmm..." Aether''s eyes fixated on the peculiar ring hanging from his neck. A golden ring, resplendent yet dulled, cradled a muted purple stone. Delicate lines of subdued purple gracefully encircled the stone, adding a touch of refined allure. The ring was attached to a thread that was securely tied around his neck. Aether squinted, his inner weeb''s curiosity piqued. Without hesitation, he slid the ring onto his finger. "..." Aether waited, an air of anticipation enveloping him. Uncertain of what he expected, he patiently allowed time to unfold. After a few minutes, No reaction, he decided to transfer the ring to another finger, continuing to observe for any signs or changes. Yet, Nothing happened. Disappointed but undeterred, Aether repeated the process, wearing the ring on different fingers as if seeking some hidden..... ''OP''. "OH! Mighty Master please help this poor child!!!" Aether said with heavy embarrassment. ... ... "Waste!" he dered with a hint of frustration, tossing the ring away. ''Ting, Ting, Ting...'' The melodic clinking of the ring against the ground echoed briefly before it rolled back towards Aether, a resilient return to his side. Aether simplyy there.... Nakedly. It wasn''t due to a desire for nocturnal nudity; rather, hecked any undergarments. This stark reality served as a sad reminder that he was a ''ve''..... An eternal ve, to be exact, his circumstances were intricately tied to a contract he barely understood. Sighing, he allowed himself to settle into the embrace of sleep. In moments, he sumbed to a deep slumber. A deep sleep... Unaware of the passing time, Aether slept soundly like a log. The wounds and pains in his body gradually eased, the healing process taking hold. .... ... .. "WAKE UP!!!" "SPLASH!!!" "ARRHH!!" Aether''s senses jolted him awake with a sudden cry as an icy sshnded on his face. "I-I am sorry M-Mother. I won''t d--huh?" He instinctively began to apologize, his conditioned response from years past. However, his words trailed off as he saw a bluish-ck-haired boy standing in front of him, wielding water that floated above. "Mother?" The boy regarded Aether with a mix of confusion and disdain. After a disdainful scan of Aether''s figure, he sneered, "Wear something, you filth! ande out!!" With thatmand, the boy left, leaving Aether to grapple with the abrupt wake-up call. Surveying his drenched body and the wet floor beneath him, Aether let out a resigned sigh. Reluctantly, he adorned himself with the same sack dress he had worn before, the rough fabric clinging ufortably to his wet skin. However, his eyes were drawn to the ring that had caught his attention earlier. "Hmm... Let''s not throw it; it might hold some significance to this ''Ether,''" Aether contemted, deciding to wear the ring around his neck. One might question why Aether didn''t exhibit anger or frustration upon awakening. The truth was, he had grown..... ustomed to such treatment throughout his life. As he said before, Whether in his tumultuous childhood or challenging adult life, his experiences were far from idyllic. Moreover, understanding his current status as a mere ve in this unfamiliar world, he saw no value in expressing anger. Adaptation had be second nature to him, a survival skill honed through the trials and tribtions life had thrown his way.... until some fuck head took his life. ''Thud'' Emerging from the room, Aether calmly regarded the bluish-ck-haired boy, who returned the gaze before proceeding ahead. Aether chose to remain silent, understanding that he likely had to follow the young master''s lead or face consequences. As they walked, the bluish-ck-haired boy scrutinized Aether''s seemingly changed demeanour, ''Has he truly forgotten everything?'' he wondered before deciding to inquire, "What''s your name?" ''What a pain....!'' Aether couldn''t help but think, feeling a sense of dj vu as both the son and father posed the same question. "Eether!! What''s your name!!!" The boy''s sudden shout echoed through the corridor when Aether didn''t respond immediately. Because, "Pffft--" Aether quickly covered his mouth, stifling an instinctive reaction. He nced at the boy, finding him to be as dumb as his father. Observing the boy''s frustration escte, Aether promptly replied, "My name is Aether...." "That''s Master!" "....My name is Aether... Master" Aether reiterated, devoid of any discernible emotion. "Aether?" The boy frowned upon hearing his name, briefly contemting a correction but ultimately deciding against it. Ether might have simply misunderstood his name but he wasn''t going to correct it. It wasn''t his responsibility to rectify a ve''s mistake. As the master, he could address Aether however he pleased. "What''s My name?" "..." Now this time, this was not really funny. Aether''s lips twitched in clear annoyance, fully aware that the boy was toying with him. The continuous echo of the same question mirrored his father''s earlier behaviour, intensifying Aether''s frustration and annoyance. ''Should I knock him out..?'' Aether contemted, clenching his fist as they walked. The bluish-ck-haired boy led the way, seemingly oblivious to the mounting irritation behind him. Aether, driven by annoyance and anger, was on the verge of delivering a punch to the boy''s neck when a sudden terror froze him in ce. It felt as if a monstrous presence had fixated its gaze on Aether, a sensation that sent shivers down his spine. "Ether!! What''s My name?" The bluish-ck-haired boy abruptly halted, turning back with a re. It marked the second time Ether had ignored hismand, an act tantamount to tant disrespect toward his master. Failure to address this behaviour could result in humiliation from the boy''s friends..... a consequence that he should avoid at any cost. But then, "Hmm?" The boy frowned as he observed his ve, who was now gripping his neck and kneeling on the ground, visibly struggling. "Hey, what happened?" He inquired, concerned by the sudden change in Ether''s demeanour. "..." Aether offered no response, gripped by an overwhelming fear that seemed to paralyze him. It was a primal terror as if an indescribable monster was watching him. His breaths becameboured, and his entire being felt like it was disintegrating into..... particles. The burning sensation in his neck intensified.... like an iron rod. "HEY!!" The boy shouted again, frustrated by theck of a coherent answer. Bncing numerous responsibilities, including sses and work, he couldn''t afford to linger with his ve every time and help him around. As he prepared to pour water on Ether again, a white-haired old man in a butler dress, intervened. "Young Master, Your sses are gettingte. You have to go now; otherwise, Young Miss willin again. Please, I will deal with him!!" The white-haired old man urged. "Alfred!!... Okay, I am leaving then" the bluish-ck-haired boy responded, startled initially but swiftly making his way to ss upon Alfred''s insistence. "..." After the young master left, Alfred turned his attention to Aether, who still clung to his neck, panting heavily. "You tried to hurt Young Master, didn''t you?" Alfred asked with a deadly tone. However, Aether remained trapped in the abyss he had just experienced, unable to snap out of it. "Tsk," Alfred clicked his tongue then within a single second, he changed Aether''s Sack dress into something formal like a white shirt and ck pants and... proceeded to pull Aether by his leg. ''Thud'' Aether''s head hit the ground as he snapped out of it, looking at the old man who was pulling him. "H-hey, Old Man! What are you doing!!" Aether shouted, his voice echoing through the corridor. "Oh? You snapped out of it... good," Alfred mumbled, a hint of satisfaction in his tone, as he let go of Aether''s leg. Aether, disying a mix of confusion and irritation, immediately stood up, eyeing Alfred with weariness. He had been with some brat before, and now he was with an old man, ''What happened? And when did I even change my dress?'' he wondered and was totally taken aback by the new dress, and weird sensation he felt before... his mind trying to piece together the fragments of his recent experiences. Aether truly didn''t know what happened to him... as if he was in the other dimension stared by an unknown entity. "Come with me, ve!" Alfred instructed, his voice carrying an air of authority as he moved with a measured pace down the corridor. However, "Who are you? And Who changed my dress?" Aether questioned, his rebellious nature surfacing, as this was the first time he had seen an old man in a butler dress. Alfred didn''t offer a direct response; instead, he continued walking in silence. Seeing this, Aether shrugged and, disying his characteristic defiance, turned in the opposite direction, momentarily resisting the authority around him. He truly had a rebellious nature.... It was then, breaking the silence, that Alfred spoke again, "A person who brought you here wants to meet you, brat! He might answer you everything..." The words hung in the air, making Aether pause and think for a moment before deciding to reluctantly follow Alfred. Alfred led Aether towards the designated room, their footsteps echoing through the grand corridor. Standing near the gigantic white door with a weird design, Alfred raised his knuckles and delivered a firm, resonant, ''Knock, Knock'' "Master, I brought Him" Alfred announced, his voice reverberating in the silence of the corridor. However, there was no immediate response. Still, Alfred, undeterred, turned the doorknob and swung open the grand door, revealing a room that elicited an involuntary "Whoo!!" from Aether''s astonished lips. Chapter 12: Frozen world....

Chapter 12: Frozen world....

ICE!! That''s the immediate impression one could gather about this ce. A profound and eerie silence, thick as the ice that enveloped the surroundings, held sway over this surreal realm. It was a location purposefully designed to challenge and defy the very essence of warmth, as if nature itself had conspired to create a frozen sanctuary. The entire expanse, extending beyond mere walls, was sheathed in ice, its crystalline facets reflecting an otherworldly beauty. The ice, like an artist''s meticulous creation, formed intricate patterns and sculptures that captivated the beholder''s imagination. Instead of resembling a conventional room, it felt more like an intricate portal to an alternate dimension.... A gateway to a world where frost held dominion, a frozen wondend suspended in time. ''Awesome!'' A bone-chilling sensation pervaded the air, causing anyone present to involuntarily shudder in the face of temperatures that seemed to plummet into the realm of the impossible..... as if dipped into a negative abyss. The very air itself felt crisp and sharp, every breath echoing with the frigid embrace of this cial realm. In the heart of this frozen spectacle sat a solitary figure, almost an anomaly against the breathtaking backdrop of ice sculptures and frozen wonders. On closer inspection, the figure revealed itself to be an elderly man, his once-vibrant blue hair now transformed into a pristine shade of white, a living testament to the inexorable passage of time etched upon his face. Aether, the neer to this world and the icy wondend, found himself struck dumb with awe at the otherworldly scenery. "So, this is truly a different world..." he mused, his words a mere whisper in the vast silence, unable to contain the sense of marvel that the enchanting magic of this ce invoked within him. With measured steps that echoed softly in the frozen expanse, Aether cautiously entered the icy domain. The crunch of his footsteps on the frost-covered ground echoed. Suddenly, as if stirred by the very presence of an outsider, the old man''s eyes snapped open. A rush of fresh, icy air surged forth, causing the frozenndscape to respond with a symphony of sounds. ''SSshhhhooo'' ''Crack, Crack'' Aether flinched, a momentary shiver coursing through him..... His inner ''Weeb'' self momentarily screamed, ''GREAT ANCESTOR!'' or something along those lines. The sudden awakening of the old man, apanied by the dramatic soundscape, stirred a wave of uncertainty within him. Uncertain of the old man''s identity but noting a resemnce to the boy he encountered earlier, Aether instinctively surmised a connection. He was on the verge of moving forward to see the old man clearly when an unexpected sound interrupted his thoughts. ''Tkkk'' "Hmm?'' Aether''s barefoot, mid-step, inexplicably adhered to the icy ground. An invisible force seemed to render him immobile, and his attempts to advance were met with a peculiar resistance, as though his skin might peel away if he dared to force the issue. Casting a quick, apprehensive nce at Alfred for support, Aether saw no acknowledgement. Alfred, seemingly unaffected, continued his purposeful stride toward the enigmatic old man. Focusing on the ground beneath Alfred, Aether noted with astonishment that Alfred''s foot did not adhere to the frosty surface as his own did. Then, a soft, almost imperceptible sound, ''sssshhssss....'' whispered through the air. The ice encasing Aether''s foot yielded, melting away to reveal the unassuming brown floor beneath. This subtle transformation was a revtion, an unveiling of the illusion that cloaked their true surroundings. The room persisted, hidden behind the intricate frosty facade. Aether turned his gaze back to the old man, who wore a gentle smile and beckoned him with a subtle lift of his eyelids. With limited choices... no, he didn''t even have any choice, Aether obliged, cautiously making his way forward. What''s more, he didn''t feel any chillness aspared to before.... Alfred had already reached the side of the seated elder, a silent acknowledgement passing between them. Aether followed suit, observing a peculiar phenomenon.... every step he took caused the ice along his path to melt away as if an unseen force acknowledged his presence with magic. It was as if he were a great magician, effortlessly manipting the elements.... But he knew it was far from truth seeing that old man, who helping him with these tricks. Still, Aether marveled at the extraordinary phenomenon, his amazement manifesting in a muttered exmation, ''This is what I call Fucking Magic!'' For Aether, magic wasn''t merely about raw power; it was about finesse, control, and presentation. His appreciation stemmed from the world of magic tricks he knew, where the illusionists skillfully deceived unsuspecting individuals, leaving them oblivious to the truth until the very end. Trick them until the end! .....Aether silently mused. After standing in front of the old man, Aether felt the weight of the old man''s scrutiny before the question came, delivered with an icy voice that cut through the frozen air. "Who are you?" Aether''s lips twitched; it wasn''t really any more fun, you know. Keep asking the same questions again and again. The situation was growing less amusing, and he felt a familiar urge to respond in a simr manner as the previous encounters. However, ''Worry?'' Aether frowned as he observed the worry etched on the old man''s features. It was a puzzling sight, given Aether''s familiarity with the intricacies of human nature. He could discern genuine concern from feigned emotions, yet the old man''s worry seemed.... real. However, Aether couldn''t dismiss the possibility. Aether contemted, ''If this is indeed an act, then either the old man is a master thespian deserving of an ''Oscar'' award, or theplexities of this world far exceed my initial understanding'' Composing himself, he replied, "I am Aether" The old man acknowledged Aether''s response with a calm demeanour, though a subtle "Hmm?" escaped his lips. Then it was apanied by a faint frown. Without missing a beat, he continued his probing, "Who am I?" Aether hesitated, grappling with the enigma presented to him. Eventually, he answered truthfully, "....I don''t know" Chapter 13: Mortimer Frostblade

Chapter 13: Mortimer Frostde

"....I don''t know" "Hmm..." The old man''s frown deepened, and after a moment of contemtion, he inquired further, "Tell me, what do you remember?" "I don''t remember anything," Aether responded with stark candour. "Hmm" "Not even recollections of your old vige or... that person?" "No, I don''t recall anything or anyone" "I see..." The old man nodded thoughtfully, his expression shifting into contemtion. Meanwhile, Alfred, a silent observer of the unfolding drama, noted the old man''s demeanour and couldn''t help but contrast it with Aether''s seemingly carefree attitude. "It appears you''ve truly lost every bit of memory... I never thought someone could experience such profound amnesia from a mere fall down the stairs," the old man remarked, a touch of amusement ying on his lips. "Hmm?" Aether frowned, uncertainty etched across his face. The old man''s words puzzled him; falling down the stairs? That was not an urate depiction of the recent bizarre experience he went through. He hadn''t merely stumbled on a flight of steps but had found himself submerged in ake, awakening to the unsettling presence of a monstrous creature with iridescent wings, unlike anything he had ever encountered. Observing Aether''s evident confusion, the old man adopted a gentle tone, inquiring, "Is something wrong, young man?" "No... Sir, I''m not certain about falling on the stairs, but when I woke up, I was in the water with some kind of colossal, rainbow-like monster that had wings... You know," Aether exined, mimicking the motion of wings with his hands. He was unsure if the term ''sea horse'' resonated in this unfamiliar setting but he decided to y safe. Upon hearing Aether''s ount, the old man''s frown deepened, and he shifted his gaze to Alfred, the butler, who remained silent, avoiding eye contact. Noticing the exchange, the old man''s lips twitched, and with a calm voice, he instructed, "You can leave." Alfred nodded without objection, his departure carried out with aposed demeanour. His silence and swift exit in response to the old man''s order left Aether raising his eyebrows in surprise. Left alone in the icy chamber. The old man regarded Aether with a warmth reminiscent of a grandfather''s affection, "Anyhow, since you have forgotten everything, I will tell you my name again... My name is Mortimer Frostde..... the Ancestor of the Frostde Duke House. And your name is not Aether, it''s Ether... well, that''s what you told me when we met" Mortimer exined, his tone carrying both authority and a touch of familial warmth. "I see... Hello, Mr. Mortimer Frostde," Aether greeted, awkwardly waving his hands. Internally, however, his mind raced with realization. ''Ancestor!! I am fucking right again, and what''s more, I am in the fucking Duke House!'' Aether''s liberal use of the word ''Fucking'' wasn''t indicative of a limited vocabry or ack of familiarity with other curses. Rather, it was a conscious choice, a deliberate attempt to adopt a delinquent persona. In his quest to transform into a certain image, Aether drew inspiration from other thugs individuals who punctuated every sentence with ''That''. That''s the reason, Aether uses the word often, so never think he was a bad guy just because of his choice of words.... He was really good delinquent except for asional shoplifting. Well, He might change in the future.... "Hehehe...." Mortimer chuckled, observing Ether''s awkwardness. ''He must be feeling lonely and scared...!'' he thought. However, he abruptly shifted to a more serious tone. "Anyhow, why don''t you show me your log?" "....ah?" Aether flinched at those words, panic gripping him. ''Does he know? How did he find out? Is he going to kill me? Should I run away? Or... should I fight--'' Aether forcibly dismissed those thoughts. Anyone could discern Mortimer''s formidable strength just by seeing his aura, This old man was really strong.... ''I mean he is really, really, really, very long really stronger even Velc'' Aether thought. Observing Aether''s bewildered expression, Mortimer giggled and rified, "Oh, right, you forget. Say ''Log'' and you''ll see some weird screen in front of you." Aether was taken aback and screamed inwardly ''FUCK!! The old man really knows who I am... Is he going to check whether I have anything useful or kill me for possessing an ''OP'' Skill and steal it!'' "Ether...?" Mortimer frowned, noticing Aether''s visible hesitation. Understanding the apprehension, he gently asked, "Don''t worry, it''s not going to hurt you. Say ''Log''" Observing a frown forming on the old man''s face, Aether sensed that any hesitation on his part could lead to instant.... DEATH!! Aether mumbled, "Log" "WHOO!!" ''Thud'' A resounding ''thud'' apanied Aether''s scream of shock, as he tumbled to the floor, fear etched across his face. "W-what was that?!" he eximed, pointing nervously at the seemingly empty air. "Hahahahaha...." In response, Mortimer erupted intoughter, the sound echoing through the room. It had been years since he hadughed so boisterously, his aged face creasing with joy. ''Sigh,'' Aether sighed inwardly, contemting, ''Maybe I should have tried some acting before I died.....'' Grateful for sessfully deceiving the old man, he pondered the unexpected turn of events. Once Mortimer regainedposure, he inquired, "You see a ck transparent screen, right?" "Y-yes," Aether nodded with a touch of fear, perplexed by how the old man seemed privy to these details. His musings were abruptly cut off as Mortimer pressed on, "Push at the right lower corner and call my name." Aether gulped, silently pleading with the system for assistance. ''Hey, system? Please help me! If you don''t obscure and modify the information, this kindly smiling NPC old man might transform into a formidable final boss viin!!!!'' as he screamed. To his dismay, the disy stubbornly remained unaltered. ''FUCK IT!'' Aether thought, attempting to push the corner while maintaining the same fear-stricken expression. "Mortimer Frostde" Instantaneously, the ck transparent screen vanished from Aether''s view and materialized before Mortimer. The old man perused the information, and his eyes widened in horror. He shot a piercing re at Aether, releasing intense pressure. ''ssshhh!'' "Fuck again!" Aether screamed, the oppressive weight of Mortimer''s gaze bearing down on him. The gravity of the situation intensified, leaving Aether in a state of panic and almost saw his death. Chapter 14: Ether or Aether...

Chapter 14: Ether or Aether...

/ Name: Ether Sex: Male Race: Human Level: 0 Title: Eternal Servant [Master: Kai Frostde] Attributes: Strength: -1 Agility: 0 Intelligence: 1 Magic Affinity: 0 / ''Eternal... Kai?'' Mortimer Frostde mumbled inwardly as anger swelled within him. It was his first seeing with the term ''Eternal Servant,'' and to his astonishment, his own grandson was the master. Unconsciously, Mortimer''s power leaked out, weaving an oppressive atmosphere that seemed to tighten the air around him. "Arrrhh!" A pained voice snapped him out of his contemtion, and he turned swiftly to witness the young boy struggling to stand, his face growing visibly pale. Recognizing the unintended consequences of his formidable power, Mortimer hastily retracted it. ''Crack, Crack'' The audible release of joints echoed as Mortimer rose from his prolonged seated position, a physical manifestation of the time he had spent immersed in this icy world. "Y-Young man, I am truly sorry," Mortimer conveyed his apologies, a reassuring hand patting Aether''s back with genuine concern. Aether, though initially tempted to voice his frustration, observed the genuine worry and sincerity in Mortimer''s expression. ''Fuck it!'' He thought, opting for patience over confrontation, a choice fueled by the understanding that confronting an elder wielding mysterious magical powers was not the wisest course of action. After a few moments of heavy breathing, Aether''s weakened body began to feel the first hints of relief. "Please, forgive me, Ether!" Mortimer apologized again, his age momentarily forgotten in the sincerity of the moment. He emphasized the importance of Ether over any personal pride... A wonderful character that Aether never met before. "I-It''s fine, Mr. Mortimer!" Aether replied with a forced smile, his words a diplomatic response to the situation. Internally, however, he couldn''t suppress the thought, ''Fuck!! It''s definitely not fine!! My body is really weak!! I despise it when people casually apologize after causing shitty trouble!!'' Yet, recognizing theplexity of the situation, he chose to swallow those thoughts. Unable to express his true feelings to someone wielding mysterious magical powers and kill him without any second thoughts... Aether suppressed his frustration. In truth, after examining Ether''s log, Mortimer recognized the deep pain he was in. Witnessing Ether''sck of resentment towards him, Mortimer couldn''t help but feel a tremor in his wrinkled lips, acknowledging Ether''s resilience. "Here, sit!" Mortimer urged, waving his hand as an ice chair materialized. Aether hesitated at first, eyeing the ice chair warily. However, Mortimer''s encouraging gesture prompted him toply. To his surprise, as he settled into the frosty seat, there was no chilling sensation. It was as if he were sitting on a regr wooden chair. ''Magic!!'' "I am sor--" "It''s okay, Mr. Mortimer. I am really fine!" Aether interjected, feeling awkward about the repeated apologies from the elderly man. Despite Mortimer''s imposing presence, Aether couldn''t shake the feeling that the old man''s demeanour towards him could be used to his..... advantage. "So, what happened?" Aether deftly redirected the conversation, steering it away from apologies and toward a different course.... his Advantage. "Oh? I-It''s nothing," Mortimer responded, waving his fingers dismissively, "I was just taken aback by the unexpected dip in your strength." As Aether contemted Mortimer''s words, he couldn''t help but wonder, ''Is it really nothing, or is there more to this?'' However, instead of delving deeper into the matter, he strategically shifted the focus toward his own curiosity. "So, about that ck transparent thing?" Aether asked, his eyes shimmering with genuine intrigue. The shift in the topic was calcted, a strategy to unearth the information he sought. Observing Aether''s animated curiosity, Mortimer sighed inwardly, silently musing, ''I suppose he''s still a naive child...'' before embarking on an exnation. "That''s what we call ''Arcane Energy''. An energy that is born along with every life in this world." "Arcane Energy? But you called it some ''Log''?" Aether feigned a frown, probing for more details. Mortimer simply smiled and continued, "It''s a type of energy that reveals the living beings'' Life Profile, including their birth name, status, attributes... It stores their data until their death, and everyone receives this from the moment of their birth." "Hmm..." Aether nodded outwardly, attempting to maintain the appearance of understanding. Internally, however, he couldn''t help but feel a bit disappointed, ''So, everyone has this...? Shit..ah?'' he thought with a twinge of letdown. But, a lingering question persisted. ''What about my name?'' Aether wondered, deciding to inquire further, "So, what did it show about me?" Aether asked, his curiosity now fully engaged. If Mortimer had indeed seen everything, he would have noted the difference in names. Observing Aether''s child-like enthusiasm, the old man couldn''t help but chuckle before responding, "Why don''t you look at yourself first? While I exin." The familiar ck transparent panel appeared again before Aether, this time revealing... / Name: Aether Sex: Male Race: Human Level: 0 Title: ve (Eternal Contract) Attributes: Strength: -1 Agility: 0 Intelligence: 3 Magic Affinity: 0 Charm: 1 Compatibility: 82% Affection Points: 00002 (1000 Affection Points = 1 *any Attributes) ???? / Aether''s eyebrows twitched as he processed the information presented on the transparent panel. ''That''s fucking same...'' He thought. "See, your name is Ether..." Mortimer said. "What?" Aether was taken aback, his confusion evident. "Hmm?" Mortimer tilted his head, seemingly oblivious to Aether''s confusion. "Y-You can see it right?" Aether questioned, his gaze doubtful. Internally, he added, ''Are you sure you can read it? Or have your eyes gone dull?'' It felt somewhat cowardly to entertain such thoughts..... but Mortimer was the only one who had shown any care for him at the moment, and Aether hesitated to be rude to someone who exhibited concern. "Hehe... Yes, once you gave permission to me, I can also see that temporarily that is..." Mortimer exined, the wrinkles on his face shifting with a warm smile. Aether nodded with a slight frown, still processing the revtion before asking, "So, my name is Aet- I mean Ether?" "Yes" "What else then?" Aether inquired, choosing to remain silent about his suspicions, ''If my guess is true then...'' he mumbled inwardly. Mortimer continued his exnation, detailing each aspect of the disyed information. Chapter 15: Cursed...

Chapter 15: Cursed...

"Sex means whether you are male or female... I mean boy or girl," he began, emphasizing the binary distinction inherent in the system. Aether nodded, appreciating the rity of the exnation, ''....Am I joking to you?'' He thought. "Attributes describe the individuals'' talent and power," Mortimer borated further, delving into the essence of what made each person unique. "Strength shows how strong they are," he exined, gesturing towards the ''-1'' disyed under Aether''s profile. "Agility, on the other hand, measures how fast they move and react." Aether absorbed the information, thinking about how these attributes reflected his own abilities, ''.... Is he for fucking real?'' He could only think while he did his best to pretend to be shocked and curious. ''I should have at least given it a shot in acting before...'' He regrets. "Intelligence shows how knowledgeable they are about Magic and how deep their understanding of the Arcane is" Mortimer continued, his voice carrying a weight of significance ''What is Arcane?'' Aether pondered the implications of the ''3'' listed in his profile, realizing the value ced on magical prowess. "Magic Affinity determines a person''s ability to use which tier level of spells and as well as their different kinds of elements" Mortimer added, indicating the importance of this attribute in wielding magical capabilities. ''0...ah? '' Aether wondering about the implications of his apparentck of affinity. "By covering everything, Levels will be given to you and each person has a different calction that is done by the Arcanes themself" Mortimer emphasized, linking the various attributes to the overarching concept of Levels. ''At least some usefulness..'' Aether nodded, understanding that the numerical representation encapsted the totality of an individual''s abilities. "Then.... Title," Mortimer sighed, his voice carrying a tinge of sadness, "It describes one''s status in their current life" "Think of this ''Log'' as an ID Card," Mortimer concluded, bringing the analogy full circle. "No one could cheat this or even interrupt it or change anything..... because this goes against the Arcane Laws, The very nature of this world" "That''s all?" Aether asked, scepticism evident in his gaze. "... Yes" Mortimer nodded, confirming thepleteness of the information shared. A smirk yed on Aether''s lips as he inwardly noted, ''So, he cannot see what my true profile looks like... ah.'' It was a realization that offered him a measure offort, realizing that his facade remained intact in the eyes of the old man. However, his curiosity lingered, prompting him to inquire further, "W-What does my Title say?" Aether adopted an innocent expression, concealing the uneasiness that began to creep over him. ''Shouldn''t the fake profile also be visible to me? How am I supposed to tell someone if they question me by seeing my profile?'' he pondered internally. "W-Well...." Mortimer hesitated, grappling with a degree of uncertainty. ''That''s also what I wanted to know...'' he thought. "You are currently a working servant here...." Mortimer finally disclosed, his words carrying a hint of reluctance. "I see..." Aether nodded, attempting to convey an air of understanding. However, the lingering hesitation in Mortimer''s expression left him unsure of whether the old man was telling the truth or withholding certain details. ''Servant? That''s fucking ve!!'' He screamed inwardly. "C-Can you show me yours?" Aether asked, wearing an innocent expression that concealed his ulterior motive. Aether didn''t want to miss the opportunity to unravel the mysteries of others'' systems or whatever they called. He needed to understand what others possessed in terms of abilities and information. Mortimer stared at Aether, the innocence in the young man''s request stirring a paternal warmth within him. He felt a sense of kinship, almost like a grandparent indulging a curious grandchild. "Fine, but it''s a secret. You should not tell anyone about this, okay?" Mortimer cautioned. "Okay!" Aether responded, his face lighting up with happiness and sparkling curiosity, ''Fuck, acting like a teenage boy... Is really anno--- Actually, it''s exciting to act like a teenage boy....hahah!!'' "Hehehe..." Mortimer chuckled, delighted by Aether''s eager eyes. He couldn''t help but feel as if he had gained another grandson or something of the sort. Mortimer proceeded to demonstrate, uttering themand, "Log," and tapping the air while saying, "Ether." Aether, was somewhat anxious about the oue since his name was Aether, not Ether. Thankfully, a ck transparent screen materialized before Mortimer. Sighing, Mortimer gazed at the screen, and Aether''s eyes widened in shock as he processed the information before him: / Name: Mortimer Frostde Sex: Male Race: Human Level: 99 (Cursed) Title: The Powerful Warrior in Aquaris Naiadae Empire, Ancestor of Frostde Duke House, Father of Velc Frostde, Savior of a Million People, Master of Arcane Energy, Master of Arcane Card, Intermediate Level in Ancient Language, The Glimpse of the Truth, The One and Only Thief, and Cursed by Arcane Energy. Attributes: Strength: 999/1000 (Cursed) Agility: 999/1000 (Cursed) Intelligence: 999/1000 (Cursed) Magic Affinity: 999/1000 (Cursed) / ''Holy fuck!! This old man is maxed out!'' Aether screamed inwardly, grappling with the revtion of Mortimer''s overwhelmingly powerful profile. Seeing Aether''s shocked expression, Mortimer couldn''t help but smirk like an old man proud of himself. But then, Aether''s inquiry followed, "What''s with that thief? and Why are you cursed?" Aether asked with a frown, specting on the possibility that Mortimer might be staying in istion due to the curse. Mortimer hesitated visibly before responding, "I-It''s because of something I did when I was young... You know, being young and all, ying around... ahaha...." Aether chuckled inwardly, forming his own yful assumptions about the old man''s past, suspecting he might have engaged in some mischievous or indecent activities to warrant a curse. "So, the reason you are stay--" "Yes, because of the curse, I can''t use my powers fully, and sometimes my energy is even going out of control... So that''s why I isted myself," Mortimer exined with a heavy sigh, revealing the burden the curse ced on him. "I see..." Aether nodded, absorbing the details of Mortimer''s powerful existence being cursed. "But you have lots of titles..." Aether muttered as the system/Log disappeared. "If you do many things like me, you might get those," Mortimer suggested, hinting at the vast array of titles he had umted over the years. However, before the conversation could delve deeper into the intricacies of Mortimer''s titles, the old man''s powers started to fluctuate. He was about to ask Aether to exit the room when... "You said something about my vige and a person, right?" Aether inquired, redirecting the conversation to the unresolved aspects of his own... no, Ether''s past. Chapter 16: A.L.F.R.E.D!

Chapter 16: A.L.F.R.E.D!

Aether made his way back to his room, obediently following Mortimer''s advice to rest for a week before resuming work. Mortimer had emphasized the importance of allowing Aether to fully recover, recognizing that forcing him to work in his weakened and injured state would hinder rather than enhance productivity. Reassured by Mortimer''smitment to undisturbed recovery, Aether headed to his room. As he walked, thoughts about Mortimer''s earlier exnation regarding his past lingered in his mind. Mortimer had mentioned purchasing Ether from the ve Marker for his grandson''s new butler. From what Mortimer gathered from ve traders was... Originally a vige boy, Ether''s vige had been destroyed by bandits. Mortimer, curious about Ether''s history, had even visited the vige, finding it devoid of any signs of life. The identity of ''That Person,'' whom Ether cherished and mentioned to Mortimer, remained a mystery, as Ether had not shared any more details, only expressing deep affection. ''There''s something bugging me, though...'' Aether contemted, his mind dwelling on the unresolved aspects of Ether''s past. While he wasn''t particrly interested in Ether''s previous life, he harboured a cautious curiosity, wanting to confirm whether Ether might be someone of significance, perhaps a child abandoned by a prominent family for various reasons. You know it was like a big revtion... ''Aahh..... My mind is getting easily corrupted again,'' Aether sighed internally, pressing his forehead lightly as if to shake off distracting thoughts. Despite the multitude of questions lingering in his mind, Aether reluctantly left Mortimer''s icy room. He yearned to inquire more about Arcane, strength, titles, and.... most importantly, the method to break the ve or Servant contract. However, Mortimer had mentioned that his powers were fluctuating, prompting Aether to exit. Even though Mortimer was brought him, Aether wanted to repay the money and find his freedom in this new world... As he walked, Aether noticed the gazes of others who, previously indifferent, now regarded him with ''O''-shaped expressions of surprise. ''Sure, dress changes people''s perspective...'' Aether mused inwardly, acknowledging the impact of his altered appearance on how others perceived him. As soon as Aether exited the room, The atmosphere inside the icy chamber became charged with tension. Mortimer''s piercing gaze bore into Alfred, who remained subjugated by the weight of his master''s displeasure. "Alfred, what is the meaning of this!!!! How dare you enve Ether!!" Mortimer''s voice thundered through the frozen space, each word cracking the surrounding ice as if the very elements themselves recoiled from the anger. ''Crack, Crack'' The resounding crack of breaking ice resonated with the escting pressure as Alfred found himself pressed further into submission. Mortimer, fueled by righteous fury, showed no signs of relenting as he demanded an exnation, "You were there, right? When everyone enved Ether, why did you allow this???" "..." Alfred maintained a stoic silence, bearing the brunt of Mortimer''s unyielding scrutiny. "Do you know this or not?" Mortimer''s relentless questioning continued, the pressure intensifying with each passing moment. "...." "Answer Me!!!!" "Crack, Crack!!" "Y-Yes Master!" The oppressive pressure seemed to reach its zenith, causing the very ice beneath them to splinter in response. Yet, Mortimer pressed on, his voice cutting through the frosty air, "Then why did you allow this?" "...." "A.L.F.R.E.D! Don''t make me repeat again." "I-I am sorry, Master. But you only allowed me to guide Master Velc and don''t meddle in his actions" Hearing that, A conflicted expression flickered across Mortimer''s face, his anger warring with the understanding of his own instructions. With a visible effort to control his emotions, Mortimer gradually eased the pressure on Alfred, allowing him to rise. Alfred immediately stood up, a trickle of blood on his lips, but instead of tending to his wound, he went to Mortimer who panting heavily as if he had run a marathon at the age of 100. Alfred fetched some medicine, offering it to him. Mortimer''s gaze softened slightly as he epted the medicine, revealing a nuanced rtionship between the two C a master and his loyal servant bound by years of shared experiences and responsibilities. After a moment of calmness, Mortimer, with a voice that now held a hint of weariness, asked, "You could have at least informed me about this, Alfred?" "...I am sorry, Master, but Master Velc insisted that I should not inform you." "Hmm, so now he has be more important to you than me?" "No, Master. I am just faithfully serving the Head of the Frostde as you''ve taught me," Alfred affirmed, his tone unwavering and respectful. "Sigh, Seriously, man, I sometimes doubt where this loyalty ising from...hahah..." Mortimer chuckled, aplex blend of amusement and fatigue evident in hisughter. The depth of Alfred''s loyalty, while appreciated, seemed to puzzle Mortimer at times. Alfred, in turn, offered a reassuring smile, recognizing the intricate emotions ying across his Master''s face. Witnessing Mortimer finally easing into a more rxed state, Alfred felt a subtle sense of relief. "So?" Mortimer suddenly questioned, his gaze intense and demanding an answer. "Master Velc emphasized that he wants to ensure the boy doesn''t be a threat to our cause," Alfred exined with a serious face, delving into the details of Velc''s concerns. "Sigh, How can an egoless and emotionless person even pose a threat to us!" Mortimer growled in frustration, his irritation evident. The Ether Mortimer knew was a stark contrast, appearing as if he were a mere shell without feelings or emotions..... Ether behaved like a robot, obediently following orders without questioning, even neglecting basic needs unless instructed otherwise. He seems to have lost not only his ego but also his emotions. Even when hungry, he only eats when told; otherwise, he would just starve. "He did now, Master" Alfred added, hinting at the unforeseen developments in Ether''s behaviour that had caught Velc''s attention. Mortimer''s lips twitched, and he responded with a touch of sarcasm, "That''s because of all your mistakes!!" Alfred acknowledged his own role in the situation with a nod, understanding that mistakes had been made. ''Well, I cannot say wrong about that...'' Alfred thought. Chapter 17: An Eternal slave shall....

Chapter 17: An Eternal ve shall....

Mortimer''s lips twitched, and he responded with a touch of sarcasm, "That''s because of all your mistakes!!" Alfred acknowledged his own role in the situation with a nod, understanding that mistakes had been made. ''Well, I cannot say wrong about that...'' Alfred thought. "Anyhow, I want you to change that con--" Before Mortimer could finish his sentence, Alfred interjected, "Master Velc insisted that, under no circumstances, will he release the boy." "...." A dangerous glint passed through Mortimer''s eyes as he asked, "Not even for me?" "Yes, Master," Alfred nodded, unwavering in hismitment to Velc''s directive. "....Brat!!" Mortimer gritted his teeth in frustration, a mix of anger and helplessness in his expression. "Master, may I inquire about something?" Alfred asked, sensing the need for rity on a matter that had been bothering him. Snapping out of his anger, Mortimer motioned his hand for Alfred to continue. "I didn''t expect you to be so concerned about a boy brought here...." Alfred asked with curiosity, his usual stoic demeanour revealing a hint of surprise. He had never seen his master be angry over a boy before. Moreover, Mortimer had even beaten the boy once for being foolish and failing to follow his orders correctly. Upon hearing this, Mortimer, whose face had previously shown only anger and calmness, suddenly twisted into an uncanny smile. With an eerie expression, he stated, "Even if the golden goose stopsying eggs, we must be careful not to let it know we were only after its eggs." Confused, Alfred frowned and asked, "But it no longerys eggs, right?" Suddenly, a sinisterughter erupted from Mortimer, echoing in the icy room. Each chuckle sent an involuntary shiver down Alfred''s spine. ''I-I guess, even if a lion is caged... A Lion is still The Lion'' Alfred thought with a weak smile, acknowledging the unyielding nature of his master. After a moment ofughter, Mortimer fixed a cunning smile on Alfred and uttered, "Once a Golden Goose... it will always be." "..." Alfred trembled in fear, the weight of Mortimer''s words settling heavily on his shoulders. Mortimer added, "Even if it doesn''ty eggs now... we cannot be sure what the future holds. That''s precisely why I brought him here instead of burying him in that backward vige!" "..." Alfred only nodded his head, a silent witness to the enigmatic choices made by his master. "Alfred, the world is a vastndscape filled with both perilous dangers and..... enticing opportunities. Those who grasp these opportunities are the ones capable of soaring to great heights, while others MUST resign themselves to crawling before the rest. and I refuse to be among those who grovel! It doesn''t matter what you guys are doing to him, but as long as he is alive, we will have many opportunities... However..." Mortimer''s eyes turned sharp with a hint of killing intent as he continued, "Pairing my grandson with that filthy pig is utterly disgusting... Furthermore, you guys haven''t formed a normal master-servant contract; instead, it''s an Eternal ve contract. Do you understand what that means?" "Yes, Master," Alfred replied, bowing his head respectfully. "Then enlighten me!!!" Mortimer demanded. Alfred nodded solemnly and began listing the terms of the Eternal ve contract, "An Eternal ve shall not harm its Master. An Eternal ve shall not oppose its Master. An Eternal ve shall not betray its Master. An Eternal ve shall not ignore its Master''s Orders. An Eternal ve shall not harbour resentment towards its Master. An Eternal ve shall not question the decisions or actions of its Master, even if they seem unjust. An Eternal ve shall not express desires or ambitions that contradict the will of its Master. Once an Eternal ve, they remain as such until the end, and... "And?" If anything happens to The Eternal ve, then it would directly affect the Master''s life." "BOOM!!" Mortimer''s furious stomp echoed through the icy ground. The sheer force of his anger reverberated in the icy chamber, causing ice particles to scatter in all directions. If his foolish son were present, Mortimer would have already subjected him to severe punishment. This was the true reason Mortimer disyed anger in front of Ether while acting benevolently before him. If anything were to happen to Ether, Mortimer wasn''t certain about the exact consequences of "directly affecting the Master''s life"..... but he knew it would undoubtedly jeopardize the well-being of his grandson. As the ice particles settled around him, Alfred knew the gravity of the contract and Mortimer''s fiercely protective instincts toward his grandson. "Why didn''t my son form a contract with him, then? Surely, he knows that if anything happens to the ve, his son''s life is on the line, right?" Mortimer questioned. "He simply wanted a meat shield for his son and daughter," Alfred exined. Mortimer''s lips twitched with frustration. He felt the urge to confront his son and deliver a punch to his face. "Alfred, tell my son that if anything happens to my grandson because of that ve... I.will.kill.him and ask my daughter, his sister to be Head of the household!" Mortimer''s voice reverberated with a chilling promise. ''I.will.kill.him'' Velc suddenly felt a chilling atmosphere and involuntarily stuttered in fear... as if he sensed his own demise. "Yes, Master," Alfred responded with a respectful nod, acknowledging Mortimer''smand. Deciding it was time to take his leave, however, "And note that I mentioned him as a butler for Kai since you guys messed up, so it''s up to you whether your son bes my grandson''s butler or not," Mortimer added, a sly smirk ying on his lips. "..." A visible surge of killing intent emanated from Alfred, ''grrrr, I will make sure that bastard knows his ce,'' he muttered inwardly. Just as he was about to leave once more, "And make sure not to bring that ve here again; it''s kind of annoying to see his face," Mortimer instructed as he settled down, preparing for his meditation to control his inner energy. "Heheh... Yes, master," Alfred chuckled, observing Mortimer''s annoyed expression. He, too, found Ether''s presence irritating, although he couldn''t pinpoint the exact reason for his difort. Meanwhile, Aether was scrutinizing the affection points disyed, puzzled about who could be responsible for the two points he had rued. Chapter 18: Survival rate....

Chapter 18: Survival rate....

"Hey, speak with me!" "..." "Hey!" "..." "HEY!!" "..." "This Fucking shit!!" Aether shouted in frustration, his voice echoing in the storage room. The eerie silence persisted, amplifying his growing annoyance. He had been yelling, hoping for his system to respond, desperate for answers to the multitude of questions swirling in his mind. Upon scrutinizing his profile, which seemed genuine to him but camouged with falsehoods to others.... he wanted to know whether the system was alive or not. He was fucking eager to engage in a conversation with the silent system. After waiting for a few more agonizing minutes, frustration welled up within him. Veins popped on his forehead as he called out once again, "Log In!!" "..." But, to his dismay, nothing appeared. He frowned and repeated himself with increased intensity, "Log In!!" "..." The persistent silence began to wear on his nerves. After a moment of contemtion, he hesitantly called out, "L-Log!" !~Ding~! Upon hearing that distinctive sound, Aether''s eyes lit up with a glimmer of relief... He just thought his system got angry and left him. Anyhow, Aether contemted, ''When I called it the first time, it was ''Log In'' but not just ''Log''...What is happening?'' "Come to think of it," Aether mumbled, his mind working through the puzzle, "that old man also said ''Log'' right? Instead of ''Log In'' Does that mean because I am the first time logging into the character called Ether?" His mind raced through the possibilities but soon he shrugged it''s not worth thinking too much. "Hello, Log, speak to me!" Aether pleaded his tone a mix of frustration and desperation. Yet, the system remained silent, refusing to unveil the mysteries surrounding his identity. He wanted to know what the fuck was happening to him. He was desperate to understand the Fucking changes happening to him. Who was he? Aether or Ether?.... The answer remained unknown..... To him, he was Aether while for others he was Ether.... Moreover, Both Aether and Ether had simr facial expressions and body structures, except for the hair colour, which was deep ck for Aether while dull white for Ether. That''s the only thing that made them different..... He yearned to ask the system or log whatever that shit was... that brought him here, but there was no response. No, he was uncertain about whether the log had a soul or not, he pondered if his previous pleas were merely answered through camouge, hence raising doubts about something residing inside the log.... right? Sighing, he decided to calm down and once again scanned his log, seeking any clues or information about his predicament. / Name: Aether Sex: Male Race: Human Level: 0 Title: ve (Eternal Contract) Attributes: Strength: -1 Agility: 0 Intelligence: 3 Magic Affinity: 0 Charm: 1 Compatibility: 82% Affection Points: 00002 (1000 Affection Points = 1 *any Attributes) ???? / "So, you won''t answer?" Aether gazed at the screen with a sceptical look, wondering if there was more to the log than met the eye. The silent screen seemed to hold secrets, leaving him to contemte whatever the shit he wants. An exasperated sigh escaped Aether''s lips, as his gaze shifted to the mysterious ''Affection Points''. "2?" Aether questioned as he tried to tap the Affection points, but the screen remained unresponsive, offering no exnation. Frustration continued to build up within him, an emotional storm brewing. "Come on! Just give an exnation about Affection Points!" Aether shouted the echoes of his voice absorbed by the wooden walls. Despite having some basic ideas, uncertainty lingered, and theck of response intensified his irritation.... He couldn''t be sure that Affection represents real affection from others unless he got an exnation. His frustration remained unanswered, and the screen stubbornly stayed the same. Sighing again, he reluctantly calmed down and decided to inquire about potential tasks or missions just like the novels he read. "Do I have tasks or missions, something like that?" Aether asked the air in the room heavy with anticipation, ''I hope not..'' he thought. However, to his dismay, As soon as those words left his mouth, a series of mysterious sounds echoed. !~Ding~! [Request: Mission!] [....] [....] !~Ding~! [Affrimative] An rming sound filled the room, breaking the silence. The profile changed for the first time, revealing.... / Mission: Survive until The beginning Survival rate: 0.0001% / Aether''s body trembled as he felt a rush of emotions. His eyes shot a bloodshot re at the Log, frustration and confusion evident in his expression. "What the fuck is that supposed to mean?" His tone conveyed a mix of anger and frustration, echoing in the storage room. However, his questions were met with the same silence that lingered in the air. Frustration reached a boiling point, and he let out an exasperated sigh. What else he could do other than get angry and then immediately calm down? "Aarhh!" He clenched his fists, feeling a slight headache, and his alone surroundings seemed to intensify the pressure within him, ''Fuck, This useless system!''. Did the mission only appear because he asked? What was it supposed to mean? Did it imply that if he hadn''t asked, it would never have shown up? As questions continued to pile up, Aether found himself engulfed in deep frustration. ''DEEP INHALE'' Feeling the intense pressure, he took a sudden, deep breath, hoping to release the pent-up frustration, ''DEEP EXHALE'' Exhaling slowly, he sought to calm the storm within. The alone atmosphere of the room seemed to respond, gradually settling into an eerie stillness.... alone. As Aether regained hisposure, he turned his attention back to the system profile, which had returned to its normal state but now featured additional data, / Name: Aether Sex: Male Race: Human Level: 0 Title: ve (Eternal Contract) Attributes: Strength: -1 Agility: 0 Intelligence: 3 Magic Affinity: 0 Charm: 1 Compatibility: 82% Survival rate= 0.0001% Affection Points: 00002 (1000 Affection Points = 1 *any Attributes) ???? / ''Tsk, whatever!'' Aether surged, a sense of frustration enveloping him as heprehended the sheer inadequacy of his system.... a total ''SHIT!'' However, his attention was swiftly redirected towards the Survival rate.... He knew he somehow going to fucked up. The ominous mission objective, ''Survive until The beginning''....left him perplexed. What beginning was it referring to? The past or some future shit? ''Which beginning? Now? or When my life fucked up again?'' he pondered, grappling with the uncertainty that shrouded his mission. Regardless, Before everything, Aether felt a pressing need to address something crucial..... "Let''s fuck this body!" Determination rang in his shout as he positioned himself on the floor. With his hands supporting his upper body, he began a slow descent, counting down with unwavering resolve. "OOONNE--" "Thud" "OUCH!!" "FUCK!!" Before he couldplete the countdown, his hands betrayed him, trembling uncontrobly and causing him to copse on the floor, his face taking the brunt of the impact. That was really painful!! Teary-eyed, Aether rubbed his nose, feeling the warmth of blood seeping out. Aether then nced at his trembling hands, resembling the vibrations of a phone on silent mode...A true annoyance. He couldn''t move his hands, every movement felt precarious as if his hands might shatter at any moment. The simple act of folding his fingers seemed like an immense task, emphasizing the fragility of his weakened body. "Fuck this body!" Aether muttered in pain, a final realization settling in. The ''-1'' in his attributes represented not just a numerical value, but the stark reality of inhabiting a body that demanded extensive care and nutrients to function properly. The consequences of that negative strength attribute were bing painfully apparent to his mental health. He at least wanted his body to regain the robust structure of his previous life, capable of effortlessly doing 1000 push-ups. The mere contemtion of going from 0 to 1 sent tremors through his feeble form, and the prospect of reaching 1000 seemed almost unthinkable.... It sent a shiver down his spine "Arh... What should I do now?" Aether pondered, his eyes shifting to the Affection points. ''If I can at least bring my strength to Zero... Then I can resume my usual training'' he mused, seeing the potential of the Affection points. ''Okay, let''s test it out...'' Determined, he left the room, preparing to explore the possibilities and limitations of his ''Shit'' system. .... ... "Hello, Miss?" "..." "You look... Beautiful" "..." "....hmm" "..." "Well...Do you need any help?" "..." "...." "..." "...I am sorry" Aether said as he avoided disdained looking eyes. The maid hurriedly left, wearing a disgusted expression. Aether observed the woman, his chosen testing subject, who maintained a stoic silence throughout the attempted conversation. ''She could have at least said something to me...'' Aether pondered why no one seemed willing to engage in dialogue.... He had been monologues everywhere. She wasn''t his first testing subject; he had approached several others, and their responses mirrored hers..... theypletely ignored his words. ''Should I try with that old man...'' Aether considered the idea but quickly dismissed it. The old man seemed immensely powerful, and a single misstep could cost Aether shity life. In truth, he even attempted to interact with other men to see if there were any points to be earned. If there were, it didn''t matter anymore as he would ignore his shit system; he would solely rely on himself. Fortunately, or unfortunately, they too remained unresponsive. Aether was relieved, yet at the same time, annoyed, as he grappled with the uncertainty of his next move. ''If only that fucking system told me everything...'' Aether growled in anger, cursing the log. "Hello, Miss?" "..." "What''s your sweet name?" "..." He tried every approach he had seen in dramas and anime, but the servant women looked at him with disdain. Having suffered enough humiliation, his stomach, which hadn''t been fed since yesterday, finally growled in hunger. ''gggggrrrrrrr'' "Right. I haven''t eaten since yesterday," Aether thought, feeling the rumble of hunger in his stomach as he set out to find the kitchen. After a prolonged search through the expansive estate, he eventually located the kitchen, but... "You aren''t allowed inside!" A guard, dressed simrly to the one stationed at the entrance gate, firmly blocked his way with a stern expression. "Why?" Aether inquired, genuinely puzzled by the seemingly arbitrary restriction. "Your food has already been delivered to your room," the guard replied, maintaining a serious and unwavering tone as if following strict protocol. "It''s fine. I already came, so wh--" "Slllinnnggg" The guard unsheathed his long silver sword and pointed it toward Aether, a clear and authoritative signal that any intrusion was not to be tolerated. "Okay, Okay..." Aether raised his hands in surrender, understanding that persistence would not be well-received. Aether stared at the guard for a moment, reluctantly epting the situation before leaving the kitchen. ''Snort'' The guard simply snorted and resumed his vignt position. The need for a guard in the kitchen wasn''t so much about preventing theft or hiding something; rather, it was a precaution for the safety of the Master of the Household and his family. Even though the staff was loyal.... still, there was always a 1% chance that something might happen. Velc, the Master of the Household, ced a loyal guard under him to protect the kitchen. As a duke, Velc had enemies, and there were various odourless poisons avable in the ck market, which justified the precaution. Regardless of whether Aether was aware or not. However, there was a pair of eyes following Aether without him knowing. Arriving at his room, Aether frowned at the absence of food. He searched around, but there was none. ''Did he just lie to me--'' His thoughts were interrupted by a haughty voice. "Looks like that cockroach is still kicking around!" Chapter 19: Cockroach.....

Chapter 19: Cockroach.....

"Looks like that cockroach is still kicking around!" Aether''s body flinched at the sound of the voice, and he turned around to see a neer entering his so-called room. The teenager had jet-ck hair, apanied by deep, dark eyes, and his somewhat handsome face was adorned with a wrinkleless but evidently expensive butler dress, appearing almost tailored for him. Surveying a wooden te in the boy''s hands, Aether furrowed his brow and inquired, "Are you delivering the food?" With a hint of arrogance, the boy responded, "Oh, looks like he really forgets everything... Guys?" His words were met with the appearance of other teenagers, simrly dressed but a little dull as butlers, and just like their dress, they disyed a bit less arrogance than their apparent leader. "Hehe..." "Of course, Boss. It''s even a miracle for that ''Thing'' to be alive after getting hit by your powerful punch, boss." "Yes... Look at him, shocked from seeing us." "Maybe if we hit him again, he might remember everything...ahahaha." "Hahahah..." These teenagers mockly chatted without care, disying ack of empathy or respect. ''Bullies...ah?'' Aether muttered inwardly, standing up with nk eyes. Despite his delinquent persona in the past, he had never engaged in bullying unless absolutely necessary. ''And Hearing their speech, I could tell they were the reason I was drowning in theke...'' Aether thought, piecing together fragments of his memories, before confronting the ck-haired boy, who seemed to be the leader of this group. Seeing Aether approach, the ck-haired boy, furrowed his brows, "Looks like we really need to teach him what we are..." he dered, snapping his fingers with a hint of annoyance. Hisckeys, grinning maliciously, promptly caught Aether''s arms and wrapped their hands around his neck, attempting to showcase as if they were the best of friends until the death, as they dragged him out of the house and toward a secluded yard where no one would witness their actions. ''Thud'' A dull ''thud'' echoed as they roughly deposited Aether onto the ground, theirughter taking on an increasingly sinister tone. "pfftt-hhahaha" "Here I thought he was going to struggle a little!!" "Hahaha..." "See, I told you, even if someone forgets everything, their inner instincts are always there, and they will never forget!!" "Yes, it seems his true instincts realized our boss''s presence." In stark contrast to the cruelty unfolding, Aether seemed unfazed by the situation. He calmly rose from the ground, patting his butt with an air of nonchnce. The bullies, perplexed by hisck of distress, exchanged uneasy nces.... ''He is truly different than before...'' They thought in unison. Seeing his nonchnt act, the boss''s frown deepened as he asked, "Do you know who I am?" Aether looked at the boy and said, "Yes" with an indifferent voice. Hearing that, the boss couldn''t help but smile, his arrogance fueled by the apparent acknowledgement of his superiority. Hisckeys alsoughed, eager to witness their boss asserting dominance. "I knew it!" "Our boss brought back the idiot''s memories without doing anything!" However, the next words from Aether made them shut their mouths, the chilling words cutting through the air, "An inferior boy, who had a huge amount of fear inside and... Those Lackey creatures that are worse than filthy dogs that only know how to wag their tails for anyone," Aether said with a nk expression. He had encountered individuals of this sort before... those who projected arrogance and inflicted harm on the weak topensate for their own insecurities..... He was once just like him. To Aether, their actions were transparent, mere shields attempting to mask the hollowness within. It was amon theme he had observed in people who harboured deep-seated anxiety, fear, and an overarching sense of inferiority..... just like once, he harboured those things. As forckeys... His Pervious world filled the people like them the most. Before the Lakeys could unleash their furious retorts, an abrupt noise disrupted the atmosphere... "Trrrkkkk" "Ouch!" Aether instinctively clutched his head, feeling the impact before he even registered what had happened. The boss of the goons had swiftly thrown the te he was holding directly at Aether''s head.... Very fast. ''Drip, Drip'' The blood started to drip from his forehead as if fall on the yard. ''Thud'' The empty te ttered to the ground, and two dried breads scattered around like casualties of a skirmish. Jam, or rather an egg-like substance that emitted an unpleasant odour, clung to Aether''s now-dull white hair. "Tsk, That''s not a hollow shell should talk.... Seems like memory loss really changed him and let him think for himself" the boss muttered, disdain evident in his voice. He then turned to hisckeys, issuing a sinistermand, "Beat the shit out of him and make sure at least his body remembers who we are." Without hesitation, one of the goons lunged towards Aether, fueled by a cruel intent to inflict pain. "Take that, Bastard!!" The goon shouted as he swung a powerful punch at Aether''s face. However, in a surprising turn of events for everybody... ''Shoo'' "Thud" ''Crack, Crack'' Aether, seemingly snapped out of his daze, swiftly tilted his body to avoid the iing attack. With remarkable speed, he countered by delivering a fierce punch to the Lackey''s face. ''Fuck this body!!'' Aether cursed his weakened physique as he felt his own bones crack under the strain of the movement. Despite the pain, his punch made a significant impact, causing the Lackey to stumble backwards, clutching his nose in agony, tears streaming down his face. The boss, his initial confidence fading, furrowed his brow as he carefully observed Aether''s unexpected disy of strength. Sensing the shifting dynamics, he signalled the other three Lackeys. "How dare you!!" "Break his legs!!" "I am gonna break the bastard''s nose!!" The trio, angered by their friend''s situation, lunged towards Aether with a mix of determination and malice. Facing the impending confrontation, Aether adjusted his stance, adopting a boxing posture. His stern eyes locked onto the iing idiots... ''I guess, fighting is unavoidable now...,'' he thought as he positioned his hands boxing-style and... ''Thud'' ''Thud'' ''Tckk'' ''Crack, Crack'' ''Thud'' "Fuck!!" Chapter 20: I know the reasons behind your actions, but....

Chapter 20: I know the reasons behind your actions, but....

Aether executed a swift series of punches, each blow calcted and efficient. He targeted the firstckey''s chin, immediately followed by a precise punch beneath the chest to the second. "Fuck!" As the thirdkey swung at him, Aether, left with no alternative, blocked the attack, feeling the telltale crack in his forearm''s bone. Undeterred by the searing pain and the overwhelming fatigue enveloping him, hepelled his feeble body forward,nding a final, powerful punch on thestckey''s jaw. ''aarrhhhh!!'' Aether screamed inwardly when he felt his hand bones breaking up part, a mix of agony and determination in his eyes. Every blow took a toll on his weakened frame, and his body, ill-suited for defence. Aether, just about to sigh in relief after the brief fight, found himself abruptly interrupted, "sssshooooossss" "BOOM" "pfffffrrrr" Aether was struck by a powerful punch to his gut, causing him to cough violently and roll, ultimately copsing on the ground. The boss, observing the scene with a mix of irritation and superiority, rebuked hisckeys, "Are you guys idiots or what? Can''t you use your Arcane Powers?" It was in that moment of realization that the groaning idiotsprehended their oversight.... they had forgotten to employ their magical abilities. This situation wasn''t entirely their fault; every previous encounter with Ether involved physical beating without the use of magic, leading to forgetfulness of their arcane potential. Yes, they just forget it... Upon their boss''s rebuke, those idiots hastily rose, their prior haughty expressions reced with a newfound awareness and approached Aether, who stilly on the ground, clutching his aching stomach. Meanwhile, he muttered inwardly, ''FUCK!! I forget this world has fucking magic!!'' As the idiots, donning haughty smiles, converged on Aether, he anticipated their intent to employ magical enhancements in their assault. The blows that followed were now infused with some kind of energy, delivering a barrage of intensified punches. "You fucking bastard!!" "How dare you hit my nose!!" "BOOM!'' "You ugly ve has some nerve to hit us!!" "BOOM!'' "Just because you forgot everything doesn''t mean you can raise your hand against us!!" "BOOM!'' ''Crack, Crack'' "Who are you topare us worse than dogs!!" "BOOM!'' "You dog shit!!" "BOOM!'' ''Trk, Tkk'' "BOOM!'' .... ... The onught continued each magical-imbued punch adding insult to injury. Aether, battered and bruised, endured the assault with gritted teeth. A torrent of attacks rained down on Aether, who found himself with no choice other than holding. In an attempt to shield himself from the blows, he covered his head with his hands, bracing for each punch that seemed capable of taking his life. As the blows continued, Aether''s stoic silence prevailed. He suppressed every sound that sought to escape his mouth, knowing that crying out or shouting would only invite further sadistic delight from those eager to revel in his pained moans. "Hmm," the boss observed with a satisfied smile, though a hint of scepticism lingered in the air, and he couldn''t help but notice the absence of groans from Ether. He was the very individual who had orchestrated the event at theke, a brutal beating preceding Ether''s near-death experience. Their intent had been clear... they wanted Ether dead. But, against all odds, he was aliv-- "What are you doing?" Suddenly, a soft whisper delicately entered his ears, causing an involuntary flinch before he calmed down, recognizing the familiar voice. With an awkward expression, he turned to face a distinguished white-haired old man, Alfred, and greeted him with a somewhat strained, "Hello, Father" as he waved his hands to stop his Iackeys... but truly focused on beating only. "..." Alfred stared at his son, his eyes scanning the chaotic scene where the group continued to pummel Aether mercilessly. "Did you forget the principles I taught you, Timmy?" Alfred asked, his voiceced with an indifferent tone that echoed disapproval. The Boss, Timmy stuttered as he began to sweat, vividly recalling his father''s stern beating earlier that morning in response to his attempt to kill Ether. Just as he was about to shout at hisckeys to stop, a surprising intervention urred. "Here, I am just your teacher, and you are my disciple, Timmy," Alfred calmly stated. "H-Huh?..." Timmy wore a taken aback expression before managing a forced smile and said, "Forgive me, Teacher" Not understanding whether his father came here to discipline him or not. And then, silence descended, the only audible sounds being the continued merciless beating. Alfred''s gaze remained fixed on Aether.... To be truthful, from the moment Timmy and his friends entered Aether''s room, Alfred had silently observed every detail. Alfred found himself seriously taken aback when he witnessed how Aether spoke like a wise man, and what''s more, Aether''s unique fighting stance intrigued him. ''An egoless person suddenly speaking like a wise man and disying a unique fighting stance... something is amiss,'' Alfred thought, his brows furrowing as he contemted the possibility of someone manipting Aether. He felt a pressing need to inform both of his masters, just to ensure rity and address the growing suspicion that had taken root in his mind. Being over-cautious was not too bad... "I know the reasons behind your actions, but...." Alfred''s voice cut through the tension, his eyes piercing as he fixed his gaze on the perspiring Timmy, "Do not cross the line, just as you did before. Otherwise, I will be left with no choice but to end you!!!" "Y-Yes, FaI mean, Teacher!" Timmy hastily bowed 90 degrees, beads of sweat trickling down his forehead. Alfred maintained his intense scrutiny of Timmy, almost as if delving into the recesses of his thoughts, before abruptly disappearing. However, before vanishing, he left behind a few words that hung in the air, "Make sure he wears this." A muffled ''Thud'' resonated as a sack dressnded on the floor. Not only he but Aether also who was being beaten heard whispers in his ears, "This is what will happen if try to act arrogant. Don''t forget.... you are a ve!!" "..." After a nerve-wracking minute, Timmy released a breath he hadn''t realized he was holding, signalling hisckeys to cease their brutal assault when he sensed Aether was going to die. Aether, seemingly on the brink of death once more, prompted Timmy to instruct hisckeys to tear Aether''s new dress and cover him with the sack. His sycophantic idiots executed the order promptly. "See you tomorrow, Ether," Timmy dered with a sinister undertone, his figure receding into the shadows as he strolled away, nked by his loyal followers. Aether, weakened and unconscious, remained oblivious to the unfolding drama until, !~Ding~! "FUCK!" Chapter 21: Affection from anyone....

Chapter 21: Affection from anyone....

!~Ding~! The resonant chime of bells stirred him from his unconscious state. "Arrhh..." With a bloody groan and hazy eyes, Aether struggled to lift his upper body, surveying the battered form draped in the same sack dress. No shock registered on his face, for he had seen the silent spectator of his misery, the one who orchestrated this torment..... Alfred. With trembling hands, he scanned the surroundings, finding no one in sight except a solitary blue bird perched on a nearby tree. "Hrmmhh." Attempting to stand proved futile as, ''Crack, Crack'' A pained symphony of cracking sounds echoed through his body, forcing him to sigh and settle onto the grass with a soft thud. "-Ha-ha-" Aether breathed heavily, his gaze shifting to the sky, which was gradually darkening despite the absence of the sun. "L-Log!" He muttered with bloody mouth, / Name: Aether Sex: Male Race: Human Level: 0 Title: ve (Eternal Contract) Attributes: Strength: -1 Agility: 0 Intelligence: 3 Magic Affinity: 0 Charm: 1 Compatibility: 82% Survival rate= 0.0001% Affection Points: 00003 (1000 Affection Points = 1 *any Attributes) ???? / ''Why?'' Aether pondered, finding no discernible difference than before, even though the mysterious bell-ringing sounds reverberated through the air before. Just as he was on the verge of closing the window, his hazy eyes finally focused on the ''00003''. ''Who?'' The question reverberated through his mind like a haunting echo. Who, in their right mind, expresses affection through such merciless beatings? Is there a sadist in that group....? "P-Please give me... answer," he pleaded with desperation before the Log. His eyes, now brimming with tears, were a testament to the profound agony his body endured. .... In that desperate moment, he clung to the hope that something or anything, would offer from the only thing... ''Log'' Yet, .... There was no response. "Heh..." A bitter chuckle escaped his lips as he gazed up at the vast expanse of the sky and muttered, "W-Why am I suffering.... again?" ..... Still, there was no acknowledgement from the indifferent sky. "Is it wrong to live again?" Aether questioned, his breathing bing increasinglyboured. .... Again, there was no response, neither from the expansive sky nor the enigmatic Log. His vision became obscured with blood, yet he strained to peer through the crimson haze. Soon, his sight was enveloped in red, as if he had entered a world shrouded in the vivid hue of spilt blood. He felt his heartbeat slowing gradually... A heavy weight pressed down on his eyelids as he surrendered to the inevitable, closing his eyes within the crimson realm. ''I-I am going to die.... right?'' The thought lingered, and he experienced the same sensation he felt when he departed from his world. His head gently leaned, and his body seemed poised to fall, a lifeless vessel sumbing to the cruel embrace of fate. ''Flip, p'' The bluebird gracefully soared towards him, noting the man''s unmoving form. ''Tweet, Tweet'' A gentle melody escaped the bluebird''s beak as it perched near his foot, pecking at the scattered bread pieces. ''Tweet, Tweet'' Unperturbed by the dire situation, the bluebird continued its cheerful chirping, indulging in the bread crumbs strewn around. !~Ding~! "-HHAAAA--" Aether suddenly gasped, a sharp inhtion triggered by the resonating sound. His eyes, previously zed, now held a faint glimmer of rity as he observed the bluebird silently feasting on the bread crumbs. His gaze shifted to the same Log, detecting a subtle alteration, / Affection Points: 00004 (1000 Affection Points = 1 *any Attributes) / ''4?'' Aether thought, his eyes briefly flickering between the numerical change on the Log and the bluebird. Aether took the nearby bread piece with his trembling hands and slowly positioned his palms towards the bird. "TWEET!!" The bird was immediately startled, and just as it was about to take flight, its red-ck eyes locked onto arge bread piece on his palms. The bluebird unfurled its wings, fixing both of its eyes on Aether. Twitching its neck left and right, it scrutinized him, its wings poised for flight at any potential threat. Aether smiled but remained still, patiently waiting... "Tweet" With a small chirping sound, the bluebird cautiously approached Aether''s outstretched hand, its wings still spread as if ready to take flight at a moment''s notice. ''Tweet, Tweet'' Carefully studying Aether, it then began to pick at the scattered bread pieces, using one side of its eyes to keep a vignt watch for any signs of danger. !~Ding~! [+1 Affection] / Affection Points: 00005 (1000 Affection Points = 1 *any Attributes) / ''I see...'' Aether mumbled inwardly. It appeared that he could earn affection points also from the creatures around him. "HEY!!" Suddenly, a high-pitched voice jolted both Aether and the Bluebird, causing the wingedpanion to swiftly take flight. Aether turned his head toward the source of the voice..... A bluish-ck haired girl was hastily running towards him.... the very same girl who had delivered a punch to his gut a day ago. However, in his current weakened state, any assistance was wee, and Aether harboured no resentment as he awaited her arrival. "Hey, are you alive?" The girl urgently inquired, gently patting Aether''s cheek. "S-Somehow..." Aether managed to answer, forcing his eyes to focus on the concerned face before him. "Who did this to you?" she pressed for an answer. "C-Could you help me to stand up... Madam?" Aether diverted the question, seeking assistance instead. Initially frowning at the evasion, but seeing him trying to get up... the girl eventually acquiesced, helping Aether to his feet as he leaned against the wall. "T-Thank you... Madam," Aether expressed his gratitude, one hand gripping the wall for support as he attempted to walk. The girl''s gaze fell upon Aether''s broken leg as he struggled to drag his body forward. "L-Let me help y--" "N-No need, Madam...-ha-... Your dress will dirty touching a s-ve" Aether interrupted, raising his trembling hands to ward her off. !~Ding~! [+1 Affection] Aether stole a nce at her face and perceived... a pitiful expression. "Heh..." He moved forward. It wasn''t that he didn''t need her help; rather, he grappled with an ugly truth he had been avoiding, a revtion he was now forced to acknowledge.... after facing his death again. When Aether''s eyes fell upon the te held by the boy.... two dried pieces of bread and expired jam (He wasn''t sure it was Jam in the first ce!), He understood.... When Alfred materialized, looking at him with eyes filled with satisfaction, the harsh truth became unmistakably clear. He was no more than a ve.... an eternal ve. The revtion forced him to reevaluate his actions. A ve should behave as such, not daring to wander around the mansion as if he were its master. He wasn''t allowed to eat in the Kitchen, because he was a ve. He wasn''t allowed to wear anything other than this sack dress, because he was a ve. No one extended a helping hand, not even when a few fellow servants inadvertently witnessed his suffering..... Their indifference, too, was a consequence of his ve designation. The potential consequences of staining the daughter of Velc, the Head of the Household, with his own blood painted a grim picture. It wasn''t hard for Aether to imagine the fate awaiting his lifeless body if such an event urred. ''I suppose a few humiliations are necessary to understand the situation...'' he muttered under his breath as he dragged his battered body towards the rear of the mansion, a designated area exclusively for servants. Dragging his battered body along, even though other servants witnessed his suffering, none came forward to offer support. Though the singr concern that upied their minds.... "Tsk, we have to clean the floor again!" The aftermath of Aether''s torment left a stark reminder as blood stained the once-pristine floor. ''Thud'' Aether pushed open the door to his room, his weakened body copsing onto the floor. Closing his eyes, he sought a moment''s respite. In the yard, the girl''s gaze lingered on the bloodied grass, contemting the aftermath. "Selene!" Her name broke the silence, and she turned to find her bluish-ck haired brother, Kai, rushing towards her. A gentle smile adorned Selene''s face, "Big Brother?" As Kai approached, his eyes caught the bloodstains on the grass. A furrow formed on his brow as he scanned her for any signs of injury. "What happened?" he asked, his concern evident. "N-Nothing..." Selene replied awkwardly, meeting her brother''s gaze, "Your ve is hurt again." "What?" Kai''s surprise was palpable. Upon hearing the distressing details... "Tsk, I told them not to hurt him again!" Kai groaned, frustration etching his features. "Them? You mean, Timmy and his friends?" Selene frowned, she just said someone hurt but not who. "Cough, Cough," Kai coughed awkwardly, evading a direct answer. "I am not sure" "Hmmm," Selene''s frown deepened. "A-Anyhow, let''s go inside! We have an important meeting regarding next week" "Why can''t you just stop it, big brother?" Selene''s question hung in the air. "....Sigh," Kai sighed, feelingpelled to unveil the truth, "I can help him now, but what about tomorrow?" "T-Tha--" "What about the day after tomorrow?" "..." "It''s his life, Selene. I cannot solely focus on my ve for every problem. He needs to solve it by himself!" He dered, guiding her towards the front side of the mansion. "But he is different now, he has emotions that he didn''t have before" Selene muttered, her words lost in the wind as Kai pressed forward without hearing her. Chapter 22: A week since then....

Chapter 22: A week since then....

A weekter..... "Hey" "Yes, Master" "Use red paint" "Okay, Master" "Hmm?.... No, use blue paint" "Okay, Master" With graceful strokes, Aether painted a de-like symbol on the carriage, while Kai, his Master, meticulously observed his ve''s handiwork. It had been a week since Aether found himself thrust into this unfamiliar world..... A ce that seemed to thrive on its own set of rules and secrets. However, in that time, he realized he had learned... Absolutely nothing about this world!! As a ve, he was barred from the library, and others avoided him like the gue. Consequently, he had few chances to learn about anything beyond the fact that he was a ve... in the Duke''s House called Forstde. His duties were simple; he was supposed to do everything his Master said. His Master was a boy named Kai, who was the same age as Aether. After that fateful day, Aether obediently followed everymand.... Even though Mortimer Forstde had told him to take a rest. However, it seemed others didn''t want him to rest, as Aether woke up the next day with the same treatment by Kai. Despite Mortimer''s kindness, there were times Aether was beaten by the Timmy group, and sometimes Velc pped him for notpleting his work. Aether tried to enter Mortimer''s room. Even though he was a ve, he believed he deserved some human respect, right? Yet, the room''s door was heavily guarded.... as if no one was allowed to enter. Most of all, He learned one thing... that was Hierarchy!! Aether found himself at the bottom, with Mortimer Forstde reigning at the top. He was not allowed to speak unless Mortimer personally called him, solidifying the stark divisions within the household and world. Moreover, this world proved to be devoid of technological advancements... Unlike theforts of his previous life, Aether was now subjected to a reality governed by archaic norms and practices. Regardless of the peculiarities, today marked a significant event as both Selene and Kai were scheduled for baptism. Aether wasn''t entirely sure what it entailed, mirroring his experiences from his previous life where he simply followed orders without a hint of understanding or control... not a single thing changed. ''Oh? One thing changed though... that is I am a ve to a child!'' Aether thought, irritation evident in his internal monologue. In the past, he entertained the idea that memories of Ether might surface, offering insights into the dynamics at y. Yet, to his dismay, no such memories appeared, not even in his nightmares. The enigma of his current existence persisted, leaving him to navigate this unfamiliar world with a sense of frustration and uncertainty. "Young Master!" a ck-haired boy shouted. "Oh, hello, Timmy. Is everyone ready?" Kai inquired. "Yes, and Lord Velc asked the young master toe," Timmy responded. "Oh? Okay then. Timmy, take care of him," Kai instructed before walking away. "Take care... Of course," Timmy grinned as he looked at Aether. Aether nced at Timmy, stood up, and respectfully said, "Hello, Sir." In the rigid order of the hierarchy, Aether found himself below everyone, obliging him to maintain respect even when he didn''t want to. It mirrored his experiences in his previous world, where he had no choice but to bow his head to the privileged elite. "Heheh..." Timmy grinned with satisfaction. "Looks like you learned your lesson!" Aether remained silent, continuing to paint the de symbol on the carriage. Timmy scrutinized Aether''s thin, stick-like body d in the same sack dress. He wrinkled his nose in disgust and asked, "Hey, did you even take a bath before?" covering his nose with his displeasing expression. Aether stopped his hands and nced back at Timmy with a nk look, causing Timmy to flinch. However, he quickly regained hisposure and red at Aether. "What?" "Nothing, Sir," Aether answered calmly before returning to his painting. Timmy''s lips twitched, and just as he was about to shout at Aether, he noticed the paint. With a wicked smile, he slowly picked it up, intending to pour it on Aether''s head when a stern voice interrupted him, "If I were you, I wouldn''t do that, Timmy" A white-haired old man, spoke with authority. Timmy turned to look at his father, flinching. "F-Fathe--" "That''s Teacher for you!" Alfred corrected him, taking the paint can from his son''s hand and carefully cing it on the ground. Alfred''s eyes lingered on Ether, who continued to paint as if he hadn''t heard anything. A subtle smirk yed on Alfred''s lips. It was improbable for a 15-year-old boy, even one who had regained his emotions, to carry himself with the demeanor of a seasoned 30-year-old man. Ether''s patience, refined speech, and artistic finesse intrigued Alfred. ''Today, we will see who he truly was,'' Alfred mumbled inwardly, a hint of anticipation coloring his thoughts. "Alfred," an authoritative voice resonated through the grand yard. Velc, a man d in a luxurious robe adorned with intricate designs, approached the carriage. His dark blue hair and noble bearing marked him as a figure of importance. Behind him were two pairs of beautiful siblings, adding an aura of elegance to the scene. "Everything is ready, Master!" Alfred nodded respectfully as he opened the carriage. Aether had already moved away, standing beside other servants. "Hmm," Velc nodded before stepping inside the carriage, his eyes briefly meeting Ether''s gaze. The two sets of siblings followed suit, entering the carriage with a graceful demeanor. "Hmm?" Aether raised his eyebrows in surprise as he noticed Timmy joining the group. Alfred took charge of the driving seat and then nced at Aether. "Come with me." "???" Although Aether felt the urge to ask, he obediently followed the order. Seating himself beside Alfred, he prepared for the journey as the carriage began to move, guided by the rhythmic steps of the horse. Alfred nodded in satisfaction. Aether''spliance without questions pleased him. A subtle transformation seemed to be taking ce, turning Aether into a more obedient figure. Not privy to the truth, Aether maintained his silence strategically, using the opportunity to observe the outside world. Since arriving in this unfamiliar realm, he had been confined within the mansion, denied the chance to explore beyond its walls. "Open the Gate!!" With anticipation flickering in his eyes, Aether looked forward to the adventure that awaited him beyond the confines of the mansion. .... ... Chapter 23: Affection points...

Chapter 23: Affection points...

''That''s all?'' Aether thought, his expectations plummeting. The outside world appeared disappointingly mundane. A few buildings dotted thendscape, surrounded by scattered trees, and, to his dismay..... everyone appeared to be human. ''They are fucking humans!!'' Aether inwardly screamed, his inner weeb lost his interest in this world. The fantasy he had hoped for seemed elusive in this seemingly ordinary world. Eventually, the carriage reached its destination and a muffled ''Thud'' Echoed as Alfred opened the door. Velc, the siblings, and Timmy disembarked, their attention drawn to a tall white building resembling a temple. Nuns and priests scurried around with a sense of urgency. Aether, on the other hand, remained uninterested, his gaze scanning the surroundings as his inner weeb sought any hint of fantasy material. As for the temple, Aether couldn''t care less. It wasn''t a matter of disliking gods; whether he believed in them or not wasn''t the issue. It was the fanatical followers, with their questionable convictions, that irked him. He harboured a clear disdain for religious institutions, attributing them to the root causes of numerous conflicts and wars... he even cheated by them many times. "Wee, Mr. Velc Forstde!" A hurried voice echoed as a middle-aged man in white robes with blonde hair rushed toward them. "Well, hello, Mr. Lucius," Velc smiled, extending his hand for a shake with the blonde priest. "Wee, cuties!" Lucius, the priest, eximed, his eyes twinkling with warmth as he pinched both Kai and Selene''s cheeks. "It''s been a long time, Uncle Lucius," Kai greeted with a small smile. Selene, in a gesture of respect, bowed and pinched the hem of her skirt. "Greetings, Uncle Lucius!" "Oh! Look at that! Selene has really grown up," Lucius remarked, patting her head and eliciting a slight blush from Selene. Lucius then shifted his attention to Alfred and Timmy, giving them a nod of acknowledgement. However, he didn''t spare a nce for the person d in a simple sack-like dress. Aether, in turn, paid little mind to the man, choosing instead to explore the surroundings with keen eyes. As the adults engaged in conversation, discussing matters Aether had no interest in, he seized the opportunity to silently walk toward the nearby trees. ''Crip, Crip'' ''Tweet, Tweet'' Hearing those melodic sounds, Aether couldn''t help but smile with a quiet sense of joy. With deliberate steps and careful movements, he approached the stand of trees. As he looked up at the branches, a delightful sight met his eyes..... Numerous birds perched gracefully on the branches. Aether reached into his pocket, retrieving a piece of bread. He crumbled it and, with a gentle toss, scattered the crumbs before the avian audience. The birds initially flinched, their beady eyes fixed on Aether. Slowly retreating, he watched with anticipation. After a moment''s hesitation, the birds took flight, their wings creating a soft symphony in the air. ''Flip, p, Flip, p'' ''Crip, Crip, Crip...'' ''Tweet, Tweet, Tweet...'' They descended from their perches, drawn to the scattered crumbs like a celestial feast. Aether''s satisfaction mirrored the contentment he felt as he witnessed the avian banquet unfold. As the birds indulged in their impromptu meal, Aether''s smile deepened. The tinkling of bells resonated in his mind. !~Ding~! [+1 Affection] [+1 Affection] [+1 Affection] [+1 Affection] .... ... .. After that same fateful day, despite enduring relentless beatings, Aether''s determination to survive only intensified due to the same affection points.... A glimmer of hope to see a future for him. Aether delved into the intricacies of Affection points, unravelling several key aspects. Firstly, Affection points weren''t limited to traditional expressions of affection. It extended to various emotions.... warmth, pity, happiness, satisfaction, pride, and more. Any positive sentiment directed towards him tranted into an increase in Affection points. Secondly, these observations were primarily tested on birds and small animals. Aether remained sceptical about the application of this system to humans, given their ever-changing nature..... Especially no one speaking to him in the Mansion. Thirdly, the crucial factor was the overall positive sentiment of the other party. As long as someone felt positively towards Aether, he rued Affection points. Fourthly, the system/Log was really ''Useless'' even though it worked particrly well with animals. By providing a simple offering of half a bread, Aether could garner their favour and, consequently, Affection points..... But still, it was USELESS System. What''s even more intriguing is the revtion that he had garnered 2 affection points: Firstly, if his memory serves him correctly, one of these points was awarded when he first entered this world. It was a distinctive moment, marked by the awakening of a particr individual, and..... the resonating chime of a bell, triggered by someone. That was a result of someone showing excessive interest in their food.... Well, of course, that was Rainbow Sea Horse (Still he didn''t know what''s the name so he named it). Indeed, the Rainbow Sea Horse disyed a notable fondness for its food....earning affection points in the process. ''I mean.... Everyone loves their food, right?'' Aether thought. This assumption stems from the fact that our protagonist hadn''t subjected himself to further testing as a test subject following that particr incident." This was just an assumption.... Since Aether hadn''t subjected himself to any further tests as a test subject after that initial experience.... He would never again!! As for the second instance, he earned affection points (Pity) from the girl who unexpectedly delivered a powerful punch to his gut. "It seems someone loves nature!" Lucius remarked, observing Aether surrounded by birds. Velc and the others remained silent, struggling toprehend the boy''s peculiar nature. Aether only received two pieces of bread for both morning and night, with no provision for lunch. Their confusion deepened, prompting them to question whether Aether had truly lost his wits or not... "H--" Kai began to call out to Aether when the rhythmic sound of another carriage approaching interrupted him. ''Tuck, Tuck, Tuck....'' The arrival of the new carriage prompted a sore expression on Velc''s face. He clicked his tongue in irritation, muttering, "Tsk, really now?" The unexpected arrival seemed to disturb the expected rhythm of their day, leaving Velc with a sense of frustration. Chapter 24: Empress Marisandra Naiadia

Chapter 24: Empress Marisandra Naiadia

"It''s been a while, isn''t it? Mr. Velc Frostde," said a melodious voice, resonating with authority and familiarity. "Yes, Your Majesty," Velc responded with a deep bow, his voice carrying a tone of profound respect. A subtle pale spread across his face, indicating a mix of surprise and..... fear. "Hail to the Empress Marisandra Naiadia, Sovereign of Aquaris Naiadae! May her reign be as boundless and enduring as the oceans she governs," Lucius eximed, bowing deeply with an astonished expression on his face. Soon, those who were in the midst of their activities within the temple halted their steps and immediately kneeled, following Lucius''s lead. As others kneeled, they chanted in unison, "Hail to the Empress Marisandra Naiadia," lowering their heads in a collective gesture of reverence. Each individual disyed a mixture of surprise and awe, recognizing the significant presence of their esteemed ruler. "Raise your heads, My subjects" Hearing the gentlemand, everyone lifted their heads and beheld a magnificent sight: A glossy purple-haired girl, adorned with a tiara that served as a radiant disy of authority, descended gracefully from the carriage. d in a resplendent gown of deep amethyst, intricately embroidered with threads of gold and embellished with jewels, she showcased her curves with regal elegance. The neckline of her gown was artfully tailored to entuate her ample bosom, seamlessly blending allure with majestic poise. Her misty purple eyes, captivating and enchanting, swept across the assembled subjects... except for one. "Fuckers!! Stop!!" Hearing those unexpected cursing words, everyone turned to look at the source with a mix of shock and mild apprehension, aware that offending their Empress could incur severe consequences. However, their expressions soon turned to bewilderment when they saw, "I told you to stop picking at me!! You Fuckers!!" Aether shouted, feeling his already weakened state getting even weaker due to the incessant pecking. "Arrhh! Stop It!" Aether tried tosh out, yet no one seemed to worry as they continued pecking him. What''s more, [+1 Affection ] [+1 Affection ] [+1 Affection ] [+1 Affection ] ..... ... They were giving him affection through pecking.....but it was genuinely painful. Love sometimeses with pain... ''Fuck that!!!'' He had first provided them with food, expecting simple affection points, but now these birds were treating him as if he had offered himself as their next meal. They should be pecking the food, not him!! Theical and unexpected turn of events added a touch of humour to the otherwise formal and grand scene. "FUCK!!" Aether cried out in pain as he felt a warm sensation in his head, blood flowing from the peck wounds. He attempted to move, but he was now totally surrounded by the birds. ''What the fuck is happening!!'' Aether cried inwardly, a mixture of frustration and bewilderment overwhelming him. "Heheh..." Some onlookers chuckled, finding amusement in Aether''s unexpected predicament..... it was none other than Timmy. It was for this reason that no one fed the animals. Just like humans, animals could be selfish, and once you feed them, you would be forced to feed them more. Velc''s face turned even paler as he worried that the Empress might feel disgraced by a ve''s misconduct. He nced at Alfred, who nodded in understanding and was about to take action when the soldiers from the Empress''s side had already gone to Ether. ''Shit!!'' Velc cursed inwardly before starting to plead, "Y-Your Majesty, le-let me apologize for my son''s ve''s misconduct--" Before he could finish, Empress Marisandra Naiadia gave Velc an indifferent nce that was enough to silence him. The Empress was uninterested in the affairs of a mere ve at the moment. "Hey, ve st--" Before those soldiers could say anything, Aether, in a sudden burst of agility and desperation, immediately went behind them. ''Chirp, Chirp'' ''Tweet, Tweet'' ''Flip, p'' The birds hovered before the armour-wearing soldiers and then, with surprising precision, hurled themselves towards them. Feathers flew in a chaotic flurry, apanied by squawks and surprised shouts from the soldiers. ''Tack, Tick, Tack, Tick, Ting, Tang, Tick...'' As the birds continued their relentless pecking on the surprised soldiers, the rhythmic sound of their avian onught echoed through the silent atmosphere. ''Deep Exhale'' Aether took a deep breath, finding a moment of calm amidst the chaos, before calmly saying, "Thank you for your support!!" He then turned around to make his exit. "H-Hey, wait--Tsk.." The soldiers attempted to catch Aether, but the persistent birds were making it increasingly difficult, pecking and fluttering around the soldiers. Aether grinned inwardly when he checked his Log, / Affection Points: 00982 (1000 Affection Points = 1 *any Attributes) / ''Just a few more, then I can finally change that negative!!'' Aether grinned. He had endured this peculiar method for a week due to the scarcity of food; he could only sacrifice his meals to increase his affection points. Once he turned the negative into a positive, he wouldn''t resort to this method anymore. Aether believed in training his body himself, finding the system/log to be rather useless. ''There is no need for a useless system,'' Aether thought, still feeling that his system/log was a total waste for him. However, his attention suddenly shifted as he froze upon seeing a purple-haired woman. Not merely captivated by her beauty... well, maybe a little..... but that wasn''t the most important aspect. "Your eyes are gorgeous, Miss." Yes, that''s all. He kind of had a kink for the eyes... No, No, No, need to judge him. Aether had a genuine appreciation for the beauty of eyes, finding them to be a unique and fascinating aspect of an individual''s charm.... That''s all. Hearing Aether''sment about the purple-haired woman''s eyes, Velc felt sweat pouring down his forehead like bullets. ''Fuck this shit!! I shouldn''t have brought him here!!!'' he screamed inwardly, ncing at Alfred, who also turned pale at the situation. ''Definitely!!'' In contrast to their father''s anxiety, both Kai and Timmy secretly agreed when they nced at the enchanting purple eyes. However, they knew better than to express such thoughts in front of their empress, aware that any inappropriate gaze could cost them severe consequences. No one dared to look at her body with lustful intent, fully understanding that such actions could roll their head on the floor before they could register her beauty! Aether frowned at the sight of people kneeling before the purple-haired woman, curious about the reason behind it. He wondered why.... ''Is she going for a baptism?'' Aether pondered. "YOU!!" Suddenly, a soldier pushed Aether down and shouted, "You are in the presence of Empress Marisandra Naiadia. Kneel, you ve!!" ''Grrrr'' Aether grunted as the soldier exerted pressure on him, clearly enjoying the disy of dominance. Empress Marisandra Naiadia merely cast a nce at themotion before regally walking into the temple. "Your Majesty! May I assist you?" Lucius said as he followed the Empress, shooting a quick nce at Velc. After the Empress entered the temple, ''Thud!'' "I told you not to move around, didn''t I?" Velc asked with an indifferent voice as he tightened his grip on Ether''s neck. "I-I..." Aether struggled to speak, his face turning bright red, grappling with the pressure on his neck that made it increasingly difficult to breathe. The force of Velc''s grip intensified the sensation of being restrained, adding to the difort Aether already felt. "Master, Lucius called for us," Alfred said, even though Alfred wanted to see Ether''s suffering but now was the time for that. "Tsk, Stay here!" ''Thud'' ''-Ha-Ha-Ha-'' Aethernded on the ground, gasping for breath as he tried to recover from the forceful encounter. His red eyes lingered on Velc, a mixture of anger and ''unknown emotions'' evident in his gaze, ''Calm down!'' he thought, reminding himself to regainposure amidst the chaos and pressure. This ''Unknown Emotions''... Aether couldn''t understand why theye and go.... it was weird. Chapter 25: Baptism Starts!

Chapter 25: Baptism Starts!

"Forgive me for asking this, Your Majesty, but may I know why you graced us with your presence today?" Velc inquired, nervously rubbing his hands as he addressed the Empress. A piercing gaze from the Empress met him, and she asked calmly, "Am I not allowed toe here?" then her eyes were fixed on a peculiar object within the temple. In the middle of the temple, intricate symbols and patterns were meticulously etched onto sinuous roots that burst forth from the polished ground. These roots, resembling ancient hands, gracefully stretched in an upward direction, each finger elongated as the palm-like design formed a captivating spectacle. "O-Of course not, Your Majesty. It''s just that if you had informed us earlier, we would have weed you with grandeur!" Velc said with a forced smile, inwardly sweating and questioning the purpose of her unexpected visit. "Hehe..." Herughter resonated melodiously in everyone''s ears as she added, "I just came here to see what kind of man my daughter is going to marry!" Velc stared nkly stared at the Empress, who was smiling but to Velc what the smile meant... ''She just wants to see for herself whether my son is the chosen one or not, right?'' Velc spected, outwardly responding, "Of course, Your Majesty. You have every right to see the man who is going to marry your daughter... ahahaha." "...." The Empress nced at the man who forced augh. "W-Where is my future daughter-inw, Your Majesty?" Velc inquired with little hesitation. Instead of answering, she asked, "Who is he?" "... Wh--" Velc attempted to feign ignorance, but a single indifferent nce from the Empress made him stutter in fear. Gulpingly, he truthfully admitted, "H-He is a ve that my father brought for Kai." "Hmm..." The Empress hummed thoughtfully before posing another question, "He doesn''t know me?" "W-Well, recently he had amnesia, so he forgot everything." "...." The Empress scrutinized Velc as if checking the truthfulness of his words, her thoughts mulling over the peculiar circumstances, ''Why would that old man go out of his way to pick a ve?'' she wondered, contemting the deeper implications of the situation "Your Majesty, shall wemence the baptism?" Lucius intervened at the opportune moment. Velc turned to him with a thankful smile, and Lucius reciprocated with a slight nod. "You can carry on, no need mind me!" the Empress dered, waving her hand dismissively. "Thank you, Your Majesty," Lucius acknowledged before turning his attention to his siblings, who were sitting a little distance away. "Come on, cuties, it''s your time to shine!" The siblings nodded with joy, making their way toward their father. "Don''t worry, my children; you will do fine," Velc reassured them with a paternal blessing. "First, Kai Frostde,e forward," Lucius instructed as the nuns gathered around the roots, kneeling in a praying position. Kai approached the massive root hands with a beaming smile. "Now, pray to God and then ce your hand on the root palm," Lucius directed, his expression now serious. Kai gulped with excitement before joining his hands in prayer and then cing his hand on the palm-like structure. "Now, Say Log In!" Kai nodded and uttered, "Log In!" As soon as the words left his mouth, a massive ck transparent disy appeared, hovering on the fingers of the hand-like roots. It was viewed by everyone. All eyes were fixed on the disy, with the Empress paying particrly close attention. Then, the following words appeared. [Request: Logging In] [....] [Affirmative] / Name: Kai Frostde Sex: Male Race: Human Level: 1 Title: The Chosen One [The Arcane King], Next Heir of Frosde Household, Master of Ether. Attributes: Strength: 8 Agility: 7 Intelligence: 8 Magic Affinity: 9 Charm: 8 Blessed by Arcane Energy / As the disy revealed Kai''s attributes, Velc sighed in relief, and the Empress observed the blessing..... with a subtle smile on her lips. Lucius nodded approvingly at Kai and motioned to continue the rest of the process. Kai, acknowledging the blessing, intertwined his fingers with the root''s fingers and chanted, "By sacred words and fervent plea, heed my words and grace with your touch, Summon forth..... The Arcane card" "SSSHHHHHHHIIIIIIIIINNNNNNGGGGGGGG!!!!" "Woo, Wee...." Aether whistled as a brilliant light emanated from the temple. "MC awakening?" Aether mused in an amusing tone, ncing at his Log before letting out a sigh. "I should be happy at least I got another chance to live.... Though it is a fucking life." Aether''s words dripped with a mix of anger and mockery. Curious, he stood up and silently walked into the temple..... with a figure following closely behind him. Inside the temple, Everyone had their mouth wide opened.... The sight of the rainbow-coloured card had everyone gaping in awe. Even the Empress, who had been observing with interest, stood up from herfortable chair, drawn in by the mesmerizing disy. The vibrant hues of the card reflected not only within the temple but also throughout the surroundings, prompting people to kneel on the ground and chant in unison, "Arcane King!" "Arcane King!" "Arcane King!" Aether, who just sneakily entered the temple, found himself utterly dumbfounded. With a speechless expression, he muttered, "A Cult...?" His attention shifted to the peculiar roots protruding from the ground, forming an intricate hand-like structure, ''It''s really beautiful!'' he thought, appreciating the artistic disy. His focus then shifted to the rainbow-coloured card floating delicately on the fingers of the roots. It looked just like the ying card size.... Yet, it was different. The view was undeniably mesmerizing. Upon closer inspection, Aether discerned four transparent star symbols in the corners and a prominent big star symbol at the centre. "Kai, now imagine the weapon you desire and pull the root," Lucius issued themand with a serious expression. Breaking free from his trance, Kai nodded with an exuberant smile, stepping forward to pull the hand-like root. ''ttrrr...trrr...trrr'' The root disintegrated like paper, apanied by a hissing sound. "sssshhhh!!" A dazzling light once again blinded everyone in the temple. A golden sword manifested in Kai''s hands before vanishing from his tight grip. Subsequently, a sword-like figure materialized at the centre of the card, nestled within the big transparent star. The card slowly descended toward Kai. The broken roots regrew, forming the same hand-like structure. ''... What the fuck happening?'' Aether screamed inwardly. Chapter 26: New informations....

Chapter 26: New informations....

"Every being, from humans to monsters, is endowed with a unique form of energy known as Arcane. This mystical force grants its blessings to each individual, providing them with an identity encapsted in what is known as a ''Log.'' These Logs serve as a repository of information, unveiling the person''s strengths, weaknesses, and, on asion.... even glimpses of a potential future. As individuals mature, reaching the age of 15, they undergo a transformative baptism process aimed at awakening the Log granted by Arcane Energy. The awakening marks the point at which the Log establishes a profound connection with Mother Root, metamorphosing into a tangible entity called an ''Arcane Card''. Thus, This card serves as a new proof of identity, universally acknowledged by the omnipresent force of Arcane Energy. So, when you witness the transition from Log to Arcane Card, it symbolizes a fusion of individual identity within argerwork..... a connection shared by all awakened beings." "I see...." Aether nodded in understanding, realizing that, inyman''s terms, it''s like a solo game console suddenly turning into multiple online game consoles connected by the same server. ''But damn, man, did I just simplify it to the context of games?'' Aether couldn''t help but ponder the analogy he had drawn to understand theplex phenomenon. "So, who are you?" Aether turned his head, a visible question mark in his eyes as he saw a wavy ck-haired rugged man leaning on Aether with an interesting look. "Oh? Me? I am just a passing guy," the man answered, and with a smirk, he added, "By the way, my name is Sparrow... J--" "Jack Sparrow?" Aether finished the man''s sentence. "OH? Do you know me, little boy?" Sparrow asked, his interest piqued. "..." Aether was taken aback. He had intended to deliver some sarcastic words, but he never anticipated that the man''s name was Jack Sparrow. Aether stammered, "N-No, I just remembered a friend of mine who was an idiot, but at the same time very, very dangerous." "Oh? Really?" Sparrow frowned, studying Aether intently. Aether simply turned his focus back to the events unfolding inside the temple. Kai held the rainbow card with trembling hands, his eyes then shifted toward his father. Velc nodded with a smile as he nced at the Empress, who stared at the rainbow card before saying, "We shall have the engagement this month''s end." Hearing that Confirmation, Kai and Velc turned even happier. They were so ted that they wanted to shout, but, mindful of the Empress''s presence, they maintained theirposure. Having seen what she wanted, the Empress decided to leave. However, when her eyesnded on the entrance, a small smirk appeared on her lips before she quietly sat down. ''Let''s see what he can do...'' She thought. Observing her actions, Velc began to sweat. He truly wished the Empress would leave, as he wanted to test Ether, but not in front of her. Ever since Alfred had suggested the possibility that Ether might be under someone''s control, Velc decided to investigate during the baptism, as it revealed only the truth. If Ether were genuinely manipted, they hoped to uncover the true puppet master. Yet, seeing the Empress stay, Velc couldn''t help but feel a little hesitant, ''M-Maybe I will checkter...'' he thought. But to Alfred, it was a golden chance to showcase his son''s talent in front of the Empress, turning it into a moment of pride for his son. "Go on, Lucius," the Empress gracefullymanded, her watchful eyes fixed on the intricate disy of arcane awakening. "Understood, Your Majesty. Next, Selene Frostde,e forward," Lucius announced with a tone of anticipation. "Hmm.." Selene nodded at her brother''s disy of newfound abilities. With a beaming smile, she confidently walked towards the altar, following the same sacred process as her brother. "Log In!" [Request: Logging In] [....] [Affirmative] / Name: Selene Frostde Sex: Female Race: Human Level: 1 Title: Daughter of Velc Frostde, Brainy, Pities Ether. Attributes: Strength: 5 Agility: 6 Intelligence: 10 Magic Affinity: 7 Charm: 9 / Her face turned slightly blush when she read her title. Her brother and her father caught up in the moment, and couldn''t help but share a heartyugh. They knew she was the brainy one in the householdpared to others. And as for the pity, Well She was a soft person... so she was the only person who genuinely pitied Ether, recognizing the challenges of his miserable life. "...." Aether just nkly looked at the text, pondering, ''So, mine is totally different, huh?''. She then intertwined her fingers on the root hands and muttered, "By sacred words and fervent plea, heed my words and grace with your touch, Summon forth..... The Arcane card" "Sssssshhhh!" A soft glow enveloped Selene, casting a warm light on her face. This time, a golden-coloured card appeared, adorned with the same number of stars hovered. "Hmm? Why different now?" Aether inquired, curiosity etched on his face, directed at the stranger called Sparrow. "Well, not everyone is born equal, right?" Sparrow responded, casting a wise gaze upon Aether. "Even though everyone is blessed by the same Arcane energy?" Aether countered, ignoring his yful indication. "Rain pours everywhere, do..." Sparrow began, attempting to provide a philosophical insight, but Aether halted him. "I understand," Aether shook his head, having anticipated the clich response. Instead, he urged Sparrow to continue with more relevant information, "Arcane Cards are ssified into four types, Golden Arcane: High-Level Aptitude Sliver Arcane: Mid-Level Aptitude Copper Arcane: Low-Level Aptitude nk Arcane: No Aptitude Each individual''s card describes theirprehension of the Arcane energy. If one possesses a Golden Arcane card, they have a natural ability to excel in various domains, learn new skills quickly, and understand the mysterious Arcane energy faster and more easily..... They are often referred to as prodigies Simrly, the other cards indicate varying levels of aptitude, with Silver representing good, Copper indicating moderate, and nk suggesting ack of aptitude." Hearing this exnation, Aether nodded in understanding. However, one question lingered in his mind, prompting him to ask, "What about the Rainbow card I saw earlier? Is it above all?" Sparrow studied Aether for a moment before responding, "Well, it''s exceptional." Aether nodded attentively, observing as Selene pulled the root, manifesting an Old Book before it disappeared. "Hmm? What are those?" Aether inquired, pointing at the Old Book. "They are the wishes and desires granted by the Arcane. Just like before, where he got a sword while she got a book, those were the wishes they desired. These wishes, regardless of your aptitude, provide you with a chance to excel and manifest your deepest desire" Sparrow borated as his eyes lingered on the old book. "OHH?" Aether expressed understanding, forming an ''O'' shape with his mouth, processing the abundance of new information. Chapter 27: I am truly disappointed

Chapter 27: I am truly disappointed

"Next up, We have Timmy!!" Timmy, with a respectful bow, gracefully walked to the root altar. ''Tsk'' Aether clicked his tongue, witnessing that snotty brat attempting to project an air of maturity. [Request: Logging In] [....] [Affirmative] / Name: Timmy Sex: Male Race: Human Level: 1 Title: Future Head Butler of Frostde Household, Assistant to Kai Frostde, Not so smart, Hates Ether to death. Attributes: Strength: 7 Agility: 7 Intelligence: 4 Magic Affinity: 5 Charm: 6 / Observing his son''s profile, Alfred nodded with satisfaction, stealing a nce at the Empress, who didn''t bother to cast her eyes upon his son''s Log. Her gaze radiated sheer disinterest. Though Alfred remained very loyal to the Duke''s household, as a father, he aspired for the best for his son. If only the Empress had disyed a modicum of interest, he might have expedited his son''s relocation to the castle. Unfortunately, life rarely unfolds ording to expectations.... "PPfffttt--" Aether struggled to contain hisughter at the sight of ''Not so smart.'' His eyes welled up with amusement, ''Damn it! He is truly an idiot!! Hahahaha....'' He chuckled inwardly. However, there was one thing that caught everyone''s attention, and that was ''Ether.'' "Who is this Ether? I''d like to see him," Sparrow muttered, his curiosity piqued. It wasn''t an unusual request, just a curious one, considering Ether was linked to the Logs of three people. "Cough, Cough," Aether coughed awkwardly, feeling a bit uneasy. Soon enough, a Silver Card manifested, undoubtedly a valuable one. While not exceptionally rare, its significance was noted by those present, It still held value among the nobles''s servants and High-Level soldiers. However, "Three Stars?" Aether frowned, scrutinizing the transparent stars adorning the card. Unlike the previous Logs, this one disyed only three stars at each corner. In the face of Aether''s questioning expression, Sparrow calmly remarked, "Not everyone is blessed with the same level of talent, right?" "...." Aether froze, his expression silently questioning, ''Are you fucking serious? There is already a disparity!!'' "Hahah..." Sparrow chuckled, offering a bit of wisdom, "You see, boy, the world is inherently unfair to everyone.... and there''s little we can do about it." Aether nodded slightly in acknowledgement, for he, more than anyone, understood the unjust nature of life, given his own challenging experiences. Sparrow borated, "You see, each Arcane Card is marked with five stars, symbolizing the holder''s level limit. The initial four small stars situated at the corners signify an increment of up to 15 levels each, while the central star represents a substantial 40 levels. In totality, 100 levels constitute the maximum limit for an Arcane Cardholder." "Hmm...so, what difference does this make?" Aether inquired, seeking rity. "It''s simple. If a Copper Arcane Card Holder with 5 stars were to face off against a Silver Card Holder with 1 star, then--" "Sliver wins, right?" Aether attempted to conclude, but Sparrow intervened. "No!" Sparrow refuted, rifying, "The Copper wins due to the 5 stars." "....I see," Aether expressed surprise at the unexpected oue, ''I thought being Sliver means High value...hmm'' Sparrow added a bit more information, "Although, if it''s a 5-star Copper against a 5-star Silver, the Silver wins effortlessly." "Hmm..." Aether nodded, absorbing the nuances of the Arcane Card system. "Next is Ether," Lucius announced suddenly. "Hmm?" Aether was caught off guard by this revtion, ''Me?'' he wondered. "tsk, It''s not over yet...?" Sparrow muttered under his breath. Velc''s face turned pale, and he exchanged a concerned nce with Lucius, who seemed oblivious to Velc''s unease. "Oh? Are you baptizing the ve?" Empress inquired with evident interest on her face. "N-No, Empress, it''s just a mistake," Velc responded hastily, attempting to downy Ether''s involvement in front of the Empress. Empress frowned and directed her gaze at Lucius, questioning, "How many people were you informed to baptize?" Lucius, feeling the pressure, began to sweat. While he understood Velc''s reluctance to involve Ether, he couldn''tprehend the reason for the secrecy. However, faced with the Empress''s inquiry, Lucius could only offer the truth. "F-Four people, Your Majesty," he stammered. "Names?" Empress inquired further. "Kai Frostde, Selene Frostde, Timmy, and..." Lucius hesitated, looking at Velc, who desperately hoped he wouldn''t reveal the final name, "Ether" ''Sigh...'' Velc sighed inwardly, realizing his efforts to keep Ether out of the spotlight were in vain. "What are you trying to hide, Velc?" Empress asked in a causal manner but Velc knew the Energy around her pulsating angrily as if she was unhappy about something. "Y-Your Majesty, I-I am... I was thinking that I shouldn''t bring a ve into your presence. I thought it might sully your presence--" Velc attempted to exin. "Bring that boy who caught Mortimer''s attention" Empress simply stated, she didn''t like those lengthy unwanted chats, as the oue remained inevitable. ''Ggrrrr,'' Velc growled inwardly. He exchanged nces with Alfred, who nodded in agreement. Alfred turned to summon Ether. However, to his surprise, "Ether?" Alfred frowned upon seeing Ether already standing at the entrance with a solemn expression. Then, with a resounding "BOOM!!" Ether was sent flying, crashing into a wall and copsing unconscious on the ground. Velc questioned, "Who?" as a ck-haired rugged man, Jack Sparrow, strolled into the temple with a self-assured grin. "Yours truly, Sparrow... Jack Sparrow," he introduced himself, snapping his fingers to create a barrier that immobilized Empress. Velc urgently shouted, "Guards!" "Guards? Them?" Sparrow gestured nonchntly towards his back. Velc''s face twisted in horror when he saw a grotesque image... he then prepared for a confrontation. Lucius positioned himself near the Empress for protection. "Alfred, get the children!" Velcmanded. "Yes, Master!" Alfred swiftly gathered Kai, Selene, and Timmy, cing them behind him. Sparrow, meanwhile, dismissed the tension with a casual whistle, surveying the scene. "Calm down, man," Sparrow taunted Velc. "Calm down? You bastard!!! You have some nerve to kill the soldiers of the Empire!" Velc roared back. "Soldiers from the Empire? If this is the strength of the Empire''s soldiers.... then I am truly disappointed," Sparrow mockingly expressed his discontent. He continued, "Well, since I came to take the Arcane King, I don''t mind facing off against the Empress of the Aquaris Naiadae Kingdom." The deration sent a shiver of fear through everyone present. Chapter 28: Try using your Arcane Card

Chapter 28: Try using your Arcane Card

A Few seconds earlier, Aether just wanted to express his gratitude to the man who had generously shared valuable information with him. He was genuinely thankful since, from the time he arrived in this world, he hadn''t learned much about its intricacies, especially the magic and power systems. Everyone had kept him in the dark, and he wasn''t even certain if Ether, the native in this world, was already aware of this knowledge.... but there were no memoriesing to him. "Thank you, sir, for bestowing me with this information," Aether spoke sincerely from the depths of his heart. He understood the importance of the information he needed in this unfamiliar world, even though he had only arrived a week ago. However, his options were limited to obeying the orders of others..... Even the attempts to escape proved futile. Aether gazed at the man with a small smile, but the serenity of the moment transformed into horror as he witnessed a gruesome sight. The soldiers who had apanied the Empress were being dismantled like livestock, their blood and flesh permeating the air. "Pofff---" Aether covered his mouth to stifle the urge to vomit, his eyes wide with fear as he looked at the ck-haired man, his breath caught in his throat. "You see, kid, I appreciate receiving gratitude from a mere ve, but..." Sparrow''s words trailed off as he clutched Aether''s neck. "I''m not here for idle chatter, though conversing with you was a pleasant pastime... But the time hase to end everything~" Sparrow said with a wicked smile before delivering a punch to Aether''s stomach. "PUffffff!!!!!" Aether was propelled backwards, crashing into the wall with a resounding thud. His frail body, already weakened, sumbed to the force of the punch. The impact sent him spiralling into unconsciousness, his body crumpling against the surface. ..... ... After an unknown amount of time, "Arrhhh!" Aether groaned as he slowly opened his eyes, fluttering against the warm blood trickling through his nostrils. With hazy vision, he observed Velc engaged in a fierce battle against Sparrow and his peculiar magic..... while others seemed to be subdued by the ominous ck-hooded figures. "I-tts seems that m-man brought his subordinates..." He muttered under his breath, struggling to draw in air that refused to fill his lungs, ''Fuck this body!!'' He screamed inwardly. His gaze shifted to the purple-haired woman, the Empress, who sat stoically, devoid of any emotion as if the chaos around her held no significance. ''Well, I also don''t care,'' he contemted. Theck of deep connections upon his arrival in this new world left him indifferent to the chaos surrounding him. Except... ''Well...'' His attention gravitated toward Selene, caught in a relentless struggle against the ck-hooded figures. He shook his head, acknowledging that he wasn''t genuinely attached to her; she had merely shown him pity, nothing more. With a sense of detachment, he reclined and decided to passively observe the unfolding events, deliberately dismissing the unsettling grotesqueries he had witnessed earlier. Although the sudden eruption of gore had initially taken him aback, an inexplicable intuition nagged at him, whispering that he had encountered scenes more disturbing than this... buried deep within the broken memories. Anyhow, "Mr. Velc, just how long are you going to fight me?" Sparrow questioned as he effortlessly evaded the water bullet aimed at him. "-Ha-Ha-Ha-" Velc breathed heavily as fatigue crept into his body. He cast a fleeting nce at the Empress, holding a glimmer of hope, but her stoic expression remained unchanged, as if indifferent to the unfolding struggle. Although her gaze was fixed on Kai, who had already been ensnared by the ck-hooded figures. ''Tsk,'' Velc clicked his tongue, a realization settling in, ''She is assessing my son, isn''t she?'' he pondered. Turning his attention outside, he sought any means of escape..... not for himself, but for his children. To his dismay, the ck-hooded figures had already encircled them. Anger surged within him as he directed a question at Sparrow, "Why are you doing this?" "Hmm..." Sparrow smirked, responding casually, "Me? Well, I''m just a guy who wants peace." "''Snort'' Peace?? YOU?" Velc spat the words with a furious expression, attempting to sh at Sparrow, but thetter effortlessly deflected the attack. "Come on, Mr. Velc. I came here for only a Peace, but that soldier really pissed me off, so I need to finish them off. It''s not me who did anything; it was those who started it," Sparrow exined, ncing at Kai, who was now captured by one of his subordinates. "All I want is the Arcane King, that''s all. Give him to me, and I will leave as if I never appeared before," Sparrow dered with a deadly serious tone. "!!!" Kai visibly flinched, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his eyes before he turned to his father, a worry etched on his face. The collective reaction was not limited to Kai alone; even those who had jubntly celebrated Kai''s recent attainment of the Arcane King title found themselves visibly flinching at Sparrow''s revtion. "D-Don''t tell me yo" Lucius began, his voice trembling with a mixture of shock and apprehension. However, before he could finish his sentence, Sparrow interjected, "Yes, we are the ones traversing the world in search of Arcane Kings and Queens... To either im them or eliminate them... We are known as the Arcane Hunters!" "NO!!!" Velc eximed, swift in drawing an Arcane Card seemingly materializing out of thin air. The card, golden with only two stars, differed from the others as it radiated a shimmer akin to real stars. As Velc prepared to take decisive action, Lucius urgently shouted, "STOP IT!! Don''t do that in front of the Mother Root; otherwise, you will die!" "Hehe.... At least someone has a brain," Sparrow chuckled, his tone tinged with mockery as he addressed Velc, "I know you''re formidable with that Arcane Card, but without it, you''re just a child to me. That''s precisely why I chose this ce, The sanctuary of the Mother Root.... Here, no one shall wield their Arcane Cards.... That''s the unwritten rule, right? However, Aren''t you a little weak?" Sparrow frowned at Velc''s weak bodypared to what records said. "ggrrrrr" Velc gritted his teeth in frustration as he waved his hand, causing the Arcane Card to disintegrate into particles, disappearing into the air. It was at this juncture that an ethereal voice resonated,manding the attention of everyone present. "Why don''t you fight?" Empress, without any visible expression, her gaze fixed on Kai, who stood somewhat taken aback. As she gently regarded him, he couldn''t help but blush, his mind wandering to thoughts like, ''If Mother-inw''s voice is like this, then what about the daughter''s?'' Empress tilted her head, repeating her question with an air of mysterious authority, "Why don''t you try using your Arcane Card?" "Y-Your Majesty?" Velc was visibly startled, caught off guard by The Empress words that literally meant... Suicide. Chapter 29: Kill that Man!!

Chapter 29: Kill that Man!!

"W-What?" Kai stood there, utterly baffled by the Empress''s unexpected and enigmatic words. As Lucius had emphatically warned, wielding an Arcane Card within the sacred confines of the temple, where the Mother Root held its mystical presence, was tantamount tomitting an act of self-destruction..... aka Suicide. Even that was the reason as soon as Kai''s sword appeared it instantly disappeared and merged with Card during the baptism. The unwritten rule etched into the very essence of the sanctum dictated that no one should brandish their Arcane Card before the Mother Root. And Those who dared to break this sacrosanct rule would be condemned to a gruesome fate.... As Mother Root would drag them to Hell!!! This wasn''t a metaphor.... it was the brutal reality that loomed over every Arcane being. It''s the Fucking Truth!!! That even a child knows. Visibly sweating, Kai cast a bewildered nce at the Empress, his expression a strange amalgamation of confusion and anxiety. "Y-Your Majesty, I-I don''t think that''s" Velc began, attempting to voice his concerns, but before he couldplete his sentence, The Empress interjected, her tone tinged with a hint of sarcasm, "Your father will die if things continue... So, are you going to wait until then, The Chosen One?" "I-I..." Kai''s body trembled, his gaze flickering nervously across the temple''s current situation. He knew that being the chosen one meant he would have to endure numerous hardships, a destiny bestowed upon him by the Arcane energy..... However, he never anticipated facing such challenges immediately upon being announced as The Arcane King to the world. "You guys seem to revel in chit-chat... ah," Sparrow sighed with a tone tinged with weariness, ncing over at Kai. A trace of haughtiness coloured his expression as he continued, "He was already caught in our grasp; how could he mov--" ''Thunk!'' "Splurttt!!" ''THUD!" The words hung in the air, silenced by the abrupt beheading of the ck-hooded figure holding Kai, the lifeless form tumbling to the ground. "...." Sparrow stared vacantly at the scene before redirecting his gaze to the Empress, who maintained a stoic countenance as if she wasn''t involved. Inwardly clenching his fist, Sparrow gulped. ''I believed that barrier would confine her, but... Damn! She truly is insane!'' Determined to conclude the task before the Empress could intercede, he readied himself. Velc gulped audibly, his thoughts racing, ''Just as I thought, We merely an entertainment to her!'' Velc screamed internally. He had heard rumours about her extraordinary abilities, but no one had witnessed her actions firsthand, leading him to dismiss it as mere gossip. Now, witnessing the gruesome disy, he couldn''t shake the uneasiness.... He just wants to go home now! Kai hurriedly stood up, distancing himself from the lifeless body. He cast a worried nce at the Empress, his thoughts echoing his concern, ''Shit! This woman is seriously dangerous!'' Meanwhile, Aether... Well.. ''Damn it, man!! I really want popcorn now!!'' Aether mumbled to himself, inwardlymenting theck of cinematic snacks as the unfolding events captivated his attention. The twists and turns of the situation drew his gaze to the purple-haired woman. Sometimes.... he truly wished he could have a see-through magic... ahem, ahem... He means a spell that enables him to see other''s data that inherently came with the system.... That''s all!! ''Compared to Velc and Mortimer... She''s different. I can''t sense any oppressive power. She... Hmm.... She feels as calm as water, seemingly harmless. But I think that''s just--!!'' His thoughts abruptly ceased when he noticed her sudden gaze fixated on him, as if he hadmitted some transgression. In an instant, Aether lowered his eyes, feigning unconsciousness to avoid drawing attention to himself. "Hey, Brat!!" Aether''s entire being recoiled at the address, his heart pounding with the fear that his facade had been unveiled. However, to his astonishment, it was Sparrow who bellowed, addressing Kai with a stern tone. "W-What?" Kai stammered, flinching in turn as he faced Sparrow with an alert expression. "You have two options: Either die ore with us," Sparrow dered, his words hanging heavy in the tense air. Kai remained silent, uncertainty etched across his face. His desperate eyes sought his father, who persistently struggled against Sparrow''s elusive movements, resembling a sparrow dancing effortlessly through the air. "Y-Your Maje--" Kai began to plead for the Empress''s intervention, hoping her formidable power would tip the scales. However, the Empress, with an air of indifference, curtly stated, "It''s your life. Fight!" She wasn''t a heartless woman; she simply sought to witness Kai''s capabilities. Taking in the chaotic scene, Kai''s gaze fell upon his unconscious sister, sprawled on the floor like a delicate fallen flower. Alfred valiantly fought against two relentless ck-hooded figures, while Lucius, not inclined towardsbat, found himself restrained by a single, imposing man. Then there was Timmy, his assistant, the first to sumb to unconsciousness on the cold floor..... Utterly useless now. Left with no alternative, Kai reached for his Arcane Card, and..... a radiant rainbow enveloped the surroundings. ''Gulp'' Kai''s throat tightened audibly as he stole a nce at Sparrow, who stared at him with an intensity that conveyed the gravity of one wrong move. However, a deeper fear nestled within Kai''s heart, warning him not to use the card unless he wanted to be ensnared by the ominous Mother Root. The Empress, with her keen eyes, fixed her gaze on Kai, observing his every move... A flicker of courage danced in his eyes as he held the Arcane Card before him. Velc''s face twisted into an expression of difort, as if he were about to witness the brutal demise of his own child. Sparrow clicked his tongue in impatience, readying himself and signalling others to eliminate Kai at the slightest hint of action. "I.... ''Gulp''...." Kai''s fear was palpable, his hands trembling as he faced the impending threat. The anticipation in the Empress''s heart surged, awaiting the unfolding of the unexpected. "I...." "I-I.... Help me, Ether" "Huh?" Aether let out a shocked voice, incredulous that the brat had called on him of all people. He quickly lowered his head pertending he still unconcious, feigning disbelief, ''The fuck was that!!'' he screamed inwardly. Yet, Kai, with the newfound idea, asserted, "I, Kai Frostde, order you, Ether, to kill that man!" Themand hung in the air. Suddenly, "AAARRRHHHHHH!" A guttural scream of agony echoed as Aether clutched his neck, his body moving involuntarily.... He stood before Sparrow, a vessel for Kai''smand as ifpelled by an unseen force. With a horrified look, Aether stared at Sparrow who had an amusing smile and pity face. "Well, It''s good to see you again...." Chapter 30: Okay, Now Right hand!

Chapter 30: Okay, Now Right hand!

If one were to express Aether''s current state in a single word.... it would be ''impossible''. Impossible toprehend... Impossible to resist and.... Impossible to articte the dread coursing through Aether''s veins.... That''s what Aether''s currently feeling. With a horrified expression, he stared at his own body, a vessel now under the influence of forces beyond his control. ''W-What the Fuc'' He found himself unable toplete his sentence, as an iprehensible pressurepelled him to move involuntarily, defying his own will..... ''T-This Fe-Felling...'' The sensation felt familiar, reminiscent of that day when he believed he was being stared down by death itself. The day he attempted to harm Kai, he was suddenly engulfed in an abyss-like sensation. He initially dismissed it as stress, as those oppressive feelings vanished after that incident.... Yet, here they were, resurfacing once more..... ''E-Eternal Slv'' His thoughts were abruptly interrupted by Sparrow, who, with an amusing smile, uttered, "Eternal ve...Wooo, wwsssiiii," as he whistled. Velc''s face contorted into a grimace upon hearing Sparrow''s words. "To think you would stoop this low... Man, colour me surprised. I never thought there would be a day where the Righteous Mortimer Fortde would allow his son to do this... Now I understand why you are weak.... You sacrificed your Arcane Stars to form an Eternal Contract...ah" Sparrow spat out with evident disgust. Even the Empress couldn''t resist casting an intrigued gaze upon Aether. Sparrow shook his head, shrugged, and shifted his attention to Aether, who wore a horrified expression, struggling to regain control of his own body. With a pitiful smile, Sparrow remarked, "Damn, man, I initially thought you were just a mere temporary ve, but... Tsk, tsk..." !~Ding~! [+1 Affection] Ignoring the glimmer of pity in Sparrow''s gaze, Aether snapped out of it, turned his gaze toward Kai, and erupted with anger, shouting, "What have you done to my body!" However, in a sudden twist of events, "Arrrhhh!!" Aether clutched his mind as if something were violently rending his thoughts. "Huh? You don''t know?" Sparrow asked Aether, a look of surprise crossing his face. Observing Aether''s continued struggle, Sparrow added, "But it''s impossible to form a contract without your acknowledgement..... hmm?" "Kill him!" Kai ordered without hesitation. Aether''s right hand, seemingly under the control of an unseen force, moved with puppet-like precision. Attempting to counteract the involuntary motion, Aether tried to grasp his right hand with his left, only to find his left hand poised to strike Sparrow. However, ''Thunk'' Sparrow skillfully caught both of Aether''s hands, casting an amused nce at Kai, "Do you really think with his feeble body he could even scratch me?" "He may not, but my father can..." Kai retorted, his toneced with arrogance. ''Chkkkkk!'' ''Cough, Cough'' ''Drip, Drip'' Sparrow looked down, his piercing gaze catching sight of the sharp de that had mercilessly breached Aether''s stomach, extending with ominous intent through his body. As the metallic scent of blood infused the air, droplets fell from Sparrow''s lips, mirroring the crimson that Aether, with each convulsive cough, spewed forth. Aether''s eyes, once vibrant, now dimmed in the grip of pain and.... impending darkness. ''W-What the...?'' He thought. Velc materialized behind Aether, executing a skilful thrust of his de. However, disying a keen awareness of vital points, Velc managed to avoid causing irreparable harm, ensuring the pration was deep yet controlled. "You are a cunning one, aren''t you?" Sparrow remarked, his gaze fixed on Kai, a twinkle of admiration in his eyes. Kai, visibly unsettled, gulped audibly as he took a cautious step backwards. The nk expression on Sparrow''s face sent a chill down his spine. His eyes shifted between Sparrow and Velc... "If I were to eliminate this ve, there would be consequences for the Master, correct?" Kai inquired, his tone carrying a subtle threat. Velc, caught off guard by the query, flinched momentarily before swiftly withdrawing the sword from Ether and trying to pull him. However, "Do you think you can escape from me?" Sparrow dered as he swiftly seized Aether''s left hand and, with a forceful kick, sent Velc sprawling away. "Let''s see whether the amendments about the Eternal Contract were true or not..." Sparrow mused aloud, his gaze fixed upon Aether. Aether sensed an impending cmity, a premonition of something dire about to unfold. He yearned to escape, to distance himself from the unfolding chaos, and to scream that he was not rted to them. Yet... Sparrow, wearing a wicked smile, ruthlessly severed Aether''s left hand as he crumpled to the ground. ''Thud'' ''Splurrttt!'' "AARRRRHHHHHHH!" Aether''s cry echoed in the air as the gruesome reality unfolded before his eyes. "COUGH, COUGH!!!" Kai convulsed, vomiting blood as if some internal parts had seized control of his body. "KAI!!" Velc''s anguished shout filled the air as he rushed to support his son. Urgently, he implored Kai to recall Ether, "Call him back!!" However, Kai continued to retch blood, appearing as if he were the one perpetrating the harm upon himself. "Hmm... Interesting," Sparrow nodded with a detached curiosity. He then callously discarded the severed hand. ''Thud!'' Itnded upon the altar..... where the Mother Rooty exposed. "NO!! You''ve tainted the Mother!!" Lucius, the priest, screamed in fear, tears streaming down his face. But amidst the unfolding chaos, the cries of the priest fell on deaf ears.... Who in the world would listen to a priest''s pathetic cries? No one... "Okay, now the right hand!" Sparrow announced, a sadistic glint in his eyes as he seized Aether''s remaining hand. "N-No.. hehe...No, NO!!!" Aether''s desperate cries filled the air as he futilely attempted to evade the clutches of the maniacal tormentors. "Don''t worry, rather than living as an Eternal ve, Dying is the best option!" Sparrow callously dered, tearing away Aether''sst remaining hand. "AARRRRRHHHH!! HEHEHEHEH!!!!" The Weird anguished cry reverberated through the temple, a symphony of pain that left an indelible mark on the sacred space. Aether''s eyes gradually closed, as if his tortured body had reached the limits of endurance. "ARrhh!! Cough, Cough!!"Kai, too, convulsed, coughing up blood. Hisplexion turned pallid and feeble, betraying the internal parts wreaking havoc within him. Soon, Kai sumbed to unconsciousness. "Hmm? Already?" The Empress sighed in a tone of defeat. Her desire to witness the true power of the Arcane King dwindled as hey unconscious, seemingly powerless even before unleashing his capabilities.... She felt pathetic to that boy. She couldn''t help but feel a twinge of disappointment, questioning whether she should allow her daughter to marry such a man. ''Oh well, let''s think about thatter!'' she mused, deciding to conclude the spectacle with her own two hands. However, in the midst of the unfolding chaos, an emotionless and chillyugh echoed dangerously, "He...Heh...Heheh...Hehehehehehehehehehehehehe!!" Turning toward the source, she saw Ether, the handless ve,ughing weirdly at Sparrow. "OH? Have you gone mad??" Sparrow jested, his amusement evident as he grabbed Aether''s hair, lifting his head to face theughing ve. Aether, his eyes nk, stared at Sparrow with emotions indiscernible. In aughing that cut through the tension, he uttered, "Hehe.. heh.... he.... Log... In!" !~Ding~! Chapter 31: Contract to ########

Chapter 31: Contract to ########

Aether''s POV "AARRRRHHHHH!!!" I cried out in agony as both of my hands were ruthlessly torn off. ''T-This is wrong!!... Heh...W-What''s wrong with these people!!!'' I screamed in my mind. I wanted to ask for help wed at me, but I knew it was futile.... Heh... Ever since I arrived in this world, not a single soul had extended a helping hand or offered support..... The only exception was that girl who seemed to pity me. But even she couldn''t help me. ''YOU FUCKING LOG!!! HELP ME, BASTARD!!! JUST GIVE ME ANYTHING!!! Hehehe...'' I pleaded desperately for assistance from the Log. That thing brought me must want something from .... otherwise, there was no exnation for my sudden fucked up life...hehe. And just as always, it remained fucking silent. Then, in a sudden rush, my mind turned hazy, as if my body had finally hit its limit. He...h Yes, ''MY'' body. Ever since I found myself inside this boy''s body, I couldn''t shake the feeling that it was mine and mine alone. There was no doubt about it.... yet I couldn''t fathom the reason. My body gradually turned numb, and a chilling realization crept over me, ''So, he can literally control my body.... Heh'' Terror coursed through me at the thought.... a revtion Mortimer had never disclosed. ''Hehe...That fucking old rotten bastard!! I should have known he was dangerous!!'' I screamed, regretting how easily I had trusted the words of that deceitful old man... called Mortimer! ''FUCK!!'' The memory of my body moving autonomously, like someone else piloting my vessel..... left me feeling disgusted. Heheh.... I-I wanted to escape from this fate, to run away from everything.... Hehe However, I understood deep down that no matter where I went, these guys would follow, just as my second father had shadowed me. ''I will once again... be controlled by other people...Heheheh?'' I couldn''t help butment about my pathetic life once more. This Ether boy, I didn''t know the details of his existence, but I felt a connection. I understood one thing.... he had chosen to die over sumbing to others'' cruelty. Because, even as someone who had nearly reached the age of 30, I had contemted ending my own wretched life. Yet, a stubborn part of me persisted.... the same part that yearned to fight, to prove to others that I could endure every hardship and emerge radiant, like a shining star. Like a shining star....Heh However, this wasn''t the case for the 15-year-old child who had endured something so horrific that he could never fathom living again.... He chose to die. Of course, these were mere assumptions, born out of my inability to inherit this tormented child''s memories. The gulf between our experiences was vast, yet we shared struggles... Heheh ''What should I do? They are going to kill me...'' I mumbled in a sorrowful tone and.... Smile? However, ''I-I want to punch him!!'' ''I at least wanted to feel the impact of my fist against that man''s face, the one who audaciously calls himself Jack Sparrow... Fuck!!'' The fury in my heart intensified just recalling how he introduced himself, making my blood simmer with resentment. ''Fucker!!'' Clenching my teeth, I fought against the encroaching darkness, struggling to reim my consciousness. ''I won''t die likest time!!! Heheheh I''ll at leastnd a punch on that man''s face and witness the shock etched across it... ahahahaha... No hands, I will use my fucking Head!!!'' I screamed inwardly, mustering every fragment of energy within me. My heavy eyelids slowly fluttered, and the world around me shifted from a blurry haze to a semnce of rity..... It was at that pivotal moment, !~Ding~! [Say: Log In] "...." [Say: Log In] ''....YOU MOTHER FUCKER!!! FINALLY SHOWED UP!! WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU, BITCH!! TELL ME WHERE YOU HAVE BEEN WHEN I AM GOING THROUGH THIS SHIT!!'' I screamed inwardly, frustration bubbling up as those texts materialized in my vision. However, to my dismay those repeated like a robot... [Say: Log In] "..." "He...Heh...Heheh...Hehehehehehehehehehehehehe!!" My uneaseughs loudly shouted, drawing the attention of everyone in the temple. "OH? Have you gone mad??" I heard those haughty voices. Iughed off the audience''s gaze and directed my nk eyes towards the man called Sparrow. An ''Unknown'' storm of emotions swirled within my heart as I muttered with a wickedughing expression, "Hehe.. heh.... he.... Log... In!" !~Ding~! Only I heard those bells; for others, the sudden appearance of a ck transparent screen caused them to flinch..... and turn their attention towards the altar. A collective gasp filled the temple as the screen became visible to everyone, [Request: Logging In] They couldn''t believe what they witnessed, just a broken hand causing this phenomenon... [....] [....] [....] [....] [....] Frowns formed on everyone''s faces as they wondered why it took so long to connect with the Mother Tree. Their eyes were drawn to the hand-like roots where Aether''s left hand hadnded, blood coating the once-pure sanctuary and defiling its sanctity. TAINTED!!! That''s what their mind echoed when they saw pure roots tainted with ve''s blood. Sparrow, eager to finish me, found himself unable to interfere during the baptism process, as the Mother Root herself protected the participants. He clicked his tongue in annoyance. As the wait extended to almost a minute, Sparrow''s impatience grew, ''Well, let''s take care of that brat...'' he contemted, dismissing me from his attention. "I will kill you, bastard!" Velc shouted, his anger ring as he sensed Sparrow approaching his son. Just as Sparrow was about to throw Velc aside and grab Kai, amanding voice echoed through the temple, "Hey, he...heh... I said.... L.O.G. I.N.!!" ''ssssshhhhh!!!'' The energy around the temple trembled, and everyone''s eyes suddenly shifted to me. I stood there, looking at the sky with a nk expression. ''Drip, Drip, Drip'' Blood dripped from my torn shoulders, yet... I felt nothing. All I desired was to punch the man who subjected me to this torment. No, I wanted to punch everyone who contributed to my suffering... from Velc and Kai to Alfred, Timmy, and theirckeys. I wanted to strike their faces untttiiiillllll...I was satisfied, an overwhelming urge of ''Unknown'' Emotions. I wanted tough loudly just like before.... I stared at my own Log''s screen, disying, [Error] [Retry] [Error: Unknown] [Retry] [Error: Unknown] [Retry] .... ... !~Ding~! [Order from ########] [....] [Retry] !~Ding~! [Affirmative] / Name: Ether Sex: Male Race: Human Level: 0 Title: ve [Master: Kai Frostde] Attributes: Strength: -1 Agility: 0 Intelligence: 1 Magic Affinity: 0 Charm: 1 / The collective disappointment lingered in the room, as the promising buildup and the peculiar atmosphere had led them to anticipate something significant.... Very big!! Velc released a relieved sigh, finding nothing unusual in Ether''s log. On the other hand, Alfred expressed his annoyance with a disdainful click of his tongue as he couldn''t prove any irregrities in Ether''s Log. However, instead of joining the others in scrutinizing the altar, the Empress''s attention was fixated on the boy who stood there, smiling at the sky. In My eyes, / Name: Aether Sex: Male Race: ##### Level: 0 Title: The Lost One, ve [Eternal Contract to ########], The Only Holder of Ether and Past-less, Future-less Entity. Attributes: Strength: -1 Agility: 0 Intelligence: 3 Magic Affinity: 0 Charm: 1 Compatibility: 85% ? Survival rate= 0.2% ? Affection Points: 00983 (1000 Affection Points = 1 *any Attributes) ???? / Suddenly, [+1000 Affection] [+1000 Affection] [+1000 Affection] [+1000 Affection] [+1000 Affection] [+1000 Affection] [+1000 Affection] [+1000 Affection] [+1000 Affection] [+1000 Affection] ''Hehehe-----Heh?!!!'' Chapter 32: YOU ANGERED OUR MOTHER!!

Chapter 32: YOU ANGERED OUR MOTHER!!

Third Person''s POV The Empress stood, her gaze fixed upon the boy who stood before her, his lips curled in a mildughter that seemed to dance beneath his breath. Then, her attention flickered to the ck, transparent screen nearby. There was nothing remarkable about it, yet a hint of curiosity tinged her thoughts, urging her to delve deeper into its enigmatic depths. "Heheh..." Aether''sughter persisted, a subtle melody amidst the silence of the chamber, his eyes alight with unspoken defiance as they met Mother Root. Uncertain of why no one intervened, Aether found himself oddly... didn''t care, If he going die anyway, he would not sumb without a fight, refusing to meet his death in the same pitiful manner as before. Observing Aether''s hazy and determined wobbly walk toward the Altar, Sparrow merely shrugged, while beads of sweat began to form on Velc''s furrowed brow. Today, Velc purpose was to ascertain whether Aether had fallen prey to maniption or not. Velc harbored no intention of allowing him to summon his Arcane Card, fully aware of the dire consequences that would ensue if his father caught wind of such actions. If he knew, Velc would die surely!! Velc tried to stop Ether, even though he knew he couldn''t. Yet, he couldn''t allow it, especially not in front of the Empress. "H-hey, St---" Velc''s attempt to interject was swiftly halted by a single nce from the Empress, her gaze imbued with an authority thatmanded obedience andpliance..... much like the invisible pressure he had once exerted upon Aether during their initial encounter. ''Fuck!!'' Velc cursed as hemented the grave error of bringing Aether into their midst. With bated breath, Aether stood before the Altar, his chest heaving with exertion as he beheld the ethereal spectacle unfolding before him. The intricate web of Roots intertwined to form a divine hand, its allure mixed against the crimson stains of his own blood... As his gaze settled upon his torn hand, whichy cradled within the embrace of Mother Root, ''Drip, Drip'' Aether couldn''t help but notice the blood still dripping from its flesh, staining the ground that represents purity... "Heheh..." With a sinister chuckle, he muttered under his breath, the words dripping with venomous intent, "Heh... By the... hehe... Cursed words and..... a venomous plea, obey my touch and be tainted by.... blood. Summon forth..... hehehehe..... YOU FUCKING ARCANE BITCH!!" Horrified by the sacrilegious chant, Lucius, the sole priest present, couldn''t contain his outrage as he confronted the audacious ve who dared to defile the purity of Mother Root. "You Bastard!!" Lucius''s voice echoed with a mixture of pain and anger, "How dare you defile our pure Mother with such vile words! Kneel down now and beg for her mercy!!!!" "This guy''s gone nuts..." Sparrow muttered incredulously, his eyes widening in disbelief as he observed the chaotic scene unfolding before him, yet Mother Root remained unmoved by themotion. Not even a single reaction. "Of course, there''s no way that chant would work," Sparrow remarked mockingly, his toneced with disdain, before scooping up Kai and preparing to depart. ''Ttrrrr'' But just as he and his subordinates were about to leave, a faint tremor reverberated through the temple, causing Sparrow to pause mid-step, his senses alert to the subtle shift in the atmosphere. "Hmm?" Frowns creased the brows of those present, their confusion mounting. "TTTTTRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!" The sudden eruption of sound echoed like thunder, shaking the very foundations of the temple as if a mighty earthquake had seized hold of thend. "YOU SLAVE!!" Lucius''s voice cracked with a mixture of fear and indignation as he pointed an usatory finger at Aether, "YOU ANGERED OUR MOTHER!!" As fear gripped Lucius''s heart, his thoughts turned inward, a desperate plea echoing in the recesses of his mind, "Dear Mother, I-I am not... he is the one. He is the one who defiled you, who tainted your sacred face..." His words devolved into incoherent ramblings as panic clouded his senses. Meanwhile, Aether remained unperturbed, his gaze fixated on the roots before him, his expression unreadable as he slowly inclined his head towards the divine entity. The tremors left the onlookers stunned, their eyes darting around the chamber in confusion when felt the earthquake.... Yet amidst the chaos, only one individual observed Aether with a mixture of shock and intrigue. "What in the world is he going to do?" The Empress muttered, her expression a mix of shock and intrigue as she watched the unfolding scene before her. ''Crunch, Crunch'' The unsettling sound of crunching echoed throughout the chamber, causing everyone to flinch before their attention snapped back to the Altar.... To their disbelief, Aether was sinking his teeth into the root. "YOU HERETIC!!!" Lucius''s voice reverberated with pain and fury, his eyes aze with righteous anger at the sacrilegious act unfolding before him. ''Drip, Drip...'' The blood that had coated the surface of the root began to flow anew as Aether''s teeth pierced its flesh, a crimson rivulet trickling down his chin. With each bite, the blood was drawn deeper into the Roots, triggering a visceral reaction.... "LUBB! DUP!" A thunderous heartbeat resounded throughout the chamber, its rhythmic pulse shaking the very air around them. The Empress rose to her feet, her eyes fixed upon Aether as he stubbornly persisted in his bizarre endeavour, attempting to pull the root with just his teeth. "What in the hell...?" Sparrow eximed, his irritation palpable as he set Kai down and strode purposefully towards Aether, determined to put an end to the chaos that surrounded him. "TTRRRRRRRR!!!!" Before Sparrow could utter another word, a deafening roar drowned out his voice, the ground trembling violently beneath their feet. "Do you think you can pull that root with yo--" "BOOMM!!" Those were thest words Sparrow uttered before witnessing Aether, now handless, somersault through the air with a massive root mped firmly between his teeth, crashing down upon his prone body. Sparrow couldn''t even had time to act like a Sparrow... ''Thuuu'' Aether spat the root from his mouth, his gaze fixed on the lifeless form of Sparrow. "...Hehe... That''s what my desire..." Aether muttered, his voice tinged with an eerie calmness. But the unfolding events were far from over. Suddenly, the ck screen behind Aether flickered like an old TV, catching everyone''s attention. !~Ding~! A bell-like sound reverberated in Aether''s mind, followed by a deafening, ''SSSSHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!'' As a blinding light emanated from the temple, enveloping everything in its brilliance. Squinting against the intense re, the onlookers watched in awe as the light surpassed even Kai, the renowned Arcane King, in brightness. Spection ran rampant as they wondered what manner of Card this mere ve could possibly summon. And just as anticipation reached its peak, an unknown card materialized before their eyes... "Tang" "SSshhhh...." The Empress, Velc, Lucius, Alfred... their eyes widened in astonishment at the sight before them. What emerged was a pure white card, its radiance transcending any shade of white they had ever encountered. A Pure White!! Even Pure Virgins would pale in front of this Purity!! Aether''s head lolled from side to side as his gaze settled on Velc, a silent threat lingering in his eyes. But before he could act further, exhaustion overtook him, and his eyelids drooped shut and leaned on the humongous root. ''Trrrrrkkkkkkk'' Once more, the earth trembled, but this time the disturbance emanated outside of the temple.... Temple''s Entrance! As all eyes turned towards the source, a wave of fear washed over them at the sight of.... "GGFRRRRRRTTTTTT!!!!!" A sinister, devoid ck entity crawling towards them, its ominous presence sending shivers down their spines. Chapter 33: World’s Biggest Sinful Person

Chapter 33: World''s Biggest Sinful Person

A sinister presence, darker than the depths of the abyss, unfurled from the confines of the temple, its very essence casting a suffocating shroud over the chamber. ''ggrrrrrttttrrrrr'' The sound, guttural and otherworldly, reverberated through the air like a discordant melody, sending tremors of fear coursing through the hearts of those who dared to listen. With an unsettling grace, the entity crawled along the ground, its inky form blending seamlessly with the shadows, a testament to its malevolent nature. As it moved with an otherworldly elegance, each sinewy limb seemed to ripple with dark energy, leaving a trail of dread in its wake. Those who beheld its approach could not help but feel a primal instinct urging them to flee, to escape the encroaching darkness that threatened to swallow them whole. "Everyone, back off!" The Empress''smand cut through the tense atmosphere, and as if by some invisible force, the sacred onlookers werepelled to retreat, creating a safe distance between themselves and the encroaching creature. Velc swiftly gathered the unconscious children, his movements deft and purposeful, while Alfred mirrored his actions, ensuring their safety amidst the chaos. Meanwhile, the hooded figures attempted to flee from the unknown entity, but their efforts were in vain as the Empress''s gaze held them in ce, her silentmand keeping them rooted to the spot. "W-What is that thing?!" Lucius''s voice trembled with disbelief as he watched the sinister entity draw closer, its inky form sending shivers down his spine. With four sinewy limbs moving in a meticulously choreographed rhythm, the entity advanced with an otherworldly elegance. Each calcted step reverberated throughout the chamber, ''Step, step... Step, Step'' As the entity closed the distance, its shadowy form seemed to blend seamlessly with the darkness, obscuring its true nature and intent. Those who watched dared not breathe, transfixed by the mesmerizing, yet undeniably menacing, spectacle unfolding before them. Finally, It inexorably closed the distance between itself and Aether, who remained unconscious against the root. As it stood before Aether, its featureless face betrayed no emotion as it gazed down at the root that Aether leaned upon, then shifted its attention to the motionless figure beneath the monstrous root.... Then it looked at Aether and, "Grrrrrrr....." A low, rumbling growl emanated from its throat, but strangely, it seemed almostforting, as if attempting to soothe Aether in his unconscious state. Then, its focus shifted to the ethereal white card hovering in the sky above. "KKRRRRRRIIIIIIRRR" In an instant, it emitted a piercing screech, its monstrous form springing forward with astonishing speed, propelled by an insatiable hunger for the pure, ethereal essence of the card. However, As the bright light emitted from the card enveloped the entity, it began to writhe and convulse, its form consumed by the pureness emanating from the White Arcane card. Relief washed over the onlookers as they witnessed the creature burning away to nothingness before it could reach its intended target. However, their momentary relief proved short-lived as another unnerving sound reverberated through the temple, ''ggrrrrrttttrrrrr'' An uncanny and guttural sound echoed in the temple as an entity crawled on the ground. "!!!!!" A collective flinch swept through the assembly as they witnessed the reappearance of the same entity, seemingly unscathed by its previous encounter with the card, resuming its relentless advance. But the tension escted further as another guttural sound echoed from behind, ''ggrrrrrttttrrrrr'' Revealing the presence of yet another entity. "What the hell is happening?" Velc''s voice rang out in desperation, mirroring the confusion and fear gripping the hearts of everyone. ".... ''Gulp'' So this is the golden egg that Master Mortimer was talking about?" Alfred muttered, his voice trembling with fear. Even he couldn''t shake the overwhelming sense of dread that washed over him at the sight of the entity. He knew that if he were to confront it, his frail bones wouldn''t stand a chance against its formidable might. Just as before, the ck entities fixated their gaze upon Aether before unleashing a cacophony of screeches and hurling themselves towards the white card. And just as before, they were incinerated into nothingness by the pure energy emitted from the card. However, ''ggrrrrrttttrrrrr'' As the Empress stood watch, her heart heavy with foreboding, another entity emerged from the shadows, its arrival a grim testament to the unfolding chaos. With each passing moment, the solitary figure multiplied, until the temple was overrun by a horde of malevolent entities, their dark forms casting a pall over the sacred space. In the face of this overwhelming arrival of the unknown, the Empress and others could only watch in horror as the creatures multiplied, their numbers swelling with each passing moment. It was a relentless tide, an unyielding force of darkness that threatened to consume everything in its path. After what felt like an eternity, ''Cruch'' One of the ck entities managed to withstand the onught of pure energy, sinking its teeth into the edge of the white card, and causing everyone to flinch in anticipation. "BOOMMM!!!" A deafening explosion stopped the silence, reverberating through the chamber with an overwhelming force. The air crackled with oppressive energy, thick and suffocating, as the dark and impure essence of the card surged forth, engulfing the temple in its sinister embrace. In that moment of chaos and upheaval, the bitten ck entity seemed to swirl and writhe, merging seamlessly with the pulsating energy of the card. Its form blurred and distorted, bing indistinguishable as it fused with the raw power coursing through the card. "KKKIIIIIKKKUUU!!!" "KKUUURRRRR!" The chamber trembled with the cries of the remaining ck entities, their voices merging into a cacophony of... happiness? as they were inexorably drawn towards the pulsating energy of the card. One by one, they hurled themselves into the swirling vortex of energy, their forms dissolving into nothingness as they merged with the dark essence contained within the card. The Empress and the others watched in stunned silence as the once-pure white card slowly transformed into a swirling abyss of darkness. An Impure Darkness!! Even the World''s Biggest Sinful Person would pale in front of this Impurness!! Lucius swallowed hard, a sense of foreboding gripping his heart. ''This must be an omen,'' he thought, his gaze shifting uneasily between the now-darkened card and the unconscious form of Aether, who had not only desecrated their temple but also unleashed a dangerous entity into their world. "DIE YOU BASTARD!!" Lucius''s voice rang out with fury as heunched himself at Aether, his intent clear. Before the Empress could intervene, a piercing screech echoed through the chamber, "KIIIRRRRRR" Followed by a sickening ''Thud'' As Lucius''s lifeless, headless body crumpled to the ground, a collective gasp escaped the onlookers, their horror mirroring the ghastly scene unfolding before them. "LUCI---" Velc''s scream was abruptly silenced, his voice drowned out by the chilling presence of the dark entity now fixating its gaze upon him, sending a shiver down his spine that seemed to pierce his very soul. Velc''s fear intensified as he stared back into the abyss-like gaze of the dark entity, his body drenched in sweat despite the weird coolness of the chamber. ''Drip, Drip'' The rhythmic sound of dripping echoed ominously in the silence, each drop resonating like a foreboding drumbeat, amplifying the palpable sense of dread that hung heavy in the air. "ggggggrrrrrrrr" A primal, guttural sound emanated from Lucius''s lifeless form, causing a ripple of terror to cascade through the room, freezing the Empress, Velc, Alfred, and the others in a tableau of fear-stricken disbelief.... A ghost!! ''Tckk, T'' And then, as if summoned by the darkness that enveloped him, Lucius''s body began to convulse, a twisted dance of death and rebirth. With each spasm, a swirling mist emerged, coalescing into the ominous figure of the dark entity, the same dark entity that had haunted them moments before. As the dark entity took shape, a macabre transformation overtook Lucius''s once-lifeless body, hastening its decay until it dissolved into wisps of shadow, vanishing into the unknown before their very eyes. "KKKIIIIIKKKUUU!!!" The entity''s chilling cry pierced the air onest time, a hauntingment echoing through the chamber like a mournful dirge. With an otherworldly grace, it followed its brethren, leaping into the swirling vortex of darkness contained within the arcane card, and disappearing into the abyssal depths.... "M-Master?" Alfred''s breath hitched as he observed the unsettling events unfolding before him, ''Even Lucius''s body didn''t remain in this world,'' he realized with a pang of dread, his gaze shifting between his son''s unconscious form and Aether''s prone figure. A sense of foreboding settled over him, and he couldn''t help but feel a creeping fear worm it''s way into his heart. ''Gulp'' Alfred swallowed hard, grappling with thoughts he dared not entertain. "A-Alfred?" Velc''s voice broke through his thoughts, and Alfred met his gaze, finding a shared expression of concern and understanding between them. Finally, the dark entity failed to materialize once more, leaving everyone''s attention fixed on the transformed card. The once pure white card underwent a profound transformation, its surface was now divided..... diagonally into two distinct halves. One half shimmered with a pristine white hue, symbolizing purity and light, while the other half was engulfed in an intense ckness, representing the depths of abyssal darkness. As the card pulsated with this newfound duality, "BA-DUMP" A powerful sound wave resonated from its core, emanating with an otherworldly intensity that reverberated throughout the chamber, signalling the profound shift in its essence.... Pure and Impure. "BOOMMMMM!!!" The resounding boom echoed across the world and beyond, its intensity shaking the very fabric of reality. As the sound reverberated through the universe, the colossal root that Aether had pulled from his mouth vanished without a trace, leaving him to plummet to the ground. ''Thud'' Empress swiftly caught him, her expression indifferent as she regarded his unconscious form. ncing down, she noted the absence of Jack Sparrow, the once haughty figure now seemingly transformed like nothing. ''Seems like he also turned into one of them,'' she thought, her indifference palpable as she shrugged off the revtion. Her attention then turned to the Weird Card that descended from above. Moving to touch it, she found it elusive, disappearing with a mere, ''Tick'' Before her fingertips could make contact. Sighing in resignation, Empress fixed her gaze upon Velc, her tone stern as she addressed him, "You have lots to exin, Mr. Velc Frostde!" "Y-Your Majesty?" Velc gulped hard when he saw her looking at him with an indifferent expression. Chapter 34: The prophecy, right?

Chapter 34: The prophecy, right?

In a frozen expanse, where ice and snow nketed thend in an ethereal glow, two figures faced each other. Seated upon a majestic ice throne adorned with intricate designs and emanating a lustrous aura untouched by mortal hands, The purple-haired gorgeous woman stared at the old man who stood before her. Mortimer Frostde greeted with a respectful bow of his head. "Wee to my humble abode, Your Majesty," he spoke with a hint of deference in his tone. The Empress Marisandra Naiadia regarded Mortimer with indifferent yet enchanting purple eyes, her gaze piercing through the icy surroundings as if searching for hidden truths within their depths. "Humble...?" she murmured, her voice carrying a hint of scepticism. With a single gesture from her hand, shemanded the ice to yield, and as if responding to her will, fissures spread across its surface with delicate grace, ''Crack, Crack'' The ice shattered, forming intricate patterns of cracks that dispersed into particles like a fleeting illusion, revealing the room beyond in all its vastness. With the ice dissipated, the room was finally revealed... a vast expanse,rger than Aether''s current storage room. In fact, it could fit a hundred of Aether''s storage rooms within its bounds, though it remained empty, devoid of any furnishings. ''Shhooow'' Despite the dispersal of every fragment of ice, the icy throne upon which the Empress sat remained steadfast, as white vapours came out of it. Mortimer''s brow furrowed in confusion at the Empress''s sudden action, but he refrained from voicing his concerns. Instead, he began to inquire, "What might be the re--" But before he could finish, the Empress interrupted him with a pointed question. "What happened to you?" Her indifferent voice reverberated through the silent mansion, its echoes reaching even the ears of Velc and Alfred, who stood trembling outside. After the chaos had subsided, Velc made the decision to depart, feeling a mix of emotions swirling within him. However, before he could leave, the Empress forc-ahem... politely asked, that she wished to speak with Mortimer. And of course, bound by duty and respect for their Empress, Velc brought her to his huge mansion. Velc and Alfred remained, their nerves taut with apprehension. "Alfred, do you think she intends to harm him?" Velc''s voice quivered with uncertainty, his heart was heavy with conflicting emotions.... He was sad at the same time happy that his father finally leaving. "Don''t worry, Master. The Empress wouldn''ty a hand on the Savior of a Million People," Alfred reassured him, his expression grave and unwavering. "...." As they waited anxiously outside the room.... Inside, Mortimer maintained an air of feigned ignorance as he addressed the Empress''s inquiry. "What do you mean, Your Majesty?" he inquired, his tone carefully crafted to conceal any hint of anxiety. The Empress regarded Mortimer with an unwavering stare as he simply smiled in return. "You look weak... What happened to you?" she asked directly, her tone carrying a hint of concern.... but was truly not. Mortimer hesitated for a moment before responding, "Oh? That''s a little hard to sa--" "I will listen," the Empress interjected firmly with a smile. With a resigned sigh, Mortimer conceded, his smile tinged with sadness as he revealed, "I sought to explore the depths of arcane beyond ourprehension, but my ignorance led to a curse inflicted by our own arcane energy. I am currently in the process of recuperating." The Empress scrutinized Mortimer''s expression before pressing further, her tone bing more insistent, "And you haven''t informed us about this in the past three years?" Before Mortimer could offer an exnation, the Empress delved deeper, her keen mind piecing together the puzzle, "When was thest time you appeared?...Hmm... It was soon after the prophecy, correct?" A subtle twitch flickered across Mortimer''s face, but he maintained hisposed demeanour, his smile unwavering as he confirmed, "Yes, I left to search for the person destined to be the Arcane King... hehehe.... Not realizing it is all alone... my grandson," he added with a chuckle, a hint of pride colouring his words. The Empress stared intently at Mortimer, who maintained a proud expression as he mumbled about his grandson. "So, when you brought that ve? What name is it? E--" "Ether?" Mortimer interjected, his brow furrowing in confusion at the sudden mention of the ve''s name. "Hmm," the Empress nodded thoughtfully before pressing on, "Who is he? And.... what is he?" Mortimer''s proud demeanour faltered for a moment, but he quicklyposed himself, replying, "His name is Ether, and I acquired him from random ve traders. As for what he is?.... He is just a vige boy." "A vige boy?" the Empress repeated, her brow furrowing in contemtion. Leaning forward, she inquired further, "Which vige?" Mortimer hesitated, uncertain why the Empress was suddenly so interested in a mere ve. "I''m not sure, Your Majesty. The ve trader only mentioned that he was from a vige," he admitted. "Hmm," the Empress hummed, her expression thoughtful as she considered this information. Then, she shifted her focus to the ve trader. "Tell me about the name of the ve trader," shemanded. "His name is Darius Ironfang, from the IronFang Gang," Mortimer replied without hesitation. "Hmm," the Empress murmured, leaning back on her throne and closing her eyes, lost in thought as she pondered the significance of these revtions, her mind drifting to the enigmatic ck entities. The Empress was truly intrigued by the mysterious ck entity, something she had never encountered or even heard of before. "Do you know what he is capable of?" she suddenly asked, her tone serious. Mortimer flinched at the unexpected question, "P-Pardon?" he stammered, caught off guard by her inquiry. "Do you know what he is?" the Empress pressed, her gaze piercing. "I am not sure what you are hinting at, but he was just a ve I picked for my grandson," Mortimer replied with a frown, puzzled by the Empress''s line of questioning, ''Why she is going on about that ve?'' he wondered. "So, you picked some random person and bound him not to a temporary contract, but an eternal one?" the Empress asked, her tone tinged with amusement at the absurdity of the situation. "Yes," Mortimer nodded hesitantly, sensing the Empress''s scepticism. The Empress frowned, unconvinced by Mortimer''s response. A tense silence settled between them as they locked eyes, an unspoken tension thickening the air. "Can you show me your log?" the Empress finally asked, breaking the silence. "I can''t," Mortimer refused, his tone firm. "Why?" "I have my own rights and I wanted to protect my secrets," Mortimer replied stubbornly, his expression unwavering. "Even if I order you?" the Empress raised an eyebrow, her tone challenging. "I don''t think it''s wise to say, but ording to ourws, everyone has the right to safeguard their privacy," Mortimer exined, his voice tinged with wisdom. "I am thew, though," the Empress smirked, a dangerous glint in her eyes. Mortimer gritted his teeth as he felt the pressure of her authority bearing down on him...pelling him to kneel before her. His hands flickered with sparks, as if he were on the verge of summoning his Arcane Card. Before he could act, however, the Empress vanished from her throne, leaving Mortimer stunned. Her parting words echoed in the silence of the room, "At the end of the month, The engagement shall ur in the Royal Castle!" Mortimer sighed in relief at the unexpected turn of events. But then, his fury resurfaced with a vengeance, "MY FUCKING SON, COME HERE!!!" He bellowed, his voice reverberating throughout the entire mansion, sending Velc and Alfred scrambling into the room with trembling bodies. Chapter 35: Touch your heart

Chapter 35: Touch your heart

"...." "...." Aether found himself staring into the enchanting purple eyes of the Empress, feeling as though he had somehow incurred her displeasure. This silent exchange had persisted ever since he woke up in the empty storage room..... His room! Finally, breaking the silence, the Empress''s soothing voice resonated in the air, "What''s your name?" she inquired. "...A-Aether," he replied, his voice betraying a hint of hesitation. "Hmm? Aether? I heard your name is Ether, though," she remarked, tilting her head in curiosity. ".... I had amnesia, so I don''t know... M-Madam," Aether exined truthfully, adding a note of respect as he remembered her esteemed position as Empress. "Amnesia?" The Empress frowned as she processed Aether''s response, her gaze thoughtful as she considered his situation. "!!" Without a word, she gracefully settled herself on the ground beside Aether, causing him to flinch in surprise before instinctively moving a little away. Aether couldn''tprehend why the Empress of the Nation would choose to sit on the ground. And if it was just to inquire about his health.... Then that was total bullshit!! He knew better; she wanted something, that much was evident from the gleam in her eyes and the subtle tilt of her head as she regarded him. Yet, what perplexed Aether even more was the realization that he didn''t possess a single fucking item or skill that could be of any value to the Empress of the Nation. Despite wracking his brain, he came up empty-handed, feeling utterly inadequate in her presence. ''W-Wait, I do have something...'' Aether''s thoughts raced as beads of sweat formed on his brow as thought about his log. "Hehe..." The Empress''s melodicughter broke through his reverie, her amused gaze fixated on his troubled expression. If it were anyone else, they would either be ovee with joy at the Empress''s attention or seek advantage of her favour for their own gain. However, Aether... his transparent demeanour betrayed his inner turmoil, revealing a man wrestling with hidden truths and buried secrets. Nevertheless, the Empress was not one to resort to coercion or maniption, unlike her dealings with Mortimer, whose stubborn refusal to divulge the truth had tested her patience to its limits. "Could I see your Log?" she inquired, her tone gentle yet insistent, her piercing gaze never wavering. Hearing her request, Aether flinched involuntarily, his heart pounding in his chest as he grappled with conflicting emotions. Was this the moment his carefully guarded secret would be exposed? ''Sigh, Fucked up...sigh,'' he inwardlymented, his defences crumbling under the weight of her scrutiny. "What''s your name, madam?" Aether stammered, his voice betraying a hint of nervousness. "Hmm? You don-- Oh! Right. You had amnesia," the Empress eximed, a yful twinkle dancing in her eyes as she teased him with feigned innocence before revealing her name, "My name is Marisandra Naiadia" "Okay... Log," Aether nodded, his expression a mix of resignation and apprehension. With a quick nce at the holographic disy, he located the pertinent information and tapped the screen with a sense of reluctant resignation. "Marisandra Naiadia" Soon, a window materialized before the Empress, who scrutinized it with her keen eyes. / Name: Ether Sex: Male Race: Human Level: 0 Title: ve [Master: Kai Frostde] Attributes: Strength: -1 Agility: 0 Intelligence: 1 Magic Affinity: 0 Charm: 1 / She frowned upon finding nothing particrly unique, but then her eyes flicked as the arcane energy around her seemed to tremble in fear. The ck transparent screen suddenly flickered like an old TV before stabilizing and disying the information once more. / Name: Ether Sex: Male Race: Human Level: 0 Title: ve [Master: Kai Frostde] Attributes: Strength: -1 Agility: 0 Intelligence: 3 Magic Affinity: 0 Charm: 1 / ''Interesting...'' she thought, noting the concealed increase in intelligence. ''So, the arcane itself is hiding something...'' she pondered, her gaze returning to the skinny boy who stared at her with a mixture of worry and apprehension. Before he could ask, the Empress interrupted with a curious inquiry, "But here it says you are Ether, though?" ''ESCAPED!!!'' He screamed inwardly, maintaining a thoughtful facade. "...." Aether paused, racking his brain for an exnation. Finally, he decided to assert himself, "I will decide what my name is, not some weird magical text... Madam." The Empress regarded the boy with a peculiar expression before nodding in acquiescence. ''Sigh,'' Aether inwardly sighed, realizing his response might have been a bit unconventional but he was happy that log helped him again to hide his secrets. "You don''t know your past?" the Empress inquired, her tone gentle yet probing. "No, I don''t know anything... Madam," Aether replied, shaking his head with a feeble smile. He truly was clueless about Ether''s past. "Okay," the Empress nodded before leaning in closer, catching Aether off guard. Instinctively, Aether recoiled slightly, avoiding direct eye contact with her. He couldn''t shake the feeling that something was off about this Empress. "Could you show me your...." She trailed off, cing a single finger on his chest. "Show my...? ''Gulp,''" Aether''s heart raced as he anticipated her next words. "Arcane Card?" the Empress''s enchanting purple eyes bore into Aether''s blue ones. "Arcane Card?" Aether frowned, not recalling anything of the sort. Hisst memories were fragmented, hazy at best. All he remembered was a desperate struggle, a trying to bite the root, and then... nothing. Furthermore, he was taken aback to find that his once injured hands were now as good as new. "Yes, touch your heart and call it!" the Empress instructed, guiding Aether''s hand to his chest. "Arcane Card?" Aether echoed doubtfully, his gaze fixed on the Empress. ... But there was no response. "Noting?" the Empress tilted her head, noting theck of reaction from Aether''s body. Her gaze then wandered to his frail, stick-like figure. ''Maybe he isn''t strong enough to wield the Card?'' she wondered silently before deciding to step away. With a defeated sigh, she rose to her feet, her earlier curiosity giving way to resignation. As she turned to leave, Aether breathed a sigh of relief, finally feeling a moment of respite from the chaos of the day. But just as she was about to depart, the Empress paused and looked back at Aether, her expression now indifferent. "You said my eyes were beautiful, right?" Aether flinched at the sudden change in her demeanour, offering an awkward smile. "Yes, I apologize if I offended you, Madam." The Empress regarded him with a piercing gaze before posing another question, her tone devoid of emotion. "Do you still think they are beautiful?" Her enchanting purple eyes seemed to lose their lustre and emotion, casting an eerie silence over the moment. But to her dismay, Aether found himself captivated by their ethereal beauty. "It''s... they look more beautiful than ever..." Aether muttered unconsciously, feeling himself drawn into the depths of her gaze. He truly had a kink for eyes... "... I see" the Empress responded before disappearing from view. "Fuck!" Aether cursed in relief, finally releasing the breath he had been holding.... However, his relief was short-lived as he suddenly realized something rming... Very rming, !~Ding~! [+1 Affection ] Not because of that, but instead: [Survival rate= 0.19%?] Chapter 36: Survival rate increases...?

Chapter 36: Survival rate increases...?

/ Name: Aether Sex: Male Race: ##### Level: 0 Title: The Lost One, ve [Eternal Contract to ########], The Only Holder of Ether and Past-less, Future-less Entity. Attributes: Strength: -1 Agility: 0 Intelligence: 3 Magic Affinity: 0 Charm: 1 Compatibility: 85% Survival rate= 0.19% Affection Points: 10984 (1000 Affection Points = 1 *any Attributes) ????? / Aether nkly stared at his Log, his mind swirling with confusion. After a minute of contemtion, he questioned himself, "So, I am not human?" He nced down at his skinny frame, pondering what race he could possibly belong to. But he couldn''t shake the memory of his log clearly indicating he was human before the mysterious changes. Aether shrugged off the thought; after all, his race seemed inconsequential as long as he could still savour the taste of food. Then his eyes fixated on the enigmatic title bestowed upon him. ''Sigh...'' He couldn''t help but sigh in frustration at hisck of understanding. "Tsk, Come on, Log, at least give me a description!" Aether grumbled, growing increasingly annoyed. ... No reaction, just like before. Aether''s lips curled in anger, shaking his head in exasperation. "You are utterly useless," he muttered bitterly. Determined to unravel the meaning behind his title, he began to specte. "Lost one? Did I lose something?" he wondered aloud, furrowing his brow in confusion. "ve... Eternal contract to... whom?" Aether frowned, his mind racing with unanswered questions. "Holder of Ether?" He nced down at his body, contemting the cryptic title, "Yeah.... I mean, I am inhabiting his body, so I suppose I am the holder of Ether... Something like that?" "Paste-less, Future-less entity...?" Aether squinted his eyes, trying to make sense of the peculiar designation. "What''s that supposed to mean?" Aether racked his brain, attempting to decipher the enigma. After considering various possibilities, he arrived at a tentative conclusion. "Ether didn''t have past memories, so Past-less... right? Then Future-less means... what? Does that mean... Oh! I see, the Survival rate," he murmured, his eyes flicking to the decreased Survival rate disyed in his log. He was truly lost when he saw his Survival rate before, but now, even a 0.01% decrease was rming. A decrease was a decrease, no matter how small the amount, leaving Aether unable to fathom what would happen next. ''Gulp'' Aether audibly gulped, his voice trembling with uncertainty. "S-So, I should avoid her, right?" he muttered to himself, his thoughts consumed by the implications of his dwindling survival rate. "Seems like Future-less means I don''t have a definite future... heh," Aether chuckled weakly, attempting to lighten the heavy atmosphere with humour. He couldn''t shake the feeling of unease, unsure if it was solely due to Empress influence or if there were other factors at y. Regardless, he decided it was better to err on the side of caution and avoid any potential dangers thaty ahead. "Compatibility increased? Why?" Aether pondered aloud, his mind racing with questions and confusion. Many things perplexed him, especially the ten thousand Affection points disyed in his log. ''Gulp'' He gulped again, this time with a mixture of happiness and..... an underlying sense of foreboding. Shaking off his apprehension, he focused his attention on the attribute text for Strength. With expectant eyes, he reached out to touch it, but to his dismay, nothing happened. Frowning, he tapped a few more times, hoping for a response, but still, nothing urred. Frustrated, he muttered, "Increase Strength" !~Ding~! The sound of the bell reverberated in his mind, and Aether let out an aggravated sigh. Then, [+1 Strength] [Strength: 0?] Seeing his strength finally transition from negative to neutral, Aether couldn''t help but smile with satisfaction. "Finally, I can start exercising withou" Suddenly, Aether''s world spun in a whirlwind of agony as his heart lurched, sending sharp bolts of pain coursing through his chest with each pounding beat. "Ba-dump, Ba-dump" The relentless rhythm of his heartbeat reverberated loudly in his ears, drowning out all other sounds as he clutched his chest in a desperate attempt to quell the searing pain. Each thud felt like a hammer blow to his already battered body, echoing the turmoil within. "Arrrhh!" He groaned, the agony gripping him like a vice, squeezing the breath from his lungs as he writhed on the ground, his limbs thrashing in a futile attempt to escape the torment. "Arrrhh!" ''Crack, Crack'' Aether''s bones shifted and snapped with sickening sounds, each fracture sending waves of excruciating pain rippling through his body. It was as if his very essence was being torn asunder, shredded into pieces by some unseen force. "OOFRRRR!!!" The intensity of the torment escted, red tears streaming from his bulging eyes, staining his cheeks with their crimson hue. His neck twisted and contorted with each convulsion, emitting sickening cracks and pops as if it were being twisted like a rag doll. "ARRRRHHHHHHHH!!!" ''Crack, Crack, Crack.." His screams pierced the air, a primal cry of anguish and despair as he endured the unrelenting onught of agony. Each crack echoed like thunder in the silence, a symphony of suffering that seemed to reverberate throughout the very fabric of his being. "PUFFF!!!" "PPSSSSSSSS!!" His body betrayed him, his muscles spasming uncontrobly as hey writhing on the ground, his senses overwhelmed by the stench of his own filth. Urine and faeces leaked from him in a sickening cascade, staining the ground beneath him with their foul presence. The air permeated with a nasty smell... as it was a local toilet. "Cough, Cough!!!" Aether''s chest heaved with each ragged breath, his lungs burning with the effort as he fought to draw air into his battered body. Each cough sent waves of agony rippling through him..... as if his very soul was being torn apart from within. ''Tuck, Tuck'' The grotesque substance oozed from his every orifice, a dark red jelly tide that stained his skin and clothes with its foul presence. It dripped from his nose, ears, eyes, mouth, and..... every other opening, a macabre testament to the horrors he endured. "GGRRRRRR!!!" Aether''s grip on consciousness slipped, his vision swimming as he teetered on the brink of oblivion. Every fibre of his being screamed for release, for an end to the torment that threatened to consume him whole. After what felt like an eternity of torment, the agonizing sounds and images finally ceased, leaving Aether battered and broken, but somehow still clinging to life. Aether slowly rose from the filth that coated his body, his sack dress soaked through with a noxiousbination of excrement, urine, and the dark blood-like substance he had coughed up. With a resigned sigh, he shed the soiled garment, standing naked amidst the squalor. Instead of inspecting his body, he lifted his gaze to the sky, seeking sce in the vast expanse above, / Name: Aether Sex: Male Race: ##### Level: 0 Title: The Lost One, ve [Eternal Contract to ########], The Only Holder of Ether and Past-less, Future-less Entity. Attributes: Strength: 0 Agility: 1 ? Intelligence: 3 Magic Affinity: 0 Charm: 2 ? Compatibility: 88% ? Survival rate= 0.5% ? Affection Points: 09984 (1000 Affection Points = 1 *any Attributes) ????? / His gaze fell upon the holographic disy of his attributes, noting the changes that had urred during his ordeal. His survival rate had increased, along with hispatibility.... yet he still remained perplexed by the meaning behind these alterations. Aether didn''t fullyprehend the significance ofpatibility, but he took sce in the fact that his survival rate had improved. It gave him hope, a glimmer of optimism amidst the chaos that surrounded him. "d to see some progress, at least," he murmured to himself, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Despite the hellish torment he had endured, he found a sense of satisfaction in knowing that his efforts had not been in vain. He contemted using the remaining points to further enhance his abilities but hesitated at the thought of drawing undue attention to himself. "If I suddenly be too powerful, others might grow suspicious and it would be a pain in the ass to deal with..." he muttered to himself, casting a wary nce around his room, which still reeked of faeces. Though it was really shit!!! With a resigned sigh, Aether silently opened the door and peered outside, scanning the darkened surroundings for any signs of movement. It was midnight, and the household was quiet, everyone had retired for the night. Gulping nervously, Aether slipped out of the room, d only in his nakedness. His destination was the pond located in the yard, the only ce where he could bathe without drawing unwanted attention. As a ve, he was denied ess to the bathroom, and forced to rely on the mercy of others for even the most basic of needs. Themon restroom for servants was off-limits to him, as the other servants made sure to exclude him whenever they were present. Frustrated and angry, Aether had resigned himself to bathing outside under the cover of darkness, when the mansiony quiet and still. "Woahhh!!" Aether eximed in surprise as he reached the edge of the pond. Chapter 37: No more like he regained his emotions...

Chapter 37: No more like he regained his emotions...

"Woahhh!!" "Is this really me?" Aether couldn''t help but wonder as he gazed at his reflection in the small pond, his features illuminated by the eerie, dim light of the night sky. Even though there was no moon in this world, the darkness seemed to be bathed in a cold, chilly atmosphere, casting an otherworldly glow over the scene. Aether''s astonishment wasn''t at the sight of his own beautiful face, but rather at the realization that the figure staring back at him was exactly the same as when he was a teenage boy. He couldn''t help but question whether he had truly somehow transmigrated with his earth body or something else. Though white hair remained him it wasn''t him.... As he examined his body, he noticed that while it still appeared skinny, there was a newfound energy coursing through his veins. His skin glistened with vitality, and his bones felt stronger and sturdier than before. He can fucking punch anyone without worrying about cracking!! ''Ssh, Ssh'' With a sense of anticipation, Aether slowly eased himself into the cool water, feeling the chill spread throughout his body. Surprisingly, he felt no difort, only a soothing sensation that seemed to wash away the exhaustion that had gued him. Leaning against the edge of the pond, Aether let out a sigh of relief as the tension melted away, leaving him feeling rejuvenated and at peace. Then suddenly, !~Ding~! [+1 Affection] [+1 Affection] [+1 Affection] ..... ... Aether wasn''t startled by the sudden sound. His half-closed eyes nced at his body submerged in the water, observing the tiny fishes greedily nibbling at his skin as if they were consuming his old self along with the ugly red substances. Closing his eyes, memories of the day''s events flooded his mind..... A pained expression etched itself onto his face. "So, that kid could literally control me... ah," he muttered, his voiceced with both pain and anger. When his body literally controlled by Kai, Aether couldn''t help but feel disgust and apprehension. He wanted to know more about those contracts he was put to. Aether yearned to understand more about the contracts he had been subjected to, but his useless Log offered no insight, leaving him feeling frustrated and alone. Fuck!! He didn''t even know what that ''#####'' symbol meant! He couldn''t help but question whether he could trust Mortimer or anyone else in the household. ''Wait! Should I ask her?'' Aether pondered, recalling the one person who had shown him pity amidst his suffering. If he yed his cards right, he might be able to extract valuable information from her, but he couldn''t shake the nagging doubt that she might also be deceiving him. With a sigh, he began to rub his skin, washing away the patchy red substances as he contemted his next move.... While Aether took a moment of rest, the purple-haired woman, Empress Marisandra Naiadia, stood amidst the ruins of the broken temple, her gaze fixed on the damaged Mother root thaty before her. "Why hasn''t it healed itself?" she pondered aloud, her fingers gently tracing the contours of the root''s surface. Despite her efforts to nurture it back to health, the Mother root showed no signs of regenerating, its once vibrant colours fading to a dull grey. ''ssshhhh'' Suddenly, a hushed sound caught her attention, and a ck figure materialized before her, kneeling in reverence. "Did you find the ve Trader?" the Empress inquired, her voice tinged with indifference. "Indeed, Your Majesty, but..." the figure hesitated, a note of uncertainty in their tone. "Hmm?" "Darius Ironfang from the Ironfang Gang passed away a few years ago," the figure responded, choosing their words carefully. "The cause?" "Heart attack, Your Majesty, but..." "But?" "There are rumours circting that he was brutally murdered," the figure continued their voice barely above a whisper. "I see..." The Empress nodded thoughtfully, inwardly noting, ''It seems that old man was determined to keep his secrets hidden...'' She then shifted her focus to another matter and inquired, "What about the monsters I asked?" "Reporting to that, every schr searched through the entire Empire archive, however, there wasn''t a single picture or even a word regarding that unknown entity...." the ck figure informed the Empress, their voice filled with a sense of frustration. "Hmmm..." The Empress mused, her fingers delicately tracing the contours of the Dead Mother Root. Suddenly, another ck figure materialized beside them, prompting the Empress to turn her attention to the neer. "Reporting to Your Majesty," the figure began, their voice respectful yet tinged with urgency. "Hmm... What did you find?" the Empress inquired, a hint of curiosity flickering in her eyes as she awaited the report. "ording to the information gathered from the Mansion, the ve named Ether was indeed brought by Mortimer Frostde three years ago, but there are no documents to corroborate this..." the figure reported their words carefully chosen. "Not even from the Ironfang Gang?" the Empress questioned, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Indeed, Your Majesty. The Ironfang Gang disbanded a year ago, leaving behind no clear documentation," the figure confirmed. "Hmmm..." The Empress frowned, her thoughts racing as she tried to make sense of the situation, ''Why go to such lengths, Mortimer? What are you trying to hide...?'' she wondered silently, her suspicions growing with each passing moment. "However, the boy Mortimer Frostde brought had a markedly different persona. He appeared devoid of emotions or.... soul, akin to a puppet obediently following his master''smands" the figure continued, their tone tinged with unease. "No emotions?" The Empress raised an eyebrow in surprise, recalling the intensity of the blue eyes that had met hers during their encounter. "Indeed, Your Majesty. He seemed tock any sense of self... An egoless person, untilst week when he nearly died at the hands of other servants. It was then that he began to disy signs of emotion..." the figure concluded. "No.... more like he regained his emotions!" the Empress interjected, nodding in affirmation. She wasn''t sure why she felt but even the guiding Arcane Energy was hiding something from her... or everyone. She then turned her attention to the ck figure, her curiosity piqued. "Why did the other servants try to kill him?" The figure hesitated briefly before responding, "A boy named Timmy, who was Head Butler''s son, was interested in Duke''s daughter named Selene. When he saw how close Ether was to Selene, he became jealous and started to bully him along with his so-called friends." "Hmm? I don''t understand," the Empress frowned, perplexed by the situation. Ether had been portrayed as emotionless, leading her to believe that he was simply following orders rather than forming genuine connections. The two ck figures exchanged a meaningful nce before one of them spoke up tentatively, "Forgive me, Your Majesty, but may I speak freely?" "Go on," the Empress granted permission, her interest piqued by the figure''s request. "Selene was the only person who pitied Ether and tried to support him whenever he needed it. Consequently, Ether began to fixate on her, following her like a devotedpanion... It seems like that egoless Ether saw Selene as his mother and that might angered the boy, Timmy to take these drastic measures" the figure exined. "Ah, I see now. Another dog became jealous when his master''s attention was directed elsewhere, isn''t that right?...hehehe" the Empress chuckled softly, a hint of amusement colouring her tone. "Hmmm," she mused, nodding thoughtfully before gracefully exiting the temple with steady elegance, her mind abuzz with newfound insights. "Did you guys find anything about those Arcane Hunters?" the Empress inquired as she turned to the ck figures. "T-They... they killed themselves before we could extract any information from them," one of the figures stammered, their voice tinged with hesitation. "I see..." The Empress shrugged nonchntly, her expression unreadable as she surveyed the temple before her. ''Snap'' In an instant, the entire temple froze, suspended in time, as if caught in a momentary pause. Its intricate details and towering spires remained motionless, seemingly trapped in a timeless limbo. "ssshhhhhhh" Then, with a soft whispering sound, the temple began to disintegrate, breaking apart into countless particles that shimmered and danced in the air. Piece by piece, it dissolved, leaving behind nothing but a faint residue of energy where it once stood. "Let''s leave," the Empress muttered quietly, her voice barely audible over the hushed silence. The other two figures nodded in agreement before following her lead, disappearing into the darkness as they left the scene behind. No traces of the temple remained, as if it had never existed in the first ce. The air hung heavy with an eerie stillness, devoid of any hint of the majestic structure that had once graced the area. Chapter 38: Eating is important!!

Chapter 38: Eating is important!!

"...." "...." The heavy silence hung between Aether and Mortimer, casting a solemn atmosphere over the room. Aether received a summons from Mortimer Frostde to his ice room, an unusual request considering he had been ignored for a week. When he made his way to Mortimer''s chamber, he couldn''t help but notice that the room appeared slightly different than usual, though the presence of snow still adorned its surroundings. "So, you don''t know anything about what happened?" Mortimer''s voice, gentle like that of a grandfather, broke the silence, his brow furrowed in concern. "No, Mr. Mortimer. I don''t even know what happened after I was punched by someone," Aether replied, his tone tinged with defeat. Mortimer nodded understandingly, his hand patting Ether''s head with aforting gesture. "Why don''t you show me your Log?" Mortimer suggested, a smile ying at the corners of his lips. "Sure," Aether nodded, retrieving his Log and presenting it to Mortimer for inspection. As Mortimer examined the Log, his expression remained unreadable, his brows furrowing slightly in contemtion. Aether waited anxiously, anticipation evident in his demeanour. "Well, there''s nothing different except... your strength has increased," Mortimer remarked, raising an eyebrow in surprise as he studied Ether''s figure, noticing a subtle change in his physique... Even though Ether was still skinny, there was a subtle change in his figure like he was more mature and had a broad figure. "Heheh..." Aether chuckled sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "I''m not sure what happened, but when I woke up, I was surrounded by that ugly substance," he added, his face contorting in disgust at the memory. "Oh!" Mortimer''s surprise was evident, prompting him to inquire further. However, Aether simply stated that he couldn''t remember anything. "I see... then can you call forth that Arcane Card?" Mortimer inquired, his gaze soft yet filled with anticipation, intrigued by what he had heard from his son and butler, ''They said some kind of terrific ck entity that never witnessed before...'' he thought. "Arcane Card? What''s that? Empress also asked me about it," Aether replied, confusion evident in his voice as he tilted his head in question. Mortimer''s expression shifted suddenly, a flicker of horror crossing his features before he quicklyposed himself. "Empress? She visited you?" he questioned, his demeanour shifting from concern to a carefully guarded demeanour. "Yes, yesterday, at midnight she visited me," Aether confirmed, his tone serious, unaware of the underlying tension in Mortimer''s reaction. "W-What did she ask?" Mortimer inquired, his tone fraught with tension as if Aether''s response held the key to his fate and his family''s fate. Aether recounted the Empress''s requests, his words weighed with uncertainty, "Well, she asked me to summon the Arcane Card, but I couldn''tply with her request, so she left." "Is that all?" Mortimer''s scepticism was palpable, his brow furrowing with concern. "Nop... Oh, there was another thing" Aether hesitated a little. "What is it?" Mortimer''s patience wore thin, his voice tinged with urgency. "She also advised me to eat well and strengthen my body, as she mentioned she would visit again soon," Aether fabricated a lie, his expression betraying no hint of deception. Mortimer''s eyes widened in rm, his mind racing with apprehension, ''Fuck! She''s onto something!'' he silently eximed, struggling to maintain hisposure. "I-Is that so..." Mortimer''s voice faltered slightly as he gently grasped Aether''s shoulder, his touch seeking reassurance, "Regardless of who it was, you should always inform Velc first, understood?" "Yes, Mr. Mortimer," Aether nodded earnestly, his smile masking any true intentions. "Now, are you absolutely certain you cannot summon the card?" Mortimer pressed once more, his curiosity undiminished. He truly wanted to see the Arcane card that once ever urred in this world. Aether shook his head, attempting once more to call forth the Arcane Card to no avail. With a resigned sigh, Mortimer conceded defeat, bringing their conversation to a close. "Ah, don''t worry about the room. I''ll have Alfred take care of it," Mortimer reassured Aether, offering a gentle smile as he tousled Aether''s hair affectionately. "Heheh..." Aether chuckled softly before taking his leave from the ice room. ''Thud'' As the door closed behind him, Aether''s countenance shifted from that of a giggly child to one of stern resolve, "That fucking old bastard is really a piece of shit, isn''t he?" he muttered bitterly to himself. Despite Mortimer''s outward disys of love and tenderness, Aether could discern no genuine affection in his actions. He meant.... No affection points!! Every gesture seemed calcted to deceive, a fact that left Aether feeling a mixture of frustration and contempt.... he couldn''t believe he had fallen for the trick before. Even the girl who had shown him pity had offered affection points, yet Mortimer, with all his supposed care, remained cold and maniptive. Aether understood how easily the body''s original owner could have been swayed by Mortimer''s deceit. If not for the affection points as evidence, even Aether might have fallen prey to Mortimer''s facade. Suddenly, a stern voice echoed from behind Aether, startling him from his thoughts. "What happened?" Velc inquired, his tonemanding. With practised deference, Aether bowed his head and turned to face Velc, adopting the posture of a dutiful servant. "..... I am not sure what you are asking, Master?" Aether replied respectfully, his demeanourposed despite the annoyance within him. Velc scrutinized Aether''s expression, "What did my father say to you?" Velc pressed, his tone brooking no evasion. Aether met Velc''s gaze, observing the bruises that marred his face and body, yet failed to diminish the arrogance in his eyes. "Mr. Mortimer said that I need to eat more," Aether responded dutifully. "Hmm? That''s all?" Velc frowned, clearly dissatisfied with the response. "Yes, Master," Aether affirmed with a nod, his outward demeanour unwavering. "Very well. You may leave," Velc dismissed Aether, his tone dismissive yet tinged with an undercurrent of suspicion. Aether offered a polite smile and retreated from Velc''s presence... Inside the room, Mortimer lounged on the ice chair with a contemtive gaze, addressing his loyal servant, Alfred, "I told you, didn''t I, Alfred?" Mortimer began, his toneced with smug satisfaction, "Even though I despise Velc for bringing Ether into the baptism, that incident has provided us with another..." "A golden Egg?" Alfred ventured cautiously, unsure of how to respond to Mortimer''s apparent delight. Mortimer''s smirk widened dangerously, "Exactly," he confirmed, "A golden egg!! Ripe for the plucking!" "..." Alfred wasn''t sure how to react as he really wanted to scream that the ''thing'' he saw was not really a golden Egg instead it was a rotten egg that takes life. Alfred hesitated, his unease evident as he remembered his and Velc''s pleas to eliminate Ether, warnings that had fallen on deaf ears. Mortimer nodded sagely before issuing his instructions. "Alfred, ensure that Ether eats well. The fact that the Empress herself has taken an interest in him is not to be taken lightly." "!!!" Alfred''s eyes widened in rm at the mention of the Empress''s involvement. "Yes, Master," he stammered, feeling a shiver of apprehension. "And while you''re at it, investigate his room and collect samples of anything unusual," Mortimer added casually, as though discussing the weather. "Understood, Master," Alfred acknowledged with a respectful bow, preparing to depart. As Alfred reached for the door handle, Mortimer''s voice stopped him in his tracks. "And remember, Alfred...." Mortimer''s tone turned stern, "...ensure that our golden goose never escapes our grasp." Alfred''s heart skipped a beat at the ominous warning, but he merely nodded in response before exiting the room, and closing the door behind him. Soon thereafter, Alfred found himself standing before Ether''s room, bracing himself for whaty within. However, nothing could have prepared him for the overwhelming stench that assaulted his senses upon entering. "What the fu..." His eyes widened in horror as he took in the gruesome sight before him, and before he could stop himself, he retched violently, unable to contain his disgust. ... Alfred couldn''t help but, ''VVoooooo!!'' He vomitted. ..... It would take considerable effort to clean the aftermath of Ether''s room, a task that Alfred dreaded with every fibre of his being. Chapter 39: Monster Hunting

Chapter 39: Monster Hunting

"Master, what happened?" Aether inquired as he followed Kai Frostde through the training hall. "It''s not your ce to know!" Kai snapped, shooting Aether a re before resuming his rigorous training regimen of one thousand sword swings. ''Do you think I care, Brat!!'' Aether rolled his eyes, resisting the urge to retort. Instead, he simply shrugged and waited patiently, holding a towel for Kai as he sweated through his training. He was trying his best to keep his role. As he observed the bustling training hall, Aether couldn''t help but notice the dedication of the other soldiers, each one diligently honing their skills. Despite the chaos of his current situation, there was a strange sense of familiarity in the structured environment of the training grounds. "It''s not much different..." Aether mused silently, recognizing the familiar routines of physical training from his past life. His legs were itching to run and his hands were trembling to do pull-ups. Aether reminisced about his past life, recalling how he had once dominated the delinquent group with ease. He had dedicated himself to rigorous training, pushing his limits every day. In addition to his regr routines, he often participated in extracurricr activities such as martial arts, swimming, and boxing.... These activities weren''t just hobbies for Aether; they were the only options that led him toe home....te, an escape from the challenges of home life. Shaking off the nostalgic reverie, Aether refocused on his present circumstances.... which seemed even more messed up than before. Suddenly, a loud voice shattered the quiet hum of the training hall. "YOUNG MASTER!!" Aether turned to see Timmy, the Head Butler''s son, sprinting towards Kai with uncontained excitement. The sound of Timmy''s footsteps echoed through the hall as he approached Kai, his face lit up with joy. ''Thud'' ''-ha-ha-ha'' With a heavy thud, Kai brought his wooden sword down onto the sand-covered ground, pausing to catch his breath as he regarded Timmy with curiosity. "W-ha- What is it, Timmy?" Kai inquired, his exhaustion evident in his voice. "Master agreed to your request!" Timmy announced gleefully, his grin widening with each word. A slow smile spread across Kai''s face at the news, a rare moment of unbridled happiness. "FINALLYY!!! I CAN GO OUTSIDE!!" He eximed jubntly, his voice echoing throughout the training hall. The soldiers paused in their activities, turning their attention to their young master with expressions of genuine happiness. They didn''t know what was going on, but their loyalty to their young master was unwavering, and they were content as long as he was happy. Suddenly, Timmy''s voice cut through the jubnt atmosphere, breaking the momentary peace., "Hey, ve!! Young Master is sweating! Can''t you do a single good job?!" Timmy barked, striding toward Aether and attempting to snatch the towel from his hands. "Huh?" Timmy raised an eyebrow in mild confusion as he struggled to yank the towel away. Frowning with frustration, Timmy exerted more force, ''Thud'' Only to find himself abruptly tumbling to the ground when Aether effortlessly released the towel. "Grrr!" Timmy growled, shooting a venomous re at Aether, ''It seems I need to teach this bastard where his ce is again!!'' his resentment simmering beneath the surface. He quickly scrambled to his feet, seething with anger, and hurried over to Kai, adopting a facade of carefulness as he wiped his young master''s face. "Hehe... Look at him acting like a child," Aether thought to himself, a smirk ying on his lips as he observed Timmy''s behaviour, finding amusement in the disy of whininess. As he nced down at his own slender frame and thought, ''I need to train first...'' His gaze shifted back to Timmy, a dangerous glint shing in his eyes. "!!!" Suddenly, Timmy flinched as if he had been confronted by a terrifying presence, his unease palpable as he scanned the surroundings, searching for the source of the ominous feeling. "I should visit my father now!" Kai announced as he hurriedly left, but not before, "Hey, Come with me" he called pointing Ether toe. Despite his inward sigh, Aetherplied with his young master''s request, trailing after him without protest. Observing this turn of events, Timmy was taken aback. Despite being the one to deliver the message, his young master had chosen to bring along the seemingly inconsequential ve instead. Bristling with indignation, Timmy clenched his teeth and shot a venomous re in Aether''s direction. The sight of Aether''s nonchnt demeanour only served to stoke Timmy''s simmering ire, fueling his resentment further. Entering the room, it was the same space where Aether was first caught. "Father," Kai called out, rapping his knuckles against the door. "Come in," came the reply from within. Kai stepped inside, and Aether dutifully followed, assuming the role of the obedient ve. "Selene?" Kai''s brow furrowed at the sight of his sister seated there. He then nced at his father, who upied the chair with a desk cluttered with documents. Quietly, he positioned himself beside his sister, awaiting their father''s attention. ''ssrrrhhbbllleee'' The sound of Velc hastily scratching pen against paper filled the room. Near the doorway, Aether stood silently, fully aware of his ce, though he couldn''t help but be intrigued by the sudden shift in the environment. After a brief span, Velc ceased his scribbling and lowered his pen. He regarded his children with a stern countenance, "As Kai previously requested, I will permit you to embark on a monster-hunting excursion." Upon hearing this, Kai couldn''t contain his excitement, a smile breaking across his face. He had been pleading for this opportunity for months, yet his father had always been resistant to the idea. ''Yes, Finally!!'' Kai shouted inwardly. "However..." Velc''s expression shifted, his tone bing more grave. ''Yep, I figured that...'' Aether couldn''t help but muse to himself as he focused on the unfolding conversation. "You will not be going alone," Velc dered firmly. "W-What?" Kai was momentarily taken aback, but quickly regained hisposure, reasoning that as long as he got the chance to hunt monsters and level up, he was willing toply with his father''s conditions. "Yes, Selene will join with you!" Velc dered, surprising Kai. He hadn''t expected his brainy sister to join them on the monster hunt. Kai turned his attention to Selene, who wore a serious expression. It was unusual to see her so solemn, her usually cheerful demeanour reced by a sense of determination and resolve. "What happened, Selene?" Kai inquired, his concern evident in his voice as he observed his sister closely, searching for any signs of distress or worry. "I realized I was too weak to protect myself and my family," Selene replied with determination. Hearing that solemn voice, Kai couldn''t help but.... frown? before turning his face into worry and asking, "It''s fine, Selene. I will protect you and our family!" he vowed, his expression dead serious. Selene''s cheeks flushed slightly at his reassurance. "I know Big Brother protects me, but... I also want to protect you!" she confessed, her face turning red with embarrassment. Witnessing this exchange, Velc couldn''t help but smile proudly, feeling a swell of emotion at the sight of his two precious children. His eyes glistened with tears of pride. Meanwhile, Aether listened to their conversation with a furrowed brow, sensing something familiar yet unsettling about the exchange.... A familiar uncanny sensation. A very dangerous feeling.... He wasn''t sure why but this feels different for some reasons. Chapter 40: Wasted

Chapter 40: Wasted

"So, when will we be leaving, father?" Kai asked eagerly, his excitement palpable as he awaited Velc''s response. "Next week," Velc replied, his tone firm and decisive. "Next week? But tha--" "Yes, next week...." Velc interrupted, cutting off Kai''s protest before it could fully form, "As soon as you finish your training. We will be departing for the Castle, as the engagement ceremony will take ce in Her Majesty''s presence." Kai''s brows furrowed in confusion at his father''s sudden shift in ns, "H-Huh? But Father, isn''t the engagement ceremony supposed to happen in the Male house?" Velc sighed, thinking his son needed more training as he said, "That is the tradition if you were to marry amoner or a low-ss noble. However, you do know who you are marrying, right?" Understanding dawned on Kai''s face, his expression clearing as he realized the significance of Velc''s words. "Oh!" He nodded. With that matter settled, Kai left the office, his steps filled with newfound purpose, and Aether followed obediently at his side. Kai clenched his fist in determination as he finally had his chance to fight the monsters. The anticipation of battle ignited a fire within him. Aether nced at Kai, observing his so-called master''s determined expression, but he didn''t say anything. His role was clear: to follow Kai and obey his orders without question. He wouldn''t give a damn about what Kai was thinking or feeling. As long as he wasn''t the one suffering, he had little interest in Kai''s concerns or ambitions. With Kai heading to the library to study, as a ve, he was forbidden from entering the library so Kai was apanied by Timmy. Aether remained behind to perform other menial jobs around the household. Throughout the day, as he washed dishes, prepared meals, and tended to various household duties..... Night had fallen, casting shadows over the Frostde estate as Aethery on the floor inside his so-called room... his weary body craving a moment of respite. His gaze fell upon a wooden te, its contents no longer stale bread and expired jam.... but instead a meagre portion of meat. "Well... it''s at least better than bread, I suppose?" Aether muttered to himself, though the burnt and tough meat offered little sce. Despite the meagre meal, Aether knew he couldn''t afford to rest for long. With a determined resolve, he rose to his feet and began a series of warm-up exercises, preparing himself for the rigorous training thaty ahead. "OOONNEEE!" Aether grunted as he lowered himself into a push-up, his muscles straining with effort. Unlike before, his hands remained steady, a testament to the progress he had made through relentless dedication and hard work.... Nah, it''s all because of Log and Affection points!! But he would never going to acknowledge that shit that put him in this hell. "Thud" Breathing heavily, Aether copsed onto the ground, his muscles burning with exhaustion. "Huff, Huff" He panted, struggling to catch his breath. "I need more training..." Aether muttered to himself, acutely aware of the limitations imposed by his status as a ve. With the demands of his duties filling his days, the night was his only opportunity for self-improvement. ''Sigh'' With a resigned sigh, Aether pushed himself back up and resumed his exercises, the exertion of his training a stark contrast to the tranquillity of the moonlit night without a moon. As the hours passed, he continued to push his body to its limits, each movement a testament to his unwavering determination. Later, under the pale light from the dark sky, Aether took to runningps around the yard, the rhythmic sound of his footsteps echoing in the stillness of the night. With each stride, he pushed himself harder, his muscles burning with exertion as he pushed through the pain. ''-Huff-Huff-'' Finally, after covering what felt like an interminable distance... that was 100 meters, Aether''s legs gave out beneath him, and he copsed onto the dewy grass, his chest heaving with exhaustion ''Thud'' Rolling onto his back, Aether stared up at the starry sky above, his breathsing in ragged gasps. It was then, amidst the quiet of the night, that Aether''s Log emitted a faint chime, signalling an update... he had been waiting to hear... !~Ding~! With a small smile, Aether summoned the Log and reviewed the changes, / Name: Aether Sex: Male Race: ##### Level: 0 Title: The Lost One, ve [Eternal Contract to ########], The Only Holder of Ether and Past-less, Future-less Entity. Attributes: Strength: 1 ? Agility: 1 Intelligence: 3 Magic Affinity: 0 Charm: 2 Compatibility: 88% Survival rate= 0.5% Affection Points: 10042 (1000 Affection Points = 1 *any Attributes) ????? / ''Fuck!!'' His heart raced as he realized he had finally achieved a positive increase in strength, though the process had been arduous and painful. However, his gaze lingered on the Affection Points, a valuable resource he yearned to utilize but dared not, knowing the watchful eyes of Velc and Mortimer were upon him.... "Should I increase the intelligence?" Aether contemted his options, pondering the significance of increasing his intelligence. He recalled Mortimer''s words regarding its importance in understanding magic and delving deeper into the arcane arts. ''There are no visible physical changes... Then it might be the best one'' He contemted. After a moment of contemtion, curiosity prevailed over caution. "Well, let''s see what happens," he muttered to himself, his curiosity overpowering his reservations. "Increase Intelligence" !~Ding~! [+1 Intelligence] [Intelligence: 4?] Aether waited with eager anticipation, his heart pounding in his chest. However, to his dismay, no immediate changes materialized within him, nor did he experience any influx of newfound knowledge flooding his mind. "???" "Not enough?" "Increase Intelligence," he repeated, determination etched in his voice. !~Ding~! [+1 Intelligence] [Intelligence: 5?] "...." Aether''s brow furrowed in frustration as he attempted to increase his intelligence once more. "Increase Intelligence" !~Ding~! [+1 Intelligence] [Intelligence: 6?] "...." "Increase Intelligence by Four" !~Ding~! [+4 Intelligence] [Intelligence: 10?] "...." Aether''s confusion deepened as he observed no discernible difference. "Increase Intelligence" !~Ding~! [Error] [Limit reached ording to the Level] "????" Aether''s mind buzzed with questions. "Limit reached... Level?" Aether''s brow furrowed deeper as he scrutinized his Log, realizing his Level remained at zero. "Oh! Right, that old man did say Level would depend on the ALL Attributes... so..." Aether muttered, connecting the dots. If he wanted to increase his level, he needed to reach the limits of every attribute. "Arrh... I just wasted my affection points," Aether groaned in frustration, feeling as though he had lost something valuable that could have saved him. But no one could me him; he had been hoping to gain the knowledge and skills injected into his mind that was necessary to navigate this new world more effectively and... importantly Magic!! He looked at his log with a dissatisfied expression, contemting his next move, / Name: Aether Sex: Male Race: ##### Level: 0 Title: The Lost One, ve [Eternal Contract to ########], The Only Holder of Ether and Past-less, Future-less Entity. Attributes: Strength: 1 Agility: 1 Intelligence: 10? Magic Affinity: 0 Charm: 2 Compatibility: 88% Survival rate= 0.5% Affection Points: 03042 (1000 Affection Points = 1 *any Attributes) ????? / The text represents Intelligence was flickering with red, indicating it had reached its limit. However, there wasn''t even a slight increase in his survival rate, as if suggesting his intelligence was not contributing to his survival. It felt like a tant p in the face!!! "Arrh," Aether let out a frustrated sigh, but managing to control his turmoil, he decided to take a bath.... feeling a mixture of disappointment and confusion swirling within him. It was then, "SHIT!!" Aether''s heart skipped a beat when his eyes caught a sight that sent a shiver down his spine. Like ethereal sentinels piercing the darkness, a pair of obsidian eyes materialized against the expanse of the dimly lit sky. Each pupil, a void devoid of light, rotated with an eerie fluidity as if searching for something amidst the shadows. Then, with a graceful inevitability, they settled upon Aether, casting an unsettling glow upon their surroundings. "!!!!" Frozen in ce, Aether felt the weight of those eyes bearing down upon him, their gaze like icy tendrils probing every inch of his being with a cold, calcting precision. It was as though they were dissecting him, unravelling the very essence of his existence with a curiosity that sent a chill coursing through his veins. "Ether, close your eyes!!" A voice suddenly snapped him out of his trance-like state. Reacting instinctively, Aether squeezed his eyes shut, his heart pounding against his chest. After a minute or so, "Now open your eyes" Hearing that same voice, tinged with urgency, Aether slowlyplied, cautiously opening his eyes..... only to find a pair of blue eyes gazing at him with concern and familiarity, their warmth a stark contrast to the chilling gaze he had just experienced. Chapter 41: Chocolate and Cookies

Chapter 41: Chocte and Cookies

"M-madam?" Aether stood up with respect when he saw the bluish-ck haired girl. "Sigh, What are you doing here in the middle of the night? Lying down in the open yard?" She questioned him, folding her hands under her bosom, her expression a mix of concern and irritation. "W-what was that?... heh" Instead of answering her, Aether asked with a terrified face, his eyes still wide with shock from the encounter. "..." Selene''s lips twitched when she felt ignored, but she then shrugged and said, "Those are Void Eyes... they often appear around to observe any wandering souls lurking nearby. Don''t worry, they won''t harm you or anything. However, staring at those eyes might cause you to experience a brief mental breakdown." Aether''s mouth formed an ''O'' shape as he digested this knowledge. ''So it''s normal here... hehe,'' he thought, trying to alleviate the tension with a nervous chuckle. "So? Why are you here?" She brought him back to her initial question, her tone softening slightly. "Hehe... I wanted to experience the outside world," Aether offered ame excuse and was about to retreat, feeling ufortable under her gaze. "Do you really not remember anything?" Selene''s voice carried a hint of pain, her concern for him evident. "???" Aether looked at her with a questioning gaze, confused by her sudden change in demeanour. "Here..." Selene took out some choctes and cookies, attempting to lighten the mood and offer him somefort. "M-Madam?" Aether was truly taken aback, surprised by her gesture of kindness after their previous encounter. How was he supposed to react now? She was the girl who initially punched him in the gut like he was nothing, and yet here she was offering him food... However, Selene seemed to pay no mind to Aether''s internal turmoil. Instead, she gracefully settled onto the ground, patting the spot beside her, silently urging him to join her. "I... I am sorry, Madam but I ca--" "Ether, I ordered you to sit down!" Selene''s tone was firm, her fist clenched with unknown emotions. Aetherplied with her ''soft'' request, although inwardly, he felt a twinge of irritation at being ordered around. It''s not like he was afraid of being punched again by her!! Selene nodded in satisfaction and handed him the cookies and choctes, her expression softening slightly. As Selene handed him the cookies and choctes, Aether hesitated, ''It smells delicious...'' he thought. The treats looked delicious, but he couldn''t shake the nagging suspicion that there might be something more to this gesture. Aether hesitated, eyeing the snacks warily. Despite his hunger, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of mistrust. Was this a ploy to get him to lower his guard? ''What if she''s nning something?'' The thought gnawed at him, his mind racing with suspicions. He couldn''t afford to let his guard down, not in this ce filled with intrigue and deception. ''Is she trying to poison me?'' Aether''s paranoia grew, his eyes darting between Selene and the treats. Completely forgetting that she was the only one who had shown any kind of sympathy towards him in this unknown world. Selene, with her soft blue eyes, watched the internal struggle ying out on Aether''s face. She could sense his hesitation, his guardedness.... a hint of disappointment flickering in her gaze. ''Looks like he truly doesn''t remember anything!'' She couldn''t help but feel a twinge of sadness at the realization. How different things would have been if he just remembered.... "Am I not trustworthy anymore?" she asked softly, her voice tinged with hurt. As Aether observed the tears welling up in Selene''s eyes, a pang of guilt struck his heart. It was as though he had inflicted some deep wound upon her, though he couldn''t quite fathom how.... His instinct tofort her kicked in, overriding his lingering doubts and suspicions. He couldn''t bear to see her cry, especially when it seemed to be because of him. The thought of being med for causing her distress filled him with unease... Velc surely would do something to him!! "N-No, M-Madam, it''s just...." Aether''s words stumbled out in a rush, his voice tinged with a mix of apology and concern. He scrambled for an excuse, grasping at straws to alleviate the tension between them, "You know, I don''t think Master would be happy if he knew his sister was giving these handmade choctes." "Snort" Selene''s response was unexpected. Instead of chastising him or pressing further, she emitted a derisive snort, her eyes twinkling with amusement. It was a stark contrast to the sombre atmosphere a moment ago. "You don''t need to worry about that. Just eat!" she reassured him, her tone lightening considerably. "O-Okay," Aether nodded, his voice muffled by the cookies filling his mouth. As he savoured the delicious taste, a genuine smile spread across his face, "Hmm! It''s really good... Little gi--ahem Madam!" he eximed between bites, his eyes bright with delight. ''Ba-Dump, Ba-Dump'' As Selene watched his joyful expression, her heart skipped a beat. It was the first time she had seen him smile so genuinely, and it sent a flutter of warmth through her chest. "I-Is that so..?" Selene''s voice faltered slightly, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her dress. "Yes! This is my first time eating cookies this tasty" Aether confessed without realization, his enthusiasm evident as he devoured the treats with gusto. Perhaps it was the contrast to the charred meat and tried bread he had grown ustomed to, but the simple pleasure of the cookies was really too good to him. A blush deepened on Selene''s cheeks as she watched him eat, her heart fluttering at the sight. Gathering her courage, she made a bold offer, "I-If you like it, I will make it for you next time" Her hands hesitantly reached out,nding softly on Aether''s thighs, which were covered by the simple sack dress he wore. She couldn''t help but notice the worn fabric, a stark reminder of his status as a ve.... Sensing the sudden closeness, Aether tensed, shifting ufortably. He couldn''t shake the feeling that Selene had ulterior motives. Aether''s sudden flinch startled Selene, and she quickly withdrew her hands, offering a gentle smile as she redirected her gaze to the darkened sky, "If you ever need something... You could ask me right away," she offered softly, her voice filled with sincerity. "..." Aether froze for a moment, uncertainty flickering in his eyes as he processed Selene''s words, ''She up to something...'' He couldn''t shake the feeling that there was more to her offer than met the eye. "''Gulp'' I am sorry, Madam... But as I am a ve, I cann--" Aether''s words were cut off as Selene''s grip tightened on his cor, her face dangerously close to his. "....." Selene''s intense gaze bore into Aether''s, her expression tinged with a mixture of longing and frustration. Caught off guard, Aether tensed, unsure of how to respond to Selene''s sudden assertiveness. Should he break her hand?.... He wondered. Yet, in Selene''s eyes, there was a flicker of pain, a silent plea for understanding. It was as if shemented that he didn''t remember her, or..... the memories they once shared. Relenting, Selene released her grip and stood up, smoothing out her dress with practised ease. With a stern warning "Don''t stayte!" she left Aether alone in the yard, his mind swirling with confusion. "What just happened?" Aether muttered to himself, perplexed by the unexpected encounter. Shaking off his bewilderment, he decided to head for the bath. While Aether bathing peacefully, somewhere in the universe, UNKNOWN PLACE In the depths of an enigmatic realm, where the fabric of reality wavered and time held no sway, amanding voice resonated with authority, "Did you find the person who obstructed the path of samsara?" The voice, elegant yet authoritative, reverberated through the boundless expanse. "My grace" A subordinate began, bowing deeply, "ording to our reports, the first instance of energy interference urred within one of the temples in the Aquaris Naiadae Realm... However..." "However?" Themanding voice-prompted, its tone betraying no emotion. "However, E-Empress Marisandra Naiadia utterly destroyed the temple, leaving no evidence behind," the subordinate exined, a hint of apprehension in their voice. "...." The silence that followed was heavy with implications. "B-But, My grace," the subordinate continued hastily, "We have discovered that the Duke Frostde Household held a baptism on that very day!" "...." Themanding voice remained silent, its thoughts inscrutable. "I-I-If we send our spies, we might be able to uncover the culprit," the subordinate suggested, their voice tinged with urgency. "...." "M-My Grace?" The subordinate hesitated, awaiting a response. "... Do what you must. But I demand the return of the souls that were taken," themanding voice finally spoke, its tone resolute and unwavering. "U-UNDERSTOOD, MY GRACE!!" Chapter 42: My Grandson!!

Chapter 42: My Grandson!!

"Have you packed everything?" Velc Frostde inquired, his voice carrying a blend of authority and paternal concern, as he delicately sliced into a sulent piece of meat, the aroma wafting through the air tantalizing the senses. The meat dissolved on his tongue like butter, each bite a symphony of vours that danced upon his pte. "Yes, Father," Kai Frostde replied with a respectful nod, echoing his father''s mannerisms as he too savoured the meal with poise, his movements measured and refined. "Hmm..." Velc nodded in approval, his sharp eyes scanning the table before turning his gaze to his daughter, who sat beside him, "Selene?" "Yes, Father," Selene responded with a warm smile, her eyes reflecting both determination and affection as she mirrored the elegance of her father and brother, her posture poised and graceful. The Frostde family upied the grand dining hall, a space that dwarfed Aether''s so-called room, with ornate decorations adorning the walls and the soft glow of candlelight casting a warm ambience over the room. Maids and servants discreetly lingered nearby, ready to attend to their master''s needs with silent efficiency. Alfred, Velc''s trusted aide, stood faithfully by his side, his presence a silent testament to his unwavering loyalty, while Timmy, Kai''spanion, stood at attention beside him, his expression a mix of pride and anticipation while ncing at Selene. As for Aether.... he remained among the servants, his presence almost blending into the background as he carried out his duties with quiet diligence, his thoughts drifting to the events of the past weeks.... wiping his drool. Today marked the departure of Kai and Selene for their monster hunting expedition and...today would be the day he was freed from his ve job. ''Fuck! Yeah!!'' Aether screamed inwardly since he could have more time to train his body. It had been two weeks since Aether''s arrival in this world, and though he had initially resisted his life as a ve..... he found himself gradually epting his fate, realizing that he was already enved by societal norms in his previous life, his sense of self slowly fading as he assimted into his new reality. Anyhow.... After that fateful night, Selene didn''t offer him any choctes again. While Aether was relieved to avoid unnecessaryplications, a part of him couldn''t help but yearn for the taste of those delicious treats. Food was important...!!! Shaking off those nonsensical thoughts, Aether smiled as he nced at his Log, / Name: Aether Sex: Male Race: ##### Level: 0 Title: The Lost One, ve [Eternal Contract to ########], The Only Holder of Ether and Past-less, Future-less Entity. Attributes: Strength: 3 Agility: 3 Intelligence: 10 Magic Affinity: 0 Charm: 2 Compatibility: 88% Survival rate= 0.7% Affection Points: 04323 (1000 Affection Points = 1 *any Attributes) ????? / Though others might not see much reason to be pleased, for Aether, it represented a significant improvement. Through diligent training, he had enhanced his physical capabilities without relying solely on his Affection Points, which he preferred to stack for future needs. He couldn''t deny feeling a pang of regret for having used up most of his Affection Points on Intelligence, realizing it might not have been the wisest decision. Nevertheless, he reminded himself that his stash of Affection Points could still prove invaluable in critical situations. Most importantly, his survival rate had seen a slight increase. ''Fuck! Yeah!'' Though small, it was a sign of progress, a step towards greater resilience and endurance. A growth was still growth, regardless of the amount!! "Okay, gather your belongings and meet at the mansion''s entrance within fifteen minutes," Velc instructed as he finished his meal. ""Yes, Father,"" Kai and Selene replied in unison, also concluding their dining. Once the master and young masters had departed, the servants and maids resumed their duties, and Aether began clearing the table. "Munch, Munch" A distinct munching sound caught Aether''s attention. He nced over to find Timmy happily indulging in the leftovers, particrly those that had been left behind by Selene. "What?" Timmy shot Aether a defensive re as he continued to enjoy his impromptu meal. Aether simply shook his head, a gesture of resignation. Over time, he had grown ustomed to witnessing such behaviour. Initially taken aback, he had considered intervening, but upon observing theck of reaction from the other servants.... including Alfred, his father, he had thought better of it. With a silent sigh, Aether returned his focus to his own tasks, deciding to avoid unnecessary entanglements in the quirks of an idiot. After 15 minutes had psed, Velc Frostde stood expectantly at the entrance of the mansion, his gaze scanning the surroundings for any sign of movement. He stood at the entrance of the mansion, calling out impatiently, "Are you guys not ready yet?" "I am here, Father!" Kai''s voice rang out as he arrived punctually, carrying only a small backpack. "Hmm? Is that all you need?" Velc questioned, observing his son''s minimalist approach to packing. "Yes, Father. I need to learn a lot of things, and having too many belongings would only hinder my movement," Kai exined, his expression serious and determined. Velc nodded approvingly, a hint of pride evident in his smile as he observed his son''s mature decision-making. "I-I am here, Father," Selene announced, her voice slightly strained as she struggled to drag a cumbersome suitcase behind her. At the sight of his daughter''s predicament, Velc couldn''t contain hisughter. "Hahaha..." Selene''s cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she shot her father a reproachful re. "I-I am sorry, Selene... It''s just that you reminded me so much of your mother," Velc exined, his voice tinged with nostalgia as he reminisced briefly. Shaking off the sentimentality, he addressed his children with a serious tone, "My children..." Velc began, cing his hands on their shoulders and imparting his wisdom. "It''smendable that you seek to improve yourselves and fight for our family. However, should you ever encounter danger that threatens your lives..." He paused, his gaze shifting between Kai and Selene, his expression grave, "Run... No matter what happens. Run... even if it means leaving others behind. Velc then focused his attention on Kai, his grip tightening on his son''s shoulders, "Especially you, Kai. I know your instinct is to help those in need, and that''s a noble trait. But remember, your life is worth more than that of thousands of people. You don''t need to--" Before Velc could finish his warning, Kai interjected with determination, "I''m sorry, Father, but I want to be just like my grandfather..... No, even greater than him!" as he dered with resolute expression. Velc''s expression flickered with annoyance at his son''s interruption. He had been trying to impart important advice, but Kai seemed determined to follow his own path. However, his irritation was quickly overshadowed by the sound of heartyughter echoing throughout the mansion. "Hahahaha.....Well, Said! My Grandson!!"..... ahaha"The boomingughter echoed in the whole Mansion. "Grandpa!" Kai eximed, his face lighting up as he spotted the source of theughter. With a swift motion, he brushed off Velc''s hands and darted towards the old man..... Mortimer Frostde. Velc clicked his tongue in annoyance at the interruption, watching as his son eagerly approached his father. Yet, his attention then turned to Selene, who stood silently nearby..... A sense of pride swelled within him at her love, reassuring him that at least one of his children cherished him. "At least she loves me," Velc murmured to himself, finding sce in the affection of his daughter. Chapter 43: Delphine Frostblade

Chapter 43: Delphine?Frostde

"Grand Pa!!" Kai shouted as he hugged his grandfather. "Good boy!" Mortimer eximed with a smile, his hand gently patting Kai''s back, proud of his grandson''s affectionate greeting, unlike his son''s more bitchy attitude. As Kai pulled away from the embrace, concern etched on his features, he voiced his worries to his grandfather. "Grandpa... You don''t look quite yourself. Are you feeling ill again?" Mortimer chuckled at Kai''s concern, dismissing it with a wave of his hand. "Ah, it''s nothing to worry about, my boy. Just old age catching up with me," he reassured, though Kai still seemed hesitant to ept this exnation. "Now, where is my dear granddaughter?" Mortimer inquired, his eyes scanning the room eagerly. Selene, with a soft giggle, stepped forward, her demeanor poised and elegant. "It''s been a while, Grandfather," she greeted respectfully, her gaze meeting his with warmth and respect. "Hmm, yes, indeed," Mortimer murmured in approval, nodding at Selene''s grace and maturity. She embodied the qualities of a true Frostde woman.... a sight that filled him with pride. With a gentle pat on her head, he praised her, "I am proud to see my granddaughter carrying herself with such grace and maturity." Selene''s cheeks flushed with embarrassment at her grandfather''s praise, a shy smile gracing her lips in response. Turning his attention to his son, Mortimer''s expression soured with disdain as he regarded Velc. "Seems like you''re managing alright, at least," he remarked, his toneced with a hint of sarcasm. Velc''s lips tightened in irritation at his father''sment, his annoyance evident despite his attempt to maintainposure. "Yes, Father," he replied tersely, his response devoid of gentleness. Mortimer disregarded his son''s disdainful tone, his attention fixed on the carriage standing before the gate as he inquired, "How long are you going to hide?" Both Kai and Selene furrowed their brows at their grandfather''s question, while Velc''s irritation was palpable, evident in the twitch of his facial muscles. ''Thud'' As the carriage door swung open, a pair of slender legs gracefully emerged, followed by the slow, deliberate emergence of a breathtaking woman. Her aqua-coloured locks flowed like liquid silk around her face, framed by stylish sses that hinted at a touch of mystery in her deep blue eyes. With a subtle smirk, she adjusted her sses, drawing attention to the plush curve of her lips. Elegant earrings adorned her ears, swaying gently with each step and catching the soft morning light, casting a mesmerizing shimmer around her. Wrapped in the snug embrace of a grey cable-knit sweater, her ample bosom hinted at concealed treasures, enticing yet elusive. A scarf draped provocatively around her neck, teasingly hinting at the softness of her skin beneath. In ck sweatpants that clung suggestively to her curves, she exuded undeniable maism with every movement. With a voice as smooth as honey, she spoke, annoyancecing her words, "Tsk, what do you mean I''m hiding, old man? I''m merely avoiding unnecessary drama" Despite the irritation in her tone, there was an underlying allure to her words, a hint of defiance mingled with undeniable charm. ""Aunt?"" Kai and Selene eximed in shock at the unexpected sight of their aunt emerging from the carriage. "Delphine... sigh," Mortimer sighed again, this time at his daughter''s audacity. However, he quickly reminded himself that he had invited her here, and thest thing he wanted to do was further aggravate her. Turning his attention to his grandchildren, whom he cherished more than his ungrateful children, Mortimer spoke with a mixture of concern and determination. "Since you''re venturing out for some time, we can''t leave you alone in a dangerous ce..." "But I can" Kai attempted to interject his annoyance, but Mortimer cut him off with a gentle smile, "I know you can, Kai, but do you remember what happenedst time?" Kai''s expression darkened at the memory. He had felt utterly powerless when those Arcane Hunters had cornered him, rendering him helpless.... He felt like shit!! It was a feeling he never wanted to experience again, and the reason he was so eager to increase his levels as quickly as possible. Sensing Kai''s silence, Mortimer nodded understandingly before turning to Velc, "I actually wanted you to go with them, but..." Mortimer''s gaze turned disdainful as he continued, "...since you lost your Stars due to your own foolish actions, your worthlessness has increased drastically..... So, I''ve called her to safeguard the children." Velc''s lips twitched in frustration, feeling the sting of Mortimer''s words, ''I sacrificed that for our family... OLD FOOL!'' he seethed inwardly. However, he knew better than to voice his frustrations, acknowledging once again that Mortimer had beat the shit out of him. "Let''s leave!" The aqua-haired woman, Delphine, said with a carefree attitude, brushing off her familial obligations. "At least greet your only family before leaving, Delphine!!" Mortimer''s voice echoed, filled with exasperation. "Tsk," Delphine clicked her tongue dismissively, waving her hand as if to dismiss Mortimer''s request. Mortimer took a deep breath, attempting to maintain hisposure. He gave his grandchildren a stern warning not to disobey their aunt''s words. Then, he turned to Alfred and inquired, "Is Timmy ready?" "Yes, Master," Alfred responded with a bow before summoning Timmy. "Wait! Timmy is alsoing?!" Kai''s voice reverberated with frustration, his brows knit together in a deep frown. This journey was meant to be his solitary adventure, a chance for him to prove his strength and independence. He had already reluctantly epted his sister''s presence, but now..... with the addition of his aunt, his assistant alsoing. "But how will you manage without him in the kitchen?" Mortimer''s voice cut through the tension, questioning Kai''s objection. Kai flinched, momentarily taken aback before stammering, "S-Sister will take care of it," as he gestured towards Selene. Selene observed her brother''s conflicted expression with a knowing smile. "Big Brother, I don''t think I am proficient enough to handle cooking for us," she gently teased, her eyes twinkling with amusement. Kai''s lips twitched with frustration as he looked at his father, silently pleading for him to intervene and stop what seemed like an absurd decision. However, Velc simply shrugged, indicating his inability or unwillingness to challenge his father''s authority. His father was literally a waste!! Mortimer, perceptive as ever, understood his grandson''s silent plea, but he remained resolute in his decision. Suddenly, "Where is Ether?" Mortimer''s voice cut through the tension, drawing everyone''s attention. "H-Huh?" The sudden question caught everyone off guard.... "Master?" Alfred furrowed his brow in confusion.... not understanding Why should they allow a mere ve to apany them on their training? "Call him, Alfred," Mortimermanded, his tone brooking no argument. Alfred sighed resignedly, realizing he couldn''t oppose his Master''smand. He vanished momentarily before reappearing with Aether in tow. "La~LaLa~La~~La~LLAAA~" Aether''s cheerful humming filled the room as he diligently scrubbed a white te, lost in his own little world. His eyes remained closed in blissful ignorance as he went about his task. It seems he almost epted his ve life... Just as Aether attempted to set the clean te down and reach for another, disaster struck... "Tsckkkkk" With a sharp crack, the te shattered in Aether''s hand, scattering shards across the floor. Confusion washed over him as he opened his eyes... leaving Aether horrified as he surveyed the mess on the floor. "What? Whe--Wait? Where am I?" Confusion clouded his mind, he then looked up and saw he was standing before the entrance of the Mansion.... A confusion deepened momentarily until he noticed the group of onlookers observing him with keen interest. ''Gulp'' He swallowed nervously, sensing something amiss. "Is something the matter?" Aether asked tentatively, his voice tinged with respect.... as he remembered his position. "Hahah... It''s nothing, Ether," Mortimer reassured him withughter, before cing a hand on Aether''s shoulder. "You will assist Kai in his training..." "Huh?" Aether''s brief sense of freedom evaporated in an instant. Chapter 44: Only two rooms

Chapter 44: Only two rooms

"Master, Is it a wise decision?" Alfred inquired, his gaze lingering on the retreating carriage that traversed the gates of the Frostde Mansion. "Hmm?" Mortimer''s eyes trailed after the carriage before he turned his attention to Alfred, considering his question carefully. "I know I am the one who stipted he wasn''t permitted to learn anything, but..." He paused, his brow furrowing in thought as he shifted his gaze to his son, Velc, "Since the Empress''s interest has been piqued due to someone''s idiocy, I am left with no choice. I need him to increase his level as soon as possible and summon the Arcane card." At the mere mention of the Arcane Card, both Alfred and Velc visibly tensed, memories of the ominous dark entity haunting their thoughts, sending involuntary shivers down their spines. Noting their reactions, Mortimer''s curiosity deepened, and his desire to witness the nature of the Card Aether would summon grew stronger. While he had received the results from the test he had tasked Alfred with conducting, confirming Aether as a Holder of an Arcane Card because his body rejected the impurities that had been stored inside Ether''s body by the Arcane energy, Mortimer remained puzzled by the mysterious crimson red, flesh-like substance. Despite his vast knowledge and experience, Mortimer found himself intrigued by the unknown aspects of Aether''s mysterious substance. It was as though the young man held secrets that even Mortimer, with all his wisdom, could not fathom. "Is it a consequence of my meddling with Nature''s order that altered his destiny ?" Mortimer pondered aloud, his mind drifting into contemtion before he vanished from sight. Alfred and Velc exchanged a knowing nce and shrugged their shoulder before entering the mansion.... The engagement ceremony, set to take ce in the grandeur of the Royal capital, was a momentous asion that required meticulous preparation. Despite the prestigious setting, Velc understood the importance of ensuring every detail was perfect to showcase his son in the best light possible. It was not merely about presenting Kai as a suitable match for the noble family they were allying with, but also about upholding the honor and reputation of the Frostde household. With a sense of duty and determination, Velc and Alfred set about their preparations, each fullymitted to ensuring the sess of the uing engagement. Inside the carriage, ''Tuck, Tuck, Tuck...'' The rhythmic sound of the horse''s hooves echoed within the carriage, creating a soothing backdrop to the palpable tension that hung thick in the air. Aether stole a cautious nce at Timmy, whose expression seemed to radiate anger, his features contorted as if mes were licking at his face. Beside him, Kai stared out the window with a visible air of annoyance, his jaw set in determination. On the opposite side sat Selene, her posture rigid as she stared fixedly at the passing scenery, her expression serious and focused. Beside her sat the aqua-haired woman, exuding an aura of calm indifference. Originally, Aether was meant to sit with the coachman, but Mortimer insisted he join them inside the carriage, disying an unexpectedly paternal concern that left Aether feeling both doubtful and uneasy. If Aether were more naive, he might have been fooled into believing Mortimer''s outward disy of generosity and warmth. But his instincts told him there was more to Mortimer''s actions than met the eye.... since there were no affection points till now from the old man!! "Not going to speak to me?" the aqua-haired woman inquired, her voiceced with a hint of amusement, as she casually crossed her legs. Her soft aqua eyes studied Kai and Selene with genuine curiosity, betraying a keen interest in their demeanour. Kai and Selene turned their attention to their aunt, their expressions guarded yet curious. "How are you, Aunt?" Kai forced a polite smile, though a trace of irritation coloured his voice. "I''m well, thank you. And how about you?" Delphine responded with a small smile, seemingly unfazed by Kai''s tone, her gaze unwavering. "Better than ever," Kai replied proudly, his tone masking the underlying tension that simmered beneath the surface, ''I have to deal with everything.. tsk''. "Hmmm," Delphine murmured, her gaze shifting to her niece, Selene. However, Selene remained silent, her focus solely on the passingndscape, her thoughts shrouded in a veil of introspection. "Selene?" Delphine called out softly, her voice gentle yet insistent. "Yes?" Selene responded without turning her head, her tone distant yetposed. Delphine didn''t press the matter further, her attention shifting to Timmy and then to Aether. "Timmy and Ether, Right?" Delphine inquired, her gaze shifting between the two. Timmy bowed deeply, his respect was evident in the gesture, "Y-Yes, Miss Delphine," he replied, his tone deferential. Delphine acknowledged Timmy''s response with a nod before directing her gaze to Ether. However, she was met with unexpected defiance from the young man. "No, Madam. My name is Aether," Aether corrected her, choosing not to bow.'' Indeed, he was a ve but that didn''t mean he needed to bow to everyone. It''s not like his actions would tarnish Kai''s reputation... Though Aether wished it to ur..... not right now. "Aether?" Delphine''s brow furrowed in confusion, mirroring the expressions of Selene and Kai. Despite multiple people referring to him as Ether, Aether insisted on his chosen name. "But I''ve heard your name was Ether. Is that not correct?" Delphine questioned, aware of Aether''s amnesia but intrigued by his insistence on using a different name. Delphine couldn''t shake off her curiosity about why Aether insisted on using the name "Aether" instead of acknowledging his true identity as Ether. Despite the homophones ''Ether'' and ''Aether,'' Aether clung to his name as if it bore profound significance to him as if every syble resonated with his essence. "Yes, since I had amnesia, I don''t remember anything, so instead of living Ether''s life... I like to live my own life as... Aether," Aether answered with a small, thoughtful smile, his eyes gazing into the distance as if searching for lost memories. Selene''s frown deepened as she mulled over his words, a sense of unease settling in the pit of her stomach. She couldn''t shake off the feeling that there was something more to Aether''s insistence on his chosen name. "Hmmm..." Delphine''s nod was apanied by a contemtive expression before shurgging off. !~Ding~! [+1 Affection] Aether simply shrugged and peered outside. As the journey continued in silence, each passenger lost in their own thoughts.... As the evening descended upon them, they finally reached their destination. "Hmmmmm," Aether groaned in relief, stretching his tired limbs as he emerged from the carriage, feeling the stiffness of the long journey dissipate. "Let''s stay in the hotel for the night," Delphine dered, leading the way into the grand establishment, which Aether regarded with a mixture of awe and curiosity. Kai, trailing behind Delphine, muttered to himself, "I want to level up as soon as possible, not waste time on luxury amodations." Silent and reserved, Selene followed Delphine''s lead without uttering a word, while Timmy dutifully lugged her oversized suitcase behind her. ''Well... I am free then'' Aether thought. With his hands-free, Aether was about to follow them into the hotel when he was suddenly interrupted. "Excuse" ''Thud'' "OUCH!" Aether yelped as he stumbled forward, his head making unexpected contact with the ground. Turning to face the source of the disturbance, he found the coachman standing before him, a mischievous smile ying on his lips as he held out several bags. "I think you forgot these, little boy," the coachman teased, depositing yet another bag atop Aether''s head. "W-Wait, I don''t think those are ours," Aether protested, furrowing his brow in confusion, ''We didn''t load anything... did we?'' Before that coachman could answer, "Those are mine!" Delphine dered, waving her hand to im the bags. "Heh...." Aether muttered with an annoyed expression, tightly gripping the bags as he trudged inside the hotel. Delphine observed his irritation keenly, her sharp eyes noticing every flicker of emotion, ''Seems like he really regained every sense... Should I tell sister about this?'' she pondered briefly before dismissing the thought. Once inside the grand hotel, Delphine confidently approached the reception desk. "Two rooms already booked in the name of Delphine Frostde," she informed the receptionist. The receptionist nodded, efficiently retrieving the room keys and handing them over with a polite bow, "Please have a pleasant stay, Madam Frostde," she said courteously. After receiving their keys, Delphine and Selene made their way to one room, while Kai and Timmy headed to the other. "Wait? Where am I supposed to sleep?" Aether''s voice echoed as he pounded on the door. "ves have separate rooms on the lower floor, and they''re free, so go there!" Timmy''s voice came through the closed door, apanied by the sound of thetch clicking shut. "....heh," Aether sighed in frustration, feeling the tension rising within him. He reluctantly suppressed his anger, realizing his hands were tied in this situation. As he turned to leave, a familiar voice called out to him, "Eth-- No, Aether Come with me!" Chapter 45: Yes, it’s really lovely

Chapter 45: Yes, it''s really lovely

"Woohhhh" A gentle breeze whispered through the air, carrying with it a faint chill that lightly embraced the surroundings. The orange hues of the sky began to soften, hinting at the imminent arrival of nightfall. It was a scene of enchanting beauty, as the shadows cast by the surrounding buildings took on an ethereal elegance, dancing in the fading light. Meanwhile, delicate flowers swirled in the breeze, their petals fluttering like graceful butterflies. In the midst of all of this, ''Where the hell is the sun?!!'' Aether couldn''t help but scream inwardly. No matter how hard he tried toprehend it, he couldn''t fathom how the sky had turned orange without the presence of the sun..... His knowledge of Rayleigh scattering seemed to really scattering!! "Do you like it?" a beautiful voice interrupted his thoughts. "Yes, it''s really lovely," Aether replied. Turning his head, he beheld an aqua-haired woman gazing at the sky, her hair swaying gently in the breeze. She delicately tucked a few loose strands behind her ears before turning her bright aqua eyes, framed by sses, towards Aether, who had been staring at her like a dead fish. With an amused smile ying on her lips, she asked, "I''m not asking about me, Mister." However, "Hmm?" Aether tilted his head before saying, "I''m not talking to you too... It''s just that there''s something caught in your hair," he exined, reaching out as if to pluck it out for her. However, Delphine raised her hand to halt his gesture, instead opting to tousle her own hair, causing a few petals to flutter down. Her cheeks flushed a little as she couldn''t believe she said those words haughtily! Though, Internally, she couldn''t help but frown at his attempt to touch her hair without permission. Despite any potential offence taken, Aether remained oblivious, his expression one of innocent sincerity as he smiled back at her. He hadn''t meant anything more than to remove the stray petal from her hair, his intentions pure and devoid of any ulterior motives. He then turned his head to gaze at the orange sky. They were currently standing on the terrace of the hotel, having been brought there by Delphine for an important conversation. Initially, when she had asked him, he had rejected her, citing the need for rest. However, she had insisted, pulling him up to the terrace. From this elevated vantage point, Aether could fully observe the world beyond. Though it bore a medieval appearance, the architecture, shops, and attire were strikingly simr to those of his own world. "You call yourself Aether... Because you didn''t want to live the life that you don''t know as Ether, right?" Delphine suddenly asked, breaking the silence. "Yes," Aether nodded, turning his gaze towards her. "Then those actions of yours... are truly new?" Delphine''s inquiry probed deeper. "What do you mean... Madam?" Aether furrowed his brow, confusion evident in his expression. ".... I mean" Delphine stepped closer, her bosom was almost near his chest, her aqua eyes piercing into his own blue gaze, "I heard you employed an unknown stance during your fight against someone...." Aether felt a bead of sweat forming on his brow, "I don''t kno-" Before he could finish, Delphine interrupted, her words cutting through his attempt to deny, "You even performed your duties with perfection, as if you already knew everything and trained for years... Every action you took was wless. Even when you cleaned the te, the pressure you applied to remove stains was just right, and moreover, you were singing something despite your amnesia." Her frown deepened. Aether was sweating profusely, but he managed to maintain a facade of confusion as if he couldn''t quite grasp what she was implying. With an awkward expression stered on his face, Aether replied, "I am not sure what you are talking about... Madam, but whatever I did was just my body acting fluently..." Delphine frowned, her gaze probing for any signs of deception in his eyes, but all she found was awkwardness and... annoyance? "Perhaps his body remembered and moved on its own?" she mused silently, slowly withdrawing from Aether''s personal space. "And that''s how you escape from the teachers!!" Aether muttered under his breath, exhaling a sigh of relief inwardly as he silently thanked his past self for effortlessly fabricating a lie before his instructors without fearing... Surly helped him now!! Just as Delphine was about to inquire further, a voice interjected, breaking the tension, "What''s going on here?" A voice chimed in. Aether and Delphine turned towards the neer, finding a bluish-ck haired girl standing there with a curious expression. "Selene?" Delphine tilted her head, somewhat surprised to see her niece, who had imed to be suffering from a headache and wanted to rest for the day.... yet, suddenly appeared here. Selene frowned, noticing the noticeable distance between Delphine and Aether. "What are you doing... Aunt?" she asked softly, though Delphine could sense there was a subtle anger in her tone. Delphine, puzzled by her niece''s reaction, furrowed her brow... not understanding why her niece was angry. Selene with heavy steps stood before Delphine and Ether. "What happened? Don''t you have a headache?" Delphine inquired, her concern evident. Selene took a moment to respond. "I wanted to breathe some fresh air," she finally replied, then turned her attention to Aether, "What are you doing with a ve, Aunt?" Delphine shrugged nonchntly. "Hmm... I''m just curious, since your grandfather asked me to take care of him." "Me?" "Him?" Both Aether and Selene pointed at Aether, their frowns deepening. "Yes, since you awakened your Arcane Card," Delphine continued, her expression remainingposed. "He asked me to train you." "..." "..." ''What the hell?'' Aether screamed inwardly as his mind raced through various possibilities to find an answer for Mortimer''s actions. The mystery surrounding the old man''s sudden interest in his training gnawed at him, fueling a storm of questions in his mind, ''He is definitely up to something... but what is it?.... Does he find out I am training?... I am not sure about that since even Alfred could sneak behind without me getting alert so... That might be the reason but why would he help me train?....'' As Aether continued to ponder deeply, the pieces of the puzzle began to align in his mind. Suddenly, a spark ignited inside his heart as he connected the dots, ''The Arcane Card...'' he mumbled inwardly with serious eyes. The realization dawned on him that there was a deeper significance to his possession of the Arcane Card, one that he had been oblivious to until now. Both the Empress and the Old Man were interested in his Arcane Card.... which he wasn''t even aware of until the Empress mentioned it. But suddenly, "ARCANE CARD? HIM??!!!" A loud voice snapped him out of his thoughts as he saw Selene shouting at him, her eyes aze with a mix of shock and.... happiness? Chapter 46: Danger!!!!

Chapter 46: Danger!!!!

"???" "???" Both Aether and Delphine were perplexed, their minds filled with question marks as they struggled toprehend why Selene was looking at Aether with such a shocked and oddly... happy expression? "Selene?" Delphine gently patted her niece''s shoulder, seeking to bring her back to the present. "H-uh?" Selene snapped out of her thoughts, clearing her throat awkwardly before turning her attention to Ether, "I never heard you had an Arcane Card," she stated, her voiceced with surprise and curiosity. Before Aether could respond, Delphine interjected, "Because no one knew except your father, that old man, and his butler." "I see..." Selene nodded slowly, her expression shifting as a whirlwind of emotions danced in her eyes. Then, with a sudden change in demeanour, she addressed Aether again, her tone filled with a strange mix of admonition and something else, "Be grateful! Hmph!!" With that, she turned on her heel and began to walk away, leaving Aether utterly baffled. "???" Once again surrounded by question marks, Aether couldn''t fathom what Selene meant by her cryptic words. ''Grateful? What does it mean, girl?'' he wondered, his thoughts swirling. Meanwhile, Delphine, though intrigued by her niece''s behaviour, decided to proceed with her initial inquiry. "Anyhow, show me your log," she asked, her expression serious. Selene, now curious herself, halted in her tracks and returned to join them. Delphine didn''t mind, as she was also curious when she heard her father barking orders like a dog, requesting her assistance in this matter. "You name?" Aether asked, though he already knew. He just wanted to confirm. "Delphine Frostde and..." Delphine nced at her niece, who appeared equally curious, before continuing, "Selene Frostde." Aether nodded and touched the log, muttering both of their names before proceeding, / Name: Ether Sex: Male Race: Human Level: 0 Title: ve [Master: Kai Frostde] Attributes: Strength: 1 Agility: 1 Intelligence: 5 Magic Affinity: 0 Charm: 1 / "What did it say?" Aether inquired, his curiosity piqued by the unfamiliarity of how his catalogued Log functioned to others unlike to him. "Hmm? Not bad, I guess? Strength is 1, Agility is 1, Intelligence is 5, Charm is 1, and Magic Affinity is 0... Not bad at all," Delphine responded, nodding with a deep understanding of the attributes presented. Upon observing this new data, Selene furrowed her brow, her eyes momentarily flickering with uncertainty before regainingposure. ''Hmm... Interesting,'' Aether mused as he examined his own True Log, paying particr attention to the attributes listed, / Attributes: Strength: 3 Agility: 3 Intelligence: 10 Magic Affinity: 0 Charm: 2 Affection Points: 05003 (1000 Affection Points = 1 *any Attributes) / ''So, it disys half of my progress...?'' Aether concluded, nodding in acknowledgement, ''Good to know..'' Then, as if on cue, Delphine glided closer to him, her movements graceful yet purposeful, her intent clear as she reached out to touch him without seeking his consent. Her gentle, exploring hands traced a path across his skin, starting with his fingers and moving with deliberate slowness over his wrist, forearms, and biceps, each caress leaving a tantalizing trail of sensation in its wake. They lingered on his chest, mapping the contours of his muscles, before descending to his abdomen, where they paused, eliciting a sharp intake of breath from Aether..... "!!!" Aether''s mind jolted into awareness, registering the unexpected sensation coursing through his body and just about to stop her, ''p'' The sound reverberated through the air, jarring in its abruptness. "W-What are you doing?!" Selene''s voice pierced the tense silence, her words trembling with a mix of shock and indignation as she instinctively shielded her flushed face from view.... Heat radiated from her skin, her embarrassment almost tangible, like wisps of smoke curling from her heated cheeks. "I am just checking to see what kind of training I should give him," Delphine muttered, her expression a mix of amusement and mischief as she observed Selene''s innocent reaction. ''Ahh... It''s good to be young,'' Delphine mused silently, a wistful smile tugging at the corners of her lips. However, for Aether, the situation wasn''t amusing in the slightest. Despite inhabiting the body of a teenage boy, he was, in reality, a nearly 30-year-old man, and the invasion of his personal space left him feeling deeply humiliated. "Ms. Delphine, I believe it''smon courtesy to ask before touching someone," Aether asserted, his voiceced with a hint of irritation as he distanced himself from Delphine, his brow furrowed in displeasure.... He didn''t someone touching his body without permission. A small red hue crept onto Delphine''s cheeks as she defiantly dered, "I am not going to say sorry... Since we own you," her wordsnded with the precision of an arrow, piercing Aether''s heart. A stark reminder he was still a ve... Eternal ve!! "Don''t you dare touch hi-- I mean touch anyone without permission!" Selene''s voice rang out, her interruption cutting through the tension like a sharp de. Delphine frowned at her niece''s boldness, her brows knitting together in a mixture of irritation and bemusement. She felt a pang of annoyance at Selene''s interference, She was just doing her job.... Nothing More!! Still, Delphine couldn''t help but think something wrong about her niece but she held back from articting her thoughts, realizing that she wasn''t Selene''s mother and therefore had no authority to reprimand her. "Let''s go... Aunt," Selene urged, her grip firm as she pulled Delphine along with her. "W-Wait, I need t-- ''Aunt?''" Delphine''s surprise was evident in her expression, her features frozen in a moment of stunned realization as the unexpected title registered in her mind after such a long absence. Despite the initial shock, a gentle smile spread across Delphine''s face, softening the lines of her features as she allowed herself to be led by Selene without resistance. It''s been years since her niece happily called ''Aunt''. She couldn''t help but be more happy!! Aether watched as Selene and Delphine departed, their figures disappearing into the distance. With a nonchnt shrug, he turned his gaze upward, his eyes scanning the vast expanse of the sky above him as he muttered, "I am really in another world..." He drew in a deep breath, savouring the unfamiliar air that filled his lungs. ''Chrip, Chrip'' The melodic trill of birdsong reached Aether''s ears, a soothing reminder of nature''s presence. Watching as the birds flitted about, he noticed them preparing to return to their nests. Seizing the opportunity to earn some favour, Aether reached into his pocket and retrieved a few pieces of bread he had secretly stored, tossing them towards the feathered creatures in an attempt to garner some affection points. And soon, with a sense of satisfaction.... he decided to run away. "Yeah, let''s escape," Aether muttered with a smirk, though uncertainty clouded his mind about his current location. He had a vague sense of direction, recalling a few streets that led to the forest and other slum areas where he might find refuge. And with that, he left the decision about his future to his future self, trusting that he would find a way to navigate the challenges ahead. Aether slowly searched for any back doors, his hopes dwindling as he found none unlike the familiaryout of the restaurant in his own world. Frustrated and with no other options left, he attempted to sneak out through the front door. However, "Excuse me, Mr. ve," a receptionist interrupted his movements with a stern tone. "O-Oh! Hello, Beautifuldy, M-My Master asked me to buy--" Aether stammered, his attempt at deception cut short by the swift response of the receptionist. "We will arrange delivery for them," she interjected firmly, her demeanour leaving no room for argument as if she already knew of his intentions. ".... Well, My Master--" Aether tried to salvage the situation, but he was swiftly silenced by a single word from the receptionist, "Guards" Two heavily armed soldiers suddenly came. Aether''s heart sank as he realized the futility of his escape attempt. With a defeated sigh, he closed his mouth and reluctantly returned to his assigned room. "Fuck!" he cursed under his breath, frustration boiling over as he epted defeat for the second time. But deep down, a flicker of determination ignited within him, a silent vow that one day, he would break free.... but he didn''t know when it would be. Anyhow, Aether discovered the rooms designated for ves. Despite theirrger size, he noted the absence of furniture. "I mean, it''s twice the size of my room back at the mansion," Aether muttered, his words tinged with a hint of disbelief. ''Sniff, Sniff'' "What the fuck is this shit!!" However, his thoughts were interrupted by an unpleasant odour that assaulted his senses, causing him to instinctively cover his nose in distaste. Unable to bear the stench, he quickly retreated, opting to spend the night under the open sky on the terrace instead. ..... ... The next morning, Delphine''s gaze swept over the group, her expression tensed, "Where is that boy?" she inquired, her eyes resting on Kai, Selene, and Timmy. "Timmy?" Kai murmured urgently to Timmy, prompting him to take action. Without hesitation, Timmy dashed into the hotel to search for Aether. After what felt like an eternity, Timmy returned, his breathsing in ragged gasps. "-Ha-He-ah- he is not-ha- here," he managed to gasp out between breaths. "Not here? What do you mean? He didn''t sleep with you guys?" Delphine''s brow furrowed in confusion. "W-Well..." Timmy''s smile was strained as he nced nervously at Kai. "Kai?" Delphine''s tone was insistent, her gaze fixed on her nephew. "O-Okay, Okay... I didn''t want him to enter my room with his filthy clothes, so I asked him to sleep in the ve Area," Kai admitted truthfully, a sense of frustration evident in his inner thoughts as he silently cursed, ''Where the hell is that bastard?'' "You let him sleep in the ve Area?" Delphine''s frown deepened, her confusion growing as she struggled toprehend Kai''s actions. "Do you know how many people have died in that rotten room?" Delphine''s eyes zed with anger as she confronted Kai. Indeed, the ve quarters were notorious for their squalid conditions, where hygiene was often neglected and death was not umon among the inhabitants. It might not be shocked if they saw Aether''s rotten dead body in there. Yet, Kai''s response was blunt, pointing an usatory finger at Delphine, "It''s your fault, Aunt! You brought us here to fight, not to rx and have a pic! And there''s no way I would allow a ve to sleep in the same room as me!" Realizing it wasn''t the time to argue, Delphine swiftly disappeared, scouring the hotel grounds in a matter of seconds before returning with a hint of nervousness in her voice, "He isn''t in the hotel... They said they didn''t see anyone leaving the hotel!!" Selene face turned pale. "Kai, look at me and try to establish a connection," Delphine urged, grasping Kai''s shoulder with a calm tone, trying not to pressure him too much because he was the only one to find the Aether. Delphine entertained the thought that Aether might have already attempted to run away. However, she knew that the hotel they were staying in was not easy to sneak out of, especially considering Aether''s physical condition. With his weakened body, she doubted he would be able to overpower the heavy guards and escape without alerting anyone. "Tsk," Kai clicked his tongue irritably, closing his eyes in an attempt to focus on the connection between them, but before he could fully concentrate, he was interrupted by a sudden fit of coughing. "Cough, Cough" Bloodstained Kai''s lips and Delphine''s expression turned grim.... An internal injury means... .... Aether was in Danger!! Chapter 47 He is.... Dead Man Chapter 47 He is.... Dead Man "Kai, drink some water!" Delphine''s voice wasced with urgency as she extended a bottle of water towards Kai, her concern evident in her eyes. With eachboured breath, Kai epted the bottle. Slowly, he unscrewed the cap and brought the bottle to his lips, allowing the refreshing liquid to trickle down his throat, providing some relief to his parched and strained voice. Meanwhile, Timmy moved to his side, gently rubbing Kai''s tense back in a soothing gesture of support. Beside him, Selene stood, her worry etched across her features as she watched Kai with a furrowed brow. As Kai''s breathing gradually steadied, it became apparent that there were no more severe internal injuries, indicating that Aether was likely unharmed. Once Kai had calmed down, Delphine posed the crucial question. "Can you feel the connection?" Kai understood the significance of her inquiry now.It pertained to the bond between him and Aether, forged by the Contract. Regardless of the distance separating them, Kai possessed the ability to sense Aether''s whereabouts. Closing his eyes, Kai focused inward, reaching out with his senses to grasp the intangible thread that bound them together. If Aether knew about this..... He would feel really disgusted!! ''sssshhh'' The scene unfolded with a sudden intensity, a white-coloured light pulsating through the wire, seeking its endpoint. But before it could reach its destination, "AAAHHH!!" Kai''s cry of distress echoed through the room, his expression contorted in agony. "Young Master!!" Timmy''s voice rang out in rm, his eyes wide with fear. "-ha-I-I am fine-ha-" Kai gasped, his breathing ragged as he struggled to regain hisposure. With a wry expression, he admitted, "I cannot sense him." "W-What? Are you sure?" Delphine''s brow furrowed in concern, her worry evident in her tone. "Y-Yes. When I tried to reach out, I was met with... darkness.I am not sure how to say this but...." Kai exined, his voice tinged with uncertainty, "It felt like a void, a ce where nothing enters and.... nothing leaves." He squinted, attempting to make sense of the unsettling experience, his mind grappling with the implications. ''It worked before, but what now...?'' he wondered, a sense of unease settling over him. "Okay, take it easy," Delphineforted Kai, her hand gentle as she patted his head. With a reassuring smile, she continued, "We will search for him." "B-But I think he wille here--" Before Kai could finish his sentence, Delphine''s expression hardened, her gaze piercing as she interrupted him, "I think you are underestimating the s.i.g.n.i.f.i.c.a.n.c.e of the Eternal Contract, Kai!It''s not something to be taken lightly. And if anything were to happen to him... we cannot predict the consequences for you." "B-But, M-Master Velc said, Young Master will be fine even if Ether died," Timmy interjected, his voice tinged with dissatisfaction. ''...'' Delphine fixed Timmy with a steady gaze, her silence speaking volumes as if to convey, ''You have some nerve to dare to question me.'' Nevertheless, she eventually responded her tone firm, "Yes, even if Aether were to perish, Kai would not meet the same fate. However... he would be forever bound by the consequences of enving someone... Eternally!!" "What are the consequences then?" Selene''s voice cut through the tension, her curiosity evident in her tone. ".....I don''t know.... No one knows what exactly the punishment is because even in history, those who eternally enved someone... They didn''t... no, never lived a wonderful life," Delphine admitted, her expression sombre as she avoided delving further into the grim topic. Kai''s expression darkened with concern, his voice trembling as he voiced his fears. "B-But my father assured me that I would be safe as long as Ether is by my side!" ".... Yes, you will be safe as long as..." Delphine trailed off, her gaze sweeping over their surroundings before she continued, "...Aether remains with you?" "I don''t think it''s the right idea to dy anymore," Selene asserted with a serious expression, her gaze fixed on Kai. "Brother, you can stay here in the hotel to rest while Aunt, Timmy, and I search for Eth-- Him." Kai felt a surge of gratitude towards his determined sister. He knew that once Selene had made up her mind, there was no stopping her. With a silent nod, the group quickly divided. .... ... "Aunt, where should we search first?" Selene inquired, her voice filled with determination. However, Delphine''s thoughts were elsewhere, consumed by the enigma of the void Kai had described, ''A void...ah? Where nothing enters and nothing leaves....hmm?'' She pondered the implications, trying to recall any few rare cases from the past where such phenomena had urred.... But to her dismay, there was nothing like that. ''Eternal contracts are ordained by the Almighty ''Arcane,'' The Supreme Energy above all!! There should be no conceivable way for someone to disrupt it...'' Delphine''s brow furrowed with concern, her thoughts spiralling into darker conjectures. ''Unless... someone has somehow surpassed the Almighty Arcane... or... Is Arcane the one who blo--'' Her contemtions were abruptly interrupted by the sight of a group of injured individuals making their way towards the temple for healing. With a furrowed brow, Delphine hastened towards them, Timmy and Selene trailing behind. However, she halted them with a gesture, indicating for them to stay put. Timmy''s heart fluttered with anticipation as he stole a nce at Selene, his eagerness evident in his gaze. ''I-I never had this kind of chance before. Come on, Timmy, this is your chance to get--'' His thoughts were abruptly interrupted by Selene''s voice. "So, you guys let him sleep in that rotten ce even knowing what it is?" Selene''s question hung in the air, though she didn''t direct her gaze towards Timmy. Despite not expecting the question, Timmy felt a rush of happiness that Selene was engaging in conversation with him. With a determined nod, he replied, "As Young Master said before, we cannot allow that ve to sleep on the same ground as Young Master." Silence settled between them for a moment before Selene muttered under her breath, her words barely audible. "So do you..." "Pardon?" Timmy cocked his head, unable to catch her words before he was hushed by Delphine''s sudden appearance. N?v(el)B\\jnn "Sshhh!!" Delphine materialized before them, her expression grave. "I found him where he went" Delphine announced with deadly seriousness, her toneced with urgency. "Where?" Selene was the first to inquire, her concern evident in her voice. "They said they saw a white-haired boy running around like a drunkard before entering the Hunting Zonest night," Delphine revealed her tone grave with implication. Selene''s body trembled, frozen in ce like a statue, her mind racing with fear and worry. Meanwhile, Timmy couldn''t help but feel a surge of excitement inwardly, ''Hunting Zone! Hell Yeah, Man!!'' he thought to himself, his apprehension masked by a sense of happiness. The Hunting Zone was a forest but it was not an ordinary forest; it was teeming with countless monsters of varying levels of strength. While it was customary for high-level monsters like orcs to inhabit certain areas and lower-level creatures like goblins to dwell elsewhere, in the Hunting Zone, there were no such distinctions... No Rules or anything. Any monster could lurk anywhere, making it a perilous environment even for seasoned adventurers, making it a treacherous and unpredictable environment. It was precisely this dangerous setting that Kai sought to test and hone his skills. Upon arriving at the scene, Delphine and her group were met with a blockade of town guards, preventing them from entering the forest. "Sorry, sir, but we''ve received intel that a 2-Sliver Star monster is nearby. We cannot allow anyone to enter until the Vige Chief gives the order," one of the guards exined. "W-What do you mean? My partner is in there! How could I leave him?!" one of the men protested, his frustration evident in his voice. "I am sorry," the guard replied solemnly, his tone regretful but firm. It was clear that their orders were not to be disobeyed, regardless of the circumstances. "A-Aunt?" Selene''s voice cut through Delphine''s thoughts, her frown deepening with concern, "hmm? Who said Ether was her--" "P-Please, someone helps us!!" Another voice pierced the air, apanied by the sight of a man emerging from the forest, cradling an unconscious woman in his arms. Her body was bloodied and limp, a stark contrast to the urgency in the man''s voice. The guards sprang into action, swiftly taking the woman from the man''s arms and calling for healers to attend to her. "What happened?" the guards questioned, their voices tinged with urgency. "W-We didn''t...''sob'' we didn''t know, but it was the only way..." the man''s voice wavered with guilt and pain, his eyes haunted by the horrors witnessed in the forest. "Coming through!!" Another cry echoed as a new group of people emerged from the forest, their bodies also bearing the marks of battle, blood staining their clothes and wounds littering their forms. Delphine approached one of the survivors, her expression intent as she inquired, "Did you see a white-haired boy?" The survivor flinched, turning away before Delphine could press further. "Hey, I am as--" She frowned and Before she could insist, another man approached with a serious expression, "May I presume you are rted to the white-haired, lean-bodied 15-year-old?" the man asked solemnly. "...Yes," Delphine confirmed, her heart pounding with a mix of dread and anticipation. At the man''s words, the guilt etched on the faces of the passing survivors was palpable. "He...saved us," the man admitted, his voice heavy with emotion. "???" Delphine''s confusion deepened, unable toprehend the situation fully. However, "Where is he now?" Selene''s next words cut through the tension like a de, her expression darkening with an ominous intensity. Even Timmy couldn''t help but flinch at the sudden shift in atmosphere. "Gulp" The sound was audible as the man swallowed nervously before delivering the grim news. "He is... d-dead." Chapter 48 He was really f***ed up.... Chapter 48 He was really f***ed up.... A few hours earlier, "Sigh... I don''t feel like sleeping at all," Aether muttered to himself, his gaze fixed on the dark expanse of the sky adorned with countless twinkling stars. His mind grappled with a single question that seemed to consume his thoughts: ....Should he jump from the terrace? It was his ultimate opportunity to break free from the shackles of his humiliating existence....Yet, an overwhelming sense of uncertainty held him back, tethering him to his current situation. Though he wanted to run there was this uneasy feeling..... He would die pathetically but more importantly, "Eternal Contract, huh..." Aether murmured, his expression contemtive. The name of the contracted individual remained concealed, hidden from Ether or Aether''s knowledge, much like the identity of his own race. He pondered whether Mortimer, the cunning old man who had orchestrated his current predicament, was truly the mastermind behind it all or something else.... Without a deeper understanding of this unfamiliar world, Aether found himself adrift in a sea of uncertainty.... He wasn''t sure what the hell was happening around him. Especially this contract, which left him feeling like a mere puppet in the hands of a young boy! It felt like something was wrong with this contract... "What should I do...?" Aether''s fists clenched in frustration. This was his sole opportunity to break free(Not entirely since he was contracted) from the shackles of his fate. "Come on, Log, give me something to escape this fucked-up life..." Aether grumbled in annoyance, though he knew the log was unlikely to offer any assistance, as it had always remained silent. But this time, as if in response to his plea, !Ding! "H-Huh?" Aether''s surprise was palpable as his body tensed with anticipation, his senses heightened by the unexpected sound. "Log!" Aether eximed in excitement, his hopes rising at the prospect of something new. But.... instead of the familiar transparent ck screen, a strange phenomenon urred. "sshhhhh....sssshhh!!" A murky ck smoke suddenly enveloped Aether, shrouding his vision in darkness. "W-What is happening?!" Aether''s heart pounded with horror as he struggled against the suffocating darkness. Suddenly, In the midst of the darkness, strange noises filled the air, iprehensible and unsettling. "!@#@@()(@2" "What...?" Aether''s brow furrowed in confusion as he attempted to make sense of the strange sounds echoing around him. "!@$%##)(##@@" Once again, the unintelligible noises assaulted his ears, only serving to frustrate him further. "What on fuck does that mean?!" he shouted in the darkness with fear and annoyance. Growing increasingly agitated by the disorienting darkness and the cryptic sounds, Aether felt a surge of anger building within him. He was about to unleash his frustration when suddenly, "Hehehe...." An etherealugh reverberated behind him, sending shivers down his spine. Aether''s eyes widened in shock as recognition dawned upon him.... he knew thatugh. With trembling hands and a heart pounding in his chest, he slowly turned around, his gaze fixated on a distant.... a White flickering figure amidst the darkness. "Hehehe..." The familiarughter echoed once more, causing tears to well up in Aether''s eyes as he whispered in disbelief, "I-Is that you?" "Hehehe... Come here, Aether. I found a way!" The voice, unmistakably someone that Aether knew, beckoned to him. Hearing the voice, Aether''s breath caught in his throat, his heart racing with anticipation. N?v(el)B\\jnn ''Ba-dump, Ba-dump...'' ''Step, Step....'' With each step, Aether''s heart thudded louder in his chest, the sound reverberating in his ears as if urging him forward. ''Step, Step, Step...'' His eyes remained locked on the flickering figure, tears streaming down his cheeks unchecked as he pressed on. He walked.... walked and walked, each step aborious effort as he pushed through the darkness, his legs trembling with each stride, the agony in his muscles reaching its limit. "Hehehe... Come faster, Aether.... Hehehe," the voice taunted, its echoes serving as both a beacon of hope and a tormenting reminder of his distance from his goal. "Y-Yeah... " Aether''s voice quivered with fatigue as he summoned every ounce of strength, taking a deep breath before breaking into a desperate run towards the elusive figure. Yet, no matter how fast he ran, the figure remained just beyond his grasp, its ethereal form flickering tantalizingly in the distance, always just out of reach. Sweat poured down his brow, his sacked dress clinging to his skin as his body strained against the relentless pursuit. "H-How-ha-ha- How long it -ha- is.....?" Aether gasped for breath, his chest heaving with exertion as he bent forward, leaning on his knees to catch his breath, each inhtion a struggle against the suffocating weight of fatigue. "Sigh, You are noting?.... It''s sad, but I am leaving again," the white, ethereal figure muttered softly, its voice tinged with sorrow, as it began to move away, the light surrounding it shrinking with each step. "W-Wait!! D-on''t leave me!!!" Aether''s desperate plea echoed through the darkness as he summoned every ounce of strength left in his weakened body. ''Step, Step...'' This time, fueled by sheer determination and fear of losing again, Aether ran with all his might, each step propelling him forward as if his life depended on it. To his astonishment, the shrinking white figure suddenly began to erge, as if Aether''s efforts were closing the distance between them. With a smile of hope spreading across his face, Aether pushed himself even harder, his legs pumping faster as he closed in on the figure. Unlike before, this time Aether almost reached the white figure. It was then that the figure came to a sudden halt, but Aether paid no heed, his singr focus fixed on reaching that figure.Ignoring the figure''s pause, he continued to sprint forward, his determination unwavering, "P-Pe...." Aether muttered, his voice trembling with a mix of joy and desperation as he reached out towards the fading figure, his fingers mere inches away from touching her ethereal form, when suddenly, "Sssshhhhh!!!" The ck mist dissipated in an instant, swallowing the white figure along with it, and leaving Aether stunned and disoriented in the darkness. Before he could even process what had happened, reality crashed down upon him with a painful force. "OUCH!!" ''Thud'' With a resounding thud, Aether collided with something solid, his nose bearing the brunt of the impact. "SHIT!!" he eximed in agony, his hands instinctively flying to his throbbing nose, feeling the shockwaves reverberate through his skull and brain.... As the initial wave of pain began to subside, Aether''s senses slowly returned, his vision clearing to reveal his surroundings. ''Drip, Drip'' With teary eyes, Aether surveyed his surroundings, only to find himself face to face with a towering tree, its branches looming ominously overhead. "T-Tree?" Aether''s brow furrowed in confusion and difort as he turned around, discovering yet another tree standing just behind him. Another Tree!! His heart sank as the realization washed over him.... he was surrounded by an endless expanse of trees, stretching out in all directions as far as the eye could see. A sense of dread gnawed over his body. "Hehe..." A small, bitterugh escaped Aether''s lips involuntarily as the realisation dawned on him. He had been thoroughly fucking fooled by his System, or whatever entity was behind this!!! ''Drip, Drip'' Blood continued to trickle from his nose, staining his sack dress as Aether''s eyes burned with rage. "YOU FUCKING LOG!!! HEHE... I TOLD YOU TO LET ME ESCAPE NOT PUT ME THROUGH ANOTHER FUCKED UP SITUATION!! HEHE.. AND HOW DARE YOU USE ''HER''!!!!!" His furious shout echoed through the forest, a testament to his frustration and anger. ''Rustle, Rustle'' The sound of movement nearby caught Aether''s attention, causing him to pause in his tirade. A sense of unease crept over him, his instincts warning him of.... impending danger. !~Ding~! Aether didn''t need to see what had triggered the notification; he already knew.... Someone or something...had stumbled upon a tantalizing meal, and that meal was none other than.... Yours Truly!!! Chapter 49: Luck or not... ''Rustle, Rustle'' The sound of movement nearby put Aether on high alert. Slowly, he backed up against a nearby tree trunk, he wasn''t letting sneak up from behind him.... Wary of potential threats lurking in the darkness behind him while he focused his attention on the source of the rustling. In the dim light, he could make out a small figure emerging from the shadows, its form indistinct yet intriguing. Aether''s heart pounded in his chest, the adrenaline coursing through his veins as he prepared for whatever mighte next. "QIKKK" With a sudden, squeezing sound, an object leapt before him, startling Aether for a moment. As he squinted to get a clearer view, a smile tugged at his lips. "It''s a slime, isn''t it?" he remarked with a hint of amusement. This encounter marked his first real-life encounter with a creature straight out of a cartoon, and the novelty of it all brought a glimmer of joy to Aether''s eyes. Crouching down to get a better look, he examined the slime with fascination. Its jelly-like bodycked any discernible features like a weird line of eyes or any kind of core inside, resembling nothing more than a blob of translucent gel. "Hey there, little guy," Aether murmured, his curiosity piqued as he reached out to touch it with his fingertip. With a momentary hesitation, he made contact, feeling the soft, gtinous texture beneath his touch. ''Boing, Boing'' "Haha," Aether chuckled at the sound, finding it oddly endearing. With a sense of childlike wonder, he continued to poke the slime experimentally, each gentle prod met with a satisfying jiggle. ''Poke, Poke, Poke, Poke...'' ''Boing, Boing, Boing, Boing...'' The slime responded to his touch with yful resilience, its gtinous form quivering with delight under his fingertips. Aether couldn''t help butugh as he revelled in the simple joy of the interaction, momentarily forgetting the seriousness of his surroundings.... just like a child. Even though he was fucking middle-aged man!! "Is this even a mon.....sss..terr?" Aether''s words trailed off into a whisper of disbelief as he watched in astonishment, the small slime gradually expanding in size before his wide eyes. It seemed to defy thews of nature, growingrger andrger with each passing moment. "..." Aether stood frozen, his mouth agape, as he beheld the object that now towered over him, its bulk three times his own height. The once diminutive slime had transformed into a formidable presence, casting a surreal shadow over the forest floor. ''Plob, Plob'' A bubbling sound emanated from within the now-humongous slime, echoing like distant thunder in the quiet clearing. Aether''s mind raced with a mixture of awe and trepidation, his heart pounding in his chest. !~Ding~! [+1 Affection] ''Gulp'' Aether swallowed hard, his throat dry with fear, "Hehe...!!!!!" ''Thud'' Suddenly, with a deafening thud, the colossal slime lurched forward, its massive bulk rolling toward Aether with rming speed. Reacting on pure instinct, Aether leapt to the side, his heart pounding in his ears as he narrowly avoided being engulfed by the oing tide of slime. The ground trembled beneath him as the behemoth passed by, leaving a trail of glistening slime in its wake. ''Plop, Plop'' Once more, a bubbling sound emanated from the colossal slime. Aether furrowed his brow and squinted his eyes, trying to discern the source of the strange noise..... To his horror, he realized that the sturdy tree he had been leaning against for support was slowly disintegrating into nothingness within the gtinous mass of the slime. ''Ba-Dump, Ba-Dump'' The sound of his own heartbeat echoed loudly in Aether''s mind, matching the frantic rhythm of his pulse. Fear gripped him as he imagined himself meeting the same fate as the unfortunate tree, reduced to nothing.... not even body parts remained that could help others!! With a growing sense of urgency, Aether made a split-second decision to flee, his survival instincts kicking into overdrive. But as he turned to escape, he saw the colossal monster rolling its massive body in his direction, its gtinous form undting with terrifying speed and true to its purpose.... THAT''S HIM!!! ''Crack, Crack, Thud, Thud....'' Aether''s heart raced as he sprinted through the forest, the cacophony of cracking and thudding sounds reverberating through the air behind him. He dared not look back, knowing that whatevery in the slime''s path was being consumed in an instant, disappearing into the abyss faster than the blink of an eye. "FUCK!!" Aether''s expletive escaped his lips in a horrified whisper as he realized the true extent of the slime''s destructive power. It was like nothing he had ever encountered before (In the games and Novels)... a relentless force of nature digesting everything in its path ruthlessly Fast. Very Much faster than instant noodles!! Aether ran as fast as his legs could carry him, his heart pounding in his chest with every stride. He wasn''t sure which direction to take; the dense forest offered no clues, no guiding lights from nearby towns or viges..... He simply ran in what he hoped was the right direction, fueled by pure instinct and the primal urge to survive. Suddenly, "WOOOOOO!!!" Aether''s body trembled at the haunting sound of the distant howl, sending a shiver down his spine. Instinctively, he knew that whatever lurked in the shadows was not something he wanted to encounter. ''Not good!!'' He screamed inwardly, his mind racing as he quickly changed direction, veering away from the source of the chilling sound. ''Plop, Plop'' The ominous bubbling sound echoed in the darkness, signalling the imminent danger closing in on Aether. He felt a surge of panic rising within him as he realized that his options were dwindling rapidly, the relentless pursuit of the monstrous slime closing in on him with each passing moment. He left with no choice other than.... "Increase Strength by 2" !~Ding~! [+2 Strength] [Strength: 5 ] Aether''s muscles tensed as a sudden surge of strength flooded through his body, empowering him with newfound vigour..... With veins bulging and adrenaline coursing through his veins, he felt a renewed sense of power to ovee the looming threat. But it wasn''t over yet, "Increase Agility by 3" !~Ding~! [+3 Agility] [Agility: 6] "sshooo" "!!!" With a sudden rush of energy, Aether felt as light as a feather, his movements fluid and effortless. With a small smirk of satisfaction, he sprinted faster than he ever thought possible, dodging obstacles with grace and speed that defied physics.... He felt never like that before in his previous life. "Hahaha... Come and get me, Bastard!!" Aether''s voice rang out, filled with defiance and adrenaline, as he nced back at the little far monstrous slime pursuing him. "Huh?" Aether''s haughty expression faltered when he saw the colossal creature had suddenly halted its pursuit. "What happened?" Aether furrowed his brow in confusion, turning his attention back to the path ahead, only to be met with a horrifying sight.... "SHIT!!" His heart lurched in his chest as he skidded to an abrupt stop, his eyes widening in terror as he stared into the abyss before him.The forest abruptly ended, giving way to a sheer drop-off that plummeted into darkness below. It''s a fucking cliff!!! However, Due to the unforgivingws of physics, which were now working with cruel precision and most importantly wanted to mess him up.... The momentum of his sudden stop sent his body careening forward, off bnce and out of control.... "FFFUUUUCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKK!!!!" Aether''s anguished scream echoed as he fell down. ''Boing, Boing'' The once-massive slime now reverted to its smaller form, stood at the edge of the cliff, its gtinous body quivering with a mixture of disappointment and curiosity. Peering cautiously over the precipice, it scanned the abyss below, searching for any sign of its elusive prey. To its dismay, there was nothing but darkness and the distant sound of rushing water. With a resigned sigh, the slime retreated from the edge to restart its hunt but not before a disdainful squeak, a sound that roughly tranted to: "Squeak!"==[Idiot Food!] And with that final judgment, the slime continued its hunt for more suitable prey. Anyhow, Coming to Aether''s side... "I am not sure -ha- whether to be -ha- grateful for luck or not..." Aether muttered to himself, his breathing in ragged gasps as he surfaced from the dark depths of the water. Blinking against the shimmering moonlight reflecting off the surface, he couldn''t help but marvel at the stroke of fortune that had spared him from certain death. With a small, weary smile, he propelled himself towards the shore, the rhythmic sound of his strokes punctuated by the gentlepping of water against the rocks. ''Ssh, Ssh'' As he dragged himself onto the solid ground, a sense of relief washed over him, mingled with a lingering sense of disbelief at his miraculous escape. "-ha-ha-ha-" Aether copsed onto the cool, damp rock, his chest heaving with exertion as he struggled to catch his breath.Lying there, he allowed himself a moment of respite, savouring the sensation of solid ground beneath him after his harrowing ordeal. "T-That''s really high..." Aether murmured in astonishment as he gazed back at the towering cliff from which he had fallen. It loomed above him like a monolithic structure, its sheer height stretching towards the heavens.... Just a figure of speech. With a shudder, he realized just how close he hade to meeting his end. "At least there were falls in this ce," Aether muttered wryly, a wistful smile ying at the corners of his lips. If it hadn''t been for the cascading water that had broken his fall, he knew there would be nothing left of him!!!! With a heavy sigh, he cast his gaze around his surroundings, taking stock of his situation. Despite his brush with death, he found himself still trapped within the confines of the dense forest, with no clear path to freedom in sight. "trrr" Aether''s body trembled uncontrobly as the cold seeped into his bones, sending shivers rippling through his thin frame. With numb fingers, he fumbled in the darkness, searching desperately for any semnce of dry wood amidst the damp foliage. After what felt like an eternity of painstaking effort, he finally managed to gather enough tinder to..... kindle a small fire. ''Pop, Pop, Crack, Crack'' The mes danced and flickered to life, casting a warm glow that chased away the biting chill of the night. Aether let out a long sigh of relief as he took off his sack dress, his skin prickling with goosebumps as it was exposed to the wee heat of the fire. He waspletely naked in the middle of an unknown forest!! "ppuuffff" A plume of steam rose from his lips as he exhaled, his breath forming a ghostly mist in the crisp night air. He huddled closer to the mes, revelling in theforting embrace of their warmth as they banished the lingering chill from his bones. ''Rustle, Rustle'' Just as he began to rx, a faint sound reached his ears, sending a jolt of fear coursing through his veins. !~Ding~! "I am totally fu--" Aether''s words were cut off mid-sentence as a notification abruptly interrupted his thoughts, shing before his eyes in bold letters. [New Mission!!!] Chapter 50: Mission Updated... ''Crack, Crack'' ''Pop, Pop'' The mesmerizing symphony of crackling mes and popping embers reverberated through the dense forest, casting dancing shadows upon the figures nestled by the campfire''s warm glow. Aether, his form d in the dampness of his still-wet sack dress, cast a concerned gaze upon the figure lying prone near the flickering mes. The young teenage girl''s porcinplexion seemed to glow softly in the firelight, entuated by the delicate features of her face, while full lips, slightly parted in repose, hinted at the gentle rhythm of her unconscious breath. Her hair, a cascade of whitish-grey strands, tumbled in loose waves around her shoulders. Though her countenance bore traces of hardship and yet, the essence of her beauty remained undiminished. Despite the raw wounds marring her slender frame, there was an undeniable grace in the way shey. "Miss?" Aether''s voice broke through the tranquil forest air, yet she remained unresponsive. With practised hands, he diligently tended to her injuries, fashioning makeshift bandages from torn fragments of his sack dress. Scouring the undergrowth, Aether''s keen eyes fell upon a cluster of familiar leaves, reminiscent of those found in his own world. Drawing upon his knowledge of botany, he recognized their healing properties and began to prepare them, grinding the leaves into a paste before carefully applying it to the girl''s wounds. He wasn''t certain about the healing abilities he had witnessed in both games and novels, but recalling how his own hands regrew when severed... he just knew it must be because of the Magic!! Yet, he didn''t have any magic to heal.... Sighing heavily, he surveyed his surroundings, noting the abundance of medicinal nts scattered throughout the forest. "I suppose she''s lucky..." Aether muttered to himself, a tinge of resignation colouring his words as he nced down at the log, his emotions a turbulent mix of confusion and frustration, [Mission: Seduce her] "Yeah, that''s all..." Aether muttered under his breath, frustration etched into every word. There was nothing else to glean from the mission directive... no rewards, no penalties, not even a time limit. It was just a half-hearted mission, with no mention of whom he was supposed to seduce, just the ambiguous ''Her''... Even though he understood who was ''Her''. Still, "What the Fuck am I supposed to do!?Seduce her? A Teenage Girl!!! This useless log asking me to do a fucking thing..." Aether''s exasperation echoed through the forest as he tried to flip through his log, hoping for some rity. To his dismay, there were no updates regarding the mission; it seemed to exist solely in a separate panel behind his profile. To Aether, it felt ssssooooo wrong to seduce a teen girl while he was on the verge of reaching in his thirties!! Well, not physically ofcourse.... "Argh!" Aether''s frustration peaked, but his irritation was interrupted by a groaning sound nearby. Startled, he turned his attention to the girl lying on the forest floor, who was beginning to stir. As the girl slowly opened her eyes, her gaze fell upon Aether, and the first thing she did was... "KKKYYYAA!!!" The girl''s scream pierced through the air as she scrambled away from the peculiar sight of the leaf-masked, white-haired figure. "I-It''s fine, I won''t hurt you,dy....," Aether reassured her, his voice gentle as he raised his hands in a gesture of peace, signalling that he was harmless. It took a moment for her racing heart to calm down before she mustered the courage to speak, her voice trembling, "W-Who are you? Why are you wearing that?" "My name is Ae-- Kai," Aether replied, pausing for a moment before fabricating a false name. He couldn''t afford to divulge his true identity to a stranger, especially in this unfamiliar region where trust was scarce. "And?" The girl''s tone was cautious as she eyed the strange leaf mask adorning Aether''s face. ".... I had a few problems with my face," Aether answered hesitantly, choosing to conceal the true reason behind his mask. When he stumbled upon the unconscious girl, Aether hastily concealed his face with his sack dress, determined to keep his true identity hidden..... Instead of covering his ''Ding~Ding,'' he focused on ensuring that his face remained obscured from view. His reluctance to reveal his face stemmed from a deep-seated fear of the consequences that would follow if others were to discover the extent of his newfound strength. The thought of Mortimer learning of his enhanced abilities filled Aether with dread, as he could only imagine the dire fate that awaited him from that old man. Upon discovering the unconscious girl, Aether swiftly draped the sack over his head, obscuring his features. With determined haste, he scoured the forest for a suitablyrge leaf, which he promptly fashioned into a makeshift mask. Carefully, he cut two eye holes, a nose hole, and a mouth hole, securing the leaf firmly to his face with some stick gum from trees.. As he exhaled, a plume of white smoke billowed forth.... giving the impression of heavy breathing. He currently looked like a pervert. No, Worse than a pervert.. he embodied the essence of a degenerate!! The sight left the poor girl utterly stunned and trembling with fear. Calming her pounding heart as best she could, she ventured a nervous question, "W-Where are we?" "... In a forest?" Aether replied with a shrug. Her face registered a nk stare, mirroring Aether''s own confusion about their whereabouts. However, Aether didn''t react too much because he didn''t even know who in the world he escaped from the guards of the Hotel.... Truly Mysterious!! She then scanned their surroundings before turning her attention back to the degenerate figure before her, "M-My name is Ste, and thanks for saving me... Mr. Kai," she said gratefully, retrieving a white-coloured bottle from her pouch and taking a sip. A soft glow enveloped Ste as the wounds on her body vanished as if they had never existed. "OH!" Aether eximed in amazement, witnessing real-life healing for the first time, a stark departure from the simted experiences of games. ''So that''s how I regained my hands...ah,'' Aether mused, beginning to understand the mechanics of the magic items he had encountered in his adventures..... in gaming. "Is that a healing potion?" he inquired, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. "Huh? Yes," Ste confirmed, noting his apparent unfamiliarity with the concept. "So, what are you doing here?" Aether pressed. "I am training with my friends.... MY FRIENDS!!" Ste suddenly shouted, as if struck by a sudden realization. "O-Okay, calm down!" Aether flinched, attempting to soothe her as she recollected herself. "BOOMM!!" The deafening st echoed through the forest as mes erupted nearby. "W-We need to go," Ste dered, rising to her feet and darting towards the source of the explosion. However, "You''re noting?" Ste stopped in her tracks, her gaze fixed on Aether''s unmoving figure. "Well..." Aether hesitated, inwardly refusing to rush towards the source of the st.He had no way in hell he would blindly rush towards the st, especially after narrowly escaping the clutches of a formidable foe that would be considered a rookie''s prey in games and novels. The harsh reality had made him more cautious, unwilling to take rash actions without careful consideration. Ste remained silent, her expression a mix of understanding and gratitude. With a gentle smile, she expressed her appreciation, "Thank you for your help, Mr. Kai," before turning to leave Aether alone. Sighing heavily, Aether watched as Ste''s trembling legs carried her away, a testament to her bravery in the face of uncertainty. Even so, he would not meddle in the affairs of strangers especially if it could be potentially dan--- !~Ding~! [Mission Updated: Save and Seduce Ste Reward: ???? Failure: Your Life will be Fucked up more!!] "Arrrhh.... Fuck You, LOG!!!!" Aether cursed vehemently before following Ste. Chapter 51: Slave Mark are Necessary for Slaves "Mr. Kai?" Ste''s surprise was evident as she noticed Aether following her. "Well... I couldn''t just let a girl suffer alone, right?" Aether replied awkwardly, unsure if she bought his excuse or not. [+1 Affection] ''Well, she is easy..'' Aether thought to himself before following her a step behind. As they walked through the dark forest, Aether couldn''t shake the worry gnawing at his mind. He half-expected to encounter some sort of monstrous creature at any moment, but to his surprise, none appeared. "Can you tell me where we are?" Aether suddenly asked as he tried to gather some information. "Hmm? You don''t know?" Ste responded incredulously. "No, I''m a bit lost," Aether admitted sheepishly. Ste regarded him scepticallyas if questioning how anyone could be lost in such a dangerous ce. Nevertheless, she answered as they continued to hurry along, "We''re in a forest called the Hunting ce." "Oh... I see," Aether nodded, inwardly cringing at the ominous name ''Hunting ce''. "What exactly is this Hunting ce?" Aether inquired, his curiosity piqued. Ste came to a halt, turning to face Aether with a puzzled frown. "You really don''t know anything, do you?" "....hahah..." Aether chuckled awkwardly, scratching his head in embarrassment. Ste''s frown deepened, her curiosity piqued, but before she could inquire further, "BOOM!!" Another deafening st reverberated through the forest. Reacting swiftly, she darted towards the source of themotion, with Aether sighing and following closely behind. He trailed after her not out of blind heroism, but rather to gain a better understanding of his surroundings and gather valuable information about this unfamiliar world.... and might as well get the reward!! Soon, they stumbled upon a group of individuals, many of whom were gravely wounded, and.... somey lifeless on the forest floor. "POFFF---" Aether instinctively covered his mouth as the stench of blood and decay assaulted his senses, the thick air saturated with the sickening odour. He wasn''t sure why he hadn''t fallen faint seeing the grotesque and yet something tells he saw worse than this. "Is everyone all right?" Ste''s voice rang out, breaking the tense silence as she cautiously approached the group. Initially startled, the group tensed up and braced themselves, weapons at the ready. However, upon seeing a woman, their demeanour softened, and they lowered their guard. "M-Miss, do you guys have a healer?" One of the members asked, their voice trembling as they cradled a heavily wounded man in their arms. "Yes, and I am the healer," Ste replied with determination, swiftly retrieving a white, feathery batch and showing everyone before hurrying towards the injured individuals. Aether, suppressing his urge to vomit, followed her closely. However, his presence did not go unnoticed. "Hey, who are you?" questioned a ck-haired man, eyeing Aether suspiciously. Before Aether could respond, Ste intervened, "He is my helper." epting Ste''s exnation, the ck-haired man nodded, though he continued to cast wary nces in Aether''s direction before stepping back. "Sigh," Aether sighed inwardly, resigning himself to the role thrust upon him, and trailed closely behind Ste as she approached the wounded. "Hold him," Ste instructed, crouching down beside the man whose leg had been grievously injured. With steady hands, Ste touched the man''s flesh, her hand now stained with blood. Unfazed, she muttered under her breath, /Recovery/ As a luminous, ethereal glow emanated from her hand. "Arrrrhhh!" The man groaned in pain as the healing magic took effect, eliciting a gasp from Aether. Despite the difort, Aether raised his eyebrows in astonishment as he witnessed the miraculous sight of the broken leg slowly regenerating, resembling the regrowth of a starfish. "It''s beautiful..." Aether muttered, his voice barely audible as he found himself fully immersed in the serene, white ethereal light. It enveloped the wounds and slowly healed... Aether felt he wanted to touch the Purity!! After what felt like an eternity, but was likely only a minute or so, the broken leg had beenpletely regrown. The man, overwhelmed by the excruciating pain of the regeneration process, had passed out. "It seems healing magic doesn''t have a painkiller effect..." Aether observed silently, his thoughts lingering on the nature of the magic he had just witnessed. With Ste''s guidance, they continued to assist those in need, Aether carefully following her lead as they tended to the wounded. After an hour or so, Everyone gathered around the campfire, their faces etched with worry and exhaustion. They shared solemn nces, each grappling with their own fears and uncertainties in the aftermath of the ordeal. "So, what did you guys encounter?" Ste inquired as she settled down among the group. "It was a 2-Star Silver Orc" the ck-haired man replied, his expression grim with dread. "2-Star Silver!!" Ste eximed in shock, her features reflecting the gravity of the situation. "Did you guys defeat it?" The ck-haired man shook his head solemnly, and the others followed suit.... their faces drawn with pain and sadness. Ste didn''t press for further details, sensing the time needed to heal their sadness. However, "Shouldn''t we move away from here first if the monster is still alive?" Aether interjected, voicing the concern that lingered in the back of his mind. It seemed like the logical course of action ...staying in a ce recently ravaged by a powerful monster was surely perilous. However, instead of receiving acknowledgement or agreement, Aether was met with nk stares from the group, their expressions akin to those of dead fish. ".... What?" Aether asked, bewildered by their reaction. The group then turned their incredulous gazes towards Ste, as if she hadmitted some unfathomable offence. Aether didn''t understand what was happening but seeing their expression he wasn''t sure what was wrong... Their inexplicable behaviour left him feeling uncertain and uneasy as they dispersed to their tents, their faces clouded with sadness and gloom. As the others retired for the night, the ck-haired man remained on guard duty, vignt against any potential threats. "Mr. Kai," Ste''s voice broke through Aether''s thoughts. But Aether remained silent, his attention drawn to the mission prompt, pondering over the seduction aspect and unsure of how to proceed. "Kai?" Ste tried again, cing a hand on his shoulder. Startled, Aether jerked back, a reflexive response born of tension and apprehension. "HOO!!" Ste too was taken aback by Aether''s sudden reaction, but she couldn''t help but giggle at his terror-stricken expression. "Ahahaha... Why are you so tense? I''m not going to snatch you up and im you as my stray ve-- Oh, shit!" Ste''s words trailed off as she realized she had said more than intended. Aether was stunned, his mind racing with questions ''How does she know?'' as he opened his mouth to speak, "How?" "Sigh..." Ste sighed heavily, her gaze turning skyward as she reluctantly exined, "There''s a ve mark on the back of your neck." "What?" Chapter 52: Its getting worse A ve Mark was more than just a symbol; it was an indelible stain, a permanent reminder of one''s past servitude that could never be erased. Once branded as a ve, an individual carried that mark for life, forever condemned to be judged and treated as such by society. Even in the rare event that a ve was granted freedom by their master, the mark would remain etched upon their skin, an enduring testament to their past bondage. Despite their newfound liberty, they would forever carry the burden of their former status, forever branded as a ve in the eyes of society. No matter how far they travelled or how much they achieved, they would always be viewed through the lens of their past, judged and scrutinized for abel they could never escape. The mark served as a constant reminder of their subservience, a scar that refused to fade, ensuring that they would always be seen as inferior, unworthy, and lesser than in the eyes of others. "..." "..." Silence hung heavy between Aether and Ste as they sat by the crackling fire, the weight of the revtion settling upon them like a suffocating nket. A ve Mark itself is a curse that cannot be lifted until death. No matter what, people would judge him just by seeing the ve Mark... A simple tattoo that gives anyone the right to judge him. But the mark''s significance didn''t end there. When a ve ran away from their master''s control, the mark took on a new role, a warning to all who crossed paths with the "stray." It glowed with an eerie light, signalling to society that this individual was no longer under the authority of a master. And in a world where strays were viewed as disposable, the consequences were grave. A stray ve was deemed unfit to exist, a threat to the established order that needed to be eliminated or reported to the authorities immediately..... Truly, it was Dangerous... and yet, Aether had only just be aware of its dangers. After a minute or so of sombre silence, Ste broached the subject awkwardly, "Mr. Kai, you might not be aware, but the garment you''re wearing is itself an indication of your status as a ve. So, it''s hardly surprising that you bear the mark on the back of your neck." "Is it possible to remove it?" Aether inquired, hope flickering faintly in his eyes. "..." Ste''s response was a weighty silence, her expression conveying more than words ever could. Sighing deeply, Aether realized the dire predicament he was in. Even if he managed to escape, the mark of his past servitude would continue to haunt him, casting a shadow over any semnce of freedom he might attain, "Why?" he pondered silently, grappling with the unfairness of his circumstances and the harsh reality of his situation. He began to feel that death was better than this shitty life. Seeking some sce in understanding, Aether turned to Ste. "What about you?" he asked, his voice tinged with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. "Hmm?" Ste tilted her head in confusion. "I mean, you said you wouldn''t snatch me away, right?" Aether rified, his words tinged with doubt and curiosity. "Well..." Ste''s response came with an awkward smile, her eyes reflecting a sense ofpassion, "You helped me, a stranger, in the middle of an unknown forest... So, I don''t have the heart to do that". "Is that so..." Aether muttered, his gaze fixated on her eyes for the first time.... a deep ash colour that perfectlyplemented her whitish-grey hair. She truly appeared to be a wonderful girl. "You have beautiful eyes, Ste," Aether blurted out unconsciously, eliciting a deep blush from her cheeks. [+1 Affection] "So, that''s why that man looked at me with a wary face?" Aether inquired, gesturing towards the man who stood guard. "... Yes, they must have thought you were a stray ve and might have killed you, fearing you could be dangerous," Ste replied with a serious expression, her thoughts drifting to the hardships they had endured, ''Can''t me them, considering all they''ve been through,'' she mused silently. Aether felt a bead of sweat trickle down his brow as the gravity of the situation sank in. With trepidation, he asked, "Can you tell me about this world? I really don''t know anything... Please." Since Ste believed him and even gave him some affection points, Aether found himself beginning to trust her, if only a little. Upon seeing Aether''s serious expression, Ste smiled warmly and began to exin, "We are in the Empire called Aquaris Naiadae, ruled by Royal Empress Marisandra Naiadia. Currently, we are around the outskirts of the forest near a vige called Shia Vige, which is renowned for its Hunting Forest." She continued, her tone bing more animated as she delved into the details, "This forest is popr among those seeking to increase their levels, as it is teeming with numerous monsters of different varieties. It offers ample opportunities for individuals to significantly boost their levels. However, it can also be dangerous at times, especially when high-level Star Monsters roam the area." Ste''s gaze drifted to the ck-haired man who stood nearby, his eyes filled with curiosity when he looked at them. "High-Level Star Monsters?" Aether raised his eyebrows inquisitively. "Yes, just like us, monsters are also blessed by Arcane Energy. However, instead of having an Arcane Card, they possess arge crystal stone embedded between their chests or any other parts of their body. These crystalse in colours like Golden, Silver, Copper, and nk, and inside them are stars that determine their levels," Ste exined. "I see..." Aether nodded, drawing parallels to his gaming experiences, ''So, it''s like in the game where defeating monsters would drop valuable items,'' he mused silently before voicing his question, "So, do these crystals help us level up?" "Yes, with those crystals, we can level up," Ste affirmed. ''Then what about the slim that I countered before...'' Aether thought as tried to recall his traumatic incident and yet he was sure he didn''t see any kind of crystal, frowning and just about her when, Ste''s gaze turned vignt as she noticed the ck-haired man approaching. Seeing this, Aether stood up and sat beside Ste. [+1 Affection] "..." Aether blinked his thoughts in disarray, ''I didn''t even need to seduce her... do I?'' he pondered, surprised by the unexpected turn of events. "Hello, Ms. Ste," the ck-haired man greeted with a respectful nod as he settled before them, his gaze intense as he looked between Ste and Aether, assessing them both. "Hello," Ste replied warmly, her eyes reflecting gratitude for his acknowledgement. "I know this might bete, but I truly thank you for your help," the ck-haired man continued, his voice sincere as he bowed slightly in appreciation. "If not for your timely arrival, we might have lost a few more people." Ste''s cheeks flushed with a mix of humility and gratitude as she hastily responded, "N-No need for that, Sir..." "The name is ke," the ck-haired man interjected. "There is no need for that, Sir ke," Ste continued, her tone earnest as she exined, "I am simply fulfilling my duty as a member of the healermunity. I cannot ignore the call to aid those in need." thoughthere was little embarrassment in her eyes. ke''s expression softened, his eyes reflecting understanding as he nodded in acknowledgement. "Of course, I understand. Your dedication ismendable." "Hahah..." ke chuckled softly before his demeanour turned solemn. "Today, if not for my insistence on staying here, our team might not have lost those members. I know others were angry at me for dragging them out at night, but it was the only chance to enter the tournament of Empress Marisandra''s daughter''s engagement." "What?" Aether tilted his head in confusion. Chapter 53: A Man in thirties cannot understand a teenage girl "Hmm?" ke looked at Aether with a quizzical expression, his gaze probing. "Is something wrong?" "O-Oh, no... It''s just that I didn''t hear about this before," Aether replied awkwardly, feeling slightly doubtful. "Yes, even I didn''t know that the Empress was conducting a tournament for her daughter''s engagement," Ste added, her brow furrowing with doubt as she processed the unexpected revtion. "Well, it''s not announced to the public. Only a select few members were called for the tournament.... It''s a test for the person chosen for her daughter''s hand," ke exined, shedding light on the ndestine nature of the event. "I see..." Ste nodded thoughtfully, absorbing the new information. Meanwhile, Aether couldn''t help but stifle augh inwardly, ''You''ve really gotten yourself into something, Kai. Your future mother-inw is quite the character!... hehe'' he mused silently, struggling to suppress a grin. "Those who win against the Empress''s future son-inw will receive 1000 gold coins and a job in the royal house," ke continued, his voice tinged with excitement at the prospect. "1000 gold coins?" Aether''s curiosity was piqued as he tilted his head, contemting the significance of such a sum. However, the gleam in ke''s eyes hinted at the wealth and security it could provide, sparking Aether''s imagination.... Aether understood it might be enough for their entire life to live luxuriously. "That''s quite a substantial amount," Ste remarked, her surprise evident in her expression as she processed the implications of the reward. But then, ke''s demeanor turned somber as he muttered, "That''s why we came here to level up... but never in hell did we think we''d run into a Silver Star Monster." A heavy silence descended upon them, filling the space with an air of tension. Aether couldn''t help but ponder, ''Two Silver Stars mean... Mid-Level Aptitude with a Level 30 Monster, right?'' He hesitated, wanting to ask about the monster''s level, but the sombre expression on ke''s face dissuaded him from voicing his question. After a few moments, ke broke the silence with a query, "So, why are you guys here?" ''It seems like it''s our time to answer,'' Aether thought to himself, but he remained silent, deferring to Ste to handle the situation. "We are here to level up, but we somehow got lost in the woods and didn''t know the way out," Ste said, her voice tinged with a hint of nervousness as she tried to maintain her facade. Aether observed Ste''s attempt at deception with a mixture of taken back and frustration. ''Damn, girl, you really need to work on your lying skills,'' he screamed inwardly. and it seemed ke had noticed something was amiss. "I see..." ke nodded, his expression growing more serious. Then, he posed a direct question that caught both Ste and Aether off guard. "So, do tell me, why was that ve mark blinking red?" Hearing ke''s question, Ste and Aether exchanged a quick, apprehensive nce before turning serious. "It looks like someone has strayed away from their master?" ke''s frown deepened as his hand slowly moved towards his weapon, his suspicion evident. Aether was about to interject, but before he could, Ste spoke up unexpectedly. "Yes," she said, surprising Aether with her response. Aether was taken aback, he had disbelieving eyes controlling his anger, and he cursed himself for cing trust in a stranger. Seeing ke''s hand inching towards his weapon, Aether prepared himself for the worst. However, Ste continued speaking, catching Aether off guard once again. "Since we got separated from our group," Ste exined with a hint of sadness in her voice. "Separated?" ke''s expression softened slightly as he lowered his guard, his curiosity piqued. "Yes, we came here with a group of four," Ste began, her voice carrying a weight of regret, "but we got separated when we stumbled upon a cliff and fell into the river. We lost contact with the rest of our party members and His Master was among them..." Her words echoed the pain of their predicament, emphasizing the gravity of their situation. "I see... now" ke nodded in understanding, his expression softening as he offered a reassuring smile to Aether as he lowered his guard. Aether nced at Ste, feeling a mix of relief and disbelief towards the girl who had just yed with his life. As ke departed to attend to other areas, leaving them alone once more, a tense silence settled between Aether and Ste. "..." "..." Aether red at Ste, who seemed determined not to meet his gaze, as if suppressing augh that threatened to escape her lips. "You really pulled some shit now..." Aether muttered, his tone heavy with frustration. Hearing his words, Ste couldn''t hold back herughter any longer. She burst into giggles, unable to contain her amusement, "ppffft.... Hahaha... I mean look at you...ahaha... you looked like you almost...ahahaha... shahah.. shit yourself...ahahahaha" Aether clenched his fist and gave Ste''s head a soft, yful tap. "You are not cute at all, littledy," he muttered in an annoyed tone. Despite herughter, Aether found himself feeling irked by Ste''s teasing. After all, he was a man in his previous life, approaching his thirties, and being teased by a teenage girl was more annoying than endearing. "H-huh?" Ste''sughter came to an abrupt halt as she felt the gentle tap on her head, her cheeks flushing a bright shade of red. Aether tilted his head in confusion, unsure why Ste had suddenly stoppedughing. Ste found herself unable to tear her gaze away from Aether''s blue eyes, her blush deepening by the second. It felt as though she were staring at a rare and precious sight. "C-Could you take y-y-your hand of me?" Ste stammered, her voice barely above a whisper, her embarrassment evident in her flushed cheeks. "O-Oh? Right," Aether responded promptly, withdrawing his hand. As he observed Ste''s flushed face and shy demeanour, he couldn''t help but feel a pang of sympathy. ''It must be ufortable for her...'' he thought, realizing the impact his actions had on her. [+1 Affection] Aether''s gaze softened as he recognized Ste''s happiness at his respectful gesture. He made a mental note to always be mindful of her boundaries. However, Ste shot a few quick nces at Aether, her heart skipping a beat when she heard him call her ''cute.'' After an awkward silence, Ste mustered up the courage to speak. "I-If you don''t have anyone, you c-c-can follow m-me," she stammered, her face flushing so deeply it seemed smoke mighte out of her head. Hearing her offer, Aether turned to look at Ste with an incredulous expression. "Are you serious?" he asked, his tone filled with disbelief. Ste nodded, though her eyes remained fixed on the mes dancing in the fire. Aether paused for a moment, contemting why this girl would suddenly extend such an invitation..... He recognized the danger in blindly letting a stranger, particrly a male. Acting as a Mature and responsible man, he reached out and gently grasped Ste''s shoulder. "W-Wha---" Ste''s face turned even brighter red as Aether leaned in closer to her. "Listen, girl," Aether interrupted firmly, his voice tinged with concern. "It''s good to have a beautiful heart, but you shouldn''t let a stranger follow you, especially a male. You might not know what kind of snake you are inviting into your room." Ste took a moment to process Aether''s words, her face burning with shame. "Y-You!!! What the hell are you talking about?" she eximed, flustered and embarrassed by his warning. "Of course, Sex--puffff!!" Before Aether couldplete his sentence, Ste''s fist met his face with a resounding thud, a mix of shame and anger fueling her blow. "You jerk!!" Ste''s voice echoed with indignation as she spun on her heels and stormed away, her steps brisk and purposeful. Aether stood there, momentarily stunned by the unexpected assault. Rubbing his cheek where Ste''s punch hadnded, he couldn''t help but feel a mix of confusion and frustration. "What just happened?" he muttered to himself, bewildered by the sudden turn of events. He had only been attempting to offer some well-intentioned Elder''s advice, yet it seemed to have backfired spectacrly. "Though, it''s not as painful as Selene''s," Aether couldn''t help but think back to the girl who had offered him a cookie, a faint smile tugging at his lips at the memory. Pushing aside his thoughts, he decided to follow Ste. She was his best chance at avoiding trouble with others in this unfamiliar ce. Chapter 54: Sliver Star... "Why are you following me?" Ste''s voice was tinged with a mix of confusion and concern as she furrowed her brows, observing Aether trailing behind her like chicks obediently following their mother hen. "I''m following you because you''re the only way I can get out of here without risking harm," Aether exined, his expression awkward as he scratched his head. "If you feel insecure, I''ll leave you alone." Although he said it, he wasn''t sure what action to take next. As for the mission... well, the whole idea of seducing her felt like a distant fantasy already and now it was clouded by the reality of their situation. Hearing his awkward and serious tone, Ste let out a resigned sigh, her features softening slightly as she shook her head in understanding. "Well, I''m also sorry for getting all worked up," she admitted, her tone tinged with a hint of shamefulness since it should be her who should framed her words correctly. Aether simply offered a grateful smile in response, his eyes reflecting a mixture of relief and gratitude for her understanding. Ste''s ash-coloured eyes lingered on the masked figure beside her, taking in his appearance with newfound curiosity. Despite his initial impression as a degenerate, she couldn''t help but sense there was more to him than met the eye. "So?" Aether''s voice broke the momentary silence, his gaze scanning the surroundings in search of a suitable resting spot. Understanding his intentions, Ste also surveyed the area, searching for a suitable spot to spend the night. However, "Oh!" Startled by her outburst, Aether turned to her with a mixture of concern and curiosity. "What happened?" he prompted, his voiceced with concern. "My friends have all the camping equipment...tsk, tsk" Ste''s frustration was palpable as she muttered under her breath, the click of her tongue punctuating her words. "Well..." Aether''s voice trailed off as he scanned the vicinity for a patch of grass to settle on for the night, his mind wrestling with conflicting thoughts. Though he briefly considered seeking assistance from ke, he ultimately dismissed the idea, realizing the importance of maintaining a low profile until he could safely escape the forest. "Let''s take rest here," Ste suggested, her voice carrying a hint of exhaustion as she settled near the flickering firecamp. She grabbed a nket, spreading it out on the ground before gingerly lowering herself onto it, seeking sce in its warmth. "It''s..." Aether''s smile was tinged with a touch of awkwardness as he noticed the single nket, realizing it was barely sufficient for one person. Despite her efforts to create space, he knew he would have to make do with the cold ground. "It''s fine, I can rest on the ground," he insisted, suppressing any hint of difort as he resigned himself to his makeshift bed. "W-Wai--" Ste''s protest was cut short as Aether interjected, his voice firm yet tinged with a sense of resignation. "I am a ve, and if we sleep on the same nket, others might start to doubt, so it''s better to maintain the status quo," he exined, his wordsden with a mix of gratitude and reluctance. Though he found himself drawn to Ste''s kindness, he couldn''t risk involving her further in his precarious situation. In this cruel world, it was often the generous and naive who met untimely ends, and Aether couldn''t bear the thought of endangering her. ''Shit!! Did I just raise a death g..?'' Aether''s mind raced with worry, but exhaustion soon overtook him, pulling him into a deep slumber before he could dwell further on his concerns. It had been a gruelling day, and sleep imed him swiftly, offering temporary respite from the trials of his reality. Observing Aether''s peaceful slumber, Ste couldn''t help but smile softly, a wave of tenderness washing over her weary heart. With a gentle sigh, she too sumbed to the embrace of sleep, her dreams a refuge from the harshness of their world. Meanwhile, a little distance away, the enigmatic figure of ke watched over them with silent vignce, his piercing gaze lingering for a moment before he resumed his patrol, a silent guardian in the darkness. As the morning light descended, casting a warm glow over the forest, a voice pierced the tranquility. "Mr. Kai?" "..." "KAI!!!" "H-huh!!" Aether''s eyes snapped open, his heart pounding with adrenaline as he was rudely awakened from a deep sleep, his face drenched with sweat. "You had a nightmare?" Ste''s concern was evident as she offered him a handkerchief, her eyes searching his for signs of distress. "-ha-ha- Y-Yeah," Aether managed to stammer out between heavy breaths, still shaken by the vivid images that lingered in his mind. In his dream, he was being relentlessly pursued by a monstrous creature, its grotesque form bouncing toward him with terrifying agility. The memory sent shivers down his spine, leaving him truly traumatized by the ordeal. Wiping the sweat from his brow, Aether nced around, noticing that the others were already preparing to depart. "It seems that monster didn''te during the night?" Aether remarked as he rose to his feet, his voice tinged with a mix of relief and disbelief. He had half expected to be awoken by the creature''s rampage, but the forest remained eerily calm, with people casually going about their business. Ste breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Aether regain hisposure, offering him a reassuring smile as she exined, "You might not know this, but when hunting monsters, one must be aware of their surroundings. This forest is home to creatures of varying levels that mix with each other and fighting between monsters is rarely unavoidable... so lower-level monsters tend to avoid areas with powerful energy." With a flick of her wrist, Ste conjured a swirling mass of silver particles, their ethereal glow illuminating her features as she continued, "This is the aura of a high-level monster, silver-ranked, after a fierce battle. Any creature of lower rank would sense this energy and steer clear until it dissipates." "I see..." Aether nodded in understanding, but his curiosity soon got the better of him. "What about if a 3-Silver Star Ranked monster appears?" "Well, they do appear, but since silver aptitude is rare in these parts, encountering a 3-Star Monster is highly unlikely," Ste reassured him, her voice tinged with optimism. But Aether couldn''t help but press further, his mind buzzing with questions. "And what about Gold--" "That''s a national-level disaster, Mr. Kai... We''d all be already dead before we even realized," Ste interjected with a solemn expression, her tone leaving no room for doubt. Aether nodded silently, absorbing the information as he began to grasp the norms of this unforgiving environment. And so, with their conversation concluded, Aether and Ste joined ke''s group, who were about leave the hunting forest. As they walked, Aether found himself captivated by the surrounding forest, its familiar yet foreign beauty reminiscent of the woods in his own world. However, the sight of strange nts that seemed to speak and consumerge animals served as a stark reminder of the differences between this world and his own. Lost in his thoughts, Aether was brought back to reality by Ste''s voice, her husky tone cutting through the quiet murmurs of the forest. "So, Are youing with me?" Ste''s question hung in the air,den with unspoken implications. "Ms. Ste, as much as I''d like to escape my past..." Aether''s gaze met hers, his eyes drawn to the enigmatic depths of her ash-coloured irises as if they held lots of secrets, "I don''t want you to suffer because of me." he said with a small smile. His words were a reflection of his inner turmoil, torn between the desire to flee and the need to grate for those who had shown him kindness. Aether couldn''t bear the thought of dragging Ste into his dangerous situation, where the shadows of his past loomedrge. Hearing his heartfelt confession, Ste''s smile was a beacon of warmth and reassurance. "Don''t worry, my father is a powerful man. He will help you," she offered, her words brimming with confidence as if her father''s aid was guaranteed. A flicker of hope ignited within Aether''s chest at her unwavering faith, but before he could fully process her words, "BOING, BOING!!" The sudden sound of bouncing echoed through the forest, cutting through the tranquillity like a sharp knife. ".... FUCK!!" Aether''s scream pierced the air. Chapter 55: Call me by my title [Author''s Note: I apologize sincerely, My Readers. I had anticipated that the privileged process might require 5 to 7 days, yet to my pleasant surprise, it concluded within a mere day..... Sigh, I deeply regret not informing you all before transitioning to a non-premium status. Anyhow, Continue to support me guys ??] "We should run!!" Aether''s voice was urgent as he grabbed Ste''s shoulder, his sudden aggressiveness startling her. But before Aether could make a move, the unexpected happened. ''CHUKK'' With astonishing ease, ke''s team dispatched the huge Slime Monster, their actions swift and effortless... Easy Peasy Quick and Lazy!! "Huh?" Aether''s expression was a mixture of disbelief and confusion as he watched the massive creature dissolve like moltenva under the de of a sword. It was as if reality had suddenly shifted, leaving him feeling utterly inadequate. "..." Aether''s mouth hung open, but no words escaped, his mind struggling to process what he had just witnessed. He felt like a fool for his panicked reaction, a stark reminder of his own inadequacy in this new world. As the group began to move on, oblivious to Aether''s inner turmoil, Ste turned to him with a quizzical expression, "Mr. Kai?" she queried, sensing his distress. Unable to contain his bewilderment, Aether finally spoke up. "I-Is that monster really so easy to defeat?" "Oh! You haven''t encountered any nk monsters, have you?" Ste''s question cut through his thoughts, and as he remained silent, she pieced together the situation. With an awkward smile, she exined, "Well, creatures without aptitude crystals are known as nk monsters. They''re rtively easy to kill, like slimes. While defeating them won''t improve your levels, they provide a safe opportunity for rookies to train and adapt." "...." Aether''s silence spoke volumes, his face burning with a mix of embarrassment and frustration. He couldn''t believe he had let fear dictate his actions, especially against such a seemingly.... punny opponent. Ste''s smile softened as she observed his flushed cheeks, her intuition guiding her to offer a gentle reassurance. Leaning in close, she whispered, "You might want to work on controlling your expressions... Even I could guess what you''re thinking." Though Aether was taken aback by her proximity, her soothing words had a calming effect on him. With a nod, he replied awkwardly, "Don''t worry, I''m still adjusting to these surroundings... It''ll take some time." Ste simply nodded her head and walked a little closer to Aether, their strides falling into sync as they traversed the forest together. To an outsider''s eyes, their proximity might have suggested a secret couple or ndestine lovers sharing intimate conversation. But Aether knew better. He understood that Ste''s ease around him stemmed from a sense offort rather than romantic affection. After all, he didn''t receive any kind of affection points from her after thest night. She was justfortable with him... that''s all! Yet, as they walked, Ste couldn''t help but steal a quick nce at Aether, her mind filled with questions about the man beside her. Do not mistake her intentions; she was merely pondering ''Why!'' Yesterday, upon awakening to find herself face-to-face with a stranger ve, Ste had instinctively scanned her body with energy to check for any impurities. It wasn''t a matter of bias; rather, it was a stark acknowledgement of the harsh reality of their world. In a world where ves were often treated as little more than objects, their minds warped by the cruelty of their masters, trust was a raremodity. Ste knew better than to let her guard down, especially in the presence of a stray ve whose past was shrouded in uncertainty. She thought he hadmitted an unspeakable act against her while shey unconscious... If he had indeed done something to her, or vited her in any way, Ste knew she would not hesitate to take action. She was not one to suffer fools lightly, and any harm inflicted upon her would be met with swift and decisive retribution.... Kill him!! Ste''s surprise deepened as she recalled the ve''s unexpected disy of herbal knowledge. The makeshift wound sters he fashioned from leaves had nearly healed her wounds, a feat that went beyond the norm of their world, where healing potions were the standard remedy. It was a revtion that sparked a newfound curiosity within her. How had this ve acquired such knowledge of nts and their medicinal properties? The thought lingered in her mind, reminiscent of the.... Elves, who were renowned for their affinity with nature and mastery of herbal lore. Since that moment, Ste had made a concerted effort to test the ve''s character, to gauge his trustworthiness and assess whether he was truly worthy of her confidence. And with each passing test, he had exceeded her expectations, proving himself to be more than just trustworthy. When she inadvertently revealed that she knew the truth about his identity, she braced herself for his reaction, expecting him to resort to any means necessary to silence her. Yet, to her surprise, he remainedposed, handling the situation with a maturity that belied his circumstances. Even now, as they encountered a perceived threat in the form of a harmless monster, his first instinct was to protect her, grasping her firmly and urging her to flee to safety. At that moment, Ste couldn''t help but feel a surge of gratitude towards him.... She really was happy to find someone with a beautiful heart just like her. "Earth to Ste," came the voice, pulling Ste out of her thoughts. She turned to find Aether looking at her with a questioning expression. "Earth? What''s that?" Ste asked, genuinely curious. "H-Huh!! T-That is.... just a word to represent the... ground?" Aether replied awkwardly, his face flushing with embarrassment. Ste shrugged, assuming it was a local expression, and was about to inquire further when ke''s voice interrupted. "Stray ve," ke called out to Aether, causing the group toe to a halt. Aether and Ste stopped in their tracks, their attention drawn to the group surrounding them. There were seven members in total, three women and four men, forming a tight circle around them. "..." Aether''s expression twisted into a wry grimace as he stood protectively before Ste. Ste frowned, perplexed by ke and his team''s sudden blockade. They were still some distance away from the forest''s exit. "You see, you shouldn''t lower your guard in front of a stranger," ke stated sternly, drawing his sword and pointing it at Ste. "Miss, it''s evident that you''re associating with a Stray ve. So, just step away from him." "... W-What are you talk--" Ste began, but ke cut her off with a sharp interruption. "You really suck at lying," he remarked with a cold certainty. Then, turning his attention to Aether, ke''s voice hardened. "You have some nerve to run away from your Master. You know the consequences of such actions, right?" "--" "BASTARD!! CALL ME BY MY TITLE!!" ke''s roar reverberated through the forest, his anger casting a heavy tension over the group. Aether met ke''s furious gaze for a fleeting moment, his mind racing with the realization that now was not the time for pride or defiance. With the other men scrutinizing Ste intently, he knew he had to tread carefully. Chapter 56: They left me "BASTARD!! CALL ME BY MY TITLE!!" ke''s roar reverberated through the forest, his anger casting a heavy tension over the group. Aether met ke''s furious gaze for a fleeting moment, his mind racing with the realization that now was not the time for pride or defiance. With the other men scrutinizing Ste intently, he knew he had to tread carefully. "Mr. ke, I assure you that I am returning to my master," Aether spoke calmly, his voice steady despite the storm brewing around them. "This girl agreed to help me, that''s all." Ste flinched at the tension, her gaze shifting to Aether, but she remained silent. "Hmm? I know that, dumbass," ke responded with a smirk. Then, his expression turned sinister as he continued, "You know, hunting humans is more useful than hunting monsters." "W-What do you mean...?" Aether asked, his suspicion growing as he began to grasp the situation. "I mean... It''s much easier to level up by hunting humans than monsters!" ke dered, his tone sending a chill down Aether''s spine. Aether instantly understood what ke was saying.... yer Killers!!! "B-But she''s helping you--" Aether attempted to protest, but ke cut him off. "That''s why we''re letting her go... though she might as well help us with some ''other'' needs," ke exined casually. "You bastard, she''s just a child, You fucking old man!" Aether''s voice cracked with anger as he confronted the middle-aged man''s callousness. "Child?... What are you talking about brat? She is a fresh fruit that is waiting to rip" ke''s smile grew wider as he began to advance towards Ste. Sensing danger, Ste prepared to fight, however, "You think I trusted you, dumbass?" Aether''s voice rang out confidently, a smirk evident in his tone. ke frowned at the sudden disy of defiance from a ve. Before he could react, however, "PUUUUFFFF!!!!!" Aether swiftly mmed his leaf-masked face, unleashing a dense cloud of white smoke that enveloped their surroundings. Panic ensued as the smoke obstructed their vision, causing difort and irritation among ke''s group. Some felt a burning sensation in their eyes, while others especially women experienced itching and redness on their skin. Amidst the chaos, ke leapt towards where Aether had stood, sword drawn, ready to strike. But to his surprise, there was nothing but empty air... /ze/ ke muttered under his breath, feeling the wind swirl around him as it dispersed the lingering white dust. When the smoke finally cleared, revealing the empty space where Aether and Ste had stood, ke''s frown deepened. As the smoke cleared, ke''s prediction proved correct. Aether and Ste were nowhere to be seen. Frowning, he turned to his teammates, who were suffering from various skin problems and eye burns. "B-ke, I-I can''t see... It''s burrnnningggggg!!!!" One man cried out, rubbing his eyes frantically as tears streamed down his face. "Lane, my pristine white turned bright red!!" A woman eximed, horrified by the appearance of pimples on her now-red skin. Faced with his team''s disorientation, ke''s anger boiled over. "YOU FUCKING SLAVE!!" he roared, then immediately directed his team towards the forest exit. He was certain that Aether and Ste would head in that direction due to its proximity.... But as they ran, something nagged at the back of his mind. "-huff-huff-huff-" Aether panted heavily as he dashed through the dense forest instead of heading towards the exit, his breath ragged from the exertion. "Y-You can put me down," Ste said, her face flushed with embarrassment as she realized she was being carried like a sack. Indeed, Aether had hoisted her over his shoulder, carrying her swiftly as he navigated the forest. After what felt like an eternity, Aether finally came to a stop, his senses telling him they were at a safe distance from ke''s pursuing team. "Thud" Setting Ste down gently, Aether leaned against a nearby tree, his chest heaving as he struggled to catch his breath. Suddenly, a surge of energy coursed through his body, apanied by a familiar chime. !~Ding~! [+1 Agility] [Agility: 7] [+1 Strength] [Strength: 6] With hazy eyes, Aether nced at the ck transparent log before him, a sense of satisfaction washing over him, "I guess... -ha- running for your life -ha- while carrying a weight is really... -ha- worth it," he muttered to himself between gasps for air. But suddenly, "ssshhhhh" A hushed sound filled the air, drawing Aether''s attention. His body began to glow brightly, and in an instant, the fatigue and strain that had weighed him down were washed away as if they were nothing but dirt. "Cool..." Aether murmured, marvelling at the sensation of rejuvenation that swept over him. Turning to Ste, who wore a concerned expression, he couldn''t help but express his awe. "You can not only heal but also rejuvenate lost energy? That''s awesome!" Instead of answering, Ste''s tone turned serious as she questioned him. "Why didn''t you run away by yourself?" Her words were sharp, filled with frustration and confusion. "Hmm?" Aether tilted his head, puzzled by her sudden change in demeanour. Ste''s frustration boiled over, and she grabbed his sack dress, her voice rising in agitation. "If you had run away by yourself, you could have already exited the forest!!" "W-Wait!" Aether attempted to protest, but Ste''s grip was firm, threatening to tear his old sack dress. ''Drip, Drip'' As tears welled up in Ste''s eyes, Aether halted his struggles, his concern piqued. "What happened?" In a flood of emotion, Ste broke down, her sobs echoing through the forest as she confessed, "aaw.....T-They lef-t me.... They left me in the middle of n-night b-because I-I am useless H-Healer..aw" Aether was taken aback by Ste''s revtion, unsure of how to respond to her sudden emotional outburst. But he knew one thing for certain..... he needed to listen. "Who left you?" Aether inquired gently, his voice soft andforting. ''sob,sob'' But Ste was unable to answer, ovee by her tears and grief. Aether sighed, surveying their surroundings before slowly embracing her with hisrge hands, offering sce as he softly patted her back. "It''s okay, little girl. You can tell me." At his words, Ste cried even harder, clinging to him tightly forfort. "..." Aether sighed once more, resigning himself to simply being there for her, offering support as she allowed herself to release her pent-up emotions. Chapter 57: I Too "What I said earlier was a lie," Ste began, her voice trembling with emotion as she opened up to Aether. "I didn''t get separated from my friends," she confessed, her gaze fixed on the ground as she recounted the events that had led her here, "It was a 2-Copper Star Goblin that attacked us, trapping us in its clutches. We were defenceless against its ferocity, and as the situation grew dire, desperation set in." Her voice wavered as she continued, the memories still fresh in her mind, "I-It... was then that they decided one of us had to be s-sacrificed as bait to distract the goblin while the others escaped seeking help..... And in their eyes, it seemed logical to choose m-me, the so-called ''Useless Healer'' for the task." "E-Even more.. They didn''t even ask for my consent," Ste continued, her voice tinged with bitterness, "They just assumed I wouldply, that I would willingly offer myself up for their survival and..... foolishly, I did. I yed my part, drawing the attention of the goblins as they fled into the night, leaving me behind... with a little hope at least they call for help" Tears welled up in her eyes as she recounted the loneliness and fear she had experienced in those moments of abandonment, "Yet, those little hopes were shattered when the night came.... I ran until I couldn''t anymore until my legs gave out beneath me and I copsed, defenseless against the horrors lurking in the darkness. I-I thought it was the end for me, but then... then thendslide happened, and... you know the rest" Her voice trailed off as she clutched to his sack dress tightly. "I see," Aether murmured, his hand still gently patting Ste''s back as he absorbed the weight of her story. He struggled to find the right words to say, his heart heavy with sympathy for her plight. Despite feeling a pang of sadness at her naivety....just hearing her story he could already guess what kind of girl she was. "Even in the situation you''re going around and helping others...?" Aether muttered, his thoughts drifting back to the moment when Ste had bravely stood up to danger despite just having suffered herself....He couldn''t forget the image of Ste bravely standing up and walking towards danger, her fear masked behind a facade of determination. "T-That''s what a healer should do.... " Ste replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper. Indeed, she was naive and perhaps even a bit foolish, but to Aether, she was also a beacon of hope and innocence in a wretched world. She was one of the rare souls who remained untainted by the cruelty of their surroundings, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.... These kinds of people, he thought, were what made life worth living. Their unwavering belief in the goodness of others, their willingness to help those in need without hesitation... It was something he could never quite understand, and yet, Aether, who had endured his fair share of suffering in life, couldn''t bring himself to live like them. To him, their altruism and selflessness were nothing more than additional burdens to carry in an already heavy heart. He had learned the hard way that trusting others and opening oneself up to vulnerability only led to pain and disappointment. Though he may never fully understand their perspective, Aether couldn''t deny the impact that people like Ste had on the world around them. Their presence was like a ray of sunshine cutting through the darkness, offering hope and sce to those in need. Everyone was selfish in a way. As Aether gazed into Ste''s ash-coloured eyes, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of warmth and connection. Her eyes seemed to draw him in, like wormholes into another world. They held a depth and beauty that captivated him, and he found himself unable to look away. "Your eyes are really beautiful, Little Lady," he muttered softly, his voice filled with genuine admiration. Ste''s teary eyes widened in surprise at his words. She had been so lost in her own thoughts and emotions that she hadn''t noticed his face... A face that finally revealed from the degenerate, as she looked at him more closely, she couldn''t help but be struck by his handsome features.... the perfect symmetry of his face, the chiselled jawline, the small nose. His crystal blue eyes sparkled like diamonds in the sunlight, and she found herself unable to look away. It was truly captivating!! [+100 Affection] As Aether noticed the new triple-digit affection points for the first time, a frown creased his brow. His attention momentarily shifted away from Ste''s face as he processed the unexpected development. Meanwhile, Ste''s thoughts were in a whirlwind as she realized her position... sitting on Aether''sp, her face flushed with embarrassment. She was about to move away when Aether gently held her in his arms, pulling her closer to him. Her heart raced as she felt the warmth of his embrace, her cheeks burning with embarrassment at their close proximity. After narrowly escaping death and finding himself enveloped in Ste''s embrace, Aether found it difficult to remain still for long. With gentle care, he leaned down, still holding her in his arms, and carefully settled her onto hisp. Her face immediately flushed crimson, her embarrassment evident as she shifted ufortably. But before she could make a move, "Yes, I had the option to escape by leaving you," Aether muttered, his gaze fixed on the ck screen of his mission panel. The blinking green light of the "save and seduce Ste" mission caught his attention, but he couldn''t discern what it meant. His system log seemed utterly useless in exining anything. Finally tearing his gaze away from the screen, Aether looked directly at Ste''s face. "Yes, I truly thought for a moment to escape by leaving you with them," he admitted, his voice tinged with regret. as he truly thought about leaving her in a spur moment. Don''t get him wrong, as much as he likes to save others... He never wanted to be a hero. He was a normal man with the useless system that screwed him over every time. Everyone is selfish, and he wanted to save his own life... There was nothing wrong with it. However, no matter what, he wasn''t that heartless to leave a girl who was obviously in danger, with a middle-aged man leering at her like a pervert. So, at that moment, he decided to take her, no matter what the end result would be... If death was his fate, he would dly ept it because at least he saved a girl and chose his own destiny instead of letting others control his life. Hearing Aether''s words, Ste found herself at a loss for words, unsure of how to respond to his unexpected confession. Disappointment clouded her eyes, a silent acknowledgement of the shattered expectations she had held. Aether seemed to sense her disappointment, his chuckle cutting through the tension. "Haha... You must have thought I was some kind of knight who descended to save the princess, right? And now truly disappointed that I am not, right?" he remarked, his tone lighthearted despite the weight of his words. Ste managed an awkward smile, caught off guard by Aether''s insight. She couldn''t deny that a part of her had secretly wished somethinglike ''I saved you because you are important to me!''. Just remembering it made a crimson flush that tinged her cheeks. Before she could respond, however, Aether''s solemn voice pierced the air. "Sometimes even a Knight needs a princess to save him," he murmured, his words tinged with longing and pain. She wondered why his pain stinging her heart. Then, in a moment that sent shock rippling through her, Aether caught her shoulder and revealed his true identity, "My name is Aether, An Eternal ve in Frostde Duke House," he dered. Ste''s initial surprise quickly gave way to shock, her features contorting with disbelief before settling into a mask of fear. Aether observed her reaction with a knowing smile, his anticipation of her response confirming his expectations. "Anyhow, we need to move away from here. Come on, let''s go before those bastards figure out our whereabouts ande this way," Aether urged, his voice low and urgent as he gently tapped her back to prompt her to move. Steplied without much reaction, her mind undoubtedly reeling from the revtion. As they hurried away from the scene, Aether couldn''t help but ponder Ste''s subdued demeanour, "She must be too shocked," he mused inwardly. Chapter 58: All I did.... just for you! ''Step, step...'' ''Step, step...'' The rhythmic sound of their footsteps echoed through the silent forest as Ste and Aether walked cautiously, their senses on high alert. Yet, despite the tension in the air, an awkward silence hung between them, each lost in their own thoughts. After several minutes of walking in silence, Aether finally broke the quietude. "Is it really that shocking that I belong to Frostde House?" he asked, his expression awkward with uncertainty. Startled out of her reverie, Ste''s response came out in a stutter. "Yeah, n-no, that''s not...!" she trailed off, her words faltering as she struggled to articte her thoughts. "Hmm?" Aether tilted his head, silently urging her to continue. "You said Eternal ve, right?" Ste pressed on, her expression now tinged with dread. A heavy sigh escaped Aether''s lips as he confirmed her suspicions, "Yes, I am an Eternal Contracted ve," he admitted, his tone weighed down by the gravity of his confession. Ste''s eyes widened in disbelief, her mouth agape as she struggled toprehend what she had just heard. Her gaze darted around nervously before she finally voiced her concern, "W-Why did you agree to that?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry. "T-That is..." Aether hesitated, unsure of how to answer.Aether found himself unable to provide a straightforward answer to Ste''s question. The truth was, he didn''t fully understand why the previous owner of HIS body had agreed to be an Eternal ve. All he could do was offer a half-truth, citing his supposed amnesia and uncertainty about his past as the reason for hispliance. This exnation seemed to satisfy Ste, who nodded her head in understanding, though he could see the flicker of pity in her eyes. Despite their conversation, an uneasy silence settled between them as they continued their journey through the forest. Ste found herself struggling to find the right words to say, opening her mouth to speak only to falter and remain silent. She wanted to offer reassurance orfort to Aether, but she wasn''t sure how to express herself in the face of such uncertainty. Suddenly, "shhh!!" Aether''s sharp senses kicked in, and he swiftly covered Ste''s mouth as he pulled her behind a nearby tree. Peeking out cautiously, he spotted two members of ke''s team patrolling not too far away. "It seems they''ve already checked the exit and now split up to search inside," Aether whispered, his mind racing to devise a n to evade their detection and escape unseen. In his urgency to evade the approaching threat, Aether momentarily overlooked the fact that he was holding the teenage girl in his arms..... Her face flushed crimson as she struggled to breathe; Aether''s hand, while covering her mouth, unintentionally obstructed her nose as well, what''s more, when he hugged her tightly... she could even feel something on her back. ''Pufff!!'' Literally, a hot flush swept over Ste, radiating from her head down to her neck and ears, as embarrassment engulfed her entirely. "Let''s take a little detour..." Aether''s voice broke through the awkward silence, his decision to veer off the beaten path aimed at avoiding ke''s vignt team. Aether stole a nce at Ste, receiving a hesitant nod in response. However, as he caught sight of her bright red face mere inches away from him... ''Ba-Dump, Ba-Dump'' Aether felt his heart quicken its pace, a subtle flutter of excitement coursing through him. Quickly regaining hisposure, he nodded back at her before leading the way, their proximity lingering in his thoughts. It took Ste a few moments to shake off her unwanted thoughts, her initial embarrassment gradually fading as she lightly punched Aether''s shoulder and muttered, "You jerk!" "Hmm?" Aether tlited his head, puzzled by Ste''s sudden reaction. ''Hmph'' With a huff, Ste simply pouted in response, turning her head away to hide her still-flushed cheeks and racing heart. Observing Ste''s behaviour with a furrowed brow, Aether couldn''t quite decipher her actions. Nevertheless, he refocused his attention on their mission, determined to navigate their way out of the forest without further dy. While walking in an awkward silence, Ste suddenly asked, "S-So your true name is Aether...ah?" "Yes, What about you?" Aether replied without hesitation. Aware that people sometimes use pseudonyms when encountering strangers, Ste awkwardly responded, "Well, Ste is my name." "..." Aether halted his steps and looked at Ste with a perplexed expression as if she had just said something utterly foolish. Caught off guard by his reaction, Ste''s face flushed with embarrassment as she shyly punched his shoulder and muttered, "W-What?" "... Nothing," Aether dismissed her naivety with a shake of his head. She was really naive!! Clearing her throat, Ste quickly changed the subject, "Ahem... S-So, mind telling me what you did back there with your weird mask?" Curiosity piqued, she was genuinely intrigued by the mysterious white dust that had halted ke''s group. Though unsure of their levels, surviving the presence of a 2-Silver Star Orc implied they were at least Level 10 in Silver Aptitude or above Level 50 in Copper Aptitude. "Oh! That was..." Aether''s tone suddenly shifted to one of awkwardness. Sensing his difort, Ste gently nudged him and urged, "Come on, you can tell me." "Well... Actually, I made that for you," Aether confessed with a hint of hesitation, before exining, "You see, when I found you wounded, Though I wanted to help you but... I couldn''t help but worry that you might attack me. So, When gathering materials for you I also gathered materials like dried resin, nt material, and moss spores, ground them into fine powders, mixed them with charcoal dust, and Since I don''t have pockets... I crafted a makeshift mask out of arge leaf folding nicely fitting for my face and I wore it like a mask not wanting to create any suspicious...." Aether''s voice carried a touch of pride as if he had executed the task wlessly. Ste stared nkly at Aether, her expression silently questioning ''What in the world are you talking about?''. Nevertheless, she couldn''t help but ask, "S-So if I had done anything harmful to you, you would have thrown those weird things at me?" "Yes" Aether nodded without hesitation. She had a horrified expression... That was quite funny!! Chapter 59: Happy times lives short "Ste? Are you angry?" Aether''s brows furrowed with concern as he observed her deliberate avoidance of walking near him. "No," Ste responded almost reflexively, though her demeanour betrayed a lingering sense of agitation. "Hmm?" Aether, sensing there was more beneath the surface, simply shrugged, deciding to take her word for it. Despite her insistence, Ste remained ensconced in a grumpy disposition, her irritation evident in her every movement. She couldn''t quite wrap her head around the fact that this boy had gone to such lengths as crafting a smoke weapon, solely as a precaution against any potential threat she might pose. While sheprehended the necessity of such defensive measures, akin to her own.... still the notion that the slightest misstep on her part could result in inhaling the noxious materials he had ground left her feeling disconcerted. She found herself idly pondering how he hade to possess such intricate knowledge about nts...but swiftly dismissed the thought as irrelevant. After all, they needed to get out of this forest first and she had already imparted the destination to him, leaving him in charge of leading the way. Noticing her lingering anger, Aether made a conscious decision to shift the conversation. "So, may I ask why you often refer to yourself as a ''useless Healer''?" At his query, Ste''splexion paled, and she instinctively averted her gaze, a subtle sign of difort. Recognizing the impact of his words, Aether inwardly cursed himself for broaching such a sensitive topic. "If you prefer not to" "Unlike many other Healers... My healing skills are really bad" Ste interjected, her hand emanating a gentle, ethereal warmth as she spoke, underscoring her point. "Bad means?" Aether''s brow furrowed in confusion as he recalled the countless times he had witnessed Ste selflessly aiding others without hesitation. "That time required to regrow an entire arm is about 2 minutes generally, but for me, it''s almost 8-10 minutes... It''s not just double, or triple, it''s quadruple the time required for me to healpared to others... It''s truly useless," Ste muttered her expression one of defeat and frustration. Aether was at a loss for words, unsure of how to assuage her concerns. While he possessed wisdom from his own realm, he couldn''t help but feel inadequate in offering sce in a world teeming with monsters and magic. Ste noticed his struggle and offered a small smile, deciding to change the topic. "Are you... by any chance rted to the Elves?" "Elves?" Aether''s eyes widened with childlike wonder at the mention of the mythical beings. "Indeed," Ste replied, her head tilted in confusion at his reaction. "You mean there are actually living Elves here?" Aether''s excitement was palpable as he eagerly grabbed her shoulder and leaned in close, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. Ste''s face flushed bright red at his sudden proximity, nearly biting her tongue in surprise. "Y-Yeshh!-ack!!" she stammered out, flustered by his unexpected enthusiasm. "Hahahaha..." Aether couldn''t contain hisughter at her adorable reaction, his affection for her growing with each passing moment. [+100 Affection] Attempting to regain herposure, Ste turned away, intending to shoo him away yfully, when suddenly... "BOOM!!!" A loud, thunderous st reverberated through the air, causing Ste and Aether to exchange a nce before nodding in unspoken agreement. Ste made a move towards the source of the explosion, but before she could take another step... ''Thud'' "H-hey, W-What are you doing?!!" Ste''s voice rose in protest as she found herself hoisted up by Aether, who had scooped her up like a sack and began running in the opposite direction. "Ka-- I mean Aether, Where are you going?" Ste demanded, her voiceced with urgency. "Of course, we''re going to where we might have a chance to save our lives!" Aether replied, his pace unrelenting as he raced forward, hoping fervently to encounter no obstacles along the way. "Ouch!!" Aether let out a yelp of pain as he felt a sharp pinch on his back. "What are you doing, Ste?" "What are you doing, you idiot? Let me down, I need to help... there could be someone injured. It''s my duty," Ste screamed with unwavering determination, delivering another pinch to his back for emphasis. "Ouch!!" Aether''s lips twitched in frustration. Here he was, trying to ensure both their safety, and yet Ste was adamant about rushing towards danger without a second thought.... who knew there might be another weird guy who would kill him without even questioning them. ''Sighing heavily'' to express his internal conflict, Aether hesitated momentarily before finally speaking up, "W-What kind of assistance do they require from the u-useless Healer?" The weight of his words caused Ste to flinch, her fingers releasing their hold as she withdrew into a silence that spoke volumes. Witnessing her reaction, a pang of guilt tugged at Aether''s conscience, yet he knew that with someone as headstrong as Ste, sometimes unconventional measures were necessary. However... "OUCH!!" A sharp cry of pain escaped Aether''s lips as he stumbled, his bnce momentarily lost. "That really hurt, you idiot!!" Aether''s frustration reverberated in his voice as he cast a reproachful re at Ste. With a petnt pout, Ste muttered grumpily, "Do you truly believe I am oblivious to your tactics... Hmph!!!" Aether couldn''t suppress a soft chuckle at her response before resuming their brisk pace, though the tension between them lingered. Still harbouring the urge to retaliate, Ste was poised to deliver another pinch when... ''SLAP!'' "HHHHIIKKKKKKK!!!" Ste let out a shrill cry of pain as a searing sensation erupted across her backside. "The next time you decide to pinch me... You won''t have a soft butt to sit on, Little girl," Aether warned with a steely resolve that brooked no argument. Ste''s eyes welled up with tears as she still felt the lingering sensation of five fingers on her backside. Observing her silent distress, Aether couldn''t help but stifle a chuckle internally as he redirected his focus to their escape n. "I hate you, jerk!" Ste muttered through tearful eyes, her words tinged with both frustration and vulnerability. [+100 Affection] "Oh, is that so?" Aether replied casually, inwardly amused by her reaction. "I truly hate you, jerk!!" Ste reiterated, her tone filled with genuine disdain. [+100 Affection] "Oh, Well Thank you then," Aether responded with mock sincerity, his amusement growing with each exchange. "Tsk, I HATE YOU, PERVERT!!!" [+500 Affection] Aether couldn''t help but smirk at her escting points... "Oh my... Really? Well, thank you for your honesty then," Aether chuckled softly to himself, thoroughly entertained by Ste''s outburst. Their brief moment of banter was abruptly interrupted by an unexpected intrusion. "Here you are... Stray ve," a voice pierced through the air, startling both Aether and Ste. "Sssiiinnnggg" ''Thud'' Before Aether could react, he stumbled and tumbled down a few meters before crashing into a nearby tree. Meanwhile, Ste had already been jostled off Aether''s shoulder, falling to the ground with a startled cry. "A-Aether!!" Ste called out, her concern evident as she moved to rush to his aid. But before she could take a single step, she felt a firm grip on her hip. Slowly looking down, her eyes widened in surprise as she realized it was none other than... .... Aether''s hand. "!!!!" Chapter 60: Save her at any cost "Cough, cough" Aether spluttered, his chest heaving with the effort as he expelled blood from his lungs. His hazy eyes fixated on the gaping void where his left arm used to be, a trail of crimson staining the ground beneath him. ''Drip, drip'' Blood continued to ooze from the severed stump, a stark reminder of the brutality they had just faced. "A-Aether!" Ste''s voice trembled with fear and urgency as she rushed towards him, her hands trembling as she clutched the severed arm that had once belonged to him. "You really are something, aren''t you?" ke''s cold voice sliced through the air like a knife as he loomed over them, a malicious grin twisting his features. Ste let out a pained cry as ke seized her by the hair, his grip cruel and unyielding. "Arrhh!!" Ste''s voice wavered with agony as she felt the roots of her hair being mercilessly yanked. Despite the searing pain, she refused to release her grip on the severed limb, her fingers clinging desperately to thest remnants of hope. "B-Bastard, Let me go!!!" she screamed, her voice raw with defiance and anguish, her eyes zing with unbridled fury. With a disdainful snort, ke tore the severed hand from Ste''s grasp, his grip unyielding as he lifted her effortlessly by her hair, causing her to cry out in anguish as the pain radiated through her scalp. In her desperation, Ste released her grip on the severed limb, her hands flying to her head as she fought to endure the agony coursing through her. ''Thud'' With a callous disregard, ke discarded the severed hand, his attention turning to Ste as he delivered a brutal blow to her gut. "PUFF!!" The impact sent Ste hurtling towards Aether''s side, her body crumpling in a heap as shended beside him, her breathing in ragged gasps as unconsciousness threatened to im her. Despite his own injuries and fading strength, Aether summoned what little resolve remained within him, mustering the strength to reach out to Ste. "Tsk, tsk..." ke clicked his tongue in annoyance, casting a disdainful nce at Aether as he spoke, "What''s wrong with this girl? She''s supposed to be helping us catch the Stray ve, not aiding him... Hmm... Wait!!" Suddenly, ke''s eyes widened in realization, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Don''t tell me you two are an item? Ahh... Now, that makes everything clear," he mused aloud, nodding to himself as he pieced together the situation. However, Aether paid no heed to ke''s words. His sole focus was on Ste, whom he cradled tenderly in his arm, desperately trying to rouse her from unconsciousness. "S-Ste, W-Wake up..." Aether''s voice was tinged with urgency and fear as he felt his own consciousness slipping away, the loss of blood taking its toll on his body. "Hehe..." ke chuckled softly, thoroughly entertained by the unfolding drama. He was curious to see how they would react, knowing full well that they were both in no condition to mount any sort of escape. Unlike before, when they had managed to catch him off guard with a surprise smoke attack, this time ke was prepared. He had already called for his party members to join him, confident that victory was within his grasp. "A-Ae... Aether?" Ste''s voice quivered as she slowly regained consciousness, her gaze meeting Aether''s worried expression. "I-I try to hold him off sometime... Please, run away," Aether whispered urgently, his eyes filled with concern as he pleaded with Ste. "N-No, W-We--" Ste''s response was cut short by Aether''s interruption, his words piercing through the haze of uncertainty that clouded her mind. "Do you think we can defeat him?" Aether''s voice was firm, his gaze unwavering as he confronted the harsh reality they faced. When faced with reality, Aether was quick to acknowledge that there were no ''buts'' or ''ifs''... the reality was harsh and unforgiving. The Reality was Reality!! Biting her trembling lips, Ste nced at ke, who appeared to be patiently awaiting the arrival of his party members. "N-No, I w-won''t go..." Ste''s voice quivered with determination, her resolve unyielding. "Ste... Their target is me, a Stray ve. Are you prepared to risk your life for a mere stranger whom you''ve known for less than 12 hours?" Aether''s tone was serious, though he couldn''t help but admire her courage. Yet, there were times when idealism annoyed him. Ste''s retort was swift and fierce. "The same could be said of you!!" she fired back, her voice tinged with defiance, "Why are you willing to sacrifice yourself for a mere stranger whom you''ve encountered for less than 12 hours?" Her words resonated with raw honesty, challenging Aether''s resolve. "Haha..." Aether chuckled wryly, though deep down, his desire to save Ste... but in truth he was doing... His Mission!! Yes, he was on a mission that required not only seducing her but also ensuring her safety. As long as he could save her, he knew his peculiar ability... his mysterious fuck log.... would fuck him, just as it had plucked him from the hotel and deposited him in the forest without a trace. Aether still couldn''t fathom how he had eluded the watchful eyes of the guards and receptionists at the hotel. Nevertheless, saving her was his ticket out of the forest, and that was the mission this strange fucking log had given him. ''Sigh, so many ''Fuck''''!! With a heavy sigh, Aether finally confessed, "Because you are important to me..." though he added inwardly, ''For the mission, of course!'' ''Ba-Dump, Ba-Dump..'' For once in her life, Ste felt a surge of warmth envelop her as she absorbed Aether''s words. Her heart skipped a beat again, and this time her face flushed crimson with embarrassment, as if her deepest dreams had suddenlye true. She had spent her entire life yearning to hear those simple yet profound words.... "You are important to me." In that fleeting moment, she felt a profound sense of validation and worth. For once, she felt truly seen and cherished, as if she mattered in someone else''s eyes. [+1000 Affection] The unexpected surge of affection from Ste left Aether stunned, his expression a mix of shock and bewilderment. Before he couldprehend the significance of her actions, Ste rose to her feet and reached out to touch his torn hand. /Recovery/ A gentle warmth enveloped his left hand, spreading a soothing sensation throughout his body. "What are you doing?!!" Aether tried to stop her, but Ste was undeterred. "B-Because you are also important to me," Ste''s voice trembled with sincerity as she continued to focus on her healing, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She knew it might take some time, but she was determined to see it through. ncing at ke, who was busy scanning their surroundings with a furrowed brow, she reaffirmed her resolve. As long as Aether remained conscious, everything would be alright... That''s what her heart told her!! ''Tsk,'' Aether inwardly clicked his tongue, torn between appreciation for Ste''s unwavering kindness and frustration at her stubbornness. While he cherished her innocence in this harsh world, he couldn''t help but resent her naive persistence at times. But something felt off... ''Why didn''t I feel the pain?'' Aether thought as he observed his left hand slowly beginning to regenerate. It was a bizarre and somewhat unsettling sight, simultaneously disgusting and fascinating. Yet, unlike previous experiences when Ste healed others, he didn''t feel any pain apanying the process. "Why didn''t I feel the pain?" Aether voiced his confusion, his gaze fixed on his miraculously healing hand, seeking an exnation. Ste remained silent, her focus solely on the task of healing Aether. However, a small drop of blood trickled from her lips, betraying the strain of her efforts. !~Ding~! [+1 Agility] [Agility: 8] "H-Hey!!" Aether''s voice carried a sense of urgency as he hastily intervened, stopping Ste in her tracks. He cast her a stern look, his expression demanding an exnation. "What the hell are you doing?" he questioned, his tone tinged with concern. Before Ste could formte a response, a deafening roar shattered the air. "WHAT THE HELL!!!" ke''s enraged voice thundered through the forest, causing both Aether and Ste to freeze in fear. With bated breath, they turned to face the source of themotion... only to freeze in fear! Chapter 61: Leave her "WHAT THE HELL!!" ke''s voice echoed with shock and disbelief as he witnessed his team members and several unfamiliar figures rushing towards him. But it wasn''t their sudden appearance that shook him to the core.... it was what lurked behind them. A towering Orc Monster, standing at least 12 feet tall, lumbered behind them, its thick, red skin rippling with muscles beneath. In its massive hands, it wielded a humongous tree branch-like weapon, its gnarled surface hinting at the creature''s immense strength. But what truly caught the eye was the sliver-coloured crystal embedded in the centre of its chest. This crystal, almost the size of a palm, emanated a mesmerizing glow, casting a radiant light that illuminated the surroundings. Within its depths, two bright stars seemed to twinkle, lending an otherworldly aura to the fearsome creature. As it advanced with purposeful strides, the Orc Monster exuded an air of power and menace, its presence instilling fear in all who beheld it. "This bastard..." ke muttered in fear, recognizing the same monster that had nearly wiped out his party the night before. The sight of it sent shivers down his spine, and he couldn''t help but tremble in fear. "B-ke!! Help us!!" One of his members cried out for assistance, snapping ke out of his daze. Without a moment''s hesitation, ke rushed forward to aid hisrades, determined to confront the monstrous threat head-on. Meanwhile, Aether and Ste, their faces etched with fear, finally broke out of their stunned state. "W-We need to run!!" Aether eximed, his half-healed hand clutching at his side as he struggled to stand. Determination flickered in his eyes as he made the decision to flee while they still had the chance. But Ste... ''Thud'' She copsed to the ground, her breathing in ragged gasps as she fought to regain her strength. "S-Ste?" Aether frowned in concern, reaching out to help her up. "I-I am fine," Ste muttered, though her voice was strained, and blood trickled from her lips. She attempted to stand, but her legs trembled uncontrobly, refusing to obey hermands. "What are you doing? Pull yourself together!!" Aether urged, attempting to lift her to her feet. But Ste''s breaths came in shallow gasps, her eyes growing hazy as she struggled to remain conscious. "A-Aether... -ha- Leave... -ha- Go..." she managed to gasp out betweenboured breaths. "I''ve reached my... limit." Her voice trailed off as darkness threatened to engulf her, and she sumbed to the overwhelming exhaustion that gripped her body. "What do you mean?" Aether''s frown deepened, his confusion evident. "D-Don''t worry... I just increased your speed as much as possible. Please, leave now!" Desperation tinged Ste''s voice as she urged Aether to depart. Ste, in her healing, understood that only one of them needed to be able to escape when they were caught by ke. And when she saw how much Aether wanted to live, despite the challenges of his own messed-up life, she recognized his determination to keep moving forward. Unlike herself, who had given up when her friends abandoned her, Ste came to the conclusion that Aether was the one who had saved her. Therefore, she didn''t mind sacrificing her own life to save his. She was truly naive!!! In this world, healers possessed the ability not only to heal wounds and regenerate limbs but also to enhance the skills of others... temporarily or permanently. However, permanent enhancements could only be achieved by sacrificing one''s own skill point in exchange. Furthermore, there were rare cases where healers could even resurrect the dead. However, this ability was extremely umon and typically only wielded by the highest order of healers within the temple. Anyhow, During her healing of Aether, Ste not only absorbed his pain but also bestowed upon him a permanent boost to his skills by sacrificing her own. As a result, she was left in an unstable state and in need of time to recover. But the situation was dire, and she knew that Aether''s survival was paramount. Seeing Ste''s stubborn determination, Aether clicked his tongue in frustration. Carefully, he lifted her with his other hand and began to run, ignoring her protests. "A-Aet" Ste attempted to protest, but her words were cut short. "Shut up, you stupid girl!" Aether''s shout drowned out her voice as he pressed forward, determined to ensure their escape, regardless of Ste''s selfless sacrifice. "You really messed something up!!" Aether''s annoyance was palpable, etched on his face as he spoke, "No matter what you did, we''re either escaping together or you''re getting out on your own!!" His stubborn resolve rang clear in his voice. Ste''s eyes welled up with tears. She couldn''tprehend why Aether was so determined to save her, but despite her confusion, she felt a flutter of warmth in her chest, "T-Thank you," she murmured softly. ''Snort'' Aether scoffed at her response, but a gentle smile softened his features. Suddenly, a piercing cry shattered the moment. "AETHER!!" Ste''s panicked shout filled the air as she spotted an arrow hurtling towards them. ''Chuck'' Once again, Aether was knocked to the ground, but this time, he shielded Ste with his own body, holding her tightly in his arms. "Caught you," the red-haired woman from ke''s team breathed heavily, her body adorned with blood and wounds, signalling to herrades triumphantly, "I caught him!" In her hands, a stunning bow dissipated into particles, morphing into a copper-coloured Arcane card boasting three stars, two of which gleamed brightly. This indicated her maximum level at 45, though her current level hovered around 30. Ste, with a heavy heart, extracted the arrow from Aether''s back and attempted to heal him. Yet, to her dismay, her energy had already dissipated, leaving her powerless as she watched him endure the agony. The red-haired woman wore an amused smirk as she addressed them, "ke ordered you to be the bait, and in exchange, we''ll let this girl without harming her" Before Ste could voice her objections, Aether, his eyes filled with pain, intervened with a question, "Is that true?" Resignation tinged his words as he reluctantly epted their fate. Observing Aether''s willingness to sacrifice himself, the red-haired woman couldn''t help but smile, her thoughts aligning with ke''s suspicions about Aether and Ste being a couple. "A-Aether, what are you saying?" Ste''s shocked expression betrayed her confusion, but Aether disregarded her and addressed the red-haired woman with a furrowed brow, "Let her go first, then I''ll be your bait." "Hmm..." The red-haired woman pondered whether Aether would uphold his offer, but before she could respond, ke emerged with the same blood and wounds in his body as if they were facing a dangerous monster and said, "You can leave!" "Hmm..." Aether nodded in acknowledgement, casting a serious nce at Ste, who was visibly horrified by the turn of events. "N-No, I-I can''t..." Ste shook her head, ovee with fear and despair. "Ste," Aether''s grip on her shoulder tightened as he spoke earnestly, "Go on... Live for me." With a solemn expression, he rose to his feet. "W-Wait..." Ste''s eyes brimmed with tears as she gazed at Aether, who still managed aforting smile. It was evident that their weakness made them pawns in the hands of others, much like how her friends had abandoned her. "You are not a useless healer, Ste," Aether''s words were firm and reassuring. "You are the strongest woman I have ever known. Be proud of who you are and be the healer you aspire to be." he encouraged, his gaze unwavering as he turned to face ke with determination. With ke leading the way, Aether followed, and the red-haired woman cast a nce at the crying Ste before joining them. "Why?!" Ste''s anguished cry echoed as tears streamed down her face. Leaving her behind, Aether sighed inwardly ''Fuuu, So much for emotional dramas''. As he nced at the mission indicator, he noted it had stopped blinking and returned to normal text. ''It seems separating from her is the best way to protect her...?'' he pondered. ''BOOM!!'' The ground shook as the huge orc monster unleashed its devastating attack on the defenders. "Now!! Draw its attention!" kemanded before seizing Aether by the neck and hurling him toward the monster. Chapter 62: Thrill! ''Thud'' Aethernded amidst the bloodbath area, his gaze flickering briefly back to ke before scanning the surroundings. "Hey, we can leave now!" Some of the onlookers muttered, their voices tinged with urgency as they nced at the ve and then nodded in agreement. It was a grim reality they were all too familiar withusing ves as bait was amon urrence in their world. "ggrrroooo!!!" The monstrous orc emitted a menacing growl as it prepared to pursue the retreating individuals. "heh...A-AI, Bastard!!" Aether''s voice pierced through the tense atmosphere, though his legs trembled with fear.... However, the fear was short-lived as his mind suddenly calmed down as if natural!! The orc halted its advance, its dark, ck eyes fixing on Aether with an unsettling intensity. "C-Come at me, bastard..heh" Aether taunted, summoning his courage as he hurled a small pebble at the monster''s eyes. The stone found its mark, striking the orc''s eyes with precision, eliciting a deafening roar of pain as the creature clutched at its injured eyes. Enraged, it swung its weapon at Aether with deadly intent. "BOOM!!" Aether, anticipating the attack, reacted swiftly, executing a graceful roll that allowed him to narrowly evade certain death. With Aether sessfully diverting the monster''s attention, the other onlookers wasted no time in retreating, their eyes turning towards ke for guidance, "We should run or.... use this chance to hunt this?" One of ke''s members voiced the question, uncertaintycing his tone. "I think we should escape..." A frightened voice chimed in from among the people who had been hunting in the area. ke contemted the options, his gaze fixed on the orc that was now fully engrossed in its pursuit of Aether. The creature had already sustained considerable damage from the previous day''s encounter and today''s skirmish. Perhaps a little more push could bring it down. Furthermore, the value of the Silver crystal embedded in the creature''s chest was astronomical. If they managed to obtain it, he and his team could livefortably for the next two years. And if they presented the crystal to the Empress, who knew what rewards they might receive. A smirk yed on ke''s lips as he made his decision, "Ready your spells, we are sting it!!" hemanded. ke''s party members nodded in agreement, their resolve unwavering. However, the neers who had just suffered losses couldn''t help but feel a twinge of fear at the prospect. Despite their reservations, they reluctantly acquiesced to ke''s n, knowing that the potential rewards outweighed the risks. "Huff-huff-" Aether''s breath came in ragged gasps as he continuously evaded the orc''s crushing blows. Inexplicably, amidst the chaos and danger, Aether began to feel a strange sensation stirring within him... An odd mixture of excitement and.... fear!!! Despite the terror of facing the monstrous orc, there was an undeniable thrill coursing through his veins. Despite his previous terror when faced with the slime monster, Aether found himself strangely exhrated by the current peril posed by the orc. It was as if the near-death experiences were awakening something dormant within him, gradually changing his perspective on danger and survival. And even more... !~Ding~! [Survival Rate: 0.79%] "BOOM!" [Survival Rate: 0.8%] "BOOM!" [Survival Rate: 0.81%] "BOOM!" [Survival Rate: 0.82%] "BOOM!" ..... ... Yes, With each narrow escape from death, Aether''s survival rate steadily increased. It was a curious phenomenon... one that he couldn''t quiteprehend. Yet, as long as he continued to defy death, his chances of survival grew incrementally. Aether wasn''t sure why it didn''t happen before his near-death incidents but Aether believed it must be because he saved Ste. Though he wished for more... but still a growth was growth even if it was a tiny bit. "ARRRRR!!!" The Orc monster suddenly shouted in anger when it saw its food jumping around and annoying it more. The Orc Monster had already suffered enough, it needed food to rejuvenate its energy, and yet this food was darting around like a pesky insect, eluding its grasp at every turn. "Come on, Big Boy.. I need more!!" Aether shouted in a burst of jubtion, his spirits momentarily lifted. However, his joy was short-lived as he watched a blinding light engulf not only himself but also the orc, causing both of them to squint and blink in difort. "BBBOOOMMMM!!!!!" The deafening explosion reverberated through the forest, sending shockwaves rippling through the trees and shaking the earth beneath their feet. Thebined force of the fire spells unleashed by everyone present was enough to reduce anything in its path to ashes. A towering mushroom cloud of smoke billowed upwards, obscuring the once-clear sky and casting a dark shadow over the surroundings. "Aether..." Ste''s voice trembled as she made her way towards the exit, her eyes brimming with tears. However, her steps faltered as she caught sight of the inferno raging behind, her heart sinking at the thought of what may have transpired. Coming to ke''s side, "We have done it!!!" The red-haired woman shouted in jubtion as if they had finally achieved the impossible by ying a formidable monster that had surpassed their capabilities. ke smiled, showing little concern for the fate of a mere stray ve. As the smoke cleared, they beheld a massive crystal, gleaming brightly in a sliver hue, almost the size of arge palm. "Retrieve the Arcane Crystal," kemanded. ke''s group, along with the neers, moved towards the crystal, eager to im their prize. "Cough, Cough" However, their excitement was abruptly interrupted by a sudden, dry cough echoing through the silent horizon, causing them all to flinch. Their eyes widened in disbelief as they beheld the horrifying sight of Aether standing near the Arcane Crystal. As Aether stood amidst the aftermath of the fiery st, his body engulfed in agony and his senses overwhelmed by the searing pain, he felt as though he was teetering on the precipice between life and death. Every nerve ending screamed in protest as the mes licked mercilessly at his charred flesh, leaving behind a trail of unimaginable torment. With eachboured breath, he drew, the acrid scent of burnt hair and singed skin filled his nostrils, a stark reminder of the inferno that had engulfed him moments earlier. His vision blurred and danced with flickering shadows, the world around him swirling into a hazy, surreal blur. And then, amidst the wreckage of his broken body, a faint smile tugged at the corners of his cracked lips. It was a smile born not of joy or relief, but of something deeper, more profound... he just found it and acknowledged it. Everyone was utterly shocked by the sight before them, as if they were witnessing a ghost walking among the living. "How is he even alive?" That question echoed in their minds, reverberating with disbelief and confusion. Chapter 63: I hate her... Aether himself wasn''t entirely sure how he had survived the st. Thest thing he remembered was a blinding light, and then... Pain. A Horrible Pain!!! All he could recall was the searing agony that coursed through every fibre of his being, engulfing him in a relentless inferno of torment. It was as if his very essence had been consumed by the mes, leaving nothing but raw, unyielding suffering in its wake. And then... Nothing. A Nothingness!!! Yes, after that, he couldn''t feel anything. It was as if he had been plunged into a void of numbness, a state of existence where sensation ceased to exist. He was suspended in a limbo between life and death, trapped in a realm of emptiness where time seemed to stand still. It was a sensation eerily reminiscent of his first death, a haunting echo of the void that had imed him once before. And yet, here he was, defying the odds and staring defiantly at the bewildered onlookers... It''s truly amusing that his life was really messed up, to the point where no one even felt guilt about killing him... Thinking about killing... ''Yeah... hehe.. I killed him, didn''t I?'' Aether''s mind suddenly remembered that he killed Jack Sparrow... When he bathed in mes.... The memories of that fateful day surged into Aether''s consciousness like a rushing river breaking through that safeguarded his sanity... overwhelming his thoughts and emotions. Never in his previous life had he ever taken someone''s life, and yet in this unfamiliar world, he hadmitted such an irreversible act. And yet, strangely, he didn''t feel the weight of it right now... as if he felt nothing. It was as if the harshw of nature had taken precedence in his mind: Kill or be killed!!! Or perhaps, after enduring a series of horrors, fears, and pain, maybe... just maybe, he started to adapt his mind. And this lesson, he only learned after suffering for an entire night... First, he was almost devoured by a viscous slime, but then his log gave him hope as it increased his powers... Then, he fell down from the highest cliff, an event that would have imed anyone''s life, but then the hope of a river fall saved him... Next, a naive but kind-hearted girl appeared, wounded and unconscious, offering him a chance to survive in this unforgiving forest... When others thought he was a mere stray ve, intent on killing, she intervened and put her life on the line... A Death... and Hope... A Death.... and Hope.... Again!! A Death..... and Hope..... Again and Again!!!! A Complete Cycle! ''Thud'' The impact of the explosion left Aether''s burned skin slowly breaking down, revealing torn and charred muscles underneath. Those witnessing this grotesque sight couldn''t help but scrunch their noses in disgust, unable to fathom how this seemingly frail ve managed to survive such a powerful attack. Aether''s gaze drifted towards the silver crystal lying near him amidst the chaos. "Heh..." A strange, mirthlessugh escaped his burnt lips, a mix of pain, irony, and defiance echoing in the air. Aether''s mind was in turmoil as he froze there, his burnt body a testament to the brutal ordeal he had endured. In a moment of painful rity, he felt like he had unravelled a hidden truth. ''I-I know now... Log.... I know....hehe You are.... You are trying to change me...'' His thoughts raced, forming a bitter monologue within. ''First, you put me here to feel the fear of the outside world and wanted me to suffer in it.... Then you pulled that innocent girl into our mess and...'' He couldn''t deny theplexity of emotions stirring within him. It was a mix of resentment, understanding, and a hint of realization. ''You want to say that not everyone wears a fake facade... You want me to seduce her so that I feel guilty if I leave her... You want me to protect her so that I would feel the pressure of another life on me... You want me to understand others'' pain so that I am not the only one who was going through hardship... You want me to understand... there would be someone who doesn''t betray me and is ready to sacrifice for me...'' It was as though a puzzle piece had clicked into ce, showing him a broader picture of his predicament. ''Yet.... at the same time, you want me to fight to protect the ones who don''t betray me... You want me to get used to the pain and blood.... don''t you? You... You just want me to adopt this new so-called life...hehe'' "Aren''t you... Arcane Bitch?" Aether mumbled inwardly, though his half-crisped eyes only stared at the shining crystal, the air thick with bitterness and frustration. But there was no response from Log, noforting presence to assuage his torment. "Hehe... -cough, cough-" Aether couldn''t help butugh, a hollow sound tinged with desperation, as each rasping cough expelled a puff of acrid smoke from his charred lips. "Hehehehe...." Hearing hisugh, ke''s expression darkened, his brows furrowing in consternation, while the others recoiled in shock, unable toprehend the depths of Aether''s suffering. "He is stillughing in that situation," one of the people muttered incredulously, their voice barely above a whisper, as they exchanged bewildered nces with theirpanions. "Kill him," ke''smand cut through the tense silence, his voice steely and resolute as he motioned for his teammates to carry out the order. His teammates nodded grimly, their faces set in grim determination, as they advanced towards Aether, their hands tightening around their weapons. However, Aether''s attention remained fixated on something else entirely, his thoughts swirling in a turbulent sea of doubt and resentment. ''C-Come on, Log!! I-I am not a 15-year-old child with teenage hormones... Go with the blood-pumping act... I know you are trying to turn me into something... Y-You desired, right?'' Still no response... The silence was deafening, echoing Aether''s inner turmoil and the void left by unanswered questions. ''Hehe... Yeah, I understand everything... You Fuckers!!'' Aether''s mind teetered on the edge of madness, the weight of his suffering and betrayal threatening to engulf him in darkness. "Hey, are you even alive?" The red-haired woman''s voice cut through the tension, her words sharp with disbelief and perhaps a hint of pity. Aether''s gaze wandered, unfocused yet piercing, as if searching for something beyond the physical realm. He felt a strange calmness settle over him, a premonition of sorts as if he could almost see the threads of fate weaving around him.... He knows... He knew... ''You are going to save me, right, Log?'' Aether thought with amusement and curiosity. Only a simple silence around Aether, yet he deep down knew he need to live for whatever this bitch was cooking behind everyone. Then, in a sudden shift of events, the mission panel materialized before him, its digital presence a stark reminder of his entrapment.... ''Blink, Blink'' The words ''Save and Seduce Ste'' blinked in luminous green!! "AETHER!!!" Ste''s urgent cry cut through the air, her footsteps echoing a mix of concern and urgency as she approached. ''Not you again... hehehe... FUCK YOU!!'' Aether''s inner scream was a symphony of frustration and resentment, a reflection of his growing disdain for the innocent girl unwittingly caught in the maniptive machinations of his reality. He clearly starting to hate this naive girl!! Who was causing a pain in the ass!! Chapter 64: Its coming "You again, tsk," the red-haired woman clicked her tongue in annoyance when she saw the whitish-grey-haired girl standing before Aether, her re piercing like daggers. "P-Please, he''s done what you asked, P-Please leave u-us," Ste pleaded, though her voice quivered with fear. "That ain''t--" Before the red-haired woman could finish her sentence, ke appeared beside her, his expression unreadable as he whispered in her ear, ''We cannot kill her in front of the strangers... Let''s leave, he''s already dead as meat,'' before walking away with a determined stride. The red-haired woman hesitated for a moment, ncing back at the group of onlookers who were clearly disapproving of their actions. She then reluctantly picked up the silver crystal and started to walk back without saying a word, her frustration evident in her clenched fists. It was painfully evident that the group didn''t care as long as it was a ve; their indifference spoke volumes about the disregard for a life deemed less valuable.... However, if the situation involved someone else other than a ve, they might have voiced their opinions and objections. Truly an injustice to a ve''s life!! Anyhow, as Ste watched them leaving without saying anything, she sighed deeply, her heart heavy with the injustice she had witnessed. She turned to see Aether, his battered body telling the story of immense pain and suffering. Tears welled up in her eyes as she struggled toprehend the extent of his agony, yet there he stood, resilient against all odds. ''Drip, Drip'' The sound of tears hitting the ground echoed softly in the clearing. Ste''spassion and empathy overflowed as she couldn''t bear to see Aether in such a state. Despite her fear and trembling legs, she resolved to do what she could to alleviate his suffering. /Recovery/ She whispered the word, her voice trembling with emotion, as she directed her healing powers towards Aether. Slowly but steadily, his body responded to her magic, wounds closing and burns fading. Aether''s mind raced with conflicting thoughts. He desperately wanted to scream at Ste to run away, to save herself from the danger that loomed over her due to their entangled fates as he could see the green light blinking in the mission tab.... She was in a really dangerous situation!! Yet, his charred throat refused to produce any sound, leaving him frustrated and helpless... he felt his throat wasturned fully roasted like meat so no voice came out from it. As Ste worked tirelessly to heal him, her tears continued to flow uncontrobly. "I am sorry. I am sorry.. I am sorry...." She repeated softly, almost like a mantra, each word heavy with regret and sorrow. She knew if she had not left him... he wouldn''t suffered like this. Aether''s heart was pierced with a pang of pain and guilt as he watched Ste''s selfless actions. Despite his silent plea for her safety, she continued to pour her energy into healing him, her determination shining through her tears. ''She is too good for her own good... hehe...'' Aether thought with a sigh, his heart heavy with conflicting emotions. It was at that moment, amidst this intense scene, "KKKKYYYYYAAAAA!!!!!!" Ste''s focus snapped to the source of the sudden cry.... her expression shifting from one of dedication to one of sheer horror. "~Hissss~" The massive white snake, its ivory scales shimmering in the sunlight filtering through the canopy above. Its sinuous body was coiled with deadly precision on the red-haired woman. The snake''s eyes, were dark and prating, as it stared at ke and others. The palm-sized silver crystal atop its head glowed faintly, pulsing with Arcane energy that seemed to resonate with the creature itself... Only one star glowing inside. Indicating it was Mid-Level Aptitude with Level around 15!! "LANE!" The frantic cries echoed through the forest as everyone watched in horror. The red-haired woman, Lane, was ensnared within the coils of the massive white snake, struggling desperately for her life. "H-Help... Bke, Help m-me ''cough, cough''.... p-please..." Lane''s voice trembled as she fought against the crushing pressure of the serpent''s grip. Her eyes widened in fear, blood trickling from wounds inflicted by the creature''s constriction. "Lane!!" ke''s anguished cry pierced the tense atmosphere as he witnessed the horrific fate of Lane. His heart pounded with a mix of sorrow and helplessness, knowing that he was unable to save her. The fear of facing another formidable foe, especially after the intense battle with the Orc, sent tremors through his legs, leaving him rooted to the spot. Despite the white snake being a One-Star Monster, the group had exhausted all their energy dealing with the Orc. ke''s mind raced, desperately trying to think of a solution, but his throat constricted with pain, and he found himself unable to summon the energy needed for spells or to activate his Arcane Cards. With a heavy heart and a sense of defeat weighing down his shoulders, ke gulped audibly, his throat tight with emotion. Closing his eyes briefly..... Seeing the grisly scene unfold, the others present understood the dire consequences of their actions. Before Lane could fullyprehend her fate, "PUFFFFF!!!!" The forceful expulsion of air apanied by a sickening crunch marked the end of Lane''s struggle. The white snake''s tail, tight as a vice, crushed her body mercilessly, causing flesh and blood to erupt in a gruesome disy. The once serene greenery was now marred by sshes of crimson, a grim testament to the brutality of the scene. As the snake slowly swallowed the remains of its victim, it also imed the Arcane Crystal Lane had been holding. "~Hisss~" It was then that everyone realized the snake''s true intentions: it was after the two Silver Star Crystals in order to evolve itself. It seemed the snake had been waiting for this opportune moment to seize the crystals from its weak prey instead of engaging in a fight against the monster. "S-Strr..." Aether tried to call out to Ste with his parched throat, his voice barely a whisper amidst the chaos. Hearing his cracking voice, Ste snapped out of her fear and immediately focused on healing Aether as quickly as possible. Her hands glowed with a soft, healing light as she worked tirelessly to mend his wounds. "SSSHHHH!!!" "N-nnrrr," Aether attempted to stop her, his frustration evident in his weak attempts to speak. He wanted her to run and escape, to save herself from the impending danger..... As long as she was safe, he would be fine as his fucking log would fucking help him somehow. But she... "SSSHHHH!!" Continued to Heal him. "Arrrh!" Aether groaned in anger and helplessness as his eyes fixated on the snake. It was a horrifying sight, seeing the creature target ke and the others after iming its first victim. The snake''s gaze was now locked on its next prey, its hunger for the crystals driving it forward relentlessly. "ke, we need to run!" His party members shouted in desperation, their voices filled with urgency and fear. "I know!" ke shouted in frustration, sweat dripping down his face as he blocked the snake''s relentless attacks. Each blow was getting harder to deflect, and he could see that everyone was already on the brink of reaching their limit. It was then that ke''s desperate eyes fell on two figures amidst the chaos. "I have a n," he muttered to himself, a determined glint in his eyes. Aether''s face contorted in a grimace as he observed ke''s determined expression, a hint of worry creeping into his eyes. "S-Stelrr... Stel...heh" Aether struggled to call out to Ste, his voice still hoarse and parched from the intense ordeal. "It''s fine, Aether. I''m here," Ste reassured him in a gentle tone, her hands glowing with healing energy as she tended to his injuries. Despite her calm demeanour, tears streamed down her cheeks, a silent testament to the emotional turmoil she was experiencing. If she hadn''t stayed by his side in that moment, he would have endured this hell alone. The pain of healing him was excruciating for Ste. It felt as if her own skin was searing with the mes of suffering, yet she gritted her teeth and persevered, not showing the depth of her emotions. Aether''s eyes reflected his agony, pleading silently for her to leave. He knew she carried a burden of guilt, but now wasn''t the time for it. Aether slowly reached out to touch her face, his voice strained with pain and urgency. "P-Please l-leave... I need ''cough'' y-you to run away... P-Please," he managed to say between coughs and rasps. [+1000 Affection] Despite his plea, Ste simply nodded and continued to pour her healing energy into him, her resolve unshaken by his words. But then, something unexpected happened... "ng, ng" A ss scratching sound echoed as a small pouchnded near Ste and Aether. They nced at the pouch that seemed to contain some Arcane Crystals, then at the person who threw it..... only to find the huge white snake hurtling toward them, its eyes fixated on the pouch. Meanwhile, ke and hispanions were frantically running away from the scene. Aether''s face contorted in grim as he looked at the mission tab, where the green light blinked rapidly... Very Fast!! Indicating imminent danger and the urgency of the situation. Chapter 65: She needs you... "A-Aether... I-I will gather its attention. You need to run away once you have everything h-healed," Ste said, determination in her voice as she wiped her remaining tears and looked at Aether seriously. "N-No, I-I..." Before Aether could respond, Ste stood up and began chanting, her voice growing stronger, /By the power of the mind and will, let Arcane fulfil my wishes..../ Her body began to glow brightly before she touched Aether''s forehead, and then she uttered, /Zenith/ Aether''s body was immediately enveloped in a golden ball, and his skin and muscles began to heal rapidly. He was astonished by the incredible disy of healing power, feeling the warmth of rejuvenation spreading through his body. "Cough, Cough" Ste coughed, blood trickling from her mouth as she covered it with her hand. She looked at Aether onest time, her eyes filled with gratitude, and said, "I am d I found someone like you..." Her voice was a mix of exhaustion and determination as she gathered her strength to run away. Taking the pouch containing numerous low-aptitude Arcane Crystals, Ste started to run away from Aether. No, more like she was trying and yet her body had reached its limit, pushed beyond by the immense effort of healing Aether... She was in between walking and running! Jogging!! Though that''s not the right word for it. "STOP!!... HEHE" Aether yelled, banging on the golden ball, his emotions a whirlwind of concern and fear.... He wanted to stop her from risking herself further, but she only turned back with a small smile, her eyes filled with tears, before continuing to run away, her body trembling in fear yet resolute in her emotion... [+2000 Affection] As the white snake followed Ste''s direction, leaving Aether with a mixture of emotions. Aether''s shaky voice echoed in the stillness, "W-What should I do now?... hehe" .... Only a silence. Adding to his growing frustration. He felt lost, unsure of how to proceed, "I-I have to save her but.... How!!!" The weight of his helplessness was evident in his expression. ''Blink, Blink....'' The Mission Panel''s rapid blinking intensified much faster than ever before.... mirroring Aether''s uneasiness and.... fear? He didn''t want to lose the girl who had been by his side through all the ups and downs of their journey..... In a single night! Aether felt a deep sense of responsibility to save her, not just because of the mission, but because of the profound sacrifice she had made to protect him. This feeling of responsibility was familiar, reminding him of past regrets he carried from his previous life. ''Till now, I regret letting her go..." Aether bit his trembling lips as memories from his previous life flooded back, stirring emotions he had long buried. ''Deep Breath...'' Taking a moment topose himself, he called upon his log and began to formte a n... / Name: Aether Sex: Male Race: ##### Level: 0 Title: The Lost One, ve [Eternal Contract to ########], The Only Holder of Ether and Past-less, Future-less Entity. Attributes: Strength: 6 Agility: 8 Intelligence: 10 Magic Affinity: 0 Charm: 2 Compatibility: 88% Survival rate= 0.89% Affection Points: 04908 (1000 Affection Points = 1 *any Attributes) ????? / What did he need now to save someone? What was the new power need to gain? He needed something that he had yet to try or even feel. He had avoided it until now, fearing it might endanger his life if Mortimer ever knows it. Yet, he was left with no choices... "Increase Magic Affinity" !~Ding~! [+1 Magic Affinity] [Magic Affinity: 1 ] !~Ding~! [You have Leveled up!!] [Level: 1] !~Ding~! [Congrattions on Leveling up] [Reward: 10000 Affection Points] That''s thest thing that entered Aether''s mind, and next, he found himself standing in a surreal space that seemed to defy all logic. One half of the space shimmered with blinding Pure White light, symbolizing purity and rity, while the other half was engulfed in deep, consuming Pure Darkness, representing unknown fears and mysteries. Aether stood transfixed in the middle of these contrasting realms, his senses overwhelmed by the stark dichotomy before him. His mind raced with questions about what was happening in this inexplicable ce. "Where am I? I need to go; she is in danger!" Aether''s voice echoed in the strange space as he attempted to move towards the light, but an unseen force seemed to keep him suspended in the centre, like a puppet in a grand theatre. "Is anybody here?" Aether''s face furrowed in frustration, and receiving no answer, he shouted, "You Arcane Bitch! I know it''s you, Bitch! Come out, you fucking Bitch!" Aether spat out his anger without reservation, pouring out his frustration and desperation. ''Trrrrr'' The entire space trembled as if in response to his outburst, yet there was no tangible reaction or presence. But then, without warning, "ARRRRHHHHHH!!!" Aether suddenly screamed, feeling a jolt as if something were forcefully entering his mind, overwhelming his senses. The sensation was like being plunged into icy waters, a shock that sent shivers down his spine and made his vision blur for a moment.... Arcane Energy, the fundamental force underlying every aspect of existence in these worlds, acted as both its genesis and its ultimate fate. It''s the beginning as well as the Ending!! It permeated every form of life and matter, from humans to monsters, animals to nts, air to space and... even the very essence of light and darkness - the very fabric of existence itself. Everything, without exception, was built upon the foundation of Arcane Energy.... The Mother of Everything!! She controls everything and every fibre of time and life.She decides what this world needs and what it does not need. And so... "She wants you in her world" Aether suddenly heard the words echo in his mind, causing him to clutch his head in pain, "aarrhh" "She needs you in this world" "She will mould you into a thing that she desires" "She will make you crave for her" "She will do anything to hold you in her roots" "She, who loves every being equally, now focuses on you" "She hates it when you hurt her with insults" "She truly hates seeing you get hurt" "You cannot escape from her grasp" "You are not ready to escape from her clutches" "WHAT HELL AM I SUPPOSED TO DO NOW!!" Aether screamed as the conflicting voices reverberated like a drum in his head. "...." "...." "Survive until the beginning" The two voices merged, delivering the same message before releasing Aether from that perplexing realm. "Huff-huff-hufff-" Aether''s breaths came in ragged gasps as he crouched down, his chest rising and falling rapidly. For a moment, his pupils flickered with a mix of ck and white energy before returning to normal. Once he calmed his racing heart, Aether noticed that he was now naked, his bodypletely healed as if it were new. The golden ball that had surrounded him had disappeared. Ignoring his own state of undress and the myriad of questions swirling in his mind, Aether focused on the most urgent matter at hand. With determination etched on his face, he stood up and began to run, following the trail left behind by the massive white snake. "I can do this," Aether muttered to himself, a half-smile tugging at his lips as he mentally prepared for the task ahead. He knew what he needed to do to defeat the monster. As he sprinted forward, Aether soon caught sight of them... Ste, stood silently as if she had reached her limit. "Ste!" Aether''s shout was filled with relief and happiness as he approached her. However, his joy was short-lived.... Ste turned her head slowly towards him, her smile carrying a weight of.... sadness? "Don''t worry, I hav---Heh" Aether''s words were abruptly cut off. ''Gulp'' ''Thud'' The monstrous serpent lunged forward, swallowing Ste whole in a swift, horrifying motion. Chapter 66: Hesitation almost cost a life "H-hehe?" Aether stood frozen, like a statue, unable to move an inch as he felt his blood turn cold. His heart almost stopped beating, the shock of seeing Ste being swallowed whole by the white snake paralyzing him momentarily. "~Hisss~" The huge white snake, now satiated and content after devouring Ste and the remaining Arcane Crystal, turned its gaze towards the neer... Aether. However, the snake sensed that it had already feasted enough for the day, especially after devouring a 2-Silver Star Crystal and some random low-aptitude Arcane Crystals.... It knew it was time to evolve, and so it ignored Aether, considering his energy signature wasn''t potent enough to pique the snake''s interest for another meal..... slithered away slowly into the forest. ''Thud'' Aether''s knees buckled under the weight of pain and anguish, etched clearly on his face.The memory of Ste''s sad smile lingered in his mind, haunting him. He felt his heart being torn apart as if he had lost something incredibly precious to him. ''Drip, Drip'' Tears streamed down his cheeks, leaving a trail of sorrow in their wake. If only he had arrived a few seconds earlier, he might have saved her. Just a few seconds!!!.... He currently felt the weight of those few seconds. Aether''s lips trembled, his mind reying the single night he spent with a stranger.... a night that now caused immense pain in his heart. Aether felt as though he had just lost a wonderful, naive sister. "So, this is why you wanted me to seduce her, Log?... hehe" Aether muttered, his expression broken and filled with sorrow. "Y-You want me to have a m-mental breakdown, R-Right?" Aether asked again, but there was no answer. "ANSWER ME, HEHEHE... YOU FUCKING BITCH!!!" Aether''s shout echoed with frustration, loss, and anger, reverberating through the silent woods. ''Ba-Dump, Ba-Dump'' Aether''s heart beat as faster than ever before, his ocean blue pupils partially filled with a mix of ck and white and slowly the ck started spreading around his eyes.His breath hardened as if something started to possess his mind.... ''Blink, Blink, Blink....'' At that moment, a series of rapid green blinks manifested before Aether''s very eyes.Aether blinked his eyes as his eyes turned normal and focused on the blinking green panel of the mission tab. "What''s that suppo--" His words halted abruptly as realization dawned on him, striking his mind like a bolt of lightning. "She is alive!" Aether whispered to himself as he observed the departing white snake..... His gaze then shifted to the affection points disyed on the interface. [Affection Points: 13908 (1000 Affection Points = 1 *any Attributes)] Without hesitation or meticulous nning, Aether murmured under his breath, "Increase Strength by 4 and Agility by 2" !~Ding~! [+4 Strength] [+2 Agility] [Strength: 10 ] [Agility: 10 ] "ssshhhhh" The air around Aether swirled in a silent dance, enveloping him as his body surged with a potent wave of energy and newfound vitality. The unknown energy surged through every inch of his blood and flesh, revitalizing him from within. ''Deep Exhale'' With a profound exhale, Aether fixed his gaze upon the snake and then nced towards the nearby branches, contemting his next move. "~sssss~" The white snake moved happily toward its nest, deciding to take a nice, long nap. It knew that upon waking, it would have evolved into a 2-Silver Star-ranked monster.... Totally Cool!! It''s going to be King of the Forest very soon!! The creature''s joy was palpable as if it were soaring among the clouds on wings of bliss. Days of relentless pursuit had led to this moment. It had relentlessly tracked the elusive 2-Silver Star Orc, a creature of immense power that had nearly imed the snake''s life on two harrowing asions. Undeterred by these close calls, the snake bided its time, waiting for a more opportune moment to secure a sessful encounter. And then, fate intervened in the form of ke and his formidable team. "~HIisssss~" == [Humans are easy] The serpent''s hiss carried a tone of smugness, a testament to its confidence in preying upon humans, considering them mere ythingspared to the daunting challenges posed by the other monsters. "HHHIIIIIIIIISSSSSS!!!!" However, its triumphant reverie was abruptly shattered by a piercing shriek of agony, the result of an unexpected and painful intrusion as something sharp impaled its delicate tail. Turning swiftly, the white snake''s serpentine eyes locked onto a wooden branch impaled in its tail, blood trickling down in crimson rivulets. With a sudden, forceful tug, it ripped the branch free, though the wound still seeped with crimson evidence of its injury. "HISS!!" The snake''s hiss echoed with pain and frustration, its obsidian eyes scanning the surroundings for the unseen assant, yet finding nothing but the serene silence of the forest. Despite theck of visible threats, it remained vignt, honing its senses to detect any subtle disturbance. ''Tuck'' "~HIISS~" A sharp hiss escaped as it swiftly slithered towards the origin of the sound, its instincts on high alert. However, upon reaching the spot.... There was nought but old branches and sturdy stone, devoid of any living presence. Undeterred, the snake maintained its heightened vignce, sinuously weaving through the underbrush, keenly searching for any potential threat lurking in the shadows. A little further away, perched upon a sturdy branch, a figure observed the snake with a focused gaze. "It appears that the snake''s anatomy shares simrities with ours," Aether remarked softly to himself. With a swift motion, he selected another stone, tossing it near the base of a nearby tree. The stone struck the ground, eliciting an immediate response from the snake as it slithered towards the sound, arriving at the spot in a blur of motion. "Its speed is impressive," Aether noted, his brow furrowing slightly in contemtion. "Increase agility by 2" !~Ding~! [Error] [Limit reached ording to the Level] "Hmm?" Aether''s expression turned puzzled. He had just experienced a surge in power and levelled up, hadn''t he? His gaze shifted to the indicators of his Level and Magic affinity, and then it dawned on him, prompting a nod of understanding. "I see... tsk, It''s like this, huh..." Aether''s expression shifted to annoyance as he contemted the situation. It was a straightforward matter, unlike others who started with a Level 1 due to their skill points distributed at least minimally in every attribute, Aether''s initial stats were practically zero, with some even registering in the negative. Hence, it was no surprise that his Level remained at zero until his Magic Affinity finally reached one. Anyhow, "What should I increase?" Aether pondered aloud, his gaze fixed on the limited options before him. "Magic and charm..." he muttered, considering his avable choices. Of course, While increasing his Magic Affinity seemed like the logical choice, Aether hesitated. The knowledge he had recently acquired regarding spells and incantations was undeniably potent.... That''s Fucking Powerful. It appears that gaining Intelligence maxed out at Level 0 caused some sort of anomaly or perhaps a unique urrence... by his Luck? For instance, consider how mes typically arise. ''Puffff,'' like that, right? "PUFFFF!!" A small yellow me spontaneously erupted from Aether''s fingertip, devoid of any chanting or understanding of the fire''s concept. It was merely a product of his imagination: (Oxygen) acted as the medium while (Arcane energy) served as the fuel and Combine them then... V!! Fire!!! In an instant, he seemed to have transcended into a state of genius! What''s more, when he pointed his finger towards the sky, the me shot upward, apanied by a resounding, ''shhhh'' "BOOM!" The fiery disy erupted into the sky like a grand spectacle of fireworks. The white snake, taken aback, nced upwards with a mixture of surprise and wry writ on its serpentine features. "Sigh... I''ve be OP now," Aether muttered with a tinge of sadness in his voice. No, he was happy he became an OP but regret lingered as he contemted how things might have been different if he had initially focused on increasing his Magic Affinity instead.... Perhaps then, he wouldn''t find himself in this challenging situation. It''s not like he didn''t want to increase magic... it''s just his hesitation, driven by the fear of being discovered by Mortimer... who knows what kind of cunning n he would make next. and yet, His hesitation had nearly cost not just his own life but also another innocent life. Maybe that''s how things would go... Anyhow, Until he tuned his control over the magic, He couldn''t even bring himself to use these powerful spells, knowing full well the devastation they could cause. The thought of identally harming not just the monster but also Ste, who remained alive within its stomach, weighed heavily on his mind. So, it was a bad choice... "What about charm?" Aether pondered briefly, only to dismiss the idea almost instantly, "It''s not like I can seduce.. the mons... tee... rr," his voice trailed off, his mind drifting towards a seemingly ludicrous thought. Chapter 67: He had no other choice Aether didn''t possess any weapons capable of piercing the thick skin of the monstrous white snake head-on. Therefore, a sneak attack remained his sole viable option, much like how he had initially stabbed it. However, as the snake became more vignt, Aether found himself with only one choice. "BOOM!" A sudden explosion reverberated in the distance, catching the snake''s attention and causing it to tense with alertness. Sensing an opportunity, Aether swiftly hurled a wooden branch towards the same spot where he had previously struck the creature. ''Chuckk'' "HIIIISS!!" The white serpent emitted a pained hiss as it swiftly turned to inspect its injured tail, revealing yet another sharp wooden fragment embedded within its flesh. "Hisss" Frustration and fury marred the snake''s features as it attempted to locate the assant responsible for its agony. However, before it could retaliate or defend itself, "BOOM!!" Another explosion erupted nearby, diverting the snake''s focus once again to a new source of disturbance. Using this distraction, "Chkkk" "HIIIISS!!" The snake let out another anguished cry as it discovered yet another wooden branch piercing its already wounded tail. The relentless onught of pain and surprise attacks left the formidable creature in a state of enraged vulnerability. Aether couldn''t help but smile at the seemingly predictable reactions of the idiotic snake. "At the end of the day... an animal is still an animal," Aether muttered with an amused grin ying on his lips. The n was straightforward and simple: Exploit the snake''s heightened sensitivity to sound by using his overpowered Magic to create distractions nearby. This tactic would allow Aether to divert the creature''s attention long enough to execute his sneak attacks. Although this method was somewhat time-consuming, the fact that the mission tab continued to blink indicated that he still had time to aplish his objective. As for ''Charm''... He wasn''t an idiot to put his hard-earned Affection Points on something useless.... Itseemed utterly pointless in this scenario. He ain''t no way to believe he could use his charm to survive... that''s fucking unbelievable!! With a confident smile, Aether conjured another me and pointed it towards an empty area nearby and, ''Shhhh'' The mes shot forth, aimed at diverting the monster''s attention. However, his confidence wavered when the snake''s hiss took on an ominous tone.... "Hissss~" "BOOM!" Aether froze mid-action, his hand poised to throw the branch.... Instead of reacting to the distraction, the snake monster fixed a menacing gaze directly at Aether, causing a chill to run down his spine. "H-Hello?" Aether stammered his expression a mix of surprise and awkwardness. In an instant, the snake swiftly slithered towards Aether''s hiding spot among the branches of the tree. Before Aether could react or retreat, the massive snake swung its colossal tail, smashing the tree to pieces. "TRRCCKKKK!" The tree splintered and copsed, sending Aether tumbling to the ground. Despite Aether''s initial belief that these monsters were merely oversized animals, he soon realized this was only a partial truth....A creature that had cunningly orchestrated a n to use humans as bait for hunting an Orc was far from foolish. And even if somehow someone fooled it.... there was no way it was going to get fooled by the same trick again and again!! It was like this:When the white snake felt something amiss, it soon turned vignt and focused on everything.... There was a st but it didn''t intend to hit it so sensing something awry, swiftly shifted its focus from the distracting sts to the source of the disturbance. Its keen ck eyes caught sight of small mes erupting on the tree, leading the creature to pinpoint a human''s presence that was fooling it with deadly uracy. "HISSS!!!" The white snake fixed Aether with a furious re. It had no interest in Aether as a potential meal; instead, it was determined to eliminate this bothersome human who had dared to fool it repeatedly. It was got truly annoyed after being happy about evolution!! "Come at me!" Aether shouted defiantly, clutching a broken branch as he prepared to face the enraged monster head-on.... He was ready to kill the Monster and yet, "SLAP!!" The snake''s tail struck Aether with brutal force, leaving him unable to react, a stark indicator of his insignificance in the eyes of the monster and the level of difference between them!! ''Thud'' ''Cough, Cough'' Colliding with the tree, Aether coughed up blood as he struggled to regain his footing. Despite the impact, his body strangely seemed to numb itself to the pain, as if the injuries were mere inconveniences. His body was slowly but surely getting ustomed to the pain!! "Heh..." Aether''s lips curved into a sardonic smile, stained with blood, a testament to his unwavering determination even in the face of overwhelming odds. Gripping the shattered remnants of a branch tightly in his trembling hand, ran towards it. He was aware of the recklessness of his decision, but with the snake now marking him as an enemy, he felt it was a matter of kill or be killed. Observing the punny human''s futile attempt, the snake smirked, its hiss was a prelude to a lethal action... "ssssss" Its poison. Aether''s eyes widened in rm as he realized he had forgotten about that just like any snake this snake also posed a deadly poison.... he cursed himself for forgetting about that. And seeing the yellow fluid almost near him, he immediately pointed his finger to the ground to initiate the st, but then, a sudden realization struck him like a bolt of lightning. "No, I will die," he muttered, his voiceced with urgency and fear. Swiftly recalibrating his aim, he slightly changed the direction and side of the st, hoping to avoid the imminent danger. "BOOM!!" The explosion rocked the immediate vicinity, propelling Aether forcefully sideways. Aether had been certain that aiming the st directly at the ground would send him hurtling skyward and then as everyone knows gravity would fuck him without mercy. Thus, he made a split-second decision to adjust the trajectory to the side, a choice that proved to be a narrow escape from certain death. But still, In the chaotic whirlwind of heat and debris, his legs were engulfed in searing mes, and the impact shattered several bones, sending waves of excruciating pain through his body. ''Damn it'' he muttered... This harrowing experience underscored hisck of control over his magic.If he had just used it on the monster who knows what might happen to the innocent girl inside its belly? Nevertheless, Aether crashed into the nearby trees with a resounding.... ''Thud'' the impact nearly snapping his backbone before hended harshly on the unforgiving ground. ''Drip, Drip'' Blood trickled from Aether''s mouth and nose, a telltale sign of internal injury. Through his haze of pain and blurred vision, he watched as the massive snake slowly slithered closer, its predatory intent palpable in the air. Summoning thest shreds of his strength, Aether lifted his trembling hand and pointed his fingers at the advancing creature. ''sshhh'' Small yellow mes flickered to life, dancing at his fingertips, a feeble disy of his magical prowess that would still help him.... The snake, however, halted in its tracks, a testament to the fear instilled by Aether''s previous powerful sts, despite his current weakened state. "...." Aether''s gaze locked with the snake''s, a mix of determination and desperation evident in his eyes. His fingers trembled as he attempted to reduce the intensity of the energy and yet he didn''t know how to do it.... All he knew was mes that''s all!! The weight of the situation bore down on him heavily. One single mistake... He might kill the innocent girl with his own two hands. "Come on, Log!! Give me something!!" Aether''s frustration bubbled to the surface. ''Blink, Blink...'' The log remained unyielding, disying only the blinking mission tab, a stark reminder of the tasks at hand and the pressing danger that loomed. "Arrrh...USELESS!!" Aether groaned in frustration, his hand dropping to his side in defeat. Sensing his weakness, the snake resumed its advance towards him, its predatory instincts reignited. "Increase... Charm" !~Ding~! Chapter 68: Its Over!!! "Increase... Charm" !~Ding~! [+1 Charm] [Charm: 3] As the Log''s response echoed, Aether couldn''t feel any immediate change, unlike the distinct sensations that apanied adjustments in his other attributes... that was pain and energy. Charm seemed to manifest as a in, unremarkable improvement. ncing at the Monster, Aether''s hope flickered faintly, unsure of what to expect. The creature''s reaction remained inscrutable,cking any significant shift in demeanour. He wasn''t entirely sure what he was hoping to achieve, but Aether, who had garnered affection from various animals in the past, felt a glimmer of confidence stir within him. It was a fleeting sensation.... he could do something. "Increase Charm" !~Ding~! [+1 Charm] [Charm: 4] Still, the white snake showed no sign of pause or reaction. "Increase Charm" !~Ding~! [+1 Charm] [Charm: 5] "Hiss?" The sudden hiss from the snake carried a hint of confusion and displeasure, yet it pressed forward, undeterred. Seeing a glimmer of hope, Aether muttered under his breath, "Increase Charm by 2" !~Ding~! [+2 Charm] [Charm: 7] Now... To his surprise, the snake abruptly halted, its piercing two ck eyes fixed on Aether with a newfound curiosity. [+1 Affection] Aether blinked in astonishment, his mind echoing with a silent exmation of ''Seriously?!'' Nevertheless, seizing the opportunity, he persisted, "Increase Charm" !~Ding~! [+1 Charm] [Charm: 8] "!!!" The snake visibly reacted, flinching and blinking in quick session before an unexpected surge of affection flooded in. [+100 Affection] ''OMG!!!'' Aether''s internal excitement surged, a mix of disbelief and exhration. "~Hisss~" The snake, now showing a hint of curiosity mixed with caution, approached Aether methodically. Its movements were deliberate, almost calcted as if it were assessing him for something beyond mere physical threat. But then, in a sudden turn of events, "!HHIISSS!!" The snake''s demeanour shifted abruptly, its previously curious gaze turning into a menacing re as it focused intently on Aether''s hand. The air seemed charged with tension, the threat of imminent danger palpable in the snake''s aggressive posture. ''gulp'' Aether swallowed audibly, a nervous reflex in response to the escting tension. Sensing the gravity of the situation, he cautiously released the branch he had been holding... just in case he was fucked up really!! ''Thud'' Despite Aether''s attempt to defuse the tension, the snake continued to stare at him with an unwavering intensity, its eyes gleaming with a predatory glint. The snake then slowly parted its jaws, a gesture that usually signalled an impending strike. In response, Aether decided to take a bold yet calcted action, "Put everything into Charm!!" !~Ding~! [+2 Charm] [Charm: 10] [Remaining AP: 00009] "!!!" The sudden change in ''Something'' caused the white snake to abruptly halt its movement, its menacing posture giving way to a moment of stillness. With a graceful motion, it closed its mouth and delicately moved its nose toward Aether''s face and ''Sniff, Sniff'' The snake''s inquisitive exploration continued, its keen senses taking in Aether''s scent with a mixture of curiosity and intrigue. "Hiss~" Aether remainedposed, though inwardly tense, as the snake''s tongue made contact with his face. The sensation was alien yet oddly gentle, a stark contrast to the creature''s earlier hostility. The white snake''s dark ck eyes, usually gleaming with a predatory intensity, suddenly flickered with a mesmerizing mix of ck and white hues before returning to their usual ominous darkness. "Hiss~" As the snake withdrew, Aether, who had been clenching his eyes in anticipation, slowly opened them. Surprisingly, he felt no lingering touch from the snake''s tongue. As his gaze met the snake''s intense stare, Aether couldn''t help but feel a mixture of apprehension and curiosity. "H-Hello?" Aether waved his hand tentatively, attempting to break the tension that hung in the air. The snake blinked a few times, its gaze unwavering but not hostile... "Hiss~" The sudden sound from the snake didn''t signal aggression but rather a gentle response. [+100 Affection] Gulping nervously, Aether slowly extended his hand toward the snake''s face, his movements cautious and deliberate. He observed the snake''s reactions closely, searching for any signs of danger or hostility. Just inches away from making contact, the snake remained vignt, its eyes fixated on Aether''s hand, analyzing for any potential fires or any kind of other hidden attacks...Sensing no imminent danger, the snake gradually moved its head closer, allowing Aether''s hand to approach without resistance. ''Touch'' Aether''s hand made contact with the snake''s cool, scaled nose, the texture surprisingly smooth and soft to the touch. With gentle strokes, Aether explored the contours of the snake''s face, marvelling at the creature''s intricate features. "Hiss~" The snake emitted a soft hiss, not of warning but almost in response to theforting touch it received. Its eyes, previously sharp and alert, now closed slowly, a gesture that hinted at a newfound sense of trust or rxation in Aether''s presence. [+200 Affection] "Hehe..." Aether couldn''t help but let out a small, sad smile, tinged with a mix of emotions as he rubbed the snake''s nose.... It was an odd situation, attempting to seduce (He wasn''t sure whether it was seduction or something else) an animal... more like a monster that just ate his... Friend? ''hehe... I fucking seduced a.... monster...hehe'' Aether couldn''t help but feel the bitterness. After a few moments of gentle rubbing, Aether spoke softly, "M-My name is Aether." The snake slowly opened its eyes, its gaze meeting Aether''s as he stopped the soothing motion. "Hiss~" Aether smiled warmly, interpreting the snake''s hiss as a response, even if it was nonverbal. With a mix of nervousness and hope, Aether ventured, "C-Could you spit out the girl you ate?" The snake''s reaction was immediate, a frown forming on its scaled face as it withdrew slightly, conveying a sense of reluctance and perhaps impossibility in fulfilling Aether''s request. "Hiss!" The snake hissed again, this time with a hint of frustration and refusal, making its stance clear. Undeterred, Aether persisted with a pleading tone as he really wanted to save the friend he got here, "P-Pretty Please!!" His expression was one of earnest pleading, hoping against hope for a positive response. "!!!!" [+1000 Affection] "Hisss~" In a surprising turn, the snake coiled its tail around Aether''s leg and stared at him with even more curiosity. "...." Aether stood there, his mind reeling from the surreal turn of events, as if he had just borne witness to something beyond hisprehension. "Crrhh,Currr...Cough..." The snake''s sudden coughing fit caught Aether off guard, a desperate attempt to expel what it had consumed. ''Thud'' The sound of something hitting the ground snapped Aether back to reality. He rushed forward as the snake spat out Ste, her form covered in a slimy residue from within the snake''s belly. "Ste?... Ste?..." Aether called out to her repeatedly, his voice filled with a mix of relief and concern.He nced at his log and noticed the blinking green finally settled down as if there was no danger hereafter. As he checked her pulse, Aether noticed, her heart was beating but she wasn''t breathing. Without hesitation, heid her down gently, lifted her chin partially parted her lips and.... performed CPR, and tried to revive her. The white snake observed curiously, unable toprehend why the human wasn''t using healing potions. It watched intently as Aether worked to revive Ste. After a few tense minutes, "Cough, Cough" "Ste," Aether called out as he saw her coughing. With hazy eyes, Ste looked up at Aether, recognizing him through the haze. "A-Aether?" "Yes," Aether smiled softly, gently brushing the sticky hair from her face. "W-What happened?" Ste''s voice was weak as she struggled to make sense of her surroundings. "Well, I saved you... Kind of," Aether replied with a hint of uncertainty and his expression was kind of ''Wasn''t sure''. ".... Hehe.." Ste giggled softly, her trust in Aether evident in her demeanour. "Hiss~" At the sound of the snake''s hiss, Ste''s eyes widened in surprise as she finally noticed the creature that swallowed her whole fully standing behind Aether. "It''s fine, it won''t hurt us anymore," Aether reassured her, sensing her apprehension. Ste frowned but ultimately sighed, her body weary from the ordeal. She epted Aether''s words, but then, "Did you...." Ste''s words trailed off as she rubbed her lips, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Of course, I needed to pump your lungs..." Aether began to exin why touched her without her consent as he believed this world might revolve around some old traditions or something, but before he could finish, Ste''s face lit up with embarrassment. Just his agreement was enough to break fuse Ste''s mind as her face, neck, and ears turned bright red and [+10000 Affection] !~Ding~! [Congrattions Mission Completed!!] [Reward: ???? is unlocked now] [Congrattions for Completing the Trail!!] As the notifications shed before him, Aether felt something warm against his neck, and then everything faded to ck as he fell unconscious. Chapter 69: Please dont leave me... ''Zzzzzz'' Aether''s eyes slowly fluttered open, greeted by the sight of a brown-coloured ceiling adorned with beautiful candbra casting a warm glow. The softness of the cushion beneath him felt like floating on thick feathers, aforting sensation enveloping his weary body... Though he knew he was lying in a bed, the details of how he got there eluded his groggy mind. ''Zzzzzz'' As he listened to the rhythmic sound of someone sleeping nearby, Aether turned his gaze to his side, where he noticed a familiar figure. "S-Selene?" Aether''s voice wasced with surprise when he saw the bluish-ck-haired girl, Selene, sleeping soundly in an awkward position. Her head rested on the edge of the bed, indicating that she had fallen asleep while sitting in a chair.... likely keeping watch over him. ''Looks like I''ve been caught...'' Aether''s thoughts turned rueful, a tinge of pain and annoyance colouring his emotions as he realized the effort he had gone through seemed to have been in vain. All that for nothing!!! "Hmmm..." Stirred from her slumber by the sound of her name and sensing movement, Selene let out a soft groan. Her eyes fluttered open, revealing the exhaustion and redness indicative of tears shed during the days and nights. Upon seeing Selene in such a distressed state, Aether''s heart twinged with a mix of emotions.... His heart pained seeing her like that. "Selene? W-What happened?" Aether''s voice carried genuine concern as he sat up slowly, his gaze fixed on her.He forgets to call her with respect. "E-Ether?" Selene''s voice was filled with surprise and relief as she saw him finally waking up, her eyes widening in response. ''Drip, Drip'' Tears began to unconsciously drip from Selene''s eyes again, the emotions from the nights and days before still lingering in her heart. Her vulnerability was evident in her expression, a mixture of joy and worry... "ETHER!!" Selene''s cry was filled with both relief and pent-up emotions as she threw herself into his embrace, her arms wrapping tightly around him as if seeking reassurance and sce. Her tears flowed freely, the weight of her emotions finding release in that moment of closeness. "Sob, Sob, E-Etheerrr, Sob, Sob.... E-Ethrrr, I thought I-I lostt y-you... sob, sob," Selene mumbled between sobs, clinging to him as if her life depended on it. Aether froze, taken aback by the intensity of her emotions and unsure of how to respond. [+1000 Affection] [+1000 Affection] [+1000 Affection] ''Wow! What was that?'' Aether snapped out of his daze when he saw the sudden surge in affection points. It was so much that Aether couldn''t help but wonder who this girl really was to him. "I-I''m sorry, Ether.. ''sob, sob'' I should have been with you.. ''sob, sob''.. Y-You must be scared..." Selene''s words were filled with fear and regret, her voice trembling with emotion. Hearing her words, Aether was surprised. How was he supposed to react to a girl who, on the very first day, punched him in the gut and thenter fed him cookies, and now was crying in his arms? But one thing was clear to him: when he felt her trembling body and heard her sobs, Aether''s natural response was to wrap his arms around her and offerfort. He hugged her gently, patting her head reassuringly as he whispered, "I am fine..." Feeling hisforting embrace, Selene''s tears continued to flow even more, her emotions pouring out uncontrobly and staining the bed pillow beneath her. After a minute or so, Selene''s crying subsided, but she didn''t pull away from Aether. She remained in his arms, holding onto him tightly as if she let him... he might disappear again. "Sele-- I mean, Madam Selen--" Before Aether could say anything, Selene interjected. "That''s Sel," Selene said softly, her voice muffled by the hug but filled with warmth. "Hmm?" Aether tilted his head slightly in confusion, trying to process the emotional whirlwind he found himself in.... No, He understood what she meant, yet theplexity of their situation made it hard to respond appropriately. "Call me Sel," Selene continued, her tone gentle as she shifted slightly to look at Aether''s face, her eyes glistening with unshed tears but also a glimmer of... affection? "Ba-Dump" Aether''s heart raced as he felt the proximity and emotional intensity of the moment, his own eyes reflecting a mix of emotions as he gazed back at Selene as if.... as if something inside him had woken up. He was about to touch her tear-stained face when suddenly, "Are you awake or not?" Someone''s voice shattered the tender moment as they entered the room. "BOOMM!!" "W-What just happened?" Kai, the neer, eximed in shock at the scene before him.... Aether lying on the ground, clutching his stomach in pain, and Selene sitting on the chair with an indifferent expression her face was pristine and clear as ss. "I got annoyed seeing Aunt worried over a ve, so I punched him, and... he woke up," Selene exined with a serious expression, her tone unwavering. "..." Aether was taken aback by the sudden turn of events, looking at Selene with a mix of confusion and surprise. She had just cried in his arms and asked him to call her nickname or something moments ago, yet now she seemedposed and unemotional. "Tsk, Tsk... If I had known that''s all it takes to wake him up, I would have kicked him a few days ago," Kai muttered in annoyance, clearly frustrated by the situation. He then called his assistant Timmy to inform their aunt about what had happened. And soon, "Are you okay, Boy?" Delphine entered the room and approached Aether, sitting on the bed beside him. She checked his forehead, eyes, and mouth, making sure he was alright. "I-I am fine, Madam," Aether responded with an awkward expression, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the attention. "Sigh," Delphine audibly sighed, relieved to find that there was nothing seriously wrong with Aether''s condition. She couldn''t afford any mishaps with him, knowing that any harm to him would ultimately reflect poorly on her in front of her father. "Now that he is fine... Mind telling us how in the hell you managed to run away?" Timmy''s voice cut in with a re, his frustration evident. "Because of you, our Young Master suffered the consequences... He almost needed extensive healing--" "Timmy!" Delphine''s firm voice silenced him immediately. Timmy lowered his head apologetically, acknowledging his overstepping, "I am sorry, Lady Delphine. If I am stepping out of bounds, but..." He nced at Kai, clearly wanting to emphasize the point that Kai had suffered because of Aether''s actions and continued, "Because of him, Young Master suffered for that day, he almost reached the point of nk out--" Yet again, Delphine stopped Timmy and looked at Kai, who also had something to say, but Delphine simply interrupted him, saying, "You guys let him sleep in the ve area, so, of course, anything could have happened, and he ran away. That''s because of your sloppy decision... Now leave, I need to speak with him alone." However, Kai wasn''t about to let the conversation end there. He needed to assert his authority over his ve, so he stepped forward and began, "Aunt, he is my ve and I wil--" Before he could finish his sentence, Delphine cut him off. "You do know that we will be leaving tomorrow, right?" Delphine interjected with a stern frown, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. "H-Huh? That..." "You need to level up before leaving, so go and do it faster rather than sitting here wasting your time," Delphine instructed firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. Kai frowned, realizing his aunt''s intentions. He clicked his tongue in frustration and stated, "I will definitely tell this to Father," as he turned and left the room. Timmy, equally displeased, clicked his tongue in annoyance, he hoped Ether would already die but some luck bullshit he was alive and clicked his tongue again before following Kai out of the room, leaving only Delphine, Selene, and Aether in the hotel room where they had been staying. Chapter 70: Anger cannot explained in a single word "Aether," Delphine called him with a serious face, her eyes scrutinizing him as she asked, "How did you run away?" That question hung heavily in the air, a puzzle that Delphine needed to solve. She had chosen this hotel for its safety and security, and Aether slipping away without raising any rms was concerning. Aether met Delphine''s gaze with an indescribable expression. He truly didn''t know how he managed to escape this ce; it felt like a blur one movement he was here and next, he was there in the forest all alone, yet he knew it somehow rted to the Log and.... he couldn''t openly discuss the Log''s involvement with others. "It was as if I had a habit of sleepwalking, so maybe I did something like that," Aether exined calmly, trying to make sense of the situation himself, "When I woke up, I found myself in the forest, so I wasn''t sure how I managed to get away." He hoped Delphine would buy his exnation. Nah!!.... He wasn''t entirely convinced of its truth himself. It''s truly felt like a childish. Yet, "Hmmm," Delphine responded with a nod, not pressing further for details. This response caused a frown to form on Selene''s face as she silently listened to the conversation. Aether couldn''t read Delphine''s thoughts, leaving him uncertain about what she truly believed. "Show me your Log," Delphine asked with a serious expression, her gaze fixed on Aether with unwavering intensity as if saying she wouldn''t believe another bullshit lies. Aether hesitated for a moment, his mind racing with uncertainty. However, he understood that he had no choice but toply with Delphine''s request. Noticing his hesitation, Delphine''s gaze sharpened, her lips pressing into a thin line, "Selene, you can also leave," she directed, sensing the tension building in the room. "Hmm?" Selene, who had been observing the exchange with a furrowed brow, shook her head slightly, "I am sorry, Aunt," she said softly but firmly, indicating her intent to stay. She intended to know as her Aunt was the one who brought Aether here alone. Delphine''s eyes flickered with a mix of frustration and understanding. She knew Selene well enough to recognize that she wouldn''t budge easily once she had made up her mind. Taking a deep breath, Delphine tried a different approach, "Selene, you--" she began, only to be cut off by Selene''s determined voice. Before Delphine could talk the same shit she did to Selene''s brother, "Aunt, he is our household ve, so I have every right to see whatever it is," Selene asserted, her stance unwavering despite the tension in the room. Delphine paused, considering her niece''s words carefully. After a moment, she sighed softly, acknowledging the validity of Selene''s point, "Sigh," she sighed audibly again, a mixture of resignation and eptance in her tone. Turning back to Aether, Delphine''s expression softened slightly as she spoke, "Show us." Reluctantly, Aether essed his log, Saying their names, / Name: Ether Sex: Male Race: Human Level: 1 Title: ve [Master: Kai Frostde] Attributes: Strength: 5 Agility: 5 Intelligence: 5 Magic Affinity: 1 Charm: 5 / Both Selene and Delphine raised their eyebrows in surprise as they observed Aether''s increased level. Their curiosity brimmed with energy, evident in their expectant gazes as they turned their attention back to Aether, waiting for the story he had yet to tell. "Sigh..." Aether visibly sighed, feeling the weight of the events he was about to recount. He began narrating the story in a different light, framing it as an encounter with a girl named Ste. He described how he had been attacked by monsters and saved by Ste''s healing powers. He detailed their encounter with a group of hostile individuals determined to kill him since he was a stray ve, and how Ste''s intervention had helped him escape, even at the cost of her own safety. Aether recounted their subsequent encounter with a monstrous creature that ultimately led to his ingestion by the beast, only to be rescued by Ste once again. He emphasized how she had not only saved him.... but had also taught him valuable magic skills. Great Escape!! "So those guys...ah" Delphine nodded in acknowledgement, recalling the faces of the individuals who had informed her of Aether''s heroic actions, though it was clear they had also used him as a means to escape their own predicament. "Grrr..." Selene silently gritted her teeth and clenched her fists in frustration and anger, unknown emotions swirling within her as she processed the situation. Aether provided them with as much information as possible, leaving few loopholes in his narrative. After recounting everything, he posed a question, "So, did you guys happen to see a whitish-grey-haired teenage girl?" Aether wasn''t certain about who had rendered him unconscious or what had urred to the girl and the monster with whom he had formed a.... friendship? He wasn''t sure about that. "Hmmm." Delphine nodded a few times, indicating that sheprehended the situation. Then, she produced a small piece of paper and handed it to Aether, her face slightly blushing with embarrassment as she said, "I found this paper when I discovered you lying on the ground all alone... naturally, naked!" When she found him in such a state, she wasn''t sure how to respond; it was an ufortable and unexpected situation for her, nearly causing her to feel nauseous. She almost puked!!! Hearing that, Selene''s expression darkened as she couldn''t help but wonder, ''Did that girl do something to him while he was... unconscious?'' Aether took the note and read its contents: "I will meet you again... Very Soon!! (Ste)" A small, gentle smile appeared on Aether''s face, causing not only Selene''s heart to skip a beat but also making Delphine blush slightly as if an unexpected gentle handsomeness blinded their face had stirred between them. "Ahem- Very well then, I need to help my nephew... I am leaving now!" Delphine announced, preparing to depart. However, just before she left, she added, "Take the day to rest. Tomorrow, I want to see your magic before we depart." Selene quickly followed Delphine, not wanting to spend too much time alone with Aether. Once they had left, Aether''s expression turned serious and dark as he gazed at his True Log, / Name: Aether Sex: Male Race: ##### Level: 1 Title: The Lost One, ve [Eternal Contract to ########], The Only Holder of Ether and Past-less, Future-less Entity. Attributes: Strength: 10 Agility: 10 Intelligence: 10 Magic Affinity: 1 Charm: 10 Compatibility: 89%? Survival rate: 1%? Affection Points: 14309 (1000 Affection Points = 1 *any Attributes) / But that wasn''t the pressing matter at hand. Aether switched the panel and his eyes fell on the mission tab. !~Ding~! [Congrattions for Completing the Trial with flying colours!!] [Since youpleted the Trial, you must have grasped most of the information regarding this Log and its uing missions. If not, click the link below to learn more: !~Please-help-me-Arcane-Dear-I-am-dumb-guy-without-you~!] Aether''s right eye twitched involuntarily, his expression now clouded with anger. Chapter 71: He was beyond Horrified!! [Author''s Note: This chapter mostly contains information!!??] [ Log: It''s the crucial element that connects every individual to a central point, functioning much like a server in a vastwork. When individuals register in the Mother Root or any artifact requiring a ''Log In,'' it signifies their initial ess to the new system. After sessfully logging in, there''s no need to repeat the phrase ''Log In''; a simple ''Log'' suffices to activate the connection. Name: This vital identifier ys a significant role in distinguishing individuals within the system. It can only be altered or updated at the Head of Temple, a prestigious authority located in Elysiumis Aurora Empire. Sex: This reflects a person''s physical autonomy and remains unchanged despite any desire to change yourself just to feel it!!. It''s a fundamental aspect of identity that remains constant unless... you cut it off!! Race: This aspect denotes the ancestral lineage and heritage flowing through one''s veins, determining characteristics and abilities. Examples include Humans, Elven, Vampires, Dwarf, Dragon, and Phoenix, among others, each contributing unique traits and qualities to individuals. Level: This parameter indicates the overall evaluation of your Attributes. To illustrate, when aiming to level up from zero to one, each attribute must exceed a minimum value of one. Falling short of this standard renders one inept, akin to a ''Shit'' and less capable than a yesterday-born child!!.... Subsequently, advancing from level one to two necessitates that all attributes reach a threshold of 10 points. Failure to meet this requirement bars advancement, irrespective of pleas or emotional outbursts akin to a child''s tantrum!!! Beyond this, every subsequent level-up demands a consistent increment of 10 points in each attribute to progress further. Title: This designation characterizes your worthless life''s aplishments and failures. For example, "The Lost One": You give up something important just like how a child loses their favourite lollipop for a fake ice cream!!. "ve [Eternal Contract to ########]": Error!!! cannot be determined or inessible for disclosure. However, residual envement persists under Kai Frostde. "The Only Holder of Ether": You have something that Arcane didn''t like.... That''s all! "Past-less, Future-less Entity": Error!!! Cannot be determined or inessible for disclosure Attributes: These are fundamental qualities that define your capabilities and abilities. Strength: This attribute measures your physical stamina and endurance, determining how much physical exertion you can sustain. Agility: This attribute gauges your speed and quick reflexes, showcasing how swiftly you can react to stimuli and navigate challenging situations. Intelligence: While not aprehensive measure of one''s intellect (Maybe little but not for you!!), this attribute aids in understandingplex concepts, especially those rted to magic and arcane knowledge. Magic Affinity: This attribute reflects your innate connection to the arcane and your ability to manipte magical energies and differentpositions. A higher affinity level grants you greater ess to arcane powers and enhances your ability to manifest your desires through magic.... The more you get attached to the Arcane!!! Charm: This unique attribute sets you apart from others.For others, it was just their beauty however for you, it''s more than that..... just your aura was enough to charm small animals.It charms everyone.... EVERYONE!!.So be careful! The more points you put the more your life will be fucked up. Compatibility: Error Cannot be exined. Survival rate: Survive at any cost... Error Cannot be exined further. Affection Points: These points represent the level of positive regard or liking others have towards you. Even a small act of kindness can significantly boost your affection points,It could be anything other than hatred!] Aether meticulously absorbed every piece of information directed at him, even if it seemed to pierce his weak heart.... He disregarded any personal feelings, recognizing the importance of understanding the provided information. "I see..." Aether nodded inprehension, then remarked with disdain, "What''s truly useless is your Log; most of this information was already known to me, tsk, tsk!!" However, his attention was abruptly captured by a notification sound. !~Ding~! [Important: Please read this information carefully!!!] Aether''s brows furrowed as he read the following message: [Congrattions on unlocking the ''????''] !~Ding~! [???? Seduction!!] [Seduction: 1/10] [Seduction Mission: Your objective is centred around seducing the woman designated by the Log. Affection Point Scale: 1 Affection Point: Neutral 10 Affection Points: Liked 100 - 500 Affection Points: Friendly 500 - 1000 Affection Points: More than a friend 1000 - 5000 Affection Points: Love blossoms 5000 Affection Points: Seduction Complete 6000 Affection Points: More than Seduction... Partner readiness for marriage!! 7000 Affection Points: More than Marriage... Willingness to sacrifice for you!! 8000 Affection Points: More than sacrifice.... Ready to bear your child as proof of love!! 9000 Affection Points: More than bearing a Child.... Extrememitment!! Ready to Rape you!! 10000 Affection Points: More than Rape you.... Error!!!Cannot be exined any further!! +10000 Affection Points: Alert!! Error!! Error!!.... Thus, Log prays for your fucked up life that going to be fuck up even more. Upon receiving the mission, it is imperative toplete it as swiftly as possible. There is no specified time limit, but you must receive at least 10 Affection Points daily after receiving the mission. Failure to do so will result in the mission being considered a failure. From hereon, Your rewards will be based on your dedication and effort in seduction.... And upon reaching the allotted quota, the achievement of seduction shall lead to the removal of the Eternal ve status!!! Do it if you don''t wanna get to be fucked up more!! Seduce them at any cost, as this would increase your unknown Survival Rate!! Alert!! Alert!! Failure toplete the mission may result in the imminent death of the designated woman and muc-- Error!! Cannot be exined further until you face the Failure.... Hope you don''t!! Thank you for your attention!! Please have a safe day and give your best effort towards achieving your goals!! ..... That''s if you don''t wanna get to be fucked!!] !~Ding~! [!!This message will deleted upon reading!!] Aether observed as the panel disintegrated into particles, leaving only his data behind. No longer in a state of mere shock, his expression turned to horror as he processed the contents of his Log. "Mission... seduce... death... reward... Remove..." Aether muttered the fragmented words, sounding like a broken toy struggling toprehend its purpose. His mind raced, grappling with the implications of the data he had just absorbed. "W-What the fuck am I signed up for...?" Aether whispered in shock and disbelief. Even more about the Affection points he received from the little girl, ''10000 points, Right?... More than Rape you.... ''Gulp'' D-Did I get rapped by that L-Little girl?'' Aether''s face turned in fear but then knowing her pure heart and gullible nature, "Nah, she won''t... I mean... Yeah.... She would never do that.... Right?" his voice sounded weak. ''Knock, Knock'' A sudden knock on the door snapped Aether out of his bewildered daze. Chapter 72: A Man in thirties can understand a woman in thirties...? "Is something the matter?" Delphine''s concerned voice broke through Aether''s horrified expression as if he had tasted something so repulsive it wouldn''t leave his mouth. "H-Huh? N-Nothing..." Aether stammered, snapping out of his fear-induced daze and awkwardly meeting Delphine''s gaze. Delphine frowned slightly but didn''t press further. Instead, she sat on the edge of the bed and asked softly, "How are you feeling?" "I-I''m fine," Aether replied his guard still up as he tried to decipher her intentions. Recognizing Aether''s guarded demeanour, Delphine let out a soft sigh. "I understand you have reasons not to trust easily after everything that has happened in your life," she said, moving closer to him, "But think of me as your big sister. I won''t harm you.... Please, trust me." Aether found himselfpletely caught off guard by Delphine''s sincerity however, she didn''t give a fuck about affection points.... He knew where this was going. "T-Thank you, Madam," Aether replied with a hesitant nod, his mind racing with a mixture of caution and curiosity. "Well then, could you confide in me, speak your truth?" Delphine''s voice was soft, almost pleading, as she leaned in closer, her eyes searching his for answers. "W-What truth are y-you referring to?" Aether attempted to maintain aposed facade, though his inner turmoil was palpable. Delphine''s frown deepened as she closed the physical gap between them, her presence growing more intense with each passing moment and enveloping Aether like a suffocating embrace... ''sniff, sniff'' As the scent of Delphine''s matureness filled the air, Aether found himself momentarily entranced, his senses overwhelmed by the intoxicating allure of her femininity. Finally, Aether, who didn''t care about anything other than survival, looked at the woman in her thirties and inhaled her womanly scent, causing him to tremble... in fear? ''I am thirty, she looks thirty so....'' He couldn''t help but think. All theseplexities swirled in Aether''s mind... All of this because his log said he needed to seduce if he wanted to live!! "How did you manage to escape?" Delphine''s curiosity was evident as she inquired about Aether''s past experiences. She had a genuine interest, but then she thought he was hesitating because of here niece so curiosity led her to sneak back, hoping to glean more insights. "O-Oh, that..." Aether''s response was tinged with awkwardness. Despite feeling somewhat drawn to Delphine''s mature demeanour, he was careful not to show any signs of being overly eager or gullible... he wasn''t going act like Simp, however, "Aether, please believe me, I have no intention of causing you harm. In fact, I was attempting to assist you... Please trust me!!" Delphine reassured him, noticing his hesitancy. However, Aether remained cautious, not detecting any noticeable increase in affection points that could sway his trust. Observing the lingering doubt on Aether''s face, Delphine sighed softly. "I understand that earning your trust won''t be easy... but perhaps this will help" She extended her palm towards Aether, prompting a puzzled frown from him. "???" Confusion clouded Aether''s expression as he tried to decipher her intention. ''Is she expecting me to read her future?'' he wondered before a sudden movement caught his eye. "~Ssss~" A tiny white snake materialized on Delphine''s palm, eliciting a surprised gasp from Aether as he instinctively reached out to catch it. "HOH!!" Aether eximed, his eyes widening in amazement as he cradled the snake in his hands. "~ssss~~" [+1000 Affection] The tiny white snake continued to affectionately lick Aether''s face with its delicate tongue, evoking feelings of warmth and tenderness within him. Could this be... love? ''No!!'' Aether couldn''t contain his inner exmation as he processed the surge of affection points. Despite his initial scepticism, he couldn''t deny the happiness he felt knowing that the snake was content, even in its small form. Delphine couldn''t help but smile at the heartwarming scene before her. Observing the yful antics of the snake as it frolicked around Aether, she couldn''t resist a light-hearted chuckle, "Hehehe... You know, when I first found you, you weren''t alone," she reminisced, gesturing towards the serpent, "It cradled you in its tail, keeping you safe and warding off any potential threats." "!!"Aether''s eyebrows shot up in surprise as he regarded the snake with a sceptical face, but then the snake, [+1000 Affection] The small creature responded with a gentle nudge, emitting a wave of affection that melted Aether''s reservations. Delphine recounted the story with a fond smile, recalling the moment when she had encountered Aether and the humongous snake, "I was on the verge of dispatching it..." she exined, "but I held back when I saw how delicately it cradled you, as if you were a precious treasure. Seeing its action I know it is tamed but I am truly surprised that you tamed it without needing any artifact.... So, I promised to take care of you, but the snake adamantly refused to part ways. It seemed determined to stay by your side... It tagged along with me..." as she remembered how Aether rested on the snake''s tail and how it followed like a puppy without hurting anyone and even more how it didn''t give Aether to her until they reached the exit of the forest. "Is that so..." Aether murmured softly as he affectionately rubbed the snake''s head with his pinky finger. [+1000 Affection] As he marvelled at the snake''s loyalty, Aether couldn''t help but wonder about his growing affection points, ''Do I even need others to increase my points?'' he pondered with a hint of amusement and then asked,"So other--" However, before he could voice his question, Delphine intervened, "No, I haven''t informed anyone else about the snake," she stated firmly, her expression serious, "I feared they might exploit its connection to you." Aether''s eyebrows shot up in astonishment at this revtion. "Don''t be too surprised," Delphine continued, her tone softening, "I''m doing this because I''m on your side. You may not be aware, but my sister-inw and I strongly opposed the old man''s decision to bring you to the household when he brought you and further when another bastard subjected you to eternal very..... We left our home in protest against his actions," she added with a mix of sadness and frustration evident in her voice. Aether processed the new information, trying to piece together the puzzle of Delphine''s involvement. "Your sister-inw... Velc''s Wife," he repeated to confirm. "Yes, that''s correct," Delphine affirmed with a nod, though Aether could sense a hint of reservation in her tone. "I see..." Aether nodded in response, though he remained uncertain about the sincerity behind Delphine''s words. Despite the conversation, he noted that she hadn''t disyed any neutral affection towards him, which added to his scepticism. Curiosity still lingering, Aether directed his attention back to the small snake nestled in his hand. "Why are you so tiny?" he inquired, genuinely intrigued. "That''s because it has evolved," Delphine exined matter-of-factly. "Evolved?" Aether''s brow furrowed as he examined the small snake, silently musing, ''More like it''s degraded,'' his amusement evident on his face. "!!!" The small white snake''s expression darkened as it sensed Aether''s doubt and amusement, prompting it to hiss in displeasure. "Hiss~" "NO! Don''t do that here!" Delphine''s voice rose in urgency, but it was toote. The snake''s hiss resonated with anger, apanied by a sudden burst of light that momentarily blinded everyone in the room. The transformation was sudden and startling. The small white snake underwent a rapid metamorphosis, growing into a formidable creature almost the same size as before, but now adorned with a silver crystal on its head. Within the crystal, two stars gleamed, signifying its mid-level aptitude at around Level 20! Despite the significant change, the snake''s appearance remainedrgely unchanged, except for its newfound aura of power and confidence. "~SSS~" The white snake hissed proudly, its demeanour radiating a sense of superiority as if silently proiming, ''Bow before me, human!'' Meanwhile, Aether''s attention was drawn to Delphine''s deep blue eyes, framed by stylish sses. The sudden expansion of the snake caused an unexpected chain of events. Delphine, caught off guard, found herselfnding on top of Aether, her ample bosom pressing against his bare chest. A blush crept onto her face as embarrassment washed over her. [+10 Affection] !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 2%] Something was rising.... Chapter 73: Stella? [Survival rate: 2%] Something was rising.... "Hisss!!" But then... Hearing the displeased sound from the snake prompted an immediate reaction from Delphine, who swiftly moved away from Aether, her face flushed with embarrassment as she red at the serpent. "Shrink back to your smaller form," Delphinemanded, but to her dismay, the snake disregarded her order and instead unted its elegant white-scaled body to Aether. Veins bulged on Delphine''s forehead, a clear sign of her growing frustration. This scenario had been repeating itself for the past few days... the snake consistently ignoring hermands, despite her superior strength and she could even kill it within a second and yet.... It seemed determined to maintain its own course of action, oblivious to Delphine''s authority. On the other hand, Aether''s attention was fixated on his survival rate, which increased out of nowhere just because of small likeable points towards him. ''But ording to the log, my survival rate depends on seduction,'' Aether puzzled over this sudden spike in his survival rate. It wasn''t just a marginal increase like the usual 0.01% but a significant jump of 1%. This deviation from the norm left him questioning the mechanisms governing his survival and the significance of his recent experiences. ''Does she somehow rte to my survival?'' Aether''s thoughts turned to Delphine, considering the possibility of her involvement in his newfound resilience. However, a sharp re from someone redirected his attention to the snake.... "I-It''s awesome," Aether eximed, breaking free from his contemtions and focusing on the snake that was clearly trying to show off. "~SSSS~" The snake sounded delighted as it affectionately licked Aether, its tiny tongue tickling his skin in a yful manner. [+1000 Affection] "Haha..."Aether couldn''t help but chuckle softly at the sight of his affection points skyrocketing without him having to do anything. Delphine, noticing the growing bond between Aether and the snake, couldn''t hide her annoyance. "Could you please ask it to shrink back to its normal size?" she requested with a tinge of impatience, her eyes fixed on the nowrger-than-life serpent. "Of course," Aether replied, understanding Delphine''s concern as he also started to feel the suffocation. He turned to the snake, his voice gentle yet firm. "Would you mind returning to your smaller form, please?" "~sss~" The snakeplied without hesitation, its body shrinking down to a more manageable size and settlingfortably in Aether''s palm. Delphine''s expression softened slightly, although a hint of annoyance still lingered in her features. As Aether stroked the snake''s scaled back with his pinky finger, he couldn''t help but smile at its adorable demeanour, yet the trauma of seeing someone getting swallowed by it.... Truly traumatizing for him. "So, how long have I been unconscious?" Aether inquired, his gaze shifting to Delphine as he sought answers to the time he had lost. "It''s been five days since I found you. Now, please tell me everything," Delphine responded, her demeanour a mix of concern and curiosity as she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, her eyes focused intently on Aether, waiting for his ount of events. Aether took a moment to collect his thoughts, his gaze drifting to the small paper in his hand, a note left by Ste and the Friendly Snake. Considering Delphine''s earnest demeanour, he decided to trust her to some extent and began recounting, "I''m truly sorry, but all I remember is hearing someone call my name. The next thing I knew, I was surrounded by dark clouds, and I instinctively ran towards the source of the calling. The clouds dissipated..... and I found myself standing in the forest. The rest of the details match what you''ve heard." "I see..." Delphine nodded in understanding, though her mind was racing with questions. ''So, it appears that someone was manipting the situation, but who could it be?'' she wondered, unable to sense any significant energy disturbances during the previous night. The mystery deepened, leaving Delphine with more questions than answers. "Where have you been hiding all this time?" Aether directed his question to the snake, curious about its whereabouts during his unconscious state considering its size... He wondered if it sneaked under the bed or what. The snake tilted its head, fixing Aether with a stern gaze before redirecting its attention towards Delphine, who appeared lost in contemtion. With a deliberate movement, it pointed towards her... Big Bosom!! Aether''s eyebrows shot up in surprise as he followed the snake''s indication, nodding in realization. "Ah, yes, It is enough to hide a snake," he murmured absentmindedly. Upon hearing Aether''sment, Delphine''s face flushed crimson with embarrassment. "BOOM!!" In a swift motion, she delivered a powerful punch to Aether''s gut before storming off, leaving him doubled over in pain but not before warning,"Mind your words little brat!!" "~HIISS!!!!~" The snake hissed disapprovingly at Delphine''s reaction, its gaze filled with resentment. Meanwhile, Aether, still recovering from the blow, muttered through teary eyes, "T-That son of bit..." Let''s be clear, Aether was truly innocent.He merely mentioned that white snake!! White Snake... He means real snake!! so it was Delphine who misinterpreted his words and reacted impulsively..... So never me Aether who said nothing but an innocent word! Aether was truly innocent!! While Aether writhed in pain from Delphine''s unexpected punch, Far away from the Naiadae Empire... Yeah, Literally far-far away. Elysiumis Aurora Empire In a vastnd brimming with tender love, radiant light, and untainted purity, there stood a grand temple adorned withyers of glistening white marble that seemed to radiate a brilliance beyond ordinary white hues. The air around the temple was charged with a sense of sacredness and serenity, drawing people from far and wide to its majestic presence. Amidst this backdrop, a sternly armoured man, a guardian of the temple''s sanctity, halted his steps as he noticed a figure approaching with hurried determination. It was a teenage girl, her appearance starkly contrasting the opulence of the temple. With whitish-grey hair cascading around her shoulders and piercing dark grey eyes hiding something, she wore a patched dress stained with traces of blood, giving her an almost beggar-like appearance. It was none other than Ste!! "Hey Child, who are you?You are not allowed to enter!!" the armoured man called out, his voice carrying authority and resolute as he addressed the approaching figure. Without sparing a nce for the guard, Ste continued her approach, determined to enter the temple grounds. Anticipating defiance, the guard prepared to intervene forcefully, raising his weapon in readiness. However, before he could take action, amanding voice halted his movements. "Stop" "Hmm... Who daresSaintess?" The guard immediately flinched upon seeing the important figure standing before him and he immediately kneeled down. "I will take care of that girl," the woman said, dismissing the guard''s concern. Despite his curiosity about the mysterious beggar-like girl, he chose not to voice his questions. The Saintess held a prominent position in the temple''s hierarchy, so he chose not to question her authority and simply obeyed her order. Ste proceeded to enter the Inner Sanctum of the temple, her steps carrying a sense of purpose as she made her way to the sacred altar.... "Oh, Mother... I have found the Light," Ste whispered reverently as she knelt before the altar. At the heart of the altar stood a figure formed from twisting roots, representing the nurturing aspect of nature intertwined with spiritual enlightenment. The roots entwined gracefully, forming the silhouette of a slim female figure. On one hand, the figure held a root-formed sphere. The other hand was outstretched towards the heavens as if reaching for the divine source of all life. The nuns and priests around the Inner Sanctum cast disapproving nces at Ste, their expressions marred by frowns of disapproval. To them, she appeared as a dirty intruder in their sacred space, and they couldn''t help but feel a sense of unease as if her presence was somehow tainting the purity of their sanctuary and just about call the guards and throw her out, ''Trrrrr'' A deep rumbling sound, like the earth itself awakening, echoed through the chamber. The ground beneath Ste''s kneeling form began to tremble, and before anyone could react, the roots of the altar responded to some unseen force. They grew rapidly, weaving and winding around Ste''s figure until she was entirely covered in their embrace. And then, as if in response to this mysticalmunion, a blinding light burst forth from the entwined roots, bathing the Inner Sanctum in a divine glow. The light was so intense that the nuns and priests had to shield their eyes, unable to withstand its brilliance. After the blinding light subsided, what they saw rendered them speechless... The figure that emerged was no longer the humble girl named Ste. Her once unruly whitish-grey hair now cascaded down her shoulders like spun silk, each strand gleaming with a celestial radiance that entuated her stunning features. As if touched by divine hands, her petite frame elongated and curved in all the right ces, transforming into a tall, slender, and sensuously curvy silhouette. The curves of her body, now entuated by the ethereal light, seemed to beckon with an irresistible allure, capable of stirring sinful desires in any man who dared to look upon her. Her form was a symphony of feminine grace and beauty, a temptation that whispered of forbidden pleasures. To cloak this heavenly temptation, a gown of pure white and shimmering silver enfolded her, its fabric clinging in all the right ces yet leaving much to the imagination. The gown flowed like a cascade of moonlit waves, teasing glimpses of the curves beneath while maintaining an air of mystique and elegance. "Archpriestess!!!" The exmation echoed through the sanctum, reverberating off the hallowed walls as all eyes turned toward the radiant figure that had appeared before them. In a disy of reverence and awe, the assembled crowd swiftly knelt on the marble floor, their heads bowed in humility. Their whispered prayers for forgiveness mingled with the hushed murmurs of astonishment at the sight before them. Chapter 74: It must be that Timmy "Archpriestess!!!" The cry of reverence echoed through the sacred halls, yet the woman paid no heed. Her dark grey eyes, swirling like a void, fixed upon the altar with a deep intensity. "Yes, Mother, I have found the Light," the Archpriestess spoke with a tone of tion, as if inmunion with the very essence of the divine. The gathered congregation in the sanctuary observed in puzzled silence, unable to decipher the cryptic dialogue between the Archpriestess and their god. "Yes, Mother, His soul shined brighter than anything I witnessed in these worlds... As if he is purer than me," she continued, her words carrying a sense of wonder and admiration. A sudden shift in her expression revealed a yful side, "No, I never intended to y him... It''s just amusing to y along with him, Mother," she remarked with a whimsical smile, adding an enigmaticyer to her demeanour. "Understood, Mother... I shall observe his movements," the Archpriestess affirmed, her tone taking on a more serious note. But then, a subtle change in her countenance betrayed a chilling resolve, "Understood, Mother... I will eliminate him if he proves to be a threat," she dered with a cold, emotionless voice that sent a shiver through the entire temple, hinting at power and authority that brooked no defiance. The nearby nuns and priests trembled in fear, their demeanour shifting to one of supplication as they lowered themselves even further, as if begging for mercy, while sweat poured down their foreheads. After themanding disy, the Archpriestess rose gracefully and surveyed the sanctuary before fixing her gaze on a particr individual. "Saintess," the Archpriestess called out to the 15-year-old girl, who possessed silky golden hair and sharp golden eyes that seemed to prate the veils of falsehood. "Archpriestess!" Saintess responded promptly, kneeling before the revered figure. "I must attend the engagement of Empress Marisandra Naiadia''s Daughter. Prepare for my departure," the Archpriestessmanded, her words carrying the weight of authority that brooked no dissent. Though murmurs of surprise and curiosity fluttered among the gathered, none dared to voice their questions or objections. The Archpriestess held the highest position in the temple''s hierarchy, and her directives were unquestionable. Saintess, disying her unwavering loyalty, nodded inpliance, signalling the beginning of preparations for the impending journey. As the bustling activity filled the sanctuary with a sense of urgency, the Archpriestess remained for a moment, her eyes drifting towards the silent altar. With a whispered under her breath, "I will protect..." Coming to the Aether side, Who was happily eating fine food... !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 1.9%] "PUFFF!!!" Aether''s reaction was immediate and visceral. He spat out his food in shock, his expression morphing into one of horror as he realized what the notification meant.... His Survival Rate just dropped out of nowhere! "W-What? What happened?" Aether eximed, his shock palpable as his for one second and with a horrified expression, he concluded, "Someone poisoned it!" and promptly discarded the tainted food into the dustbin. He didn''t need to check anything else as he believed the food was poisoned.... only possibility! "Thank Log... You just saved my ass," Aether muttered with a mixture of relief and apprehension. He couldn''t fathom the idea that someone would try to poison him, and if not for his useless log that started to act useful, he would have already been deathbed to poison. "It must be that Timmy, the bastard..." Aether gritted his teeth with sheer anger, his eyes burning with frustration. He had been cowering because of his bodily weakness, But now, "Hehehe..." Aether''sughter was tinged with an evil edge, reflecting the darker thoughts swirling in his mind... a different side of him emerged... A former delinquent! "Aether,e on, we don''t have time," Delphine''s voice echoed urgently from outside the room where he had been staying, breaking through his reverie. "I aming!" Aether responded hurriedly, swiftly dressing in a normal T-shirt and pants. He didn''t bring any extra sack clothes or even Hotel have any extra so, Delphine brought him a new set of T-shirts and Pants. "Sigh, finally a good dress," Aether muttered a little happily, a smile ying on his lips as he adjusted his clothing. With ast nce around the room, he stepped out. Aether arrived at the training area that was provided in the Hotel, an amenity one could ess by paying extra... That was!! "Whooosss~" Delphine whistled appreciatively upon seeing Aether in a more human-like attire. As anyone could guess, appearance always mattered, no matter what bullshit others shit out. Aether knew this all too well, having suffered to get a decent job and getting rejected in the past due to not having costlier coats and a neat appearance. "Haha..." Aether awkwardly chuckled as he observed Delphine''s scrutiny, realizing she was likely no longer angry about yesterday''s incident. He muttered to himself, ''I guess she''s not angry anymore,'' before stepping closer to Delphine. "Hmm... You said that Ste girl taught you magic, right?" Delphine inquired, her gaze sweeping over Aether''s form. She couldn''t help but notice the visible changes in his physique... his body had be more muscr and... attractive? She couldn''t help but wonder why. Aether cast a wary nce around, fearing that someone might have snatched him to Mortimer. "Don''t worry, no one is here," Delphine reassured him with a smile. ''Sigh,'' Aether let out a sigh of relief, realizing that any further dy in his magic training could lead to moreplications in the future. Given that they were scheduled to leave in the evening and the others were upied with battles in the forest, Delphine made the decision to conduct their training here instead, away from the distractions of the ongoing skirmishes. Aether shifted his focus to the target ahead, a dummy figure strategically ced a short distance away, which was intended for his training exercises. He closed his eyes and pointed his fingers and just like before he envisioned the (Oxygen) acting as the medium while (Arcane energy) served as the fuel and Combined them then... "Pufff" A burst of yellow mes materialized at his fingertips. Opening his eyes with a squint, he released the mes, ''ssshhh'' The mes shot towards the target, but Aether''s aim was off, missing the mark by just a single meter and hitting the wall instead. "BOOOMM!!!!" Aether awkwardly scratched his head, realizing his miss and silently thanking himself for hesitating earlier in forest, ''Thank goodness I didn''t fire it at anyone!'' he thought, relieved that no innocent souls were harmed. As the dust settled, Aether''s surprise turned to delight when he saw the targetpletely charred. "I won..." he eximed with a smile, turning to face Delphine, who regarded him with a look of astonishment like she was seeing a.... Treasure? "You didn''t chant?" Delphine muttered in shock. "..." Aether froze, realizing his mistake, ''Ah, Shit! I fucked up!'' Chapter 75: What did I do deserve this!! ''You must know,'' Aether thought to himself, ''In every game, chantless magic was incredibly overpowered, so...'' He trailed off, his gaze fixated on the woman standing before him, her eyes scanning him with a disconcerting intensity as if he were nothing more than a treasure to guard. "You possess the ability to wield chantless magic... ah," Delphine remarked, a mischievous grin ying at the corners of her lips. ''Yeah... I know, I messed up'' Aether bitterly thought. He had only wanted to control his energy, but now he had forgotten he was in enemy territory and had inadvertently revealed his overpowered skills. "Is this really important?" Aether asked. "Indeed, you may not fully grasp its rarity here," Delphine replied, her arms folding beneath her ample bosom as she spoke, "Chantless magic is a precious rarity, a feat aplished only by those who have earned the love of the Arcane," she exined, her tone carrying a mixture of admiration and caution. "I understand..." Aether nodded outwardly, though inwardly, a storm of conflicting emotions raged within him. ''Loved by the Arcane? That fucking bitch is responsible for fucking life!!!''. A fleeting thought crossed his mind before, contemting using Ste as a shield, portraying her as a hidden master whose teachings he had absorbed. Yet, he quickly dismissed the notion, since Arcane bitch was involved. ''Although she is far from a hidden Master... haha'' Aether thought how naive and good heart girl Ste was. Collecting his thoughts, he looked at Delphine with a serious expression and asked, "Could you keep this a secret?" "Why? You know how muc... ah," Delphine''s expression shifted as she realized the implications. With a sad smile, she said, "I guess it''s better for you to keep this hidden." After nodding, Delphine''s gaze shifted to the scene of destruction, her brows furrowing in contemtion. "Hmmm... That level of devastation surpasses what a mere Level 1 Magic affinity or one point could cause...?" Her voice trailed off into a thoughtful frown as she turned back to Aether, requesting to see his log once more for verification. Without hesitation, Aether obliged, revealing his fake log. "Hmm..." Delphine nodded in acknowledgement, her expression serious. "This level of power is certainly beyond what one would expect from a Level 1 Magic affinity or merely one point... It almost resembles the capabilities of a Level 2 Magic affinity or someone with over 10 points," she remarked, her eyes scanning the remnants of the chaos around them. ''I told you... Mine is OP!!'' Aether''s inner thoughts clenched with a mix of pride and apprehension. "Oh, well... sometimes miracles do ur in the world," Delphine remarked with a yful grin as she nced at Aether. [+1 Affection] !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 2%] "Hahah..." Aether''s smile widened like that of a child receiving praise, but inwardly, questions gnawed at his mind. ''Looks like she''s truly rted to my survival, but why hasn''t the mission prompt appeared...?'' Despite his curiosity, he shrugged off the momentary confusion. Delphine proceeded to set up another dummy figure, her movements deliberate and focused. As she raised her hand, a hushed whisper escaped her lips, /mes/ ''Pufff'' With a gentle puff, a small yellow me materialized on her palm, casting a warm glow in the dim surroundings, "Every form of magic has its basic requirement rooted in Arcane energy," Delphine exined calmly, her eyes alight with knowledge. "No matter the type of magic you wield, as long as you master the maniption of Arcane energy, you can transform and enhance every aspect of your magic... Tuning..." Her voice trailed off as the yellow mes in her hand began to shift and morph. ...into a small sphere. "Modifying..." The me condensed into a minute dot, pulsating with contained energy. "Structural changing ....." The dot elongated into a nail-like structure, demonstrating Delphine''s precise control. "Compositional changing..." The yellow mes transitioned into a fierce shade of red. "Finally, allowing every flow to move freely..." "PUFF!!" With a dramatic exhale, Delphine released the pent-up energy, causing the mes to surge upward, nearly reaching the roof in a spectacr disy. "Wow..." Aether couldn''t contain his amazement at Delphine''s mastery over the mes, his eyes wide with excitement and curiosity, a newfound respect blooming within him for her magic skills. "Hehe..." Delphine''sughter rang out softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she observed Aether''s curious expression. Stepping closer, she gently took his hands in hers, her touch warm and reassuring, "Try to sense anything invading your body," she instructed, her tone carrying a mix of encouragement and anticipation. Aether nodded gravely, a sense of determination flickering in his features as he closed his eyes, focusing intently on his inner senses, waiting for any sign of intrusion. After a brief moment of silence, Delphine''s voice broke through the stillness, "Do you feel it?" Aether''s response was a subtle shake of his head, indicating his inability to detect anything out of the ordinary. "Hmm," Delphine acknowledged, her brows furrowing slightly. With a deliberate motion, she increased the flow of Arcane energy from her own body to his, hoping to trigger a response. After a few more seconds, Once again, she posed the question, "Do you feel it now?" Yet, Aether''s response remained unchanged as he shook his head once more.He wasn''t feeling anything other than sweating forming in their joined hands. ''Do I tell her?'' Aether pondered internally but decided not to. Delphine''s frown deepened, her determination evident. She increased the flow of energy once more, however, he denied it yet again. Sighing she was about to stop and change the method when, "W-Wait, I can feel..." His words trailed off momentarily, a hint of surprise colouring his tone as he sensed a flowing from her hand to his. "Really?" Delphine''s smile widened, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes. Adjusting the flow with precision, she maintained a steady stream of energy between them, encouraging Aether to take control. "Now, you should guide it through your body, akin to directing blood cirction," she instructed, her voice gentle yet firm. "Understood," Aether affirmed, his focus sharpening as he attempted to navigate the unfamiliar sensation coursing through him. As moments passed, a mixture of confusion and frustration crept into Aether''s expression. "Hmm... Hmmm?... ??" He furrowed his brow, voicing his struggle, "I can''t seem to control its flow smoothly; it''s like it stops at certain points." Delphine''s frown deepened upon hearing that Aether still struggled with controlling the flow of energy. ''Something isn''t right...'' echoed in both of their minds as Aether slowly opened his eyes, uncertainty flickering in his gaze. "Hmmm..." Aether hesitated, drawing Delphine''s attention. "Yes?" "I-I think it''s your sweat flowing from your palm to my hand," Aether confessed, gesturing towards his hand where a faint trail of moisture glistened, tracing a path from his wrist to his elbow before dripping due to the bend of his arm. "!!!" Delphine''s face flushed crimson with embarrassment as she realized the source of the unexpected sensation. "You must get easily wet every time--PUFFF!!" Aether''s innocent words were cut short as Delphine swiftly delivered a punch to his gut once again. Aether doubled over in pain, a torrent of expletives echoing in his mind. ''FUCKER!!! What did I do to deserve this?!'' he screamed inwardly. Chapter 76: It hates Delphine, eager to continue the training despite the earlier hup, guided Aether through a new technique. "Now, close your eyes and focus on your chest," she instructed, cing her five fingers gently on his sternum. Aetherplied, determined to master this aspect of energy maniption. Both of them chose to overlook the recent embarrassing incident, prioritizing progress in their training. There are two ways to feel the Arcane Energy one from the hands while the other from the chest.However, Drawing energy from the chest was rare, reserved for those who had earned the love from Arcane. Delphine, recognizing Aether''s potential, opted to test his abilities in this regard. ''Ssshhh'' Aether''s eyebrows twitched as he felt the energy flow into his body, "I can feel it," he confirmed, a sense of aplishment colouring his tone. Delphine''s surprise was evident, her thoughts swirling with acknowledgement, ''I guess, He truly has earned the love of the Arcane,'' she mused silently, nodding in affirmation. "Now, try to circte the energy throughout your body, akin to the flow of blood," she instructed, her voice steady and encouraging. Aether nodded, his focus unwavering as he began to guide the energy through his veins and nerves, feeling its subtle pulsations as it spread. Sensing the subtle absorption of energy from Aether, Delphine nodded approvingly. "I''m going to withdraw my hand slowly. Remember this sensation and try to draw it from the surroundings," she exined, preparing to relinquish her physical connection. "Hmmm" As Delphine lifted her hand, Aether felt the flow of energy ceases momentarily. Taking a deep breath, he focused on replicating the sensation he had just experienced, and soon, he felt the familiar energy entering his body once more. "Good," Delphine acknowledged, observing the visible flow of Arcane energy into Aether''s being. "Now, circte it slowly throughout your body, ensuring it reaches every part, and then... focus on your fingertip or wherever you intend to cast the magic," Delphine instructed further. Aether followed her guidance diligently, circting the energy methodically through his body until he felt ready to channel it outward. With a determined expression, he opened his eyes and raised his hand, focusing his intent on his fingertip. ''Sssshhh'' a small yellow me flickered to life at his fingertip. "Hmm... Now, release your focus on the fingertip," Delphine directed. The yellow mes dissipated without a trace. Delphine nodded and then, "Do it again, but this time, only release the amount of energy you intend," she said. Aether nodded and then, ''ssshhh'' a controlled, small yellow me appeared. Aether smiled with satisfaction at the sessful manifestation, receiving an approving nod from Delphine. With determination, he aimed his magical me towards the dummy target. "PUFFF!!" The me burst forth, hitting the wall rather than the intended target, though with less disastrous results than before. Aether awkwardly smiled upon seeing this. "You''ll need to work on your aim," Delphine remarked with a yful smile, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she offered her guidance. After hours of relentless practice with his mes, Aether finally copsed onto the ground, his chest heaving as he struggled to catch his breath. "-Huff-Huff-Huff- Fuck, I am drained!" Aether eximed between gasps, his body protesting from the intense exertion. Despite his fatigue, Aether''s eyes sparkled with a sense of aplishment and joy, evident in the satisfied grin that tugged at his lips. "You''re certainly a fast learner..." Delphine remarked, her gaze shifting from Aether to the dummy target that bore multiple tiny holes from his precise attacks. "-Ha- Thank you," Aether replied, his voice stillced with exhaustion but filled with genuine appreciation. The silence was broken by a soft sound, "~Ssssh~" A small white snake, hidden until now in Aether''s pocket, slithered out and affectionately licked his hand, acknowledging his hard work and progress. [+1000 Affection] Aether''s smile widened at the gesture, his bond with the creature growing stronger. "Since you have reached Level 1 proficiency..." Delphine''s voice interrupted, drawing Aether''s attention as hey on the ground, still catching his breath. "Hmm?" Aether responded with curiosity, his brows furrowing slightly. "Now, summon the Arcane Card," Delphine instructed, her tone serious yet expectant. Aether''s surprise was palpable, though not entirely unexpected, as he had been preparing for this moment. Following Empress''s teachings, he ced his hand over his chest and uttered themand, "Arcane Card" A faint glow emanated from his chest, indicating the activation of the arcane card. Inwardly, Aether muttered ''I''ll fucking tear you apart ifyoue out bitch!!'' The light abruptly ceased, leaving both Aether and Delphine slightly puzzled. Delphine furrowed her brow, silently ''Maybe he needs a little more training''. With time pressing against them, their departure preparations took precedence. "Do you have a name for it?" Delphine inquired as she settled beside Aether. "Well, I did try to name it, but it didn''t seem to like it for some reason..." Aether replied, a hint of annoyance evident as he nced at the white snake. "HISSSS!!" The sudden hiss from the snake indicated its displeasure, almost as if it were protesting Aether''s choice of name. "Oh? It seems to have taken offence... What name did you give it?" Delphine''s curiosity was piqued. "I named it Penelope," Aether shrugged, added inwardly, ''Ex''s Name'' "HHIISSS!!!!" The snake''s agitation escted, reacting vehemently to the name. "Whoa! It really despises that name..." Delphine remarked, surprised by the snake got even angrier. "I wonder why..." Aether pondered aloud. "Perhaps it''s a male?" Delphine suggested, ncing at the snake. "Oh, damn, I hadn''t checked..." Aether facepalmed in realization before attempting to inspect the snake''s gender by holding its tail and was about--- "HISSS!!!" ''Chkk!!'' "OUCH!!" The snake''s sudden aggression caught Aether off guard, its bite drawing blood as it wriggled free from his grasp. "YOU!!" Aether''s voice carried a mix of frustration and pain as rubbed he the wound. "HISS!" The snake responded with equal fervour, its anger palpable as it sought refuge behind Delphine, its defensive posture evident. Delphine''s expression soured, her disappointment evident as she nced at Aether with a mixture of disbelief and disgust, "You are the worst!!" she muttered under her breath, her tone tinged with frustration. "H-Huh? Wait! Why am I the worst?" Aether''s frown deepened. Delphine''s expression remained stern, her voice carrying a hint of reprimand, "Though they are ssified as monsters, they possess consciousness and intelligence, much like any other beings. This is especially true for those with Silver and higher aptitudes," she exined, her words measured and firm. "What you did was utterly... inappropriate, forcing it to reveal its private parts." "...." Aether opened his mouth to say but.... looking at those two menacing eyes, he chose to close it, ''It''s not like I am gone to finger it....'' He thought but ultimately shut his mouth. Chapter 77: Lets hurry now... "Do you think I could sneak it inside with me?" Aether finally voiced his query, his eyes shifting between Delphine and the snake. "Well, taming a creature isn''t umon, but..." Delphine''s response trailed off, her expression reflecting a mix of understanding and unease. Aether caught her implication immediately.... ve!! Aether pondered his options. It was evident that the snake had formed some kind of attachment to him, possibly due to his sedu--ahem, Unknown reasons. Let''s go with that!! He hesitated, unsure of the implications of taking the snake with him. "Should I leave it here and retrieve itter..." Aether mused quietly to himself, weighing the consequences of his decision. "~SSSS~" Before Aether could finalize his decision, the small white snake hissed and leapt onto Aether''s head, fixing him with a fierce re. "I suppose leaving it behind isn''t an option after all..." Aether awkwardly admitted, ncing at Delphine for any guidance or support. Sighing softly, Delphine spoke up, "Well, I''ll be staying with Selen and Kai until the engagement concludes, so I can take care of it in the meantime." Her willingness to help was evident, a gesture aimed at earning Aether''s trust. Aether felt a wave of gratitude towards Delphine, appreciating her assistance in dealing with the unexpected situation. However, a nagging question lingered in his mind. "Hmm? You''re not aware?" Delphine tilted her head in surprise at Aether''s question. "What do you mean?" Aether''s curiosity piqued, prompting Delphine to exin further. "As soon as the engagement concludes, Kai and his sister will enrol in the Academy for higher education and other important matters... like something important" Delphine borated. "Anyhow, Their departure implies that you''ll be apanying Kai... and given your status as a ve, you''ll be allocated a separate room from Kai. You''ll be fine for the next four years under that arrangement." Her words carried a matter-of-fact tone, outlining the path thaty ahead for Aether in the foreseeable future. "..." Aether slowly digested the information, "Higher studies... ah?" Aether muttered under his breath with... little longing? The atmosphere shifted abruptly as the small white snake, feeling neglected by Aether''s distracted thoughts, had been licking his face for affection and yet, here this human was ignoring this powerful king!! "HHIIISS!!!" Expressed its displeasure with a loud hiss that reverberated through the room... followed by a blinding sh of light. "Shit!" Aether and Delphine instinctively shielded their eyes from the intense re, their senses overwhelmed by the unexpected brightness. As the light subsided, their vision gradually returned, only to be met with a startling sight.. a massive white snake, its size magnified to an intimidating scale.... Its tail coiled around them tightly. "HHIIISS!!!" The snake''s furious hiss reverberated through the air, its eyes fixed usingly on Aether for his apparent disregard. However, Aether''s total focus was on, "...." "...." Delphine. Both of them found themselves in a remarkably intimate situation... entangled together, their bodies pressed closely against each other. Aether could feel the warmth of Delphine''s breath, the softness of her skin, and the unmistakable sensation of her ample bosom pressing against his chest.... her bosom almost felt like it was about to bust off from her tight dress. Delphine''s cheeks flushed crimson as she averted her gaze, her embarrassment evident as she tried to regain herposure. Her body, especially her ample bosom, pressed against Aether''s chest in the tight embrace, adding to the awkwardness of the situation. "Let me go, you idiot!" Delphine''s voice carried a mix of irritation and restrained power as she addressed the colossal snake, her cheeks still flushed from embarrassment. Despite hermand, she refrained from using her full strength, knowing that it could harm the snake. Meanwhile, Aether''s gaze remained fixated on Delphine.... a curious intensity in his eyes as if drawn to her presence. "What are you looking at, brat?" Delphine''s frustration bubbled over, her words sharp as she redirected her re towards Aether. The term ''brat'' struck a nerve with Aether for the second time, igniting a spark of defiance within him. Despite his youthful appearance,No matter what, he was a man in nearly his thirties and calling him a brat was truly touching his nerves.... He indeed looked like a brat but that didn''t mean she needed to be so bitchy about it!! With a mischievous smirk, Aether leaned closer to Delphine, his actions driven by abination of curiosity and amusement. ''Let''s see how my survival rate fares now,'' he mused inwardly. "W-What are you doing?" Delphine''s voice trembled with rm as she sensed Aether''s proximity. Aether was just about to whisper in her ear when, "PUFF!!" A sudden burst of light engulfed them, apanied by the abrupt shrinking of the snake back to its original size. In the chaos, the tiny creature swiftly retreated into Aether''s pocket as if he sensed someone. ''Thud'' ''Thud'' "OUCH!!" Aether let out a scream as he tumbled to the ground, but his anguish was far from over. "FUCK!!" Another cry escaped his lips as he felt something heavy crush his hips. Looking down with pained eyes, he realized that Delphine''s plump ass hadnded squarely on his waist, nearly breaking him. "Move your fat ass!!!" Aether''s voice rang out in agony, his difort palpable. "W-What? Who are you calling fat, Brat?!" Delphine''s face flushed bright red with embarrassment as she attempted to rise, only to stumble and twist her leg, leading to another cmitous impact. ''Thud'' "FUCK!!!" Aether''s cry was a mix of pain and frustration as he felt the weight of Delphine''s body crush him once more. "~HMM~" Delphine''s inadvertent moan slipped out, her face immediately contorting with shame as she covered her mouth. Aether''s eyes widened in disbelief as he looked up at Delphine, his expression a mix of surprise and confusion, "Did you just mo--mmmfffff," he began to question, only to have Delphine swiftly cover his mouth, her re intense. "Don''t you dare say another word!" Delphine''s face was flushed with embarrassment, her actions revealing her difort with the situation. It was then that an emotionless voice interrupted the tense moment. "What shouldn''t he be saying... Aunt?" the voice belonged to Selene, who stood near the door with an impassive expression. Tilting their head like mechanical robots, they saw a Selene standing near the door with emotionless eyes. "I-I need to prepare my luggage," Delphine hurriedly excused herself, disappearing into particles as if vanishing into thin air. "H-Huh?" Aether was left bewildered by Delphine''s sudden disappearance, ''Looks like she was really powerful'' realizing the power she possessed, though it wasn''t the right time to dwell on it. Attempting topose himself, Aether greeted Selene with a stammer, "H-Hello, M-madam Selene..." as he struggled to regain hisposure and stand up. Before Selene could inquire further, Kai, Delphine''s brother, entered the training room. "Selene, why did you run here?" Kai''s voice held a note of concern as he addressed his sister. "Tsk," Selene clicked her tongue, her demeanour shifting to a softer tone as she exined, "Hehe... I am sorry, Big Brother. I thought the ve had run away again, so I came to check..." While Kai was slightly puzzled by Selene''s choice toe indoors instead of searching outside, he quickly refocused on their imminent departure. "It''s time for our departure. Let''s hurry," Kai urged, addressing Aether directly, "and you, help me dissect the monsters I killed." With that directive, Kai exited the scene. A heavy sigh escaped Aether''s lips as he felt the weight of the situation settle upon him. However, before he could dwell on his feelings of inadequacy, Selene''s ominous words pierced the air. "Don''t think we are done," Selene''s voice carried a hint of warning as she held the door, which suddenly shattered into pieces before she departed. !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 1.9%] "I fucked up!!" Chapter 78: Returned to the Starting Point ''Tuck, Tuck, Tuck'' Echoed the rhythmic cadence of the carriage wheels as they traversed the bustling street, blending with the symphony of urban sounds. Inside the carriage, an uneasy silence settled among the passengers, punctuated only by the asional creaking of the carriage''s wooden frame. Delphine, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside, feigned interest in the bustling cityscape to avoid meeting the piercing gaze of her niece, the tension between them palpable in the confined space. Kai and Timmy, seated nearby, exchanged frowned nces, their furrowed brows betraying their unease with the stifling atmosphere within the carriage. Amidst the ufortable silence, all eyes turned to the figure with a flushed face....the unmistakable sign of embarrassment. It was none other than Aether, attempting to mask his difiture behind a facade of indifference as they made their way back to the Mansion. ''Did I really just call her... a fat ass?'' Aether winced inwardly, his mind reying the unfortunate exchange with vivid rity. He couldn''t shake the memory of her weight pressed against him, those plump thingsnded on his waist, almost giving him a heavenly sensation had it not been for his broken bone. Even more vivid was the memory of her crushing his body, her moans near his ears.... stirring something within him. ''Arrrh.... it''s all because of this teenage body'' Aether cursed inwardly and shooed away his thoughts, refocusing his thoughts on the significant change in his log. [Seduction:1/10 ] Seeing that, Aether couldn''t help but sigh inwardly, "So... I need to seduce 9 more women...?" he wondered. Though it felt great and all... Aether wasn''t very good at seducing. Even his former lover had taken the initiative, proposing to him rather than the other way around. Turning his thoughts to Ste, a perplexed expression crossed his features. ''Well, she must have mistaken my life-saving CPR for a romantic gesture, igniting feelings within her...'' His mind buzzed with uncertainty, unsure of how to navigate the delicate situation. Let it be clear, Aether held a firm conviction in his determination to survive at any cost. However, deep down, he couldn''t shake off the difort of the idea of seducing someone so young. It''s just he felt... little wrong to seduce a child(For him)!!! His gaze wandered unconsciously to Delphine, lingering on her for a moment. "I mean, Come on, Log," he muttered under his breath, a note of exasperation in his voice, ''Can''t you just select women who are in their thirties? It''s not like I am after MIL-- ahem, I mean Mature women... arrhhh.'' Frustration etched lines on his face as he grappled with theplexities of his situation. Whenever Aether''s thoughts turned to Ste, he couldn''t help but see her as a younger sister, a feeling that brought bothfort and frustration. ''Sigh... I can see where this is going, but still... Can''t you do something about it, Log?'' Aether asked aloud, clinging to a hope of some fortunate turn of events. Yet, it seemed Log remained indifferent to his pleas, unmoved by his desperate Bullshit!! Sensing a dangerous tension building, Aether slowly averted his gaze from Delphine''s piercing re, shifting his focus to the passing scenery outside the carriage, ''Seduction... ah'' he murmured to himself, the word carrying weight and uncertainty. As Aether delved deeper into contemtion about his mission and the trajectory of his new life, he felt the weight of uncertainty pressing upon him. He needed to be sure before taking any further steps, lest he find himself engulfed in regret. Lost in his thoughts, Aether was jolted back to the present as the carriage arrived at the Frostde mansion. "Father!" Kai''s joyful shout filled the air as he leapt out of the carriage. "Hahaha..." Velc''sughter echoed as he caught his yful child, spinning him around in a disy of paternal affection and nting a kiss on his cheek. "F-Father!" Kai''s cheeks flushed crimson at the unexpected disy of affection. "Hahaha..." Velc''sughter continued unabated as he affectionately interacted with his children, each receiving a simr treatment of joyful embraces and yful banter. "Father! It''s good to see you again," Selene spoke respectfully, bowing with grace as she greeted her father. "Hahaha... Yes, my dear," Velc responded with warmth, returning her greeting with a kiss on the cheek before setting her down. "Hahaha... Yes, my dear" Velcughed as he also swirled around and kissed her cheeks before putting her down. "Father!" Timmy''s reaction mirrored that of the siblings, but his happiness was met with a stern chop to the head from Alfred, "Be mindful in front of the Masters" "... Okay, Father," Timmy responded, rubbing his head ruefully as they made their way into the mansion, engaging in familial chatter and catching up along the way. As Aether observed this heartwarming scene, a soft smile graced his lips. Despite hisplicated feelings toward them, he couldn''t help but marvel at the strong bond shared by the Frostde family. "Do you miss your family?" Delphine asked, leaning against the carriage with a curious expression. "Hmm... No, I-I just want to be a good Dad," Aether muttered with a sad smile tinged with.... longing? Delphine''s face contorted in confusion. ''Father? Him? What the hell is he talking about?'' She grabbed his shoulder, her tone turning stern. "Brat, you''re not even grown down there. What the hell are you thinking about?" Veins bulged on Aether''s face, irritation was evident. He had been enjoying a fleeting moment of vulnerability before the harsh realities of his fucked up life, and he couldn''t understand why she couldn''t let him have that. "How do you know I''m not grown down there?" Aether retorted with annoyance. Despite his desire to deny it, the truth remained: there wasn''t a single pubic hair on his private parts. Delphine was taken aback. How did she know? Well, she had mentioned catching him naked in the forest, so maybe... maybe her eyes had unconsciously fallen on the elephant trunk! Perhaps that exined why she had been acting strangely around him. As she felt her cheeks flush red with embarrassment, Aether couldn''t help but realize, ''This woman is a fucking PERVERT!!!'' he screamed inwardly, his irritation escting. Something inside him tingled at the sight of her shame and difort, and a thought crossed his mind, ''Come on, Log, give me a mission about this woman!'' He couldn''t deny the strange attraction to the chaos she seemed to bring into his life. He truly wished!! Yet, the Log, as before, decided to stay silent, as if disinterested in his MIL--ahem, mature woman kinks. Observing Aether''s disgusted expression, Delphine''s face turned bright red as she stammered, "L-Let me tell you--" But before she could continue, Aether interrupted, gently taking her hands in his. "Do you want to be the mother of my child?" Aether asked, his tone tinged with curiosity and a hint of mischief. Just as he expected, [+10 Affection] !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 2.9%|] Delphine''s face turned even redder upon hearing his unexpected confession. ''Just as I thought, she is really rted to me, my survi--'' Aether''s thoughts were abruptly cut short by a sudden punch to his gut. "W-What the hell are you saying to an adult, Brat?!" Delphine''s face flushed with embarrassment and anger. Fortunately, luck was on their side; no one was around to witness... or care about their presence. Chapter 79: Before the Empress "Care to exin what happened?" Velc demanded, his voice carrying a menacing tone as he fixed his gaze on Aether. After their arrival at the mansion, Velc and the others partook in a hearty meal before retiring to their chambers due to the long and exhausting carriage journey. Having overheard the events of their Monster Hunting expedition, Velc summoned Aether to his office for an exnation. "W-Well..." Aether began, sticking to the same lie about his supposed sleepwalking. However, his words were cut short by a sudden cough, blood-tinged with his breath, as he felt the immense pressure bearing down on him, forcing him to kneel. "Cough, Cough" However, his words were cut short by a sudden pressure, blood-tinged with his breath, as he felt the immense pressure bearing down on him, forcing him to kneel. "Do you think I''m an idiot, boy? Since when did you have a sleepwalking problem?" Velc''s frown deepened as he increased the pressure, his doubt and anger palpable. "I-I..." Aether struggled to speak, the pressure making it difficult to breathe. Despite his recent level-up, he keenly felt the vast gap between himself and Velc. Aether''s eyes flickered to his Magic Affinity, contemting whether to increase his magical might to resist the pressure. However, he hesitated, knowing that drawing attention to himself might alert Mortimer, that old bastard far stronger than Velc. Just as the tension reached its peak, Delphine entered the room, her mere presence causing the oppressive pressure to dissipate instantly. "What are you doing?" Delphine''s voice cut through the tension as she assessed the situation with a single nce, her expression unreadable. "Tsk, I thought you were still speaking with Father," Velc remarked with disdain, reclining back in his chair. "Yes, I finished our conversation and briefed him on everything," Delphine confirmed, her gaze shifting from Aether to Velc with a hint of amusement. "I never expected you to resort to threats against a child.... Velc, Some things never change." Velc''s expression twisted in frustration as he retorted, "So now you think you''re better than me, huh? He''s my son''s servant; I can treat him as I see fit!" Velc''s voice rose with anger. Delphine nodded calmly a few times before a dangerous glint shed in her eyes as she leaned forward, her tone chilling, "Have you forgotten who you''re speaking to, Little brother?" "!!!" Velc flinched, beads of sweat forming on his forehead as he struggled to maintainposure, "I was just asking why he tried to run away, that''s all," he said, masking his true emotions behind a soft tone. "Who said he ran away?" Delphine interjected, her voice calm but piercing. "H-Huh? Everyone..." Velc''s response faltered as Delphine cut him off. "I''m the one who threw him into the forest," Delphine dered matter-of-factly, her statement causing Velc''s frown to deepen in confusion. "What?" Velc''s shock was palpable. This was not what he had heard from others. "What do you mean ''What''?" Delphine shrugged indifferently, "You all asked me to increase his level, so I tossed him into the forest to let him gain experience." "Y-You..." Velc''s voice shook as he struggled to process this new information, "Do you realize that if anything happened to him, Kai would--" "That''s your concern for making him Master of Aether" Delphine cut in sharply, "I''ve done what you all asked..." With that, she grabbed Aether''s arm and briskly exited the room, leaving an angered Velc behind. "Are you alright?" Delphine asked Aether, concern evident in her eyes as she noticed him wiping blood from his lips. "Yeah..." Aether nodded with a small smile, but internally seethed with anger, ''I will kill him...''. This marked the first time Aether entertained thoughts of killing. Until now, his retaliation had been limited to physical confrontations or oveing challenges, but after enduring so much hardship.... Lots of shit, his mind was slowly adapting to the harsh realities of this world. "Is that fine?" Aether suddenly asked, his expression clouded with worry about the lie they had told Velc. Delphine nced at him, a teasing smile tugging at her lips, "Are you concerned about me?" "Yes, I am," Aether replied honestly, his thoughts racing with the realization that her fate was closely tied to his survival rate, though he couldn''t understand why. "....Hmm..." Delphine nodded with a serious expression before continuing, "I''ve informed my father the same story, so there''s no need to worry; even if they send an investigation team, they won''t find anything." "Hmm..." Aether simply nodded, feeling a bit reassured by her words. "~SSS~" The white snake peeked out from its hiding spot.... Delphine''s bosom cleavage. "Hello, Snowke," Aether greeted the snake with a smile. Since the snake didn''t like Aether''s ex''s name, Aether had tried to name it Boy, but it had rejected that name as well. Seeing its white snow-like skin, Aether settled on the name Snowke. Just as Aether was about to touch Snowke, he heard Delphine''s voice. "Brat?" Delphine''s smile was anything but friendly. "...Haha... I''m sorry," Aether apologized awkwardly, realizing he had almost touched her without thinking. Despite his best efforts, Aether''s curiosity often got the better of him. "But seriously, you could hide more than one snake in those knoc---Fuck!!" Aether''s words trailed off as he abruptly realized the implications of what he had just said. Without looking back, he immediately bolted away from Delphine, his face flushing with embarrassment. "!!!" Delphine''s face flushed red once again, her frustration evident as she gritted her teeth. This was the third time Aether had verbally crossed the line with her. She pushed Snowke back into her cleavage like a button, and for some reason, the snake obedientlyplied. With determined steps, Delphine made her way in the direction of Aether''s so-called room, her expression a mix of annoyance and anger Meanwhile, as Aether attempted to escape the MIL--ahem, demon, Velc hurriedly ran towards his father''s chambers. "Father!" Velc burst into the ice room, his face a mask of anger and concern. "I''m aware," Mortimer replied calmly, as he knew what his son was going to talk about. "And you didn''t punish her?" Velc''s voice carried a hint of usation. It was clear to him that Delphine was the one responsible for everything, and if anything were to happen to Aether, Kai would bear the brunt of it. "You know she does as she pleases, and there''s no point in punishing her when we were the ones seeking her assistance," Mortimer exined, his voice tinged with weariness. After hearing the details from his daughter, he was shocked to learn that she had put Aether''s life in danger. Moreover, when Delphine mentioned that she acted to prioritize her nephew and niece over a mere ve, Mortimer relented from punishment. For him, family reasons outweighed the need for retribution.... except when it came to his own useless son. "Grrr..." Velc gritted his teeth in frustration before storming out of the room. Mortimer sighed and let his son''s anger pass without furtherment. His thoughts turned to Aether''s failed summoning attempt, "So, he couldn''t summon the card... ah," he sighed again, regretting that he couldn''t witness Aether''s potential power before the Empress could intervene. Fate, it seemed, had different ns for him. Chapter 80: Arriving at the Palace "Hurry up, Come Faster~" "I-I am trying!" "You can move even more faster!!" "B-But it is sssooo tight... m-my~aarrrhhh!" "FUCK!!" Aether stood with a nk expression, observing the three individuals, whom he often referred to as the ''Dogs of Timmy,'' struggling to rotate the massive wheel that facilitated the kitchen''s fire cirction, connecting it to the burner. It was a daily ordeal; the mechanism would frequently get stuck, necessitating the effort of three people to get it moving again. These three ''idiots'' had volunteered for this task, seeing it as an opportunity to prove themselves. ''Those useless idiots,'' Aether thought to himself, shaking his head in mild exasperation before deciding to step away from the chaotic scene. His designated duty time had already ended, and he saw no reason to intervene in others'' affairs. Retreating to the solitude of his empty room, Aether settled down on the paper, contemting the monotony of his routine since returning from the Monster Hunting expedition. The only notable change was his attire; thanks to Delphine, who was currently residing in the same quarters, he now wore a neat T-shirt and pants. Meanwhile, Delphine held Snowke, the white snake, nestled within her bosom. Staring up at the ceiling, Aether reflected on the impending changes. Today marked the final day in this room since his arrival in this unfamiliar world. Tomorrow, they wouldmence their journey to the castle for an engagement ceremony, followed by Kai and Selene''s enrollment in the prestigious Academy for further education. "So, Yeah... Today marks myst day here," Aether mused aloud, a sense of relief mingling with anticipation. It wasn''t that he harboured any ill feelings toward this ce; rather, he looked forward to the newfound freedom away from Mortimer''s watchful gaze. Once away from Mortimer''s scrutiny, Aether nned to devote himself wholeheartedly to honing his skills, something he hadn''t been able to do since arriving in this world. It was also the moment he would confront the daunting reality of his..... seduction mission. Aether was feeling a little hesitant when it came to the seduction mission. While he could handle fights and other challenges, even taking on roles like a viin or a demon king..... ying with people''s feelings left him feeling disgusted, especially since he longed for genuine love himself. He pondered many things and attempted to call upon his Log to change his mission, but it never responded. He even tried to annoy the Arcane Bitch, but it seemed like no one was willing to respond to him. Despite cursing and venting frustration about everything in his new life, deep down, he felt a sense of happiness for getting a second chance. He had lost nearly everything in his past life, although not everything, as he still had his friends with him until the end. But still, he had lost--controlled by his political father, unloved by his mother, and betrayed by his bastard brother and broken lover. It was a bitter realization of his past. He truly lost! Yet, here... Everything seemed familiar yet different, with new faces and opportunities. He was given a chance to seize control of his fate, unlike before. Though uncertain of the kind of fate that awaited him, he vowed to utilize every means necessary to defy the constraints of the Log and confront the Arcane Bitch or whoever she was. "Still, I''d prefer an older woman... not a child," Aether grumbled inwardly. To him, everyone around his physical age seemed like mere children. "Seduction... ah," he mused, contemting the unfamiliar territory ahead. He had never seduced anyone so he wasn''t sure how to do it but still, he determined to see the end of his fucking life!!! As sleep slowly enveloped him, his mind buzzing with thoughts of defiance and change, dawn broke, signalling a new day of hustle and bustle in the mansion, where Aether was just one among many rushing to fulfil their duties and destinies. After getting ready, "Grandson, make sure to stay strong," Mortimer''s words were filled with paternal concern as he kissed Kai before the departure for the engagement. Kai, though a bit worried about his grandfather''s absence from the engagement, was reassured by Mortimer''s promise to be present for the marriage. "To my dear, take care of your health and don''t fall for any worthless guys. Please also ensure your brother stays strong," Mortimer''s words shifted to Selene, his pat on her head a gesture of both affection and responsibility. Mortimer then nodded to Velc and Albert before turning his attention to Delphine, who showed little interest in his words. Soon, a line of carriages departed from the Frostde mansion, each carrying its passengers and their respective thoughts and emotions. Aether found himself seated in one of the carriages, apanied by other servants. However, his solitude was disrupted by the presence of three troublesome individuals. "Hello, Bastard?" "You''re quite good at hiding, aren''t you?" "Did you wet yourself when you saw a slime?" "Hahaaha" "Oh,e on, he''s just a child... he cries for his mommy!" "Hahaha The three idiots had been trying their best to annoy Aether, taking advantage of being alone with him as if someone had orchestrated it to teach Aether a lesson. However, Aether''s response was unexpected. "Hey, do you know who I hate the most?" Aether smiled, tilting his head with a seemingly friendly expression, "Weak bitches acting all tough to bully the weak." "H-Huh?" The three idiots suddenly flinched and felt a little uneasiness. "You know, you can kiss anyone''s ass... Not that I care, but you should know when to stop. Otherwise..." Aether clenched his fist and muttered under his breath, "...you might not have a tongue left to lick ass!" "W-What a--PUFF!!" "W-Wa-- AAHHFFF!!" "S-Sorryy-fffff!!!!" The carriage rocked and swayed as if in the throes of a storm, the muffled sounds of scuffling barely contained within its confines. Observing the chaos with a satisfied smirk, the carriage driver gave a discreet thumbs-up to Timmy, who reciprocated with a knowing grin from the adjacent carriage. "What happened?" Alfred inquired, noticing themotion as he settled into the carriage. Timmy, his face a picture of innocence, replied, "N-nothing much, just a little pest that needed some... discipline." "Hmm..." Alfred''s brows furrowed momentarily before he resumed his focus on the road ahead, trusting his son to handle matters as he saw fit as long as his name was not pulled into anything. After a day of travel and a rest stop at a hotel, the convoy resumed its journey, arriving at their destination the following day. Aether''s breath caught in awe as he beheld the grandeur of the pce, its azure facade adorned with intricate carvings of marine life. The sculptures seemed toe alive as sunlight danced upon them, casting yful shadows that entuated every detail of the sea creatures depicted. Beyond its walls stretched the boundless expanse of the ocean, a sight that filled him with wonder and excitement. "OPEN THE GATE!!" The soldiers stationed at the colossal entrance bellowed, alerting the pce guards to the approaching Frostde entourage. Aether, transfixed by the sight, felt a surge of exhration course through him. Yet, amidst his awe, a steely resolve simmered within. For Aether, who had lived a life devoid of such majestic sights, this moment was nothing short of magical. It stirred a sense of adventure and possibility within him, igniting a spark of determination to explore this new world and all its wonders. "Arrh...Y-You b--pfff!!!" Aether''s voice cut through the air like thunder, his footnding squarely on one of the troublemakers with a resounding thud. The impact sent a jolt of pain through the troublemaker, who let out a stifled gasp. "Remember my words, you filthy...." Aether''s voice was steely, his eyes narrowing with determination, "I may be weak now, but my heart has never faltered in the face of some local shit! So, you better heed my warning and keep your damn mouth shut, otherwise, I''ll break your fucking face so badly that your own mother won''t even recognize you...." "You got it" Aether nced down at him with emotionless eyes, finding no satisfaction in the response. Without a word, he delivered another stomp!! Chapter 81: Meeting The Empress again "Wee, Duke Frostde," A maid wearing sses bowed her head respectfully as she weed Velc and his family. "Hmmm..." Velc nodded in acknowledgement as he stepped out of the carriage, his gaze sweeping the surroundings. However, Velc''s expression soon soured as he noticed theck of grand decorations or any borate arrangements for the engagement party. It was not what he had expected for such an important asion. Kai, too, frowned but for a different reason... He couldn''t help feeling a sense of unease that the Empress herself hadn''te to wee them. ''Shouldn''t she at least wee the guest?'' Kai thought. There was nothing wrong with his thoughts... except the other party was the Empress. "Where is the Empress?" Velc''s inquiry was direct, reflecting his disappointment. Kai''s annoyance mirrored his father''s sentiments as he added, "Shouldn''t the Empress at least wee her future son-inw?" "..." Silence fell over the group, their difort palpable as they awaited the maid''s response. With a calm demeanour, the maid addressed Kai directly with a small and cool smile, "It seems Mr. Kai Frostde didn''t appreciate our hospitality. I shall report this to Her Maj--" "There''s no need for that," Velc interjected hastily, his forehead beading with sweat. He chastised Kai with a knock on the head and excused his son''s words, "He''s just a child. Please, don''t take his words too seriously." The maid remainedposed, her cool smile unwavering as she continued to watch Kai closely before leading the group inside. Velc let out a heavy sigh, his frustration was evident in the furrowed lines on his forehead as he red at his son, Kai. He leaned in close, his voice low but sharp with authority, as he whispered, "Kai, don''t for a moment think you''re special here.... In this ce, she reigns supreme, and whatever she desires, shemands without hesitation. So, shut your damn mouth and heed my words!" "B-But, Father, all I wanted was a warm greeting-- OUCH!" Before Kai could utter more words, Velc''s fist connected with his head, eliciting a sharp yelp of pain. Velc, with a stern expression, reprimanded him, "The maid herself is weing with the utmost respect, you bastard," his voice tinged with disappointment and frustration. "You know, whenever I visited for a diplomatic problem, at most I was allowed to enter the grand gates of the pce but never was anyone there to extend a genuine wee inside unless it was a formal gathering called by the Nobles for meetings. I have never in my life received a wee like this. You should be grateful for experiencing it for the first time, you ungrateful brat!" Velc''s eyes glistened with unshed tears, a mix of hurt and anger evident in his demeanour. "W-Well...." Kai felt a wave of guilt wash over him, seeing the hurt expression on his father''s face. He silently vowed to himself that he would do everything in his power to rectify this situation and ensure fairness and equality for everyone in the near future, especially when he ascended to the throne as the King of the pce. "What in the world happened?!" The carriage driver eximed in shock as he swung open the carriage door, revealing the chaotic scene inside where three bumbling idiots and Aether were stationed. Inside the cramped carriage, the driver was met with a sight that made his stomach churn. The three individuals were entangled in a mess of limbs, blood, and broken bones, like discarded puppets after a rough y session. The driver recoiled, almost gagging at the gruesome scene before him. He had wondered yesterday why none of them had exited the carriage, assuming they were merely enjoying themselves, but now he realized the gravity of the situation. Upon confirming that the trio was still breathing, the driver let out a relieved sigh. He scanned the carriage for the intended target of their lesson, only to find an empty space where he should have been. Meanwhile, Aether was diligently following Delphine, gracefully handling her numerous pieces of luggage as if they weighed no more than feathers. His newfound strength and stamina were a stark contrast to his previous struggles. As they traversed the halls, the maid led them to guest rooms designated for each family member, carefully attending to every detail, except for Albert and his son, who were allocated to share a single room. "Shoo," Aether deeply sighed as he luxuriated on the plush, king-size bed. ''Fluffy...'' Aether muttered contentedly, sinking into the softness of the bed. "You can leave now," Delphine said, her eyebrows twitching as she noticed Aether sprawledfortably on the bed after cing the luggage. "Hmm... I don''t wanna," Aether replied childishly, reluctant to part ways with the heavenlyfort of the bed he had never experienced before. Veins popped on Delphine''s forehead as she thought, ''It seems someone''s getting a little toofortable,'' about to reprimand him when... "Come here, we have enough space for both of us. Don''t worry, I won''t do anything... I''m just a little boy, you know," Aether said with a seductive smile, attempting a wink that.... somehow ended up looking awkward. Yes, he was trying to seduce her... no, more like trying to learn how to seduce her. He was determined to use Delphine as his testing subject. Yet, "Thud," Delphine mmed the door with annoyance, cutting off any further attempts at weirdness "What did I do wrong?" Aether wondered aloud as he stood outside Delphine''s room door. She had unceremoniously thrown him out, leaving him feeling dejected that his attempt at seduction had failed. But then... "A failure is just another stepping stone to seduction!" Aether clenched his fist in determination, refusing to be discouraged by this setback. "That''s not quite the right word," a sudden voice from beside him remarked. "HUH!" Aether jerked in surprise, turning to find the maid who had weed everyone, leaning against the wall with the same warm smile. "Hello," she greeted him cheerfully. "Y-yeah, hello, Miss," Aether stammered, slightly embarrassed by his earlier behavior. "What were you doing inside?" she asked, maintaining her friendly demeanor. Aether quicklyposed himself and replied with a dutiful smile, "I was just arranging the luggage for Madam Delphine." "Hmmm," the maid took a few moments to consider before nodding and gesturing for Aether to follow her. "Come with me," she said with a professional smile. Aether tilted his head curiously, his mind racing with questions about where she was leading him. "Where?" he responded, his curiosity piqued. "I haven''t shown you your room, yet," the maid exined as they walked down the corridor of the grand pce. Aether nodded, a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty building within him. He followed the maid without further questioning, assuming he would be led to a modest room shared among the pce servants. However, as they arrived at their destination, Aether was taken aback by the opulence before him. "...." Aether blinked in surprise as he took in the spacious room, farrger and morevish than what he had expected for a servant''s quarters. The room was adorned with intricate tapestries, polished furniture, and afortable-looking bed that beckoned invitingly. "This?" Aether pointed to the door, seeking confirmation from the maid. "Yes," the maid affirmed with her usual warm smile, her eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. Aether''s mind raced with conflicting thoughts. Was this truly a shared room for all the servants, or had there been some misunderstanding? The unease he felt earlier swelled inside him, mixing with a growing sense of wonder and disbelief. "Shared room for every servant, right?" Aether asked onst time. The Maid just nodded and motioned her hand to enter. "I-I think I forgot something outside, I need to..." Aether attempted to excuse himself, his nerves getting the better of him. The maid, however, gently blocked his way, her expression serene yet determined. She motioned for Aether to enter, her smile unwavering. Aether hesitated, his hand hovering over the ornate door handle that seemed disproportionatelyrge in his grasp. He nced between the door and the smiling maid and looked at the door and then the maid.... as he did that for few times. After a brief internal struggle, Aether steeled his resolve and pushed the door open, ''Tuck'' Opening the door, "Hello~" a gentle voice greeted him as he stepped into the room. !~Ding~! [Surivival rate: 2.8%|] ''OH, COME ON!!!!'' Chapter 82: The Empress really testing his patience Empress Marisandra Naiadia, the sole ruler of the vast Empire known as Aquaris Naiadae, was a figure of unparalleled allure and authority. With glossy purple hair cascading like a regal cloak and misty purple eyes that held the secrets of centuries, she possessed an ethereal beauty that left women in their thirties questioning their own allure and stoking the mes of jealousy and envy. Despite their envy, even these women couldn''t help but be drawn to her, like moths to a me. She was the embodiment of every man''s ndestine desires and every teenage boy''s wildest fantasies... a vision of perfection that stirred the depths of desire and longing. Yet, despite her intoxicating allure, no one dared toy a hand on thisvender-scented goddess. Those who dared to covet her were swiftly dealt with, disappearing from the world without a trace... She was unreachable! "Hello~" Empress Marisandra tilted her head gracefully as she regarded the boy who had just entered her opulent chamber. Aether stood frozen, his eyes widening as he took in the sight of the Empress, casually reclined on the triple king-size bed, draped in a flowing ck nightgown that entuated her regal presence. !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 2.8%|] "I-I am sorry!!!" Aether''s voice cracked with panic as he turned to flee, but to his dismay, the door remained steadfastly closed, refusing to yield to his desperate attempts to escape. ''That fucking maid!!'' Aether cursed inwardly, frustration bubbling within him as he abandoned his futile efforts to open the door. Slowly, he turned back towards the Empress, steeling himself to plead for his release. However, before he could utter a word... "!!!" Aether''s breath caught in his throat as the Empress, who had been lounging moments ago, now stood before him with ethereal grace, reminiscent of a ghostly apparition from a.... horror movie!! "H-Hello?" Aether managed to mutter, his voice barely above a whisper. "Hmm~" The Empress hummed softly, her eyes scanning him with an inscrutable gaze. "You''ve grown in such a short time," she remarked casually, her tone carrying a hint of curiosity. "Thank you...?" Aether responded tentatively, his mind racing with confusion and apprehension in the presence of the powerful woman. "Come with me," Empress Marisandra said, extending her hand towards him without awaiting his consent. !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 2.7%|] ''T-That''s just her hand!! It''s just a hand, you fucking log!'' Aether''s inner voice screamed in panic as he felt the survival rate indicator dropping with each passing moment when she was near him. ''Though... her hand is surprisingly soft,'' Aether couldn''t help but notice, a strange mix of fear and fascination swirling within him as he reluctantly followed the Empress, his fate hanging by a delicate thread. Sitting down on the expansive bed, Empress Marisandra patted the space beside her, inviting Aether to join her. "I-I don''t think it''s a-appropriate to sit on--" However before he could voice his reservations about sitting beside her, she interjected with a hint of mncholy in her voice, "But I sat on the ground for you that day, didn''t I?" ''Don''t fall for this, Aether!!!!'' he chided himself internally, remembering how she had casually sat on his papers without a second thought. Despite his reservations, he reluctantly settled on the bed, making sure to keep a considerable distance from her.... after all, the bed was quite spacious. "Hehe..." Empress Marisandra couldn''t suppress a yful giggle as she noticed Aether''s deliberate distance, realizing she had unintentionally made him ufortable. She shifted her posture, adopting a more rxed and innocent pose, folding her knees and resting her chin on them as she gazed at Aether with genuine curiosity. Empress couldn''t help but notice the subtle dance of Arcane energy around Aether, a testament to his connection with the mystical forces that governed their world. ''So, he is really blessed by the Arcane, ah?'' Empress thought, akin to the Arcane Kings and Queens. Yet, the reason behind this blessing remained a mystery.... She wondered why. Caught in the intensity of her gaze, Aether felt a bead of sweat trickle down his spine. ''Why do we feel like a newly arranged marriage couple?'' he pondered, his difort growing with each passing moment. "Aether," the Empress spoke, drawing his attention back to her. "Y-yes?" Aether turned to face her, only to be taken aback by her endearing posture. The words slipped out before he could stop them, "You look... cute..." Aether blinked in disbelief, surprised by his own admission. She is really cute!!! "Hehe..." Empress Marisandra couldn''t contain her amusement as she observed Aether''s horrified expression upon her sudden appearance beside him in the same tucked position. With a yful glint in her eyes, she inquired, "Did you eat well?" "Y-Yes," Aether managed to answer, his surprise evident in his voice. "Hmm... then did you sleep well?" she continued, her tone gentle and caring. "Yes," Aether replied inwardly, ''Don''t fall for her tricks, Aether!!'' "Did you sustain any injuries during your time in the hunting forest?" Empress Marisandra''s inquiries were thorough, showing a genuine concern for Aether''s well-being. "... No," Aether responded, he wasn''t surprised that much since it was clear that she wasn''t merely an Empress by title. "How was your journey?" Her final question seemed innocuous enough, but Aether couldn''t shake off the feeling that there was more to her words than met the eye as he said, "It''s fine, I guess?" If Kai were here, he would undoubtedly be coughing up blood and on the verge of fainting from the sheer audacity of the situation. Empress Marisandra regarded Aether intently, studying his facial expression as if searching for hidden truths beneath the surface. Then, she posed a question that caught Aether off guard, "Can you show me your Log?" Aether''s expression remained unchanged, silently conveying his awareness of where the conversation was headed. His eyes seemed to say, ''I knew this wasing.'' A faint blush tinged Empress Marisandra''s cheeks as she sensed Aether''s scepticism. Despite her interest, Aether wouldn''t be fooled since she had yet to provide any real evidence that was... Affection points. Aether proceeded to show his fake profile, maintaining his guarded demeanour. Little did he know that the Empress possessed the ability to partially pierce through the veil of his deception. As the Empress''s eyes shimmered with Arcane energy, a subtle flicker passed through the panel before her, reminiscent of an old TV struggling to tune into a clear signal. Then, with a sudden rity, the panel revealed Aether''s true attributes,id bare in front of the Empress. / Name: Ether Sex: Male Race: Human Level: 1 Title: ve [Master: Kai Frostde] Attributes: Strength: 10 Agility: 10 Intelligence: 10 Magic Affinity: 1 Charm: 10 / ''Super....'' Empress Marisandra nodded in response to Aether''s true attributes, her curiosity piqued. [+1 Affection] !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 2.6%|] Aether''s initial surprise had now transformed into a subtle worry. He knew he needed to strategize quickly to increase his survival rate, and teasing Delphine seemed like a reliable option in his mind.... the one sce in his wretched world. ''Though, I can''t deny I enjoy her clumsiness,'' Aether mused to himself, finding a small moment of amusement in how she turned red like a little girl. However, his fleeting thoughts were interrupted as the Empress''s voice cut through the air, cold andmanding, "You should not think of other women in front of me." Aether''s inward smile froze as he swiftlyposed himself, his face betraying none of his inner turmoil. "W-what are you talking about, Madam?" he asked, feigning innocence. ".... Nothing," Empress Marisandra replied cryptically, her gaze lingering on Aether before she gracefully moved closer to him. "Ba-Dump" Aether''s heart raced as she neared him, the intoxicating scent ofvender enveloping him, mingled with her own alluring aura that made his body respond involuntarily.... His body turns a little hot. ''N-No, Don''t think anything!!'' Aether scolded himself internally, trying to shake off the distracting sensations. "!!!" Aether''s breath hitched when Empress Marisandra''s hand made contact with his chest, sending a shiver down his spine. Her tone took on a hint of pleading as she softly requested, "Could you show me your Arcane Card?" ''FUCK!'' Chapter 83: Aether was really going to die "!!!" Aether couldn''t suppress the shiver that ran down his spine at the mere touch of her slender finger, a potent mixture of excitement and fear coursing through him. "Could you show me your Arcane Card?" Her request carried a hint of pleading. "W-Well, I did try before, but Del- I mean, Madam Delphine said I need a little more time to summon the Arcane Card," Aether replied, hoping his exnation would suffice and she would leave him be. Yet, her determination was palpable. "It''s fine, you can do it for me... I can help you," Empress Marisandra insisted, her finger pressing slightly into his chest as if coaxing the Arcane power to manifest. Aether sighed, resigning himself to her request.... that was a lie, It was more like an Order. With a touch of reluctance, he ced his hand on his chest and uttered, "Arcane Card." A faint glow emanated from his sternum, just like before. However, inwardly, Aether screamed a silent warning, ''If youe out Arcane Bitch, I''ll tear you into thousands of pieces.'' To his d, the light abruptly subsided, as if something had interrupted the summoning process. Empress Marisandra frowned, her gaze shifting between Aether''s chest and his shrugging expression. ''Something is interrupting it,'' she thought, her mind already formting possible exnations. Her smile returned, sending a shiver down Aether''s spine as she caught the hem of his t-shirt, her actions swift and decisive. "Take off your shirt," shemanded, before Aether could protest, his shirt was already removed. "W-Wait!!" Aether''s voice rose in panic as he instinctively covered his chest with his hands, his eyes wide with disbelief. "W-What are you doing?" he managed to stammer out. Ignoring his protests, Empress Marisandra pushed him gently onto the bed, straddling his hips to prevent any escape. Aether''s mind raced with confusion and bewilderment, his thoughts in disarray. "M-Madam?" Aether was at a loss for words, his usualposure shattered by the unexpected turn of events. "It''s fine, Aether... I am just going to relieve you... " she stated calmly, her right hand tracing the contours of his muscled chest while her left-hand finger yed seductively by her lips, a tantalizing promise in her gaze. ''Gulp'' Aether''s body tensed up. He could feel her warmth beneath her dress, his heart beating faster with each passing moment. Frozen in ce, he sensed a familiar force gently pressing him down. ''A-ah, Log... Who is seducing whom now?'' Aether reached a point of utter nkness. It was evident that she was handling him as delicately as possible, perhaps assuming him to be just a teenage boy. Yet, one misstep and he could either meet his demise now or... dieter, Even more perplexing, ''Come on, Aether, just because she is your type doesn''t mean you should allow your emotions to run wild!'' Aether screamed inwardly, desperately trying to control his teenage body''s reactions. Clenching his lips, Aether gathered his courage. "I-I don''t think it''s appropriate for the Empress to be seated upon a ve," he attempted to appeal to her sense of public decorum.... but, "Nah, who cares about others? Now, call forth the Arcane Card," the Empressmanded as her fingers trailed along his sternum. ''Ggrr.'' Calming his inner beast, Aether took a deep breath. "Once you''ve failed, you should release me and let me alone" "Hmm..." The Empress suddenly wore a surprised expression upon witnessing him negotiate in such a precarious situation, resulting in a subtle shift in her demeanour. [+10 Affection] !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 2.1%|] ''FUCK!!'' Aether screamed inwardly as he observed the sudden, significant 0.5 drop in his survival rate simply because she had started to take a liking to him. "You really sure I will fail... ah?" She asked a hint of amusement in her tone. "...." Aether remained silent, realizing that responding to her would onlyplicate things further. He needed to bring this to a conclusion. Closing his eyes and summoning his resolve, he repeated the familiar incantation, "Arcane Card" A small white light shimmered on his sternum, but before he could stop its appearance, his world froze as the Empress practically thrust her hand into his chest, where the light was radiating. "Huh?" Aether gasped as he watched in disbelief, feeling a sharp pain coursing through his body. "AARRRRRHHH!!!" Aether''s body convulsed with pain as if something vital was being forcefully extracted from within him. "S-Stop it!!" Aether screamed, but the Empress paid no heed, her hand delving deep into his chest unknown ce, searching for something intangible. Her frown deepened as her hand moved around, finding nothing but emptiness until-- ''Thud'' "Ah, got it!" She eximed, withdrawing something from deep within Aether''s body. "ARRRHHH!" Aether cried out, his fingers clenched, his eyes bloodshot with agony. As soon as the Empress removed her hand, Aether''s pain vanished, leaving him gasping for air, his eyes teary and unfocused. Seeing his distress, she felt a twinge of remorse and spoke softly, "I''m sorry, but it was necessary," she said, pulling him into a gentle embrace and patting his head soothingly. Feeling theforting touch and breathing in her calming scent, Aether''s body gradually rxed, and he unconsciously returned her hug. Meanwhile, the Empress scrutinized the card she had retrieved. ''A nk Arcane Card?'' She frowned at the fully transparent, standard ying card size. "So... this is what..... you guys..... are ask...ing for?" Aether muttered, lifting his head from her chest and gazing at the Card with a childlike smile, his expression half-hazy. "Yes, this is an Arcane Card, but it''s not the same one I saw that day," the Empress frowned, recalling the vivid image of a Half Pure, blinding White, and Half Impure, Void ck card from their previous encounter. "This... isn''t it?" Aether inquired with a dreamy look in his eyes. "No, this is a nk Card... that means no aptitude," the Empress confirmed, her eyes flickering with arcane energy as she attempted to discern the true nature of the card, only to find it unchanged. "No aptitude?" "It means you cannot progress beyond the initial stage..." Empress''s voice trailed off as a realization dawned on her. ''But, He''s evolved from Zero to One, so...'' Empress''s face turned even more frown. "Interesting..." Empress muttered, a smile ying at her lips as she felt a surge of curiosity and amusement toward him. Despite hisck of aptitude, he intrigued her with each encounter, challenging her perception of omnipotence. However, her amusement quickly turned to surprise as she noticed his behaviour. "What are you doing?" she asked, her tone tinged with incredulity. "It''sfy~" Aether mumbled in his dazed state, nuzzling against her well-developed bosom. Empress''s lips twitched with a mix of amusement and annoyance. She had given him an inch, and he was taking a mile! Just as she was about to reprimand him-- ''Tuck'' The maid entered and began, "Your Majesty, Mr. Velc Frostde is asking for yo...ur... audience...?" Her voice trailed off as she caught sight of the Empress embracing a half-naked boy in her arms. Her face flushed, and her words stammered, "S-Sor- I mean, forgive me, Emp- I mean, Your Majesty, take your swea-" Feeling her tongue slipping too much, she quickly apologized "I am sorry!!" She hastily closed the door, leaning against it as a wave of dread washed over her. "..." The Empress blinked a few times, sighing deeply as she realized her maid had misunderstood the situation. She then turned her attention to the drowsy boy in her arms, preparing to push him away. "M-Miss... Your... eyes are so beautiful... You smell... warm and... gentle... Please hold me tight...ly..." Aether muttered unconsciously before sumbing to sleep. If he had heard his own words, he would have been mortified and would have puked!! "..." A small red hue tinted her cheeks as she covered her eyes, a small smile forming at the word ''gentle.'' [+10 Affection] [+10 Affection] [+10 Affection] [+10 Affection] [+10 Affection] [+10 Affection] !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 0.9|%] Aether was really pushing his luck! Chapter 84: A big shit!! "Empress Sandra... Your eyes are so beautiful. Your scent is warm and gentle. Please hold me tightly." "I will do as you say, Dear~ but before that.... I shall teach you what real pleasure is!!!" The Empress eximed dramatically, brandishing arge kitchen knife in her hands with a theatrical flourish. ''Chuk'' ''Chuk'' ''Chuk'' ''Chuk'' She mercilessly stabbed at him with a crazed expression, her eyes aze with a mixture of fury and amusement! "NO!!!!!" Aether''s scream echoed through the room as he jolted awake from his not-so-wet dreams, the sudden transition from bliss to horror leaving him gasping for air. His face was drenched in a cold sweat, his heart racing as he tried to make sense of the chaotic scene before him. "-ha- W-What happened? -ha- Where am I?" he muttered, his voice trembling with confusion and fear as he scanned the unfamiliar surroundings, his mind still foggy from the remnants of his dream. The room he found himself in bore little resemnce to the one he had entered before, its decor andyout foreign and unsettling. It resembled more closely the chambers allocated to other servants rather than thevish quarters. "What just happened?" Aether''s frown deepened, his thoughts racing to catch up with reality as he struggled to piece together the fragmented memories that seemed to slip through his grasp like sand through his fingers. Slowly, the events leading to his nightmarish awakening began to emerge from the depths of his subconscious, each revtion sending a shiver down his spine. His expression shifted rapidly, a whirlwind of emotions crossing his features in quick session... confusion, disbelief, shock, and finally settling on a profound sense of horror and disbelief. Horrified!!! "OH M--" Aether''s exmation was abruptly cut short as a voice interrupted him. "You awake?" "FUCK!!" Aether''s startled expletive filled the room as he recoiled from the sudden intrusion, his eyes were wide with rm and disbelief as he registered the familiar face of the maid standing before him with a small smile. "The party is about to start," the Maid informed him matter-of-factly, her tone suggesting that she was all too familiar with such bewildering awakenings. Calming down, "Hmm? So?" Aether frowned not understanding what she was saying. Sure, Velc and everyone came for the engagement party but as a ve why he needed to attend the party? The Maid regarded Aether with a mixture of patience and exasperation before sighing softly, "As a ve, shouldn''t you be with the Master?" "Should I?" "Yes, now hurry up," the Maid urged, her tone leaving no room for further discussion as she efficiently began tidying up the room. ''Sigh. Here goes my paradise,'' Aether''s inner monologue reflected his resigned eptance of the unpredictable and often surreal nature of his existence, as he reluctantly rose from the bed and made his way, still half-naked, towards the bathroom. The Maid''s sigh mirrored Aether''s sentiments, her thoughts briefly drifting to the cryptic instructions she had received from her Majesty regarding the peculiar events going to unfold within the pce walls. Entering the bathroom, Aether faced the mirror, his dark blue eyes scanning over his reflection. "Everything is the same..." he muttered, noting that his physical appearance remained unchanged from his previous life as a teenager. However, he couldn''t help but notice the significant increase in muscle mass and the faint traces of definition on his stomach... Packs were on the way!! His gaze then drifted to his distinctive white hair, a feature he found somewhat unsettling. No matter how he tried to rationalize it, the white hair always served as a reminder that he inhabited another person''s vessel. "ggrrr," he growled in frustration, his displeasure evident in his expression. "Sigh, Calm down, It''s my new second life!" Aether reassured himself, adopting a determined expression as he prepared to take a shower. As he reached for the shampoo, his eyes caught sight of a few bottles of hair dye nestled among his toiletries. Aether hesitated, contemting the option of altering his white hair colour. He looked at his reflection onest time and the ck dye... ... ... After finishing his bath, Aether emerged from the bathroom to find the Maid waiting for him, holding out a new set of clothes. "Here," she said simply, handing him the new dress. ''She didn''t leave?'' Aether wondered but then voiced his uncertainty, "New dress?" "Yes" "I''m not sure about wearing this. You know I''m just a ve," Aether remarked awkwardly. As much as he appreciated the idea of donning a new outfit, he was all too aware of Velc''s cruel tendencies, especially when it came to imposing his will on Aether''s sack dress. Last time it was Delphine who helped him to wear those T-shirts and pants otherwise Velc would have already burned them. The Maid regarded Aether with a sympathetic gaze before sighing softly. "It''s fine. Today is a celebration, and wearing old clothes might be seen as disgraceful." "..." Aether pondered her words for a moment before conceding. It wasn''t as if he had much to lose by trying on the new attire. If Velc objected, he could always switch back to the familiar T-shirts and pants. "Okay," Aether agreed, taking the costly dress with utmost care. He had never worn such extravagant garments before, and the novelty of it all left him with mixed feelings, wondering whether he should feel grateful for his current situation as a ve under the Duke''s roof or a Survival rate-sucking empress. "Hmm..." Aether nced at the Maid, expecting her to leave now that he had the clothes. "What?" she responded, her tone tinged with a hint of impatience. "Are you not leaving?" Aether asked, slightly taken aback by her continued presence. "Do you know how to wear it?" the Maid countered. Aether felt a twinge of offense at the implication but managed a forced smile. "I know," he asserted. "Then tell me where this piece is supposed to go," the Maid challenged, pointing to a small blue essory. "..." Aether stared at the piece, his mind drawing a nk. After a moment of deep contemtion, he admitted, "I don''t know," with an awkward smile. The Maid audibly sighed, her frustration evident. ''Why am I dealing with a child?'' she wondered silently. "I''ll help you get ready," she decided, preparing to assist him. However, just as she was about to proceed, Aether''s realization struck. "W-Wait, I didn''t wear any innerwear!" Aether eximed, hastily retreating into the bathroom to rectify his oversight. "..." The Maid''s face flushed crimson at the unexpected revtion, her embarrassment palpable, "aarrrrhhh" She groaned. Momentster, Aether emerged from the room, now d in a slim, dark blue-ck tuxedo dress. "Hmm, not bad," the Maid muttered, nodding in approval at her handiwork. However, However, Aether couldn''t help but quip, "H-Hey, Miss. Are you sure I''m supposed to wear this dress? It feels like I''m the fiance or something..." He couldn''t help but marvel at how a simple change in attire could transform one''s appearance so drastically. "!!" The Maid visibly flinched at Aether''s remark before awkwardly responding, "Don''t worry, here this dress is considered normal, while fiances and brides wear even grander and costlier attire." "I see..." Aether nodded, though he couldn''t shake off the uneasiness gnawing at him. "Hmmm... Come to think of it, did you change your hair colour?" the Maid inquired, furrowing her brow in confusion. There was something different about Aether, but she couldn''t quite put her finger on it. "Seriously, you''re just noticing now?" Aether replied with a hint of amusement in his voice. "Hehe...." The Maid chuckled nervously, leading Aether toward the grand door adorned with golden words and intricate Marine symbols. ''Everywhere is fish... I wonder why that is?'' Aether mused silently, ncing at the Maid who motioned for him to open the door. Taking a deep breath, Aether braced himself, knowing that his altered appearance would undoubtedly attract attention, especially from the Empress. With a sense of trepidation, he reached out and grasped the doorknob. !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 0.8%|] ''OMG!!!'' Aether''s internal scream echoed loudly as he imagined four men shouldering a coffin while dancing inside the room. Despite his inner turmoil, he maintained a calm exterior, concealing his shock and confusion. Observing his hesitance, the Maid inquired, "Is there a problem?" "Yes, I really need to take a shit! A big one that might take days or even months!!!" Aether blurted out without a second thought, his desperation evident in his voice as he contemted fleeing the scene. However, before he could make his escape, a familiar voice interrupted his thoughts. "Oh, you came at the right time, Aether." "!!!" Aether flinched, his heart skipping a beat. "Your Majesty!" The Maid bowed respectfully. Chapter 85: Where have you been? "Is something troubling you, Aether?" The Empress Marisandra''s expression softened slightly as she noticed the perplexed look on Aether''s face, resembling that of someone who had seen a ghostly apparition. The Empress Marisandra Naiadia, true to her royal status... Her choice of attire, an exquisite purple one-piece gown, spoke volumes of her impable taste and regal elegance. The fabric clung to her curvaceous form in a way that entuated her figure without being overly revealing. The gown''s deep purple hue enhanced her natural beauty. Intricate embroidery adorned the edges of the gown, adding a touch of intricate detail that caught the light in mesmerizing patterns as she moved. Her neck and wrists were adorned with jewels of unparalleled quality and brilliance... Each gemstone, carefully selected and expertly set, not only enhanced Marisandra''s physical allure but also served as a tangible symbol of her status and authority as the Empress of the whole empire. A focal point of her attire was the small, exquisitely crafted golden crown perched atop her head. The crown, adorned with intricate designs and delicate filigree work, gleamed softly in the ambient light of the corridor. While Aether remained silent, clearly taken aback by the Empress''s sudden attention, the loyal Maid of the Empress stepped forward with a respectful nod, "Yes, Your Majesty. He said that he needed to take a Very BIG sh--mmffff!!" Aether immediately covered her mouth. Before the Maid could borate further, Aether swiftly intervened, his hand covering the Maid''s mouth in a gesture of urgency, "S-She''s just joking, Your Majesty," Aether interjected quickly. "I assure you, I am perfectly fine," he added, casting a pointed look at the Maid, who nodded in agreement as he removed his hand from her mouth, a faint blush colouring her cheeks. The maid''s re intensified as her face flushed crimson due to the sudden closeness between herself and Aether. The Empress observed this interaction with a neutral expression before nodding in acknowledgement. Her gaze then shifted to Aether''s altered appearance, particrly noting his new hair colour. "Hmm... You look different," the Empress remarked, her eyes lingering on Aether''s darkened locks. "I prefer ck to white," Aether responded awkwardly, running a hand through his hair in a self-conscious gesture. "Hmm..." The Empress merely hummed in response, her expression thoughtful as she continued to study Aether for a moment longer as if pondering something. "Is something the matter?" Aether felt unease, sensing the Empress''s lingering gaze. However, instead of answering, the Empress remained silent, her eyes fixed on Aether in an inscrutable manner. "Shhh," the Maid suddenly whispered softly, catching Aether''s attention. As he leaned in to hear her whisper, she urged him, "Tell her she looks good." "Hmm?" Aether''s expression betrayed his confusion, silently questioning why he should make such a remark, ''Why would I?''. "It seems the two of you have grown quite close, am I correct?" The Empress''s voice broke the silence, her gaze shifting between Aether and her Maid. The Maid flinched under the Empress''s prating stare, hesitant to respond. Before she could deny any closeness, Aether spoke up first, affirming, "Yes," with a nod and "I''ve never beenfortable with physical contact, but she''s helped me dress up without ever intruding on my personal space... Her hand never touched my skin... It''s truly fascinating" Aether added. !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 0.79%|] ''W-What?'' Aether flinched, not understanding what had just happened. He nced at the Maid, briefly considering if she might be an enemy. However, when he saw her expression, it was as if she were silently saying, ''Are you an idiot?'' "Let''s go inside!" Suddenly, the Empress said in a cold voice as she turned to face the door. The Maid nodded and ignored Aether''s bewildered state. She gracefully swung open the ornate doors to the grand hall. With an air of authority, she announced to the assembled dignitaries and guests, "Your Excellencies, honoured guests, and esteemed colleagues, it is with the utmost reverence and respect that I announce the arrival of Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Marisandra Naiadia, Sovereign Ruler of the Aquaris Naiadae Empire and Defender of the Realm." As the doors parted, revealing the grandeur of the engagement hall beyond, a hushed anticipation fell over the crowd. People of various backgrounds and stations, each adorned in their finest attire befitting the asion, knelt in deference and bowed their heads in acknowledgement of the Empress''s presence. ''Step, Step...'' With measured and deliberate steps, Empress Marisandra entered the hall, her presencemanding attention and respect. Her posture was regal, and her expression, though inscrutable, exuded an aura of authority and poise. Every movement seemed calcted, adding to the mystique surrounding her. The engagement hall itself was a marvel of architectural splendour, its vast expanse capable of hosting grand events and ceremonies of significant magnitude. The decor, while opulent, maintained a tasteful elegance that spoke of the empire''s refined aesthetic sensibilities. The y of light and shadow entuated the intricate details of the hall, casting a magical ambience over the proceedings. Upon reaching the focal point of the hall, the elevated throne that symbolized her sovereignty, the Empress took her seat with practised grace. Beside her, the Maid assumed her position like a sentinel, her presence a silent but formidable testament to the Empress''s authority and security. "Raise your heads," the Maid''s voice cut through the solemn silence, prompting the gathered attendees to lift their gazes and fix their attention on the Empress, their admiration palpable in the air. "Hail the Empress Marisandra Naiadia!" The collective voice of the attendees reverberated throughout the hall, a chorus of respect and reverence that underscored the Empress''s esteemed position in the empire. Meanwhile, amidst the orchestrated spectacle, Aether found himself ensnared in a different kind of attention as Velc, approached with a mixture of anger and irritation evident in his demeanour. "Where the hell have you been?" Velc asked as lowly as possible. "I beg your pardon, Master. I was aiding Her Majesty with the arrangements," Aether responded without hesitation about using the Empress as he knew this Velc guy was really scared of Empress. Hearing Aether''s exnation, Velc flinched and let out a sigh, his efforts to keep Aether away from the Empress''s influence clearly thwarted. He resigned himself to the thought that as long as his son married the Empress''s daughter, everything would be fine. Then he frowned at Aether''s new attire and hair colour, but before he could ask... "Duke Velc Frostde!" Hearing his call, Velc immediately moved toward the Empress''s side. Aether sighed in relief and decided to watch the show from the corner, carefully hiding from everyone''s view. [+1000 Affection] ".... Who?" Aether flinched and turned around. He saw Selene! Selene''s Royal Blue Pleated dress flowed elegantly, its rich hueplementing her fairplexion. Adorned with intricate details and subtle shimmer, it caught the light, adding a touch of magic. The cascading pleats created a mesmerizing effect as she moved, enhancing her slender neck and shoulders. The fabric draped her figure with sophistication, entuating her curves without being revealing. The royal blue colour perfectlyplemented her enchanting blue eyes.... captivating and exciting enough to make other teenage boys smitten. Even further behind her stood someone.... Aether knew all too well. She was the reason he first felt emotional like a hero and messed up... It was none other than Kai''s first partner, Aurelia Scarlet. Lia''s Phantom ck dress draped her like midnight, its fabric whispering tales of mystery and allure. The sleek silhouette entuated her curves with subtle grace, while intricate details added depth to its elegance. Paired with her blonde hair and fierce crimson eyes, Lia''s attire was a captivating blend of power and allure, leaving an indelible mark on the onlookers'' minds. Her Phantom ck dress elegantly stirred any man''s dream, her crimson red eyes fierce as if ready to devour. "Where have you been, ve?" Selene asked as she stood before Aether. "I had been helping with decorations under the Empress, Madam Selene," Aether replied respectfully. "Hmm..." Selene nodded and stared at Aether up and down before asking, "You look different, and where did you get those dresses?" "Since I helped with decorations, the maid standing beside the Empress gave me these as a gift for my assistance," Aether exined without hesitation. "I-I see.... Y-You look sex- I mean good" Selene''s cheeks suddenly turned slightly red, and she twirled her silky hair, waiting for something. "...." Aether waited for a few seconds and saw her not moving away. He wondered why, but then he remembered something, looking at Selene who had the same expression as the Empress. "You also look good, Madam Selene.... You are exceptionally beautiful today," Aether said with a smile, unaware of how many arrows he had pierced through her heart. "I-i-i-Is -is is th-that..." Selene stammered as her lips trembled, unable to leak any smile; her face turned red in embarrassment. "Selene? Are you okay?" Lia asked, worried about who had been waiting for Kai''s arrival. "H-Huh? Yay- I mean, cough, cough... Yes, I am fine" It took every bit of Selene''s energy to control herself. Lia frowned and looked at Aether with a frown but then dismissed him like a piece of trash... She needed to see the man that she had been searching for. It was then when, "Hey, ve! Where have you been? Come and help me pour drinks for the guests!" Timmy said as he arrived before Aether, fuming with anger when he saw Aether speaking with Selene. Even more, he frowned upon seeing Aether wearing a dress better than his butler''s attire. Chapter 86: Stars of the Show "Hmmm..." "What?" Aether tilted his head, curious. "Is something wrong, sir?" "You''re wearing quite a fancy dress for a mere butler, aren''t you?" One of the middle-aged guests, whom Aether had just served juice, remarked. "If there''s nothing else, I shall take my leave," Aether said calmly, stepping away from the group of bothersome men. "H-hey!" The man tried to call Aether back, but Aether chose to ignore them. Yeah... Aether was just Jealous! Even though he was a teenage boy but still a man nearing his thirties and couldn''t help but be jealous of other middle-aged dude''s happy lives. While serving, Aether observed the guests engrossed in their conversations and juice, while the Empress and Velc engaged in a serious discussion, Velc''s expressions ranging from frown to shock. "Heheh..." Aether chuckled to himself, recognizing the cause of Velc''s reactions. That''s right.... A fucking Tournament! "No, no, no, that''s not the right way to put it... It''s just an ordinary tournament," Aether corrected himself internally, realizing the nuanced meanings behind his words. Truly held different meanings!! If his friends were to hear those words, they would do anything toe to this Tournament. Aether sighed, his gazending on a figure of significant influence in his life-saving situation. With a sly smile, he made his way toward this person of importance. "Madam Delphine," Aether greeted with the utmost respect. "Yes?" Delphine turned and was surprised to Aether in new form!! Not only her, but Aether was also surprised to see her. Compared to her usual attire, Delphine''s current outfit was a breathtaking departure. The centrepiece of her ensemble was a One-Shoulder aqua-coloured Bodycon Dress, a garment that hugged her curves in all the right ces. The colourplemented herplexion beautifully, entuating her slender, pale legs that peeked out from beneath the hem. With each step, the high heels she wore added a touch of grace to her movements, enhancing her already captivating presence. But it wasn''t just the outfit that captured attention; it was the way Delphine carried herself. Her silky aqua hair, usually left to cascade freely, was now elegantly styled in a bun at the nape of her neck. Really Hot!! ''She is fucking Hot!'' Aether couldn''t help but mutter under his breath, his eyes scanning the hall where he noticed many middle-aged men stealing nces at Delphine, eager to engage with her yet hesitant to approach. Aether nodded appreciatively, acknowledging the beauty before him. ''Always appreciate true beauty,'' he thought. However, their admiration was quickly cut short as they were met with disapproving res from their wives, a silent warning against any untoward advances. ''Know your limits, Idioits!'' Aether thought to himself as he observed the reactions around him. "Hello?" Delphine called out, surprised by Aether''s new appearance. "H-Huh? Yes... Hello, Madam Delphine!" Aether snapped back to reality, slightly flustered. "What happened to you? Where have you been?" Delphine inquired with curiosity. Aether inwardly sighed, repeating the same exnation he had given to everyone. "Is that so..." Delphine nodded thoughtfully, a hint of doubt flickering in her eyes momentarily. "Del, you didn''t say you caught yourself a wonderful young man," one of Delphine''s friends chimed in. "H-Huh? W-Wait! No, guys!" Delphine blushed deeply at her friend''s remark. Aether suppressed a chuckle at her embarrassment and then turned his attention to three MIL- ahem mature and elegant women. "Hello,dies!" Aether greeted them with a calm and gentle smile, earning him positive reactions. [+1 Affection] [+1 Affection] [+1 Affection] "Look at that, hello, young man. What''s your rtionship with our shy Delphine?" One of thedies asked, curious. ''Shy?'' Aether wondered but yed along, saying, "My rtionship with Madam Delphine is a bit close," adding a shy expression for effect. "Oh!" The women gasped in surprise, casting knowing nces at Delphine, whose blush deepened at the attention. "H-He is referring to how I helped him learn magic and such," Delphine exined awkwardly. "Is that all?" Her friends teased with knowing smiles. "Grr..." Delphine couldn''t help but feel flustered, wondering why she always acted like a schoolgirl around Aether. Pulling Aether aside, she whispered fiercely, "What are you talking about? Aren''t you taking advantage of me?" Aether simply smiled innocently and replied, "But aren''t we close?" "Huh?" Delphine was at a loss for words, feeling conflicted. "I mean, I only told the truth to you, and I thought we were close," Aether innocently replied. "W-Well..." Delphine struggled to find words. [+10 Affection] !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 0.8%] ''Yes!!''Aether screamed inwardly, thinking he was mastering the art of seduction. The notion of potentially winning over this seemingly innocent woman excited him. ''Ah, how far I''ve fallen...'' Aether''s self-reflection turned sombre as he realized the lengths he was willing to change, albeit reluctantly, All for Living a peaceful life!!. Observing Delphine closely, Aether couldn''t resist a quip, "Is Snow not getting suffocated there, right?" as he nced at her deep cleavage. Noticing her bosom tighten, Aether couldn''t help but wonder if his "snake" was being crushed under the circumstances. "I think you should release my snake now..." Aether''s voice trailed off as he caught Delphine''s deadly re. "M-My bad!" Aether hastily apologized, sweating bullets as he hurriedly retreated. "Hmph," Delphine snorted with amusement, watching him scamper away like a cat chasing its tail. "~Ss---" == [HELP---] "Nope, you are not allowed toe out," Delphine yfully pressed down on her attire, as the white snake struggled to breathe. "What happened?" Delphine''s friends inquired when they noticed Aether hastily leaving. "N-Nothing," Delphine replied, trying to brush off the situation. "Oh! I see now, you''re trying to hide something from us..." Her friends began to tease her, unaware of the real truth behind the interaction. Since Aether was dressed in expensive attire, they assumed he was of noble status, adding an element of intrigue to the situation. As they teased Delphine, one of her friends took a moment to study Aether, their gaze lingering for a few seconds before joining the conversation, adding to the yful banter and curiosity surrounding Aether''s sudden departure. Though they wondered why he was giving drinks to others... The anticipation in the room reached its peak as guests wondered about the dyed appearance of the event''s stars. Just as murmurs of concern were about to surface, the Maid''s voice resounded through the hall, "Let''s wee the star of today''s celebration. First, we wee the grandson of Mortimer Frostde.... Kai Frostde." ''Thud'' The door opened automatically, Kai in a white shirt paired with a neat ck coat adorned with glittering embellishments that shimmered like stars under the lights. With a calcted and gentle smile, he exuded confidence as he walked in. "WOHHH!" The women in attendance couldn''t contain their excitement at Kai''s handsome and regal appearance. The Maid continued her introduction as Kai approached the Empress, "Kai Frostde, blessed by the Arcane, one of the chosen ones... Arcane King of the Aquaris Naiadae Empire!" ''Thud'' Kai kneeled before the Empress, showing deep respect and admiration, "Long live her majesty!" he dered. "Stand up," the Empress gestured, and Kaiplied, standing tall and proud. "Now, let''s wee our one and only Princess, the epitome of grace and charm, daughter of Empress Marisandra Naiadia, Princess Aqualina Naiadia!" ''Thud'' ''sshhh'' The hall fell into a hushed awe as a girl emerged, surrounded by a swirling veil of white smoke that lent an otherworldly aura to her entrance. With each step of her slender leg, shemanded attention, her expression as cold as ice, betraying no hint of warmth or vulnerability. Her striking purple hair cascaded around her like a regal mantle, swaying gently with each movement as if echoing the rhythm of the sea. The focal point of her ensemble was her engagement dress, a masterpiece that seemed plucked from a fantasy realm. The dress resembled a purple mermaid''s tail, clinging to her curves before flowing out in a mesmerizing train. Adorned with glistening pearls and intricate embroidery, it evoked images of vibrant corals and sea horses, creating a tapestry of marine wonder. Despite the intricate details of her attire, it was her eyes that drew the most attention. Misty and purple like the twilight sky, they held no discernible emotions, giving her an enigmatic air akin to stone. The Maid continued her introduction as Princess Aqualina approached the Empress, "Princess Aqualina Naiadia, blessed by the Arcane, one of the chosen ones.... Arcane Queen of the Aquaris Naiadae Empire!" ''Step, Step...'' As she made her way, everyone in the room was captivated by her beauty, even the women couldn''t help but be enamoured by her presence. Kai stood stunned, forgetting to breathe for a moment, as he realized he was about to marry this mesmerizing girl, a prospect he had never dared to dream of. "Hehe..." The Empress chuckled softly, noticing Kai''s enamoured expression and the general shock at Aqualina''s beauty. A smirk of pride appeared on her face when she saw the total silence in the hall. In the midst of everything, !~Ding~! [Mission: Seduce Aqualina Naiadia] "NNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOO!" A solitary horrified expression echoed in the silent hall. Chapter 87: Love? ''Step--'' As Princess Aqualina halted her steps, everyone''s attention shifted to the source of the pained cry, including hers. Aether''s horrified expression didn''t go unnoticed, and Delphine gently nudged his hand, prompting him to regain hisposure. "A-Aether?" "H-Huh? S-Sorry..." Aether stammered, bowing deeply to acknowledge his mistake. Though everyone frowned momentarily, the Empress didn''t intervene, so they shrugged it off and continued with the ceremony. Princess Aqualina stood before the Empress, holding the hem of her exquisite dress as a sign of reverence, and bowed deeply, "Long live her Majesty!" she proimed with respect and admiration. "Hmm..." The Empress smiled gracefully and positioned herself between her daughter and Kai. Her misty purple eyes surveyed the gathering before making the formal announcement, "I am pleased to announce the betrothal of my beloved daughter to Kai Frostde." ''p, p'' The room erupted in apuse and joyous smiles as everyone congratted the newly betrothed couple. Some even cast envious nces at Velc, acknowledging the significant rise in status his household would experience with his son''s betrothal to the Empress''s daughter. The celebration continued with gifts and well-wishes pouring in for Kai and Aqualina. Amidst the festivities, Aether.... a pitiful man in his thirties, stood in a quiet corner, questioning the turn his life had taken. ''Log, I know... I know you''re going to fuck my life very soon in any way... But still, I had hoped the hurdle would be a little lower, like before,'' Aethermented internally, feeling a sense of despair. He wanted to cry and yet no amount of tears would help his current predicament. His gaze fell on the mission tab, highlighting the daunting task he was assigned... [Mission: Seduce Aqualina Naiadia] "Mmm... What should I do now?" Aether closed his eyes in fear, already picturing his demise at the hands of the Empress. His dreaming true!! "Is everything okay?" Selene asked with a worried expression, noticing Aether''s unusual behaviour. "Please, give me a hug," Aether muttered unconsciously, surprising Selene. "W-What?" Selene''s face flushed bright red at his unexpected request. Snapping out of his thoughts, Aether turned and saw Selene, her blue eyes wide with surprise and her legs trembling slightly as she muttered, "I-If you wa---" However, Realizing his mistake, he quickly corrected himself, "I thought you were Ms. Delphine, Sorry, Madam Selene," he said awkwardly before moving away towards his goal. "H-Huh?" Selene flinched, her expression shifting from embarrassment to anger as she watched Aether walk away, her gaze filled with resentment towards Delphine. Pure hatred! "!!" Delphine sensed the intense re directed at her and flinched slightly. Leaving the tense atmosphere behind, Aether steeled himself, prepared for whatever challengesy ahead. He was ready to face death!! As Aether approached, the Empress narrowed her eyes, sensing something amiss. "M-Maybeter" Aether shrugged and turned away. His mind craved some fresh air amidst the bustling festivities. As he observed everyone engrossed in gift-giving and Timmy''s assistance to Kai, Aether made his way to the tranquil balcony. To his surprise, someone was already there, gazing at the star-filled sky that held no moon. "Feeling a bit lonely tonight?" Aether''s voice broke the quietude of the balcony as he positioned himself next to the solitary figure. "H-Huh?" The suddenpany startled the person, who turned to see Aether standing there, his gaze fixed on the starry sky with a faint smile. Lia Scarlet, her eyes still moist from shed tears, hastily wiped them away upon noticing Aether''s presence but remained silent. Aether, unperturbed by her initial reaction, took in a deep breath of the cool night air, using the moment to reflect on his recent thoughts about the intricacies of seduction and rtionships. After a gentle breeze swept through, breaking the silence, Lia finally spoke up, her voice carrying a tone of contemtion and vulnerability. "You know..." Lia began, her words were hesitant yetden with emotions. "Yes?" Aether''s tone was gentle, encouraging her to share her thoughts. "I don''t understand what is love?...." "Hmmm?" "I believed that by showering him with unconditional love, he would never choose another over me. Yet, he left without a second thought, leaving me to bear the weight of heartache alone...." Lia confessed, her voice tinged with pain and disillusionment. Aether listened intentlyto a child''s love failure story. "It''s frustrating, you know," Lia continued, her tone shifting to one of frustration, "He seems so reserved and shy around that bit- ahem I mean another girl!!!, yet he never showed such affection towards me, despite my devotion." "I understand she''s beautiful andpared to her beauty I would pale away but isn''t love supposed to be about more than just physical appearance?" She asked with pain. "When I finally saw him again after what felt like an eternity, I-I was overjoyed and waved to him, but he didn''t even spare me a nce!... It was as if he purposefully avoided meeting my e-eyes," Lia recounted, her expression twisted with pain and anger "And yet, when that bitc- I mean other girl approached him, he lit up like a beacon and smiled like an idiot... she didn''t even acknowledge his presence!!" Lia''s tone shifted to one of anger and disbelief. Her emotions fluctuated wildly, osciting between sorrow and indignation. Aether remained a patient listener. "Have you finished?" Aether asked gently, turning his gaze from the twinkling stars above to meet Lia''s tear-streaked face. "H-Huh?" Lia''s face flushed red with shame as she couldn''t believe she had poured out her emotions in front of someone she perceived as beneath her, just as she was about to retreat back to the party. "You know, for me, love is a fight..." Aether''s quiet words halted her movements. "Fight?" "Yes," Aether affirmed, his gaze meeting her crimson eyes as he delved into his own memories, "I''ve never been loved by anyone in my life. Then she came along... with unwavering determination, telling me she loved me without faltering. At first, I brushed it off, thinking it was a game." Aether took a step closer, his voice carrying a weight of experience. "But she persisted, undeterred by pouring rain or scorching sun, and kept professing her love, day after day.She stood her ground and said she loves me no matter how much time it takes..." Aether stepped even further, " She fought for what she wanted, knowing what she needed until her presence consumed my thoughts and my heart beated for her...." Drawing even nearer, Aether''s words were almost a whisper. "Love is a battle. You have to fight for it. If you''re not willing to fight, you don''t deserve that love." Aether then lightly tapped his finger against his own chest, a gesture that sparked a fire in Lia''s eyes. "You didn''t fight for your love..... Your love is meaningless!" Aether''s words hit a nerve, igniting Lia''s fury. "!!!!" In a sudden surge of anger, Lia grabbed Aether''s cor, her eyes filled with dangerous intent. "How dare you question my love, you filthy ve?!" Despite her aggression, Aether maintained a calm smile and replied, "Then prove me wrong. Go fight for your love... if it''s real, that is," his toneced with a hint of arrogance. ''Thud!'' Lia threw Aether like a paper and stormed back to the party with purposeful steps. "Hehe..." Aether''s smile took on an enigmatic quality as he watched her go, his expression hinting at deeper motives and calctions beneath the surface. Chapter 88: You are not suitable Aether sighed heavily as he clenched his fist, a mixture of emotions swirling within him. "I''m sorry," he whispered softly to the empty night sky, a pang of guilt tugging at his conscience. He was acutely aware of what he had just done... toyed with someone''s emotions, manipting them for his own ends. But what choice did he have? His target was a newly betrothed princess.... already engaged to another. Seeking a way into the princess''s heart, Aether had seen an opportunity in Lia''s plight. By stirring up dissatisfaction with Kai''s behaviour, even if just a little, he hoped to nt seeds of doubt in the princess''s mind. Using that chance, he might strike the iron while it''s hot. Yet, despite the calcted move, Aether couldn''t shake his apprehension. What if his n backfired? What if the empress discovered his meddling and grew angry? Nevertheless, Aether was determined to see his mission through to the end,e what may.Whether it led to a happy ending or death before he knew it. He would face it.... By using any chance or anyone!! "Come on, Aether," he urged himself forward, steeling his resolve despite the heavy weight of guilt pressing down on him, threatening to suffocate him. "Come on, Aether!!!" His voice echoed with determination, his trembling face a reflection of his unwavering resolve. If he allowed himself to be consumed by guilt now for using a little girl, what chance did he have against the trials thaty ahead?... He knew his journey would be lots fuck ups, but sumbing to guilt was just another obstacle in his path. Steeling his resolve to pursue his seduction strategy with the young princess, Aether stepped back into the hall..... only to be greeted by a scene of horror. "HOW DARE YOU?!!" "BOOM!!" ''Thud'' A loud impact reverberated through the hall as Lia Scarlet was forcefully mmed into the wall by a sword. Gasps of horror echoed through the hall as Aether and the others watched in disbelief, their eyes darting to the source of the violence... the Empress. "No, Not me," the Empress casually shrugged off any me, deflecting attention away from herself. The room fell into a tense silence as all eyes lowered to.... Princess Aqualina Naiadia, her expression seething with fury as she stood holding two swords. ''Gulp'' ''W-What just happened?'' Ran through everyone''s minds as they tried to make sense of the sudden chaos. The incident had unfolded mere moments earlier, when Lia Scarlet, her steps hurried and determined, approached the engaged pair and uttered words that would alter the course of the evening irreversibly. That all! In a sh, Lia found herself impaled against the wall, the sharp de piercing her flesh with brutal force. "Y-Your Majesty?" Velc, his voice trembling with uncertainty, attempted to seek rification from the Empress, hoping to quell the rising tension. But the Empress merely shrugged once more, her demeanour betraying nothing but detached amusement. "Ask her?" she suggested, gesturing towards the enraged princess. Gulping down hard, Velc''s gaze shifted to the Princess, his voice quivering as he asked, "D-Daughter-in-l---," but his words faltered. "I am not yet your daughter-inw, Velc Frostde," her voice, as cold and unforgiving as ice, echoed through the tense air. Velc''s face twisted in a momentary frown, beads of sweat forming on his brow as he stammered, "P-Princess, what has happened?" "Hmm... Perhaps you should ask your son," she replied coolly, the weapons in her hand dissolving into ethereal particles before she gracefully took her seat. The sword that had mercilessly pierced Lia''s side vanished, and Lia fell to the ground unnoticed by all except Selene, whose movement was halted by the Empress''s stern gaze; every eye in the room was fixed on the Kai. ''Thud'' In a swift motion, Aether caught the Lia before she hit the ground, his actions disregarding Empress''s silent expression. "Oh..." The Empress''s surprise was palpable as she observed Aether''s brash actions. "What the hell have you done?" Aether demanded, his hands urgently trying to stem the flow of blood from Lia''s wounded abdomen. "Cough, Cough" Lia struggled to speak, blood trickling from her lips, her eyes filled with tears as she looked at ve and managed, "Y-You said L-Love is a Fight, right?" ".... Yes," Aether responded, sensing where it was going. "S-So, ''cough, cough,'' I-I proposed a challenge. If I emerge victorious, I shall be his first wife; if she prevails, she will im his first," Lia exined amidst her coughs and gasps for air. "...." Aether paused, a mixture of disbelief and frustration crossing his features as he looked at the idiot, thinking to himself, ''I should have told a different boasting story. Fuck!'' Yet, a wry smile tugged at his lips as he couldn''t help but think, ''Regardless of the oue, that guy is still the fucking winner!'' Due to Aether''s persistent efforts, the flow of blood had nearly halted, yet it continued to seep, staining not only the ground but also Aether''s pristine new tuxedo. "I am deeply sorry, Your Highness. But all she requested was a fair contest. There was no need to inflict such harm upon her," Kai interjected his expression a mix of anger and deference. The Princess nced briefly at Kai, her demeanour indifferent as she remarked, "I see... then, as a man, how would you propose we resolve this matter?" Kai''s face lit up with a knowing smile, that''s what was needed for a rtionship, sensing an opportunity to make his point, "Your Highness, perhaps a more diplomatic approach could be considered. Rather than resorting to violence, one could simply ask her to depart or even ept her challenge." The Princess regarded Kai with a sceptical stare before shifting her gaze to her mother, silently questioning her choice of Kai as a potential husband. "Are you serious?" she asked incredulously. "Hehe..." The Empress chuckled, nonchntly shrugging her shoulders. "It is what it is," she replied cryptically. Veins bulged on the Princess''s forehead as she shot a piercing re at her mother, "Really, Mother?" The Empress maintained her serene smile, refusing to engage further. The Princess let out a resigned sigh, turning back to Kai with a matter-of-fact tone, "Very well, let''s entertain your perspective... If a man were to challenge you on our engagement day, asking to fight for me, what would you do?" "Without hesitation, I would ept the challenge," Kai replied confidently. "Hmmm," the Princess nodded thoughtfully, continuing her inquiry, "But what if he proposed a contest to determine who would be my first, you or he? Would you engage in discussion or agree to fight?" "..." Kai froze like a statue as he couldn''t bring out any words from his mouth. Aether who was also having the same doubt so he asked the idiot directly, "I thought you were fighting for love, not for the position of whoes first?" Lia, despite her condition, managed a faint smile tinted with blood as she spoke softly, "I-I don''t want him sad to leave her, that''s all." "...." Aether stared at the idiotic girl with no words, ''This bitch is fucked up!!'' he thought. The Princess, growing impatient with the silence, prodded Kai, "Say something." Kai''s throat tightened, a bitter taste of regret settling in as he realized the gravity of the situation. Today was meant to be a celebration, a union of two noble families, yet it had spiralled into chaos and pain. Looking at Lia''s bloodied form, his heart clenched with anguish. He knew who was wrong here. He wasn''t siding with his new fiance... He just sides with the right side. "I-I will Ki-- throw him out of the pce" Kai finally uttered, his voice barely above a whisper, his gaze lowered in pain. "You heard that, right, Guards? Throw that woman away!!" the Princess said with a stern voice. Hearing that, "W-Wait!" Kai tried to stop her. The Princess looked at him like a pathetic guy who could not decide anything correctly and said, "If you act like that, then you are not suitable for the King to rule the Empire" "!!!!" Hearing that, everyone flinched in shock. Chapter 89: Thank you for your help "Kai, what exactly do you think you''re doing? You''re managing to irritate the Princess to no end!" Velc''s urgent whisper reached Kai''s ears,den with concern and warning. With a heavy sigh, Kai turned to the Princess, his expression contrite yet resolute, "I apologize sincerely, Princess. My actions were influenced by emotions that got the better of me," he admitted, his voice tinged with regret as he steeled himself for what needed to be done. Gazing at his ve, who was tenderly holding the wounded Lia, Kai issued a clear directive, "Ether, please escort her out." "Hmmm, Hmm..." The Princess, her demeanour unyielding, shook her head disapprovingly and reiterated hermand with a firm tone, "Throw her out." "T-Throw her out," Kai repeated, his inner turmoil reflected in the way he nervously bit his lip, knowing the gravity of the situation but determined to follow through. Silence hung heavy in the air, broken only by Lia''s quiet gasps and the tension that gripped everyone present. Something within Lia seemed to fracture, her heartache palpable yet hidden beneath a facade of strength. Aether, feeling the weight of the Princess''smand conflicting with his sense of worry, dared to speak up, "But she needs immediate medical attention." The Princess''s frown deepened as she turned her disapproving gaze towards Aether, her displeasure evident. Her attention then shifted back to Kai, her voice tinged with disappointment, "You haven''t even trained your ve properly?" The revtion of Aether''s status as a ve rather than a servant working under the Empress shocked those who had presumed otherwise, their expressions a mix of surprise and confusion. "SLAVE?" Delphine''s friends exchanged uncertain nces, silently questioning the dynamics they had misunderstood. "Ether, you will do as I say," Kai reiterated firmly, his resolve clear despite the inner turmoil. "...." Aether stayed silent. Throw her out? Like now? She might die!! These were the questions swirling around in Aether''s mind. If she died... then Aether knew his guilt would never leave his heart. It all started because he was trying to use her, but who knew this girl was so idiot that she was directly asking for a share instead of getting the food for herself while the other was a ruthless crazy insane bitch!! Worse than her mother!! He had only one option, and that was... the Empress. Aether looked at her, silently asking for her help. Seeing him staring at her... as if he was asking for her help.Despite her reluctance to publicly associate with him, there was a glimmer of understanding in her gaze, hinting at a hidden friendly rtionship between them. She then nced at her loyal Maid.The maid nodded in understanding and was about to move when... ''Thud'' Before any action could be taken, the solemn atmosphere was interrupted by a sudden announcement, resonating through the grand hall, "The Ruler of the Light, The Protector of the People, The Only Holiness from the Elysiumis Aurora Empire... The Archpriestess, Seraphina Ashwood" Eyes widened in astonishment as the esteemed title was announced, and when Seraphina Ashwood, the revered Archpriestess, entered, a hush fell over the assembly. They saw the sinful body.... which was considered Pureness and They couldn''t help but lower their head in the presence of another Ruler from another Empire. "Hmm?" The Empress furrowed her brow at the sight of the Archpriestess''s arrival without prior notification, a hint of displeasure flickering in her eyes. With a gentle smile gracing her lips, the Archpriestess gracefully entered the hall, her two followers trailing behind her. For Name and Title''s sake, the Empress rose from her seat and descended the stairs to greet her esteemed guest. "Wee, Seraphina Ashwood," she said, offering a respectful nod. "Thank you, Marisandra Naiadia," the Archpriestess replied, returning the courtesy with a warm smile. A brief pause ensued as the two women regarded each other, a subtle undercurrent of tension lingering in the air, unnoticed by most but keenly felt by those present. Breaking the momentary silence, the Empress acknowledged the purpose of the Archpriestess''s visit. "Well, thank you for gracing my daughter''s engagement with your presence," she said, gesturing towards her daughter. "The pleasure is mine," the Archpriestess replied graciously, her gaze sweeping the room in search of a particr individual. ''Did he note?'' Noticing the absence, a faint furrow creased the Archpriestess''s brow before she proceeded to present gifts to the Princess and Kai. "These may not be extravagant, but I have personally selected them. I hope they find favour with you," she said, her smile genuine and warm. "Thank you, Archpriestess" "T-Thank you, Archpriestess" Both the Princess and Kai expressed their gratitude, with Kai particrly awestruck by her ethereal beauty, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment as if he harboured impure thoughts. "L-Let me go!!" At the sudden outcry, all eyes turned towards themotion, and a collective sigh of disappointment swept through the room... it was none other than Aether, struggling against the guards while holding Lia in his arms. Princess regarded Kai with a nk expression as if deeming him useless. Kai''s face flushed with shame as he shouted, "Ether, I order you to stop immediately!" ''Tkkk'' Aether''s body stiffened abruptly, freezing in ce like a statue. ''Eternal ve?'' The room fell into a hushed murmur as everyone''s eyes shifted to Velc and then to Kai, their expressions a mix of curiosity and disdain, which quickly turned into whispered conversations among themselves. There was a palpable tension as the distinction between Normal/Temporary ves and Eternal ves became the topic of discussion. Eternal ves, it was known, were bound not just by physical chains but by unyielding orders, unlike other ves who had some autonomy unless their actions directly harmed their master. As all eyes turned back to Aether, a collective sense of disapproval seemed to wash over the crowd, their ncesden with judgment and superiority. The Archpriestess''s eyes widened in surprise as she observed Aether''s changed appearance.... She searched white-haired boy but never she thought he would change his hair colour. ''Ba-Dump, Ba-Dump'' Internally, she chided herself for the unexpected rush of concern she felt for Aether. ''Come on, I only came here to check whether he was in danger or not!!'' She thought, quickly regaining herposure as she calmed the longing in her heart. However, when she noticed the blood on Aether''s body, her eyes froze, betraying her true concern for his well-being. She swiftly approached him, her voice cutting through the tension like a cold breeze, "Are you fine?" Her voice was cold as a snowstorm. Aether''s response was quick but tinged with awkwardness, "Y-Yes, Madam," he managed to say, though it was clear something was restraining his movements. The Archpriestess then saw Lia''s bloodied body and turned her gaze towards Kai, her tone authoritative yetposed, "Stop themand; I need to treat her wounds." Kai''s hesitation was evident as he nced nervously at Princess, seeking her approval beforeplying with the Archpriestess''s request. With a nod from the Princess, Kai stopped themand. ''Thud'' Aether copsed to the ground, the weight of his restrained movements released. The Archpriestess wasted no time and knelt beside Lia, her touch gentle yet potent as she healed the girl''s wounds in an instant. "You?" Archpristess looked at Aether. "I-I am fine, Madam. I appreciate your help," Aether replied, his gratitude mixed with a touch of awkwardness as he tried to make sense of the situation.He wasn''t sure who it was but seeing the Empress herself weing her meant he thought she must be some kind of big shot. The Archpriestess nodded in acknowledgement, her curiosity piqued and ready to inquire about the events when Lia abruptly stood up from Aether''s embrace and silently left the room. "I am sorry, Madam. But really, thank you for your help," Aether expressed his gratitude once more, his voice tinged with genuine appreciation as he hastened to follow the retreating figure of the unstable girl. "I... sigh," the Archpriestess sighed softly, a mix of concern and curiosity lingering in her eyes as she considered following after them. However, the weight of everyone''s stares, especially the prating gaze of the Empress, made her pause. With a resigned expression, she decided against pursuing them and instead moved back to her seat beside the Empress''s throne. "You came without informing me?" The Empress''s murmured question held a note of reproach as she gestured for the festivities to resume. "Well, I wanted to surprise you," the Archpriestess replied with a nonchnt shrug, her tone light. The Empress regarded the Archpriestess with a mixture of disbelief and amusement, "That''s thest thing you would do, woman!!" "Hehehe..." the Archpriestess couldn''t help but giggle like a child at the yful exchange, herughter momentarily breaking the tension in the room and catching Kai''s attention. Archpristess waved her which made Kai blush and turn back. "Hehe.. you have a cute son-inw," the Archpriestess remarked teasingly. "Hmm? You think so?" The Empress''s frown deepened slightly, not quite grasping the notion of Kai''s "cuteness". Chapter 90: Fake Shadow "Miss Lia," Aether called out to Lia Scarlet, who was sprinting through the corridors of the pce. Not only had she endured a brutal humiliation, but she had also been brutally rejected by her lover in front of everyone. ''Throw her out!'' Those words from her beloved still echoed in her mind, like a sentence of imminent death. The fact that no one came to her support except the ve added more pain to her already wounded heart. If only she had listened to her uncle, she wouldn''t have faced such humiliation. If only she had stayed home instead ofing to see him just to convey her wishes, she wouldn''t have endured such heartbreak. If only she hadn''t loved him so foolishly, she wouldn''t have experienced this unbearable pain, tearing at her sanity and reason like shattered ss. The suffering she endured, both in terms of humiliation and heartbreak, clouded her mind, pushing her towards unreasonable thoughts. "What if... What if I died?" she wondered. Would he mourn for her? Would he feel guilty for her demise? Would he remember her until the end? Countless thoughts swirled in her mind, clouding her judgment and pushing her to the brink of despair. "YOU BITCH!!" Aether''s shout startled Lia, causing her legs to slip, and she fell to the ground with a painful thud. "OUCH!!" Grimacing in pain, Lia held onto her knees and red at Aether, who had finally caught up to her, "How dare you call me a bitch!!" she snapped, her voice filled with a mix of pain and anger. "Sigh," Aether sighed deeply and knelt down beside her. "W-What?" Lia was taken aback by his sudden change in demeanour. "You truly are an idiot, you know," Aether remarked, his gaze shifting to her scratched knees, blood seeping out. "W-who are you calling an idiot?" Lia retorted, wincing as she covered her wounded knees. "..." Aether stared at her crimson eyes silently. "W-What?" Lia felt a pang of unease at his silent scrutiny. Aether''s expression softened as he observed the faint light in her darkened eyes, "You have beautiful crimson eyes..." "W-What?" Lia''s embarrassment was evident as a.... hint of rity flickered in her eyes. "Yes, you do have wonderful crimson eyes... just like Lily," Aether said with a small, genuine smile, acknowledging her unique beauty amidst the chaos of emotions. [+1 Affection] "W-What are you talking about, you idiot?!!" Lia''s face turned crimson in embarrassment as she shouted in response to Aether''spliment about her eyes. "Nothing, show me your knees," Aether calmly requested as he removed his overcoat. Upon seeing this, Lia''s embarrassment escted, "W-wait!! What are you doing!!!" she eximed, hastily covering her eyes. "ttrr" Aether tore his inner white shirt and focused on the task at hand, "Show me, we need to stop the bleeding; otherwise, you''ll get an infection." Lia stayed firm but getting stared at by him long time made her awkward. With a hesitant nod, Lia reluctantly revealed her injured knees. "Ouch!" "It will be a little painful," Aether warned as he skillfully tightened the makeshift bandage around her knees. After finishing the bandaging, Aether inquired, "So, did anyonee with you?" Lia remained silent, her thoughts muddled. "Sigh, Listen, Little Girl, you''re vulnerable right now, You might break at any moment and there are some bastards who might take advantage of that. If there''s anyone you know here, tell me, and I''ll take you to them," Aether spoke with a serious tone, emphasizing the need for caution. "Some bastard... ah, you mean you?" Lia muttered sarcastically. "..." Aether''s expression remained nk again not indulging anything. Seeing him going to do the staring contest... Lia gave up. "I-I called my uncle; he''sing to pick me up," Lia finally responded, sighing softly. "Good," Aether acknowledged, scanning the area near the gate and calcting the time it would take, ''Well, it''s near''. As he crouched down and prepared to lift her, Lia protested, "H-hey, W-What are you doing?!!" Ignoring her protests, Aether picked her up as gently as he could, adopting a princess carry. Though his initial inclination was to carry her differently... like a sack, he realized the need to rectify the situation he caused and opted for a more respectful approach. "I am taking you to the gate," Aether exined calmly, his tone firm. "I-I can... ''Ouch''" Lia winced in pain as Aether pinched her knees to discourage further objections. "B-Bastard!!" Lia eximed, her frustration evident as she gritted her teeth, her weakened body struggling with the pain. Aether continued walking slowly, casting asional nces at Lia. Her silent demeanour and trembling eyes reminded him of his own brokenness during a past breakup, evoking a sense of empathy despite the current circumstances. However, unlike him, who had at least matured enough toprehend everything, Lia was younger and the guilt of using her weighed heavily on Aether''s adult responsibilities, adding to his worries. "You know, love is truly an amazing thing, and each person experiences it differently..." Aether''s words interrupted Lia''s thoughts, drawing her attention to him. "This might be heartbreaking and all, but one day you will learn something from this heartbreak, so don''t dwell too much--" His words were cut short by a sudden action. ''Thump, Thump'' Lia struck his chest as tears streamed down her face, "Y-You don''t understand! YOU NEVER KNOW MY PAIN!!" she cried out, clutching her chest in emotional turmoil. ''Step, St--'' Aether paused his steps, looking at Lia with a mixture of sadness and understanding, "Yeah, I can''t understand your pain, and..." he continued softly, "You cannot understand my pain" "...." Lia fell silent, her emotions swirling. She didn''t need to see his face; his tone alone conveyed everything.... She felt he was the same as her. Observing her silence, Aether was about to speak when she questioned, "D-Did she left you?" "Hmm?" "The woman you mentioned, the one who fought for her love... did she leave you too?" Lia''s voice trembled like a whisper. "... Yeah," Aether admitted with a heavy heart. "W-Why? Didn''t she love you? Didn''t she fight for her love for you all these years?" Lia''s questions revealed her inner turmoil as her body shook with emotion. ".... Well, our status is a big factor... big enough to make her doubt her choices," Aether confessed, his voice tinged with regret. "S-Status..." Lia repeated the word, recalling Kai''s words about talent not being enough. ''Drip, Drip'' "W-Why? W-Why do they care about status? Why do they focus on... t-talent? WHY?..... What about l-love?" Lia''s voice cracked as her mental barriers began to crumble. "Because love often fades when faced with reality... Lia, Love can be like a fleeting shadow that vanishes when there''s no light... There are times you should let it go when it cannot be held it together" Aether spoke gently, his words finally piercing through her defences. "aww....." Lia''s outburst was a release of her pent-up emotions, the dam of her suppressed feelings finally breaking down. Chapter 91: He is the Womanizer "You feeling better now?" Aether inquired gently after Lia had cried for several minutes, his voice soft and caring amidst the tension. "..." Lia remained silent, clinging to Aether''s coat, her face hidden in a mix of emotions and thoughts. "You do realize I''m a ve, and I need to return to my master soon, or there won''t be any food for me," Aether remarked with a feigned sad and hungry tone, trying to lighten the mood with a touch of humour. "Hehe..." Lia''s softughter broke through her tears as she lifted her red and teary face, a faint smile forming as she gathered herself. Aether noticed her eyes, once clouded with emotion, now clear like the sky, their crimson hue shining in the dim light of the corridor, reflecting both vulnerability and newfound strength. "You truly have wonderful eyes," Aether remarked casually before carefully lowering her to the ground, mindful of her trembling legs due to both physical and emotional strain. "Are you feeling better?" Aether asked again, his concern evident in his voice as he scanned her expression for any signs of distress or difort. "Hmm," Lia nodded, her face still flushed but with a hint of tranquillity returning. With Lia calmer now, Aether''s guilt began to dissipate, reced by a sense of relief that he could solve it before getting worse due to his actions. He nced around, looking for any sign of Lia''s uncle or someone familiar who could take care of her in this fragile state. "Who is Lily? Is she your ex?" Lia asked suddenly, her curiosity breaking the brief silence that had settled between them. "Hmm?" Aether tilted his head slightly, momentarily puzzled by the question. ''Ex... Lily? What is she talking about?'' His mind raced to recall any mention of such a person. "I-I mean, you said my eyes looked like Lily... ahaha," Lia chuckled awkwardly, questioning herself why she asked. "Oh!... That''s a flower," Aether rified, a light smile ying on his lips as he caught her drift. "A flower? I didn''t know there was a flower called Lily?" Lia''s frown softened into genuine curiosity. "Well..." Aether shrugged, seeking to share a bit of unfamiliar knowledge with this little girl, "That''s a Red Spider Lily." "Red Spider Lily?" Lia''s curiosity was piqued, her eyes now reflecting a spark of interest beyond their recent turmoil. "Yes, a poisonous flower that symbolizes death," Aether exined with a touch of knowledge, though inwardly he thought, ''those are the flowers anime always uses for dramatic scenes.... and pull some shitty stunt in the best Anime!'' "P-Poisonous? D-Death?" Lia''s reaction was a mixture of surprise and disbelief, her mind grappling with the implications of theparison between her eyes and a flower symbolizing death. "Hmm?.... ahaha," Aether chuckled softly, amused by her reaction but also understanding her shock. "W-What''s so funny?" Lia pouted, slightly annoyed by hisughter. "Well, those poisonous flowers... I truly love them from the bottom of my heart," Aether admitted his tone sincere yet tinged with a hint of irony. "Even though they are poisonous?" "Yes," Aether confirmed, then nced at her crimson eyes and added, "A poison for a poison," his words carrying a deeper meaning. "I-Is that so..." Lia averted her eyes, feeling a mix of emotions. "Well, where is your uncle, little girl?" Aether''s tone carried a hint of impatience as he scanned the area. "Snort, Who are you calling a little girl?" Lia retorted, her pride stung by the remark despite Aether being close to her age. "... A girl who just cried?" Aether teased, his yful smirk evident. "!!" Lia''s cheeks flushed with embarrassment and anger, her gaze sharp as she red at Aether. Seeing her fuming in anger,"Be a good little sister," Aether continued teasingly, patting her head in a way that irked her further. "HEY!!" Lia''s voice rose in protest, her embarrassment turning into frustration as her face turned even redder. "Call me a big brother like a good little sister," Aether pushed the teasing a step further, testing Lia''s patience. "Hell no! Brat," Lia snapped back, her annoyance clear in her tone. Aether''s response was to pinch her cheeks firmly. "I don''t like when someone calls me Brat, Got it?" Aether''s voice was stern, his gaze locking onto Lia''s with a serious intensity. "You are pinching hard, Brat-- ouch!!" Lia winced in pain, her cheeks squished between Aether''s fingers. "G.O.T. I.T?" Aether reiterated, his tone firm as Lia nodded in response, her expression subdued. "So, where is your uncle?" Aether redirected the conversation, his focus shifting back to their original objective. "I am here, ve," Lia''s uncle emerged suddenly, his presence looming over Aether with a threatening aura and stared at his hands that touching Lia''s cheeks and said,"Remove your filthy hand!!" "I am sorry, sir," Aether apologized, releasing Lia''s cheeks stepping back respectfully and returning to the pce. "W-Wa--" Lia attempted to bid farewell, but her uncle''s stern gaze silenced her. "Your mother is really angry now, Lia," her uncle''s warning sent shivers down her spine as he took her hand and whisked her away from the gate. After leaving Lia, Aether swiftly made his way to the Hall, feeling the need to gain some affection points from the crazy girl who was crazier than her mother. As he walked, a sudden voice disrupted his thoughts. "You are truly a womanizer." "FUCK!!"Aether''s heart skipped a beat as he turned to see the source of the voice... it was the same sneaky maid. "Why are you here?" Aether asked, slightly taken aback by her unexpected appearance. "Empress told me to look after the girl who was running away," the maid exined casually as she walked beside him. "I see..." Aether nodded, realizing the maybe... just maybe Empress was as not bad as he thought. The maid continued to stare at him intently, prompting Aether to inquire, "What''s on your mind?" "You are truly a womanizer," the maid repeated her earlier remark, her tone firm. Aether raised an eyebrow, a look of confusion spreading across his face. "Me?" he pointed to himself, clearly puzzled by the usation. "Yes" The maid nodded without hesitation. ''Look here woman If I were truly a womanizer, I wouldn''t have struggled so much with that fucked up n earlier...'' Aether wanted to retort, but instead, he calmly stated, "Her heart is broken. I simply offered a shoulder to lean on... That''s all.I am not interested in anyone." Aether said as a matter-of-factly. The maid seemed surprised by his response but then shrugged it off, "You cannot enter with those dirty clothes," she pointed out matter-of-factly. "Seriously?" Aether was taken aback. "Yes,e with me," the maid instructed, leading him to a room where she provided him with another outfit, simr to the one he wore before but in a striking red colour. "Looks good," the maid approved of his new attire. "You heard my talk with that girl, right?" Aether asked, noting the maid''s choice of a crimson outfit, which seemed intentional given their earlier conversation. The maid offered a smile before they entered the hall, which suddenly.... transformed into a bustling scene of "~~~hmmmmm~~~" Dancing!! "What''s going on?" Aether inquired, slightly bewildered by the sudden change. "Well, it''s the final event a calm dance before the sto- ahem I mean, before the finale," the maid exined with a serious expression. ''Didn''t you just going to say storm? storm right? RIGHT?'' Aether screamed, but he pushed them aside. He sighed in tiredness... He had been attempting to charm Kai''s future wife, not to tangle with the chaos that going to happen. ''Damn, it feels like I''m stepping into NTR territory!'' Aether inwardly cringed at the thought, realizing how his actions were slowly altering him. It was changing him slowly... but surely!! His attention shifted to the dance floor, where Selene was surrounded by eager suitors, while Timmy hovered protectively. Delphine and her friends formed a protective circle, resembling a flock of hens guarding their chicks. Then, Aether''s gazended on Princess, who appeared bored, and Kai, who seemed hesitant about something. ''Should I approach her?'' Aether entertained a risky thought but reconsidered when he recalled Princess''s earlier disdainful look and considering his status as a ve... He could only ask the person who was at least the same as him. He sighed and nced at the maid, who was now eagerly watching the dance unfold. ''Well, since we''re both servants, it should be fine, right?'' Aether reasoned with himself. He decided to have a bit of fun, hoping that maybe, just maybe, Princess would show some interest after seeing his dance. "Would you care to dance with me, mdy?" Aether asked, taking a dramatic stance as he kneeled on one leg. "W-What?!" The maid was caught off guard, her expression shifting from excitement to horror in an instant. !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 0.7%] ''What?'' Aether blinked, processing the unexpected turn of events with a robotic detachment, wondering how his innocent invitation had triggered such a drastic response. Chapter 92: Dancing is good "Is something wrong?" Aether inquired, his eyes alight with curiosity as he gracefully moved to the rhythm of the music, his hand resting gently on the Maid''s supple hips while the other maintained a secure hold on her delicate shoulder. ''You are wrong! Your whole family is wrong!!'' The maid''s inner turmoil screamed silently, though her outward demeanour remained serene, a forced smile gracing her lips amidst the chaos of her thoughts. As she navigated the dance floor, a sense of unease settled within her, amplified by the asional deathly res she felt piercing through the festive air. While their origins remained a..... mystery, she couldn''t help but imagine if re could kill someone... she would have died thousands of times by now. Meanwhile, Aether''s mind raced with questions, ''Is she somehow linked to my survival rate? Is she plotting against me?''looking at his survival onest time, ''Yeah, Let''s avoid her hereafter... She is death g!!'' "Are you not familiar with the steps?" Aether''s voice broke her reverie as she stumbled once more. "Well, I am not particrly adept at dancing," the maid confessed, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Aether chuckled softly, "hah No worries. Just follow my lead; I''ll guide you through it," he reassured her with a confident grin, drawing upon his experiences from numerous extracurricr activities and his observations of his actress mother''s graceful dance routines at extravagant parties. "O-Okay?" The Maid''s response was hesitant, her perplexity evident as she braced herself for yet another precarious misstep... ''SHH!'' "HHIII!!" In a swift, fluid motion, Aether adjusted his footing, deftly intercepting her impending fall with practised precision. With a deft flourish, he manoeuvred her body into a graceful arch, her feminine curves concealed beneath the folds of her maid''s attire. "Hmm? Your flexibility is truly remarkable... Well then, shall we start the real?" Aether''s words wereced with a hint of confidence as he cast a meaningful nce towards the Princess, whose attention had finally been captivated by their impromptu performance. Not only her, but the suddenmotion had drawn the gaze of all in attendance. Aether couldn''t help but smirk inwardly as he resolved, ''Let''s catch the little fish''. With a fluid motion, he hoisted the Maid to her feet, their movements synchronized in perfect harmony as they picked up the pace of their dance. His grip on her hips tightened, their fingers intertwining as they twirled and swayed to the enchanting melody,manding the attention of all those present with their mesmerizing disy. "W-Wait!!" The Maid''s voice trembled with embarrassment, her cheeks flushing crimson as this was the first time she found herself in such close proximity with another man. "What''s the matter?" Aether inquired, his attention split between their dance and the Maid''s sudden exmation.He was determined to seduce.... not knowing who he was actually seducing. "I-I''m sorry, it''s just... it''s too close," the Maid stammered, her body reacting instinctively to the unfamiliar intimacy, causing her to lean back like a fragile leaf caught in a breeze, her movements no longer entirely her own as this young man seemed to have taken control of her every step. "Hmm?" Aether tilted his head in understanding, recognizing her difort at the proximity. "Alright then, I''ll step back a bit. Don''t worry, just keep your focus on me, and let''s continue with the rotations," he reassured her with a gentle smile. "What?" Before she could fully process his words, Aether smoothly guided her into a spin, deftly supporting her as she twirled like a spinning top. ''p'' The sound echoed through the air as Aether''s hands met in apuse, his movements fluid and graceful as he circled around her, his presence akin to a dancer weaving around a blossoming flower. The Maid''s cheeks burned brighter with each step, yet sheplied with Aether''s guidance, her body slowly settling into the rhythmic rotations as he continued to p in time with the music. Aether''s performance drew the attention of all present, their eyes fixed on the duo as they moved in sync, creating an enchanting spectacle amidst the dance floor. Even the Empress and Archpriestess, renowned for theirposure, couldn''t help but be mesmerized by the unfolding elegance as if witnessing the delicate bloom of a flower at dawn. ''How does he know a beautiful dance?'' They wondered themself. Kai waspletely taken aback, watching in astonishment as his ve disyed an unexpected skill on the dance floor, far surpassing his own abilities. Determination ignited within him as he stole a nce at the Princess, only to find her fully engrossed in the art of dance. ''Aether!'' Meanwhile, the Maid''s silent plea for respite was palpable as she felt the fatigue beginning to weigh her down, her momentum waning. Sensing her unspoken request, Aether offered a reassuring smile. With a graceful leap, he swept her off her feet, lifting her right leg as she leaned back with supple ease, their movements harmonizing in a mesmerizing disy of skill and agility. ''-Ha-Ha-'' ''-Ha-Ha-'' As they both caught their breath, panting with exertion and drenched in perspiration, joyous smiles adorned their faces. ''p, p'' The apuse from the onlookers was thunderous, mingled with expressions of surprise and admiration. The unexpected spectacle of a servant''s dance outshining that of the nobility left the audience in awe. Locking gazes with the Maid, Aether took note of her striking purple eyes peeking behind her sses, a detail he hadn''t noticed before. "What''s your name again?" Aether''s question was met with a sudden startled silence, the Maid''s face flushing beet red as she swiftly extricated herself from Aether''s embrace, retreating to the safety of the Empress''s side. The Empress, amused by the Maid''s reaction, wore a yful smile as she observed her maid seeking refuge like a startled rabbit. "Hahaha..." "The Empress''s Maid''s dance performance was truly astounding!!" "Who would have ever imagined that the Empress''s Maid possessed such an incredible skill in dance?" "Well, that''s the Empress''s Maid for you! Always full of surprises!" "Hahaha..." "I would be honoured to share a dance with that exceptionally gracefuldy!" Laughter and admiration filled the air as the guests continued to discuss the Maid''s unexpected talent, their voices blending into a harmonious symphony of praise and awe. Aether remainedrgely unnoticed. To the assembled guests, he was merely a ve, no more than that. In their minds, it was the Empress''s Maid who orchestrated the entire performance... or rather, they convinced themselves to believe so. A ve was just a ve nothing more! Nevertheless, Aether paid little heed to their oversight; his concerny solely with one person, and that person... "Hehe..." A sly grin spread across Aether''s lips as he observed the Princess finally rising from her seat, ''Yes!'' ''It''s fucking time to seduce her!'' Aether inwardly screamed with happiness. Taking a moment to adjust his slightly dishevelled attire, Aether braced himself for what was toe. But it seemed fate was not on his side yet again... before he could make his move, a sudden interruption caught him off guard. "Young man, might I have the pleasure of a dance with you?" "...." Aether blinked in surprise, his attention swiftly drawn to the unexpected presence before him. It was the Archpriestess, her gaze fixed upon him with a curious intensity. The room fell silent as astonishment rippled through the crowd, Kai''s expression one of incredulity as if he ate something shit while poor Timmy had already sumbed to shock, fainting away in bewilderment. An Archpriestess asked for a dance with a ve!! They wanted to stop her from touching a ve and yet no one dared toe.They nced at Empress who was the only person to stop nonsense.... but it seemed she was just sitting nkly. ''And who might she be again?'' Aether pondered briefly, his gaze lingering on her outstretched hand. ncing momentarily at the Princess, who had resigned herself with a sigh and returned to her seat. ''This Fucker!'' He thought and sighed inwardly.Aether epted the offered hand with a courteous nod. "Thank you, Madam, for deigning to dance with a humble servant such as myself," he replied graciously as he prepared to apany her onto the dance floor. "Hehe..." The Archpriestess''sughter rang out melodically, her smile hinting at a deeper understanding as she met Aether''s gaze with an enigmatic twinkle. The sudden turn of events caught the Empress off guard, her mind racing with questions. ''Does she know something?'' Chapter 93: He was getting tired for unknown reasons "Hmm, is something wrong?" Aether''s brows furrowed in mild concern as he noticed the Archpriestess staring at him intently during their dance. "Nothing, young man, just a curious sense of.... familiarity," the Archpriestess replied casually, though her eyes betrayed a deeper intrigue as she unconsciously closed the distance between them. As they danced to the slow beat, Aether''s hand rested on her slim hips while the Archpriestess''s hands found a ce on his shoulders, their movements syncing effortlessly with the rhythm. "You too?" Aether''s surprise was evident in his expression, mirroring the familiarity he also felt toward her. "Hmm?" The Archpriestess''s curiosity was piqued, her grey eyes sparkling with hidden secrets. "Yes, there''s something about your eyes that reminds me of someone," Aether muttered, his tone tinged with a hint of mncholy, memories from a tumultuous night shing through his mind. He would never forget that one night in his life, ever again! "Who might that be?" Archpriestess inquired, though inwardly she couldn''t contain her happiness, ''W-What should I do, If h-he finds out!!I-I need to prepare for the Wedding, right?'' she screamed inwardly. "Well... She''s a bit of a naive little fool, utterly useless most times," Aether''s words carried a touch of exasperation, a pain-in-the-ass expression momentarily clouding his features. "..." The Archpriestess felt her veins throb with annoyance, her hand trembling slightly as she fought the urge to give him a powerful punch. "But then again, she''s the one who changed my perspective on many things... and she''s kind of cute when she tries her best," Aether''s voice softened, a gentle smile gracing his lips as he spoke of Ste. The Archpriestess''s face turned a deep shade of red, her gaze shifting downward as her lips trembled, struggling to contain her emotions. "You bear a striking resemnce to her," Aether remarked, his eyes studying her whitish-grey hair and grey eyes with a newfound curiosity. ''Don''t tell me...'' Aether''s thoughts raced as a realization dawned upon him. ''Shit! He figured it out! I need to kinda--'' "You must be Ste''s sister," Aether''s voice held a mix of shock and revtion. It all made sense now; why this beautiful woman had chosen to dance with a mere ve suddenly became clear to him, ''She did mention having arge and influential family'' he nodded to himself, connecting the dots inwardly. The Archpriestess stared at Aether as though he were an idiot, though beneath her annoyance was a tinge of happiness mingled with disappointment that he hadn''t recognized her. With a forced smile, she replied, "Y-Yes, I am her sister. She asked me to look after you." "Look after me?" Aether''s surprise was evident, his smile growing gentle, "Well, some things never change... She truly is a wonderful girl." ''Ba-Dump, Ba-Dump'' The Archpriestess''s heart skipped a beat, her face turning bright red, and her stomach tingled with an unknown sensationas she stammered, "S-She mentioned she''s in love with you..." Her eyes widened in surprise at her own slip of words. Maybe she was having a hard time controlling her tsunami of emotions when she was this close to Aether. She had been controlling herself for many days so as soon as she heard his lovely voice, she couldn''t control but tell her true feelings.... Even if her Mother goddess against her love, she would do anything to protect him!!! Affections started to work very fast!... And he going to get raped very soon!! Aether halted momentarily, he looked at Archpriestess his expression shifting to one of realization mixed with sighing, ''I guess she mistook my CPR as a kiss...'' he thought before resuming their dance, choosing not to address her revtion directly. Observing Aether''s nonchnt response, the Archpriestess felt a twinge of pain in her heart, her gaze searching his face for any sign of acknowledgement. A pang of disappointment tugged at her heart as she mumbled, "D-Do you have an answer? I shall deliver it to her. S-She might get over the cloud, you know!" "My answer? Do you expect a ve to have one?" Aether''s response was swift. "W-Well, as long as she''s happy with our family, no one will interfere with her love life," the Archpriestess replied awkwardly, feeling uneasy referring to herself in such a manner. She was really desperate!! "Hmmm..." Aether offered no further response, instead quickening the pace of their dance..... No, He wasn''t ready to address those questions just yet. He knew that once he stole a woman''s heart, he needed to open his own heart; otherwise, it would only lead to disaster. The Archpriestess frowned as she noticed Aether''sck of response, his attention still focused on the dance. Trembling with inner pain, the Archpriestess lowered her head, recognizing the need for some time alone to process her emotions. "Thank you for the dance," the Archpriestess said softly as she separated from Aether. "It was my pleasure to dance with you, Mdy," Aether replied respectfully, refraining from probing further into the situation. As the Archpriestess settled back into her seat, the Empress nced at her, sensing something amiss, "What happened?" the Empress inquired with a puzzled expression. ".... Nothing much, just feeling a bit broken," the Archpriestess replied casually, though her voice betrayed a hint of shakiness, ''I-I need to do something....'' She thought. "Hmmm..." The Empress tilted her head, her curiosity deepening at the Archpriestess''s cryptic response. The party continued without a hitch, though not for Aether, the lively atmosphere contrasting sharply with the tension brewing around Aether. "So, you''re a ve?" The overweight woman, her corpulent frame almost bursting out of her dress, inquired with a disdainful sneer directed at Aether... She was the one who had been watching Aether silently. "Yes, Madam," Aether replied calmly, his eyes briefly flitting toward Delphine''s group where murmurs and nces were exchanged in hushed tones. Yes, the inquirer was none other than Delphine''s close friend. While Delphine excused herself to the restroom, her friends saw an opportunity to confront Aether. "It appears someone was making quite an effort to carve out a living here. So, tell me, how much for your services?" The overweight woman''s words dripped with condescension, her friends joining in with judgmental looks. "I''m not entirely sure what you''re insinuating, Madam," Aether responded withposed dignity, refusing to be rattled by the usatory tone. "Oh, don''t y coy with us! We know you used your charms to seduce our shy Delphine, didn''t you?" Another woman chimed in, her voiceced with usation. "Madam, I must correct you. I haven''t engaged in any such behaviour," Aether stated firmly, his demeanour unwavering despite the mounting hostility. "So, you''re implying that just because I''m overweight and chubby, you''re not interested in offering your... services?" The overweight woman''s indignation was palpable, her tone heavy with disdain and entitlement. Aether''s mind raced with confusion, ''What the hell is she talking about? And why is she making a scene?'' he wondered silently before speaking aloud, "I''m sorry, could you rify what you''re referring to?" The three women stared at Aether for a brief moment before the rotund woman identally knocked over her wine ss, shattering it with an abrupt ''Trrrr'' "Clean this mess, ve," the woman demanded sharply, her tone leaving no room for argument. Aether hesitated for a moment, his gaze shifting from the broken ss to the woman''s expectant face. With a resigned sigh, he began to pick up the shards, his movements deliberate and cautious. However, his efforts were met with another sharp sound as the woman''s foot stomped down on Aether''s hand, causing a searing pain as the ss cut into his skin. "trckkk!" "Oops, my apologies, my foot slipped," the woman remarked callously, a cruel smirk ying on her lips as Aether clenched his teeth against the pain. Despite the agony, Aether maintained hisposure. Swallowing his anger, he continued to clean up the mess, his hands now bloodied from the encounter. With a forced smile, he addressed the woman, "Whether you''re chubby or not, a woman is always beautiful when she has a beautiful heart." Leaving the hall with a hurried stride, Aether left behind three stunned women, especially the overweight one who had caused him harm. "O-Ouch," Aether couldn''t help but let out a pained expression as he carefully removed the remaining ss pieces from his hand. After washing his hands in the restroom, Aether nced at his reflection in the mirror. His face bore a weariness that mirrored the exhaustion he felt within. ''I guess I''ve been a bit paranoid about seduction and all,'' Aether mused to himself, unsure of why he felt so drained by the ordeal. It was then that a concerned voice broke through his thoughts, "Are you okay?" Chapter 94: Saved himself "Thank you," Aether softly murmured, his gaze tender as he looked at the Archpriestess who had skillfully healed his injured hands, a gesture of gratitude and admiration in his eyes. The Archpriestess, her brow furrowed with concern and her eyes reflecting a mixture of worry and pain, met Aether''s gaze steadily. Despite knowing that his feelings were not directed toward her romantically, she couldn''t help but feel a tug at her heartstrings, a swirl of emotions she couldn''t easily dismiss. "You could at least remember to cover up before handling dangerous items," the Archpriestess remarked gently, her voice carrying a hint of motherly concern as she carefully inspected Aether''s now-healed hand. Aether''s eyes briefly stared at the woman before him, a fleeting moment where memories of Ste, with her own worried face, shed through his mind. The simrities in their expressions were just the same. "You asked my answer, right?" Aether''s voice held a touch of vulnerability, prompting the Archpriestess to meet his gaze once more. "You see, this is my life, a life that holds no tomorrow... I cannot escape it, and if she were to enter my messed-up life... She would only hurt herself more, and it would only cause me more pain," Aether said with utmost honesty. The Archpriestess stared at Aether in silence. "She... Ste is a good, naive girl, and I''m d she loves someone like me. I am pretty sure I want her to be happy too" Aether said, smiling and then slowly turning sad, "But I don''t think my life holds any happiness." "So, tell her to face reality. I am not worthy of her... I am just a weak guy who was trying to prolong his pathetic life," Aether said with a sad smile. The Archpriestess''s eyes trembled as she finally understood. Aether had been thinking about her happiness, not his own.... She bit her lips not shouting at him that he was her happiness as long he was in her life she would be happy. She could feel his pure heart shining like a light. W-What should she do? She couldn''t control herself when she saw his genuine emotions! However, inwardly, Aether thought, ''Thank goodness, with this, I think her sister would knock some sense into Ste... I don''t need to worry about her raping me!'' just thinking made him shiver. The Archpriestess''s heart trembled as she realized she was falling for this man even more. ''I-I''m sorry, Mother, but this man... is too pure to kill him. Mother.... I will take care of him! You don''t need to worry about other things, Mother. I-I will safely lock him up!!'' she asked forgiveness from the god. ''!!'' Aether flinched for unknown reasons. "W-What if... What if she still says she loves you? Will you be determined to live through every difficult day?" the Archpriestess asked with a trembling voice. ''That would be painful!'' Aether couldn''t help but think, but then he masked his expression and said in a pained voice, "If she still loves me," he whispered hoarsely, his voice barely audible above the whisper of the wind, "then I-I will do whatever it takes to make her hate me... For I-I would rather live in darkness than condemn her to a life of eternal sorrow." ''Snap'' Archpriestess''s lips trembled as the final thread of sanity snapped, her mind engulfed in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Thus, "~Hmm~" "!!!!" Aether''s eyes widened in shock as he felt a soft sensation on his lips, his body instinctively jerking back from the unexpected contact. "W-What are you doing?!" Aether eximed, his voiceced with disbelief and a hint of anger as he fixed a piercing re on the woman who had just kissed him out of nowhere. ''lick'' "You taste really nice," Archpriestess remarked seductively, a yful smirk ying on her lips as she licked them in a teasing manner. [+10000 Affection] !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 1%] ''What the fuck?'' Aether screamed seeing his sudden increase in survival rate and looked at the woman who was breathing heavily like she was in... heat? It was then... that a ridiculous thought crossed his mind. "S-Ste?" Aether blurted out, his horror-stricken eyes locked on the woman''s face. "Hmm?" Archpriestess tilted her head in confusion, her expression innocent yet tinged with a mischievous glint. "Y-You are Ste, right?" Aether stammered while stepping back. "What are you talking about? I am not Ste. I am Seraphina Ashwood, Ste''s Big sister!!" the Archpriestess replied, her tone firm and resolute as if to dispel any doubts about her identity. "N-No, No, No! You must be Ste!" Aether protested, his gaze darting back to therge number of affection points. There was no way she could exin this unnatural amount of affection from her.... Unless she fell in love with him. That was in no way happening!! Yet, "No!" Archpriestess shook her head adamantly, refusing to entertain the notion. Frustrated by her refusal to acknowledge the truth, Aether demanded answers, "Then tell me, why did you kiss me?" "W-Well..." Archpriestess suddenly grew bashful, her cheeks tinted with a rosy hue as she lowered her gaze, "O-Our family has a tradition... When sisters marry, they should marry the same person. S-Since Ste chose you, I-I also..." She trailed off, unable to voice the unspoken implications. Aether''s eyes widened in disbelief at her confession, his mind reeling with shock. Without another word, he turned on his heel and bolted, his thoughts consumed by a desperate need to escape. Aether was running at full speed!! "Hmph!" the Archpriestess huffed indignantly, her lips curling into a sly smile as she watched him flee, "I suppose he''s not like other men, after all," she mused to herself, a sense of satisfaction washing over her. !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 2%] ''What the fuck!'' Aether screamed inwardly. Archpriestess hadn''t merely spoken for the sake of hiding her identity instead.... she had tested his loyalty, and the result pleased her more than she dared admit. Yup, When she kissed him, she wanted to check whether he would push her away or indulge in the kiss.... No one would avoid getting a Kiss from a gorgeousdy unless he was a eunuch!! To her happiness, Aether pushed her without hesitation and even red at her with hatred. This solidified that he was loyal to Ste! Even more, when she told him that he would marry her as well, Aether showed one of the most horrified expressions, as if he would rather die than betray his beloved Ste. His beloved Ste! This proves his strength, purity, and loyalty, and most of all... "He loves Ste so deeply that he would rather suffer alone than see her cry," Archpriestess muttered with deep pain and pleasure. Archpriestess''s heart couldn''t help but flutter with happiness as if she had achieved enlightenment. Aether might not know this, but if he had actually reciprocated the kiss and agreed to marry them.... his head would have already rolled on the ground. He was somehow saved by himself! "Aether loves me~ Aether loves me too much~ Aether loves me too too much~ Aether loves too too too much~ Aeth..." Archpriestess hummed a melody of her own thoughts, her heart dancing with newfound hope and understanding. The archpriestess reappeared beside the Empress in the engagement hall. "Where did you disappear to?" the Empress inquired with a furrowed brow. With a coy smile, Archpriestess leaned in and whispered, "Do you mind if I remove some pests?" If it were any other ruler, they might have reacted with anger or suspicion at the Archpriestess''s words. However, the Empress remainedposed and simply asked, "Why?" "Well..." Archpriestess''s gaze lingered on Delphine''s friends'' group, who had tormented Aether, before shifting to Kai, ''If I eliminate him, Aether might end up as a stray ve and that will be hard for my transfer the ve contract... I need another approach to secure Aether for myself,'' she calcted silently before speaking, "Because you''re hiding something." "Hmm?" Empress tilted her head. "Oh,e on, Bitch. Do you truly believe that no one from the five empires would notice the peculiar white and ck energy that manifested a few weeks ago?" Archpriestess challenged, her tone sharp with usation. The Empress remained silent for a moment before finally murmuring, "And do you think I wouldn''t be aware of your ndestine entry into my territory, bitch?" "..." "..." The air between them grew heavy with unspoken tension, each woman holding her ground with steely resolve. "So, it''s him, isn''t it?" Archpriestess pointed towards Aether, who had just entered the Hall. "I suppose there''s no use in hiding it any longer... Yes, it''s him," the Empress conceded with a sigh, acknowledging Aether''s role in the mysterious phenomenon that had urred on that fateful day. Chapter 95: Battle Arena [Author''s Note: Discord Server Link: 6JA46z23bw] "What the fuck is happening?" Aether muttered to himself, his eyes widening as he observed his survival rate increasing while he ran. ''So, running away from her was the right choice?'' Aether pondered, his expression shifting to one of dread, "Damn it, what kind of tradition is that? Two sisters marrying one person... It''s like a buy one, get one free offer!" His frustration was evident in his voice. No!! he wasn''t opposed to the idea per se; it was the sudden surge in affection points that was causing him to worry. "S-So, B-Both sisters are going to rap.... ?" Aether couldn''t finish his sentence, trembling slightly in fear at the implications. As much as he loved to have ''somesome''... He also loved to have his life!! His life was more worthwhile than some ''somesome''!!! "T-Tell me, Log, is this what you were hoping for? Getting Raped by two women!!" Aether muttered to himself, his thoughts racing with uncertainty. "p!" Aether pped himself lightly, trying to refocus his mind. "Focus on Aqualina Naiadia!" With renewed determination, he entered the Engagement Hall, where he noticed the Archpriestess shooting a quick nce in his direction. "Sigh... Whatever," Aether sighed deeply, steeling himself for what was toe, and finally approached his target. ''Let''s deal with this jerk by myself'' he thought, mustering his resolve. "Master, do you need help?" Aether asked politely as he stood beside Kai. "Tsk, now you remember me, bastard!" Kai''s response wasced with a hint of irritation, though his smile remained intact, masking deeper sentiments. "I apologize, Master, but I''ve been upied with menial tasks as per the Empress''s directives," Aether exined, his eyes briefly darting towards Princess Aqualina, who maintained an enigmatic stoicism. "Snort," Kai scoffed, a subtle indication of his disdain for Aether''s absence, before inquiring, "How in the hell do you know that dance?" "Oh! that is... I''m uncertain, but the melody triggered a memory, causing my body to move instinctively as if it''s a skill from my past," Aether responded with a calm expression, though a part of him wondered, ''So, you are not going ask about the broken girl?''. "!!!" Kai''s reaction was palpable as he finally turned to Aether with a mixture of surprise and curiosity, whispering, "Do you recall everything now?" "Hmm.. No" Aether shook his head with a pained expression. "Sigh" Kai visibly sighed in relief then he whispered, "Hey, you''ll need to teach that danceter. My wife seems to be quite taken with your moves," Kai remarked, an idea sparking in his mind as he observed Aether''s unique skill. "Yes, Master, I am at your disposal," Aether affirmed. With a sense of purpose, Aether approached Princess Aqualina, his gaze steady as he met her stony gaze. "Princess Aqualina, My Master has asked me to teach you my dance," he said with a gentle smile, extending his hand towards her in a gesture of invitation. "...." The Princess''s stony gaze slowly turned towards Aether, her eyes narrowing in scrutiny before flicking to Kai, who now wore a horrified expression as if realizing the gravity of the situation unfolding. "YOU BASTARD!!" Kai''s outburst echoed through the hall as he lunged forward, grabbing Aether''s cor and causing amotion that made everyone pause in their activities. "Is something wrong, Master?" Aether''s voice held an innocent tone, though his eyes betrayed a hint of amusement. "Wrong? What the hell are you asking my wife-- I mean, the princess?" Kai''s face flushed red with anger and embarrassment, his grip on Aether''s cor tightening. "Sorry, Master. But you said that princess liked my dance and asked me to teach," Aether responded with a furrowed brow, trying to make sense of Kai''s outburst. "Yes, I told you that, but not to her but to" Kai''s words faltered abruptly as he realized the implication of what he was about to say. "I-Is something the matter?" Velc, Kai''s father, arrived at the scene, his brow furrowed in fear as he sweated. Aether maintained his innocent facade as he exined, "Master Kai asked me to teach the Princess my dance," his voice was louder slightly to ensure others heard his exnation. Murmurs and whispers spread among the onlookers, specting about the unfolding drama. "...Kai?" Velc''s frown deepened as he tried toprehend the situation, wondering why his son seemed to be making a mistake. "H-He is lying, Father!" Kai interjected hastily, trying to divert attention away from himself as all eyes turned towards him. "Am I, Mast--" "Shut up, Ether!" Kai ordered.Aether shut his mouth forcibly! Meanwhile, Velc nced over at the Empress and Archpriestess, who were engaged in a heated conversation nearby. Without further hesitation, Velc moved forward and pulled Aether away from his son''s grasp to avoid problems. However, "You asked a ve to teach me?" The Princess''s tone carried a hint of disappointment and displeasure as she addressed Kai directly. "N-No, Princess, I-I mean, it''s not what it seems, he" Kai''s attempt to exin was cut short. "So, you didn''t teach your ve very well for his unruly act?" The Princess''s evaluation of Kai seemed to diminish visibly, her dissatisfied eyes conveying her growing disappointment in his actions. "P-Princess, I" Kai''s protest was interrupted before he could finish. "Hey, ve," the Princess called out to Aether, her voicemanding yetposed. "Yes, Princess?" Aether responded with a respectful bow. "Did he really say he wanted you to teach me?" The Princess''s question held a note of incredulity. "Yes, Princess, he asked me to teach since you liked my dance," Aether answered honestly, his gaze steady as he maintained hisposure. "Oh!" The Princess''s expression shifted, a hint of surprise evident as she turned to Kai, her gaze searching for an exnation, "When did I say I liked his dance?" Her calm yet pointed question hung in the air, awaiting Kai''s response. "T-That..." Kai''s brow furrowed deeply, beads of sweat forming on his forehead like bullets. If he admitted that he had asked his ve to teach the dance to himself and not to the Princess, Kai was certain that his beloved Princess would essentiallybel him as useless. Her disdainful gaze already made him feel like a worthless piece of shit, and saying anything more would only further shame him. "Y-You were kind of staring at his dance, that''s why," Kai stammered, his throat dry as he gulped nervously. "Just because I stared at his dance you decided I liked his dance?" Princess frowned. "T-That''s...." Kai was really losing in her eyes. Aether''s lips curled slightly, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes, though he quickly masked his expression..... Everything was unfolding exactly as he had nned. Before, he had made the mistake of underestimating his opponent and using a chip that was not stable, but now he could predict the oue like a familiar bedtime story. It was almost too easy; he simply exploited Kai''s attempts to maintain hisposure while the Princess, with her sense of superiority, yed right into his hands. ''You are too young to y with words... brats'' Aether muttered inwardly, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as he observed Kai struggling to speak the truth. No matter which route he takes... Princess was really going to get disappointed. That''s when Aether going to step up his game!! The Princess''s dissatisfaction grew palpable as she watched her future husband falter, ''I guess he is truly useless! Let''s cripple him on the first night... just like how mother did to her husband,'' the Princess thought to herself, her disappointment evident in her sigh. She couldn''t believe she was unwittingly following in her mother''s maniptive footsteps. ''I guess it runs in the bloodline...'' The Princess''s thoughts took a dark turn, a sly smile curling on her lips as an unsettling chuckle escaped her, "Hehehe..." The unexpectedughter not only startled Kai but also caught Aether off guard. ''Did I awaken inside her something?'' Aether couldn''t help but wonder, sensing an ominous undercurrent beneath the Princess''s demeanour. The Princess was just about to delve into this matter further when the Maid intervened, breaking the tension with an announcement, "Since everyone has enjoyed the party so far, shall we witness the true power of the Arcane King and Queen?!!!" The front wall suddenly dispersed into a cascade of water particles, revealing a massive Battle Arena beyond, capturing everyone''s attention and shifting the focus of the gathering to a new spectacle. "The tournament is to determine Kai Frostde''s worthiness to stand beside Princess Aqualina Naiadia," the Maid announced grandly, her voice carrying across the transformed Engagement Hall. As her words echoed, the entire hall underwent a gradual transformation, morphing into a grand seating arrangement. Nobles and esteemed guests were seated below in carefully arranged rows, while the Empress and other high-ranked officials upied elevated seats above, overseeing the proceedings with keen interest. "Well the---" Before the Maid could resume speaking, Princess Aqualina Naiadia interrupted with determination evident in her voice. "I shall go first," the Princess dered as she rose gracefully from her seat, casting a meaningful nce at the Empress, who gave a subtle nod, indicating her approval for the Princess''s decision to take the lead. With a confident smile, Princess Aqualina directed her gaze towards Kai, her words carrying a subtle challenge, "I will demonstrate my skills first, and then it will be your turn... Please, don''t disappoint me again," she added her tone a mix of encouragement and expectation. Chapter 96: No one is looking "There''s no need to hold back," Princess Aqualina stated calmly yet firmly as she stood gracefully on the ground, her expression serene andposed. "I am deeply honoured to have the opportunity to spar with you, Princess," a woman in her thirties replied respectfully, bowing with elegance before her royal. "You may go first," the Princess instructed, her tone carrying a sense of urgency despite her calm demeanour. "B-But--" "I don''t wish to waste time. Proceed," Princess Aqualina reiterated, her tone now more serious and authoritative. "Y-Yes, Your Highness," the woman responded, her apprehension evident as she readied her staff and prepared to unleash her magical prowess. The woman was a mage skilled in the art of magic butcking in physicalbat abilities. With a snap of her fingers, she chanted her incantation. /Wind de/ An arc of wind des materialized, hurtling towards Princess Aqualina with speed and precision. However, the Princess merely regarded the approaching des with a hint of disappointment before taking action. Just before the wind des could reach her, they dissipated into nothingness, as if brushed aside by a gentle breeze. "H-Huh?" The woman was left baffled by the unexpected turn of events. "What level are you?" Princess Aqualina inquired calmly as she flexed her fingers. "M-My level is 25," the woman responded hesitantly. "And your aptitude?" "Sliver" "I thought as much..." Princess Aqualina nodded knowingly before saying, "I regret to inform you that youck the power to even scratch my skin." "W-What?" The woman''s confusion was evident, her confidence shaken by the Princess''s calm demeanour and effortless defence. Before the woman could fullyprehend the situation, a small gust of wind brushed against her body, and in an instant, she found herself covered in numerous cuts, a testament to the Princess''s formidable abilities. With a weakened stance, the woman slowly fell to the ground..... defeated. "The winner is Princess Aqualina Naiadia" "OH!" "Did you see that?!" "Princess dispatched her opponent with ease!" "She''s incredibly powerful!" "Damn It!! I cannot win against her!" The spectators who had gathered for the tournament wore expressions of disbelief and awe as they witnessed Princess Aqualina''s swift and decisive victory, realizing the immense gap in skill and power that separated them from royalty. Princess Aqualina''s gaze shifted towards Kai, who was staring at her with disbelieving eyes, mirroring the astonishment shared by many in the room. Especially, Aether also wore an expression of disbelief, but his gaze was directed elsewhere.... not at Princess Aqualina''s disy of power, but at the Archpriestess, whose shoulders he was gently massaging. The seating arrangement was straightforward: Empress and Archpriestess upied separate chairs, while others such as Kai and his family, along with other high-ranking officials and nobles, were positioned a short distance away. Due to certain reasons... No, the Archpriestess had called him over out of the blue, asking for a massage to relieve her stiff shoulders. Initially hesitant, Aether was on the verge of declining until Velc, sensing the situation, ordered him toply with her request. Thus, Aether found himself gently touching the Archpriestess''s shoulder, a sight that left many male onlookers envious. A faint blush tinted the Archpriestess''s cheeks, her lips trembling as if on the brink of a moan.... any moment!! Meanwhile, the Empress observed this interaction with a quizzical expression, noting the peculiar atmosphere. Then, her gaze shifted to Aether, who was doing his best not to look down, his face flushed with embarrassment as if he was having a hard time. ''FUCK!! Log!! What kind of mental torture is this!!'' Aether inwardly cursed as he battled his unruly thoughts and tried to keep his perverted hands not to moving below her shoulder for unknown reasons!! With all eyes on him rather than the Princess''s victory, Aether knew he had to keep himself together; any misstep.... he knew he would be fucked up. "Y-You are quite skilled at massaging, Ae- Young man," the Archpriestessplimented with a hint of admiration in her voice. "Thank you for your kind words, Madam," Aether replied, his voice maintaining a professional tone even as his gaze involuntarily flickered downwards for a brief moment (Deep Cleavage), only to quickly avert back to her face.....just like how one sees the anime with subtitles. Where do we focus?Of course the subtitles!! "Hmph," Archpriestess pouted slightly, noticing his efforts to keep hisposure amidst the distraction. "Ahem" However, the moment was interrupted when the Empress cleared her throat and made a surprising request, "Massage my shoulders too!" "!!!" Archpriestess''s smiling expression came to an abrupt halt as she nkly stared at the Empress, caught off guard by the unexpected words. !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 3%] ''It''s increasing?'' Aether furrowed his brow, perplexed by the continuous increase in his survival rate. Despite his curiosity, he couldn''t dwell on it for long. With a quick cessation of the shoulder massage, he prepared to withdraw but... "You can ask your Maid to massage your shoulder, Lady Marisandra," the Archpriestess suggested with a small smile. "And you can ask your follower instead of requesting a ve, Archpriestess," the Empress retorted coolly, a spark of tension ring between them. !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 3.1%] Aether couldn''tprehend why his survival rate was on the rise, but who cares now? After all, as long as it kept going up, he wasn''t about toin. However, one thing was crystal clear in Aether''s mind: he needed to avoid both Empress Marisandra if he wanted to survive, and Archpriestess if he wanted to preserve his innocence!! "Mother!" Princess suddenly eximed, drawing everyone''s attention as shended gracefully before the Empress, "Did you witness my fight?" Empress snapped out of her frown-like state and turned her gaze to her daughter, "Y-Yes?" ".... You didn''t really see it, did you?" Princess frowned, her eyes scanning the room until theynded on Aether, who was dutifully massaging the Archpriestess''s shoulders. A shiver ran down Aether''s spine as he caught sight of the cunning expression on Princess''s face. ''This girl is up to something!'' he thought, feeling a sense of impending doom. "It seems Archpriestess has taken an interest in our ve," Princess remarked with a smile as she approached Archpriestess. "Yes, I would be interested in purchasing him," Archpriestess announced boldly, her words echoing throughout the room, causing Velc and his family to flinch in surprise. "What?" Aether''s horrified expression, ''I-I am going to get raped?'' "Oh, that''s perfect!" Princess pped her hands in delight before turning her attention to Kai, who had already moved on to his next opponent. "If you''re keen on acquiring him, I''ll have my future husband arrange the sale," Princess dered confidently, casting a nce at Velc, who was sweating profusely under the unexpected pressure. "You don''t mind.... Father-inw?" Princess asked with a sly grin, employing a title that caught Velc off guard. "Well..." Velc scratched his head, unsure how to respond since this was the first time Princess called him Father-inw. He needed to keep the act but he knew he could not do this so he looked at Empress. The Empress, sensing her daughter''s maniptive tactics.... but she herself didn''t want Aether to others so she decided to step in, "Mortimer was the one who brought this boy, dear," she exined calmly but firmly. "Hmm..." Princess turned her gaze back to Velc, her expression tinged with dissatisfaction. "Velc Frostde... is trulycking in usefulness." Velc''s face flushed with embarrassment and anger at his daughter-inw''s blunt assessment. "I suppose I could ask Kai... after all, he is the Master, isn''t he?" Princess mumbled, considering her options. "What do you want in return?" Archpriestess inquired, her curiosity piqued by the unfolding negotiations. "Oh, nothing much, just a position in your Temple," Princess replied with a smile, her eyes sparkling with ambition. "Which position, exactly?" Archpriestess pressed further, her frown deepening. "The Saintess Position, of course!" Princess dered boldly, sending a ripple of surprise through the gathered crowd. As soon as the Princess mentioned the coveted position, the Archpriestess''s two followers appeared beside her. One of them couldn''t help but mutter softly, "Aren''t you asking for too much for a mere ve, Princess?" "Oh! If isn''t... Saintess" Princess retorted with a confident smile, her gaze fixated on the hooded figure. An unknown tension filled the air, leaving everyone on edge. All in all, ''No one is going to look at the protagonist?'' With pitiful eyes, Aether nced at Kai, who was still trying to impress with his skills. Chapter 97: Only Her [Author''s Note: Discord Server Link: 6JA46z23bw] "It seems like Princess Aqualina is really interested in the Saintess position, but I am sorry to say this... We already filled the quota, and also we cannot ept a person from another empire," the Archpriestess raised her hand and waved, her voice echoing with authority in the grand hall. The followers nodded solemnly and disappeared into the shadows, their presence fading into the background like ghosts. However, one of the hooded figures lingered for a moment longer, casting a piercing gaze at the Princess before vanishing into obscurity. "Sigh, I guess I have gone overboard," the Princess said with a hint of resignation, then posed another question, "How about a Holy artifact that heals any wounds?" The Archpriestess stared at the Princess for a few minutes, her gaze unwavering as she processed the proposal. It was evident that the Holy Artifact had been the Princess''s target from the very beginning. By raising the bar, the Princess gave the impression of lowering herself, yet in reality, it was a clever business-trading strategy. The Archpriestess was well aware of this tactic. She cast a quick nce at the Empress, thinking, ''She just raised another bitch...'' before refocusing on the Princess. Initially inclined to decline, the Archpriestess paused when the Princess proposed, "How about a piece ofnd in your empire?" a move that seemed to lower her own expectations. Now, the Archpriestess hesitated, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. As much as she desired the Aether, she had already arrived with other arrangements. However, in this moment, she couldn''t shake the feeling that this might be her lucky day. Observing the slight hesitation, the Princess concealed a smug smile, resolved to achieve her goal. It wasn''t that there was a shortage ofnd or resources in her empire; obtainingnd within their empire.... Princess could get free entry to anothernd. !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 2.9%] Aether''s eyes widened in rm, prompting him to cease massaging the Archpriestess''s shoulders abruptly. "Princess, you appear fatigued," Aether observed, offering a small ss of revitalizing juice. The Princess''s brow furrowed momentarily, her fatigue evident, before she epted the bottle and took a refreshing sip. "Here," Aether offered respectfully, handing over a towel. The Princess paused for a moment, her demeanor poised, before graciously epting the towel and dabbing at the perspiration on her neck. "Princess, take rest before the next fight," Aether advised, swiftly tidying a nearby chair. "...Are you trying to avoid being sold?" the Princess inquired, a hint of suspicion colouring her tone. "Of course not, Princess. This humble servant''s existence is dedicated to Master Kai and you. I am merely fulfilling my duty," Aether replied with unwavering resolve. ''So why didn''t you take this approach earlier instead of merely rubbing her shoulders?'' the Princess wondered, though she refrained from voicing her thoughts, deeming it disrespectful towards the Archpriestess. Just as she was about to voice her inquiry, the Archpriestess interjected, "Did you witness the spectacle, Princess?" Kai arrived, sporting a smug expression following his victory. "Yes, I observed it with utmost rity. You disyed remarkable prowess," the Princessplimented, her words crafted with finesse, concealing any hint of doubt. ''This girl....'' Aether mumbled inwardly. She never even once nced at Kai''s fight, yet the Princess showered him withpliments... Aether slowly started to understand why Log chose this target. So, that he could fuck himself!! "Haha... Thank you," Kai responded with a shy expression, his cheeks tinged with embarrassment. "My dear future husband, you arrived at the perfect moment," the Princess remarked coyly, a subtle flirtatiousness in her tone. "Cough, Cough," Aether almost coughed up blood, her disbelief evident. Kai''s face flushed even redder, his embarrassment deepening as he absorbed the details. His face slowly turned to shock and surprise... He nced at his father for support, but his father simply shook his head in silent disapproval. "I-I am sorry, Princess, but I cannot make such a decision without my Grandpa''s consent," Kai admitted with a defeated tone. ''Tsk'' Princess clicked her tongue and looked at him even more dissatisfied expression. The Archpriestess observed Kai before shaking her head in resignation... She would try another method. !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 3%] And soon it was Princess''s turn to fight. As Princess fought effortlessly, Aether leaned in towards Kai and remarked, "Master, It seems there was a crack between you two." Kai''s brow furrowed with curiosity, "What do you mean?" he inquired, turning his attention away from the ongoing matches momentarily. "What are you saying, ve?" Timmy interjected as he served drinks to Kai. Ignoring Timmy''s interruption, Aether continued, his words measured yet carrying a sense of urgency, "I mean to say that there''s an opportunity for you to showcase your protective instincts, your strength as a man." "Meaning?" Kai''s interest piqued further while Timmy''s expression darkened. "What I mean is, why not fight in her ce as well and prove that you can protect her?" Aether whispered gently, her words carrying weight. Kai hesitated a little. Timmy, catching onto Aether''s implication, cursed himself inwardly for not suggesting such a bold move sooner. "Furthermore, consider this: while the tournament may seem like showcasing your and Princess''s skill but it is ultimately your moment to shine. She merely ys a part for appearances'' sake," Aether continued, gesturing discreetly towards the Princess, who appeared visibly disinterested in the ongoing battles, "By showcasing your strength and courage before all, you not only demonstrate your worthiness but also earn the admiration of the Empress herself." "I understand..." Kai replied with newfound determination, his gaze alight with resolve as he approached the Empress to express his desire to take on all challengers in the Princess''s stead. The Empress initially seemed taken aback by Kai''s request, but a warm smile graced her lips as she nodded in approval, "That''s how a man should be". Kai''s face lit up with newfound confidence as he nced at Aether, and gave thumps up for his ve''s idea. In return, Aether really wanted to show his middle finger and wanted to say, ''Fuck you!'' but... Aether just bowed with a smile. Meanwhile, Timmy cursed himself for noting up with a n. Amidst the murmurs of the crowd and the buzz of anticipation, an announcement reverberated through the arena, signalling a shift in the proceedings. "From here on, Kai Frostde will take Princess''s ce and fight in her stead!" Princess''s features twisted into a surprised expression as she watched Kai step forward to take her ce in the uing fight. It was the first time Princess truly looked at Kai, and a subtle, genuine smile graced her lips... ''Ba-Dump'' Kai''s heartbeat quickened, a rush of excitement coursing through his veins as he felt the intensity of the moment.His blood surged with anticipation, his eyes sparking with newfound energy and determination. "He at least knows when to man up, Mother," Princess muttered softly to herself, her gaze lingering on Kai with a newfound respect. She then gracefully took her seat beside her mother, her attention fully drawn to the unfolding events of the tournament. The Empress observed the scene with a serene smile. Aether also smiled... but it held a different meaning. Aether, ever attentive to Princess''s needs, smiled warmly as he offered her a towel and a ss of refreshing juice, mirroring his earlier gestures of care and support. Not content with just that, Aether took a few feathers and began to gently wave them in the air, creating a soothing breeze that brushed against Princess''s face... Just how servent treats their Masters. She nced at Aether, who was making every effort to ensure herfort without overstepping his bounds, and she appreciated his thoughtful gesture. Also.. who was trying his best not to sell out... She liked it! [+1 Affection] !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 3.1%] ''URH!! Fuck! Finally!!'' Aether screamed inwardly, a surge of relief and aplishment washing over him. He knew he needed to tread carefully now, especially since Kai would be busy dealing with others. ''Damn It!! I truly felt like I was snatching his wife!!!'' Aether cursed inwardly. "Only her?" Suddenly, the Archpriestess interjected with a frown, "What about me?" dissatisfaction was evident in her tone. !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 3%] ''I want to... cry!'' Chapter 98: A successful Plan "Here, Princess," Aether offered a cushioned seat, his tone gentle as he tried to catch her attention. "Do you find itfortable?" Aether inquired, concern evident in his voice as he adjusted the seating arrangement. "How are you feeling, Princess?" Aether continued, his questions aimed at breaking through the Princess''s disinterest. The Princess, almost amused inwardly, observed Aether''s persistent efforts to cater to herfort without crossing any boundaries and.... had been trying his best not to sell out. ''Looks like I''ve found myself a wonderful pet~'' Princess mused, a glint of amusement in her eyes as she nced at Aether, who was dedicatedly attending to her needs. The Empress and the Archpriestess asionally nced at Aether, noting his unwavering dedication to the Princess''sfort. When they ordered him, Aether rejected them without hesitation saying, ''My Master ordered me to look after his future bride''. Though they felt something weird in those words, they shrugged and concentrated on the fight that Kai was showcasing his skills for recognition in the Princess''s eyes while Aether was showcasing his bootlicking skills to seduce the Princess. ''I look like a Simp... don''t I?'' Aether thought as he looked at the haughty princess. But what could he do? Push her against the wall and seal her lips like a man? His head would roll before even touching the Princess''s lips. Aether sighed and offered some juice while fanning her with arge feather and looked at Kai''s fight... "Come on, This is all you''ve got!!" Kai said with an arrogant face as he looked at the opponent. The opponent was breathing heavily while struggling to stand on the ground. "Y-You are tough, Young Man," he said and then... "Nah, I have more important things than looking at his fight," Aether clicked his tongue as he averted his eyes from the battleground and looked at the Princess, who was smiling with a cunning face. ''... Log, are you sure I can seduce this cunning woman?... Haven''t you increased the difficulty level very fast from ''F'' to ''SS''?'' Aether asked inwardly but sighed, knowing his system wasn''t going to answer him anyway. ''Grrrrr,'' Timmy gritted his teeth seeing Aether acting all big. While he was serving other nobles, Aether, who was a ve serving the Princess... It was supposed to be Timmy who needed to serve the Princess, and yet.... "I will make you pay!" Timmy muttered under his breath, then looked at the strong wine bottle. Timmy couldn''t help but leak a sly smile. "Princess... Do you require anything else?" Aether asked wearily, his expression fatigued as he sought a brief respite for his overworked hands. "I desire some sweet dishes," the Princess ordered, her tone expectant yet casual. Aether breathed a sigh of relief before making his way toward the food court to procure the requested sweets. As he carefully selected the delectable treats, "Looks like you are tired" Timmy remarked as he positioned himself before Aether, a hint of concern veiled in his words. "What do you need?" Aether responded without turning to face him. Timmy''s frustration was palpable as he struggled to contain his emotions, extending a bottle of water towards Aether with a forced nonchnce, "Here," he muttered, his tone tinged with a hint of reluctant concern. Aether paused in his movements, regarding Timmy with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion as he epted the water bottle. ''That''s unexpected,'' he thought to himself, noting Timmy''s unusual gesture. "I-I thought you might be feeling fatigued, so I brought this for you... Not that I actually care," Timmy hastily exined as he quickly retreated. ''.... What''s with the sudden tsundere mode ?'' Aether wondered silently, casting a puzzled nce at the water bottle before continuing with his task. ''Sigh, I am also tired....'' Aether thought before opening the cap and sniffing to check if Timmy had done something. To his surprise, there was no smell, and so... ''gllluuppppp'' He poured the water down into the.... dustbin! Observing Aether''s actions, Timmy couldn''t hide his astonishment, his failed attempt at deceptionid bare before Aether''s discerning eyes. ''Did you really think... Am I that gullible? Small boys,'' Aether smirked. He had yet to receive any kind of AP from Timmy till now, so there was no way in hell Aether would going to drink whatever Timmy gave him. ''Ggrrrrr,'' Timmy gritted his teeth in sheer anger. He could not believe his n had failed, even though he had used odourless vodka! ''Pat.'' A sudden tap on his shoulder startled Timmy, causing him to whirl around ande face-to-face with his father''s stern gaze. "F-Father?" "You still have much to learn, my son," Alfred admonished, directing his attention towards Selene. "Hmm?" Timmy frowned and shocked to see.... Selene, who was making her way toward Aether with a water bottle in her hand. A few minutes earlier, Unlike Timmy, who had resorted to a wed strategy, Alfred, the seasoned strategist, sprang into action when he perceived his son''s position under threat from a lowly ve. Leveraging Selene''s concern for Aether''s well-being, Alfred orchestrated a subtle manoeuvre, offering her a drink and nting seeds of worry regarding Aether''s health. "Surely he works too hard... I fear he may fall ill if he continues to push himself," Alfred remarked with a disappointed nce in Aether''s direction, subtly prompting Selene to take action. Without hesitation, Selene, clutching the water bottle, trembled with concern for Aether''s well-being and hastened towards him. Now, "That''s how you strategize, my son," Alfredmended, patting Timmy''s back approvingly. ".... Alright," Timmy reluctantly agreed, although he hated involving Selene. However, he understood the necessity for the greater good of their ns. "Once he consumes that, you must be prepared to intervene and protect the princess, understood?" Alfred instructed sternly, his gaze fixed on Timmy, who nodded resolutely as they observed Selene timidly offering the water bottle. [+1000 Affection] "Is this for me?" Aether inquired, his gaze resting on Selene. "Yes, please drink it. Otherwise, you''ll fall ill from overworking yourself for other women!" Selene''s dissatisfaction was evident as she voiced her concern, fueled by a tinge of jealousy at Aether''s attentiveness to others. Aether hesitated briefly, eyeing the water bottle before epting it and consuming its contents without second thoughts. !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 4%] "Cough, Cough," Aether coughed, his eyes widening in surprise as he read the unexpected words. "H-hey, what''s wrong? Take it slow, you fool," Selene chided, her worry palpable as she gently patted his head. "W-What''s happening to me?" Aether muttered, his gaze bing hazy as a strange sensation enveloped his mind, rendering it fuzzy and unfocused. "Are you alright?" Selene asked with concern, reaching for her handkerchief to wipe his drooling mouth... But then, "Kya!" Chapter 99: Drunken man Part-1 "E-Ether?!!" Selene''s whisper was barely audible, her cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red. Selene found herself leaning back against the wall as Aether executed.... a Kabedon! "Hmm~" Aether''s head swayed slightly as he hazily gazed at the trembling girl before him, his words slurring slightly as if intoxicated by something. "Hehe... You looookkk cuteee~" " Aether drawled, his eyes fixated on her mesmerizing blue orbs. [+1000 Affection] "!!!" Selene''s face turned even redder, her gaze dropping shyly as she struggled to withstand Aether''s overwhelming charm and straightforwardness. "Hey~" Aether''s voice was teasing as he caught her chin and lifted her head. Selene clenched her fist, attempting to push him away, yet her resolve weakened... Her true strength drained under the spell of his captivating eyes. "Haha... Not going to resist?" Aether teased, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes. ".... L-let me go..." Selene''s voice wavered, barely audible as tears threatened to spill from her eyes. Undeterred, Aether ced her hand on his abdomen, with his voice low and seductive as he whispered, "I won''t release you until you grant me a kiss at the spot where you once struck me~" His words sent a shiver down her spine, weakening her resolve even further. "... p...lease, every... everyone... is... here..." Selene''s voice trailed off, barely audible as if she were speaking to herself. "Hehe..." Aether chuckled softly, his expression turning wicked as he observed the blush spreading across her cheeks. Just as he reached out to caress her hair, a voice interrupted their intimate moment. "What do you think you''re doing?" Velc''s voice rang out with menace as he grabbed Aether''s shoulder with a vice-like grip. "Hmm? Velc?" Aether turned back, his expression now a mix of annoyance and defiance as he met Velc''s intense gaze. "I already told you, Master. He is harassing the Young Lady!" Timmy chimed in again, his tone condescending. "You dare to call my name, you bastard!" Velc''s anger surged, his grip on Aether''s shoulder tightening further, his knuckles turning white with rage... if not for the party, Velc would have already beaten Aether to a pulp!! "Ha! Then what am I supposed to call you... An asshole?" Aether retorted sharply, his annoyance evident as he confronted Velc''s aggression, "Also take your hands off me... You''re hurting me." "!!!!" Velc''s eyes widened in fury, his veins pulsating on his forehead. ''Crack, Crack'' Aether winced as Velc''s grip caused his shoulder to audibly crack. Gritting his teeth, Aether moved away from Selene, fixing Velc with an indifferent stare, "I said you. are. hurting. me!" His tone was firm as he gripped Velc''s forearms in return. Themotion drew everyone''s attention, all eyes turning towards Aether and Velc. Feeling everyone''s gaze, As much as Velc wanted to beat the shit out of this ungrateful ve... but Velc suppressed his rage, mindful of not spoiling his son''s celebratory asion. Releasing his hold on Aether''s shoulder, Velc approached Selene with concern evident in his voice, "Did he do anything to you, my dear?" Selene who was finallying out from her dreand, said with a blushing face, "N-No Father...." Seeing her daughter in a weakened state, Velc couldn''t help ring at Aether, however, "Where is he now?" Velc demanded. "H-He went to see the Princess..." Timmy stammered, casting a worried nce at Aether, who was walking unsteadily. "Stop him, before he causes any moremotion" Velc said with a sweating face. If ve acted disrespectfully then it totally falls on their Master... That was Kai! "F-Father, what did you give him?" Timmy''s concern was palpable, but Alfred remained silent, focusing on assisting Selene and Velc. Alfred approached Timmy, his voice barely a whisper as he imparted a directive to his son. "Wait a little bit and....Go and intervene only after he behaves rudely towards the princess... This is your chance to get into Princess''s good side" With a nod of understanding, Timmy prepared to carry out his father''s instructions. "Hmm?" The Princess''s brows furrowed as she noticed Aether standing before her, obstructing her view. "What? Did you get the sweats?" The Princess asked, her tone dismissive as she waved her hand in annoyance. "... Yes~" Aether replied with a small smile, his cheeks flushing as he gazed hazily at the Princess. "...." The Princess frowned at his peculiar expression, then inquired, "Where?" ".... Here..." Aether extended his arms as if pointing towards himself. "What in the...? tsk... Are you drunk?" The Princess''s annoyance deepened, and she gestured for the stationed soldiers. "Throw this useless out" The Princess ordered as the soldiers nodded and moved forward. "Come with us, you disgraceful dog!" One soldier barked, gripping Aether''s cor to drag him away. "Hmm... Did you just call me a dog?" Aether tilted his head slightly but remained rooted in ce. "YOU---!!" The soldier''s frustration peaked, raising his hand to strike Aether when suddenly, "Thud" The soldier copsed unconscious as something struck his neck. "How dare you call me a dog... You dog!!" Aether''s annoyance was palpable as he stood over the fallen soldier. The other soldiers were taken aback by the unexpected turn of events.... Aether knocked out the soldier with just his hands! "What the hell are you waiting for? Throw this v--Hfffffff!!" The Princess, about to issue anothermand, was abruptly silenced as Aether firmly cupped her mouth. "What are you bitching about, bitch?" Aether''s tone was sharp, reflecting his irritation. "!!!" The Princess''s face flushed red with a mixture of shame and anger. Never in her life had she imagined a ve would dare to act against her authority. Her gaze shifted to her Mother, to her surprise, her mother, who watched the scene with an indifferent yet amused expression. The entire room was filled with shocked and horrified expressions as everyone stared at Aether, expecting imminent retribution. However, the Empress remained calm, her amusement evident in her eyes as she observed Aether''s boldness. Even though it was her daughter, the Empress remained calm as if... She was nning something. Everyone nced at Velc with pitiful eyes as if they predicted somewhat a certain oue. Even the battlefield seemed to freeze, with Kai wearing a horrified expression as he witnessed Aether''s audacity in touching his woman. "Tsk, tsk, tsk... Despite your beautiful face.... You reek of annoying bitch!!!" Aether remarked with disdain, withdrawing his hand from the Princess''s face as if he had touched something repulsive. He nced towards the Empress, who had been staring at him with a dead re. "Hah..." Aether''s smile softened, his tone affectionate as he addressed the Empress, "You are far more beautiful than your bitchy daughter~" "!!!!" The gathered audience gasped collectively, shocked by Aether''s boldness. The Archpriestess, who had been observing the situation, sighed inwardly. She knew the Empress enjoyed yful banter, but there were moments when her patience could wear thin, potentially leading to a serious conflict. Aether was extremely drunk now... so better stop this before anything got out of her hands. "Ae- Young man---" Yet, Before the Archpriestess could intervene, Aether spoke again, his tone filled with usation, "You, How dare you kiss me?!!!" "WHAT?!!!" The collective gasp that echoed through the room betrayed the shock and disbelief at Aether''s revtion. ''Crack, Crack'' The armrest of the Empress''s seat suddenly splintered... !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 5%] Chapter 100: Drunken man Part-2 Before Aether caused themotion..... just a few minutes earlier, "Your Majesty..." The Empress''s maid leaned in to whisper something into Empress''s ear, her voice carrying a sense of urgency. "Interesting..." The Empress murmured with an amused tone, her gaze fixated on the unfolding events. She hadn''t anticipated Alfred resorting to such underhanded tactics. Alfred, ever the cunning strategist, had spiked the drinks with a potent blend of vodka and other ingredients designed to get drunk very fast and reveal their true feelings. The mixture was carefully crafted to be nearly colourless and odourless, a sign that Alfred had been nning this moment.Moreover, he had utilized Selene as a pawn in his scheme. It became evident that Alfred''s intentions were to stir up turmoil before the Empress, who, in turn, was well aware of her upromising stance regarding any disruption to her daughter''s engagement. And since, the way Aether was being treated... She somehow expected what kind ofmotion Aether going to cause! ''Does he want me to kill Aether?'' Her mind raced with possibilities, but she quickly dismissed the thought. Any harm to Aether would cause Kai also to suffer and Mortimer would kill anyone if something happened to their grandchildren. "Aha! I understand now," The Empress eximed, her eyes alight withprehension. "He needed my daughter''s acknowledgement for his son." She nodded in realization, her smile tinged with malice. She marvelled at how a mere butler dared to manipte her, a woman who had grown up amidst deception and enmity... to reach this position. She wanted to watch the unfolding drama unfold and... Thus, she casually witnessed everything not interfering, observing how her daughter would react. Would she be manipted by others, or would she carefully calcte every move? But then, "You, How dare you kiss me?" When those words reached her ears, something inside her heart snapped, and she crushed the armrest without realizing it. "What the...?" Shock registered on her face as she witnessed her own intense reaction. "Presumptuous!" One of the followers of the revered Archpriestess materialized before Aether. "Hmm?" Aether inebriated and with a gaze softened by the haze of alcohol, tilted his head in mild confusion. "You dare defile our esteemed Archpriestess with your despicable words!" The follower''s voice dripped with anger. "...Hey, brat! She''s the one who dared to defile my lips!" Aether''s retort was sharp, edged with disbelief and a touch of anger as he grappled with being used andbelled as disgusting. He didn''t do anything wrong... did he?! "Grrrr!" The followers, their faces hidden by the shadows of their hooded cloaks, visibly bristled with anger, their collective fury manifesting in the flickering of candlelight around them, as if the very air crackled with tension, ready to unleash retribution upon the filthy ve when, "C-Calm yourselves. He''s clearly intoxicated," the Archpriestess interjected, her voice a soothing balm amidst the escting conflict. Her tone carried a blend of authority andpassion as if she were a deity extending mercy to a wayward soul, "His words may be but the ramblings of a troubled mind. Let us escort this young man out with gentleness and understanding." "See, this is our benevolent Archpriestess," the follower remarked, their voice dripping with sarcasm as they turned to address Aether, "And yet you im she kissed contact with you... You insolent fool!" Aether chose to ignore the follower''s usations, instead fixing his disbelieving gaze upon the Archpriestess whose acting far better than him, and couldn''t help but utter these words, "Are you being serious? The Archpriestess''s cheeks tinted a faint shade of crimson, a fleeting sign of vulnerability amidst herposed facade, before she regained her sereneposure, veiling her expression in a mask of maternal forgiveness... like a good godmother,while inwardly thinking, ''Come on, Aether calm down first!!'' Though the Archpriestess adeptly concealed her inner turmoil from the prying eyes of those present, the Empress, with her keen intuition honed by years of navigating court intrigues, sensed the underlying tension, ''This... bitch!'' The Empress seethed inwardly, her displeasure palpable, especially as it became increasingly clear that the Archpriestess had indeed kissed him. With a tightening grip on the already fractured armrest, the Empress grappled with a surge of unexpected anger.She wasn''t sure why but she was getting angry over a kiss... and she didn''t like it for some reason. "You need not fret, Archpriestess. I shall seek justice from the ruler of their Empire," the follower remarked, their tone carrying a thinly veiled threat as it addressed the Empress directly. "Is this the manner in which Empress Marisandra Naiadia extends hospitality to esteemed guests? By allowing a mere ve to be embroiled in such controversies and insult our revered ruler!" The Empress''s expression darkened at the insinuation, her gaze piercing as it settled upon the Archpriestess, silently conveying her disapproval. "Rest assured, I will conduct a ''THOROUGH'' investigation into this matter." Everyone present was visibly taken aback to hear that the Empress wanted to investigate rather than immediately resort to beheading a ve, but still... ''What exactly was she nning to investigate instead of killing a ve?'' They wondered, their curiosity piqued. Hearing that, Alfred''s face turned a shade paler as he immediately nudged his son to initiate the nned act; otherwise, their heads would undoubtedly be rolling on the unforgiving ground. "I certainly hope so!" The Follower snorted, a hint of scepticism underlying their words. Though the followers desired immediate action against the ve, they were aware of the limitations imposed by their position, refraining from taking matters into their own hands. The Archpriestess couldn''t help but be filled with apprehension upon hearing the Empress''s intent. It would be a simple matter if everyone believed Aether was just drunk and blurting unconsciously, yet If Empress got involved... She knew everyone might find out, and major problems would arise in her empire. "T-There is truly no need for such drastic measures, Empress. He is clearly intoxicated. Why should we inflict harm on an innocent soul? Let us simply leave this matter be," the Archpriestess implored, her voice tinged with concern andpassion. But then, "Archpriestess, while I understand your sentiments, this matter pertains deeply to our Empire''s honour and dignity!" The Follower''s tone grew sombre as they emphasized the gravity of the situation. The Archpriestess furrowed her brow, a flicker of frustration crossing her features. ''Is she overstepping her bounds now?'' With a stern countenance, she asserted, "Hey, know your ce, Saintess." "!!!" The follower flinched and immediately bowed their head in contrition, seeking forgiveness, "F-Forgive me, Archpriestess!" Acknowledging the apology with a nod, the Archpriestess then turned her gaze to the Empress, her expression now resolute, "There is no need to expend our resources on a mere ve. Please escort him out." The Empress''s lips twitched imperceptibly, her suspicions growing stronger as she observed the Archpriestess''s peculiar behaviour. "How dare you act insane before the princess!" Timmy arrived at the scene with a visibly angry expression, his emotions simmering beneath the surface. "P-Princess, are you alright?" Timmy''s voice held genuine concern as he looked at the frustrated Princess, his eyes filled with worry and uncertainty. "I am fine," the Princess replied curtly, her gaze shifting to her mother, who awaited her decision with a patient yet expectant demeanour. She understood that her mother wanted her to demonstrate the resolve befitting a future Queen. "Throw him into the battle arena!" Shemanded, her voiceced with fury and determination. Hearing hermand, Timmy and Alfred exchanged triumphant smiles, while the Empress let out an inward sigh, recognizing that her daughter still needed time to grasp the intricacies of politics and maniption. "You are easily swayed by anger... just like a younger version of me," the Empress mused silently. "I will carry out your orders, Your Highness!" Timmy''s voice held a note of victory as he bowed deeply before the Princess and seized Aether''s cor. Aether, already slipping into a drunken stupor, struggled to maintain his bnce. "Come with me, you worthless ve!" Timmy shouted, preparing to drag Aether away, but before he could act ''Thud'' Timmy''s eyes widened in shock as he found himself lifted effortlessly by Aether, who then forcefully mmed him down with a swift throwing manoeuvre, leaving Timmy sprawled on the ground in disbelief. "Don''t... Don''t you... ''hick'' dare touch me!" Aether slurred, his wordsced with drunken defiance as he red at Timmy. "Useless!" The Princess spat disdainfully at Timmy, dismissing him with contempt. Without further assistance, she strode purposefully toward Aether, her intent clear.... "BOOM!!" Aether was sent hurtling through the air like aet, crashing onto the battleground below. "Those who beat him to a pulp will receive generous rewards from me!" The Princess announced, her tone resolute as she dismissed Kai with a disappointed gaze and called him back. The Empress was clearly dissatisfied by her daughter''s actions, observing how easily she was manipted by others. Meanwhile, the Archpriestess bit her nails nervously, consumed by fear and concern for what fate might befall Aether due to the unfolding events. She had arrived with the intent to buy him, not to witness his suffering. Chapter 101: Drunken Man Part-3 "P-Princess, please forgive him!" Velc pleaded, not for the ve''s life but for Kai''s, who was tied to Aether. "Y-Yes, Princess. If Aether is harmed, it only affects Kai''s well-being!" Selene spoke with a mix of worry and mild fear, the consequences of the drink she had offered weighing heavily on her conscience. She shot a silent re at Alfred, who bowed alongside Velc. ''Tsk, I can''t believe I fell for their obvious trick... again!'' Selene''s heart filled with increasing hatred as she contemted dealing with Alfredter. For now, Aether''s safety was more important to her than anything! Kai, arriving on the scene, bowed deeply and pleaded, "I am sorry Your Highness. Please forgive me for failing to discipline my ve!" "Tsk, Kai... Do you think a mere ''Sorry'' is sufficient?" The Princess''s fury was palpable, her disgust at Aether''s actions still fresh. He not only disrespectfully touched her but also called her ''Bitch''.... in front of her mother.That was truly a disgrace to royalty, yet she couldn''t behead the person.... all due to Aether''s fate being tied to Kai. "I-I am truly sorry, Princess! Please give me another chance!" Kai''s face drained of colour, He already suffered a lot of pain due to his idiocy in his past actions whenever something happened to Aether.... He couldn''t bear the thought of enduring such suffering again. "He dared to touch your future wife," the Princess reminded Kai. Kai clenched his teeth, knowing all too well how Aether had treated the Princess, "I-I..." The Princess nced at the Empress, who shook her head in disapproval. With a sigh, the Princessposed herself slightly before continuing, "I cannot overlook the disgrace brought upon me by a ve who also insulted a ruler from another Empire" She directed a pointed look at the Archpriestess before returning her gaze to Velc and his family, "However, once he has suffered enough, I will consider this matter resolved." Velc''s expression shifted to one of relief, "T-Thank--" but the Princess quickly interjected, "But you must understand, this situation arose because of your decision to tie Kai... an Arcane King''s fate... to a mere ve." Velc lowered his head not wanting to delve into that matter, and the Princess turned her gaze to Selene for a brief moment before shifting her attention eagerly to the battleground. She longed to witness the broken hands that had dared to touch her face. Back in the battleground, a voice shouted, "Hey, wake up!" at Aether, whoy motionless on the ground. Noticing he wasn''t stirring, someone poured water over Aether''s body. "sprrlllll" "H-Huh!" Aether jolted awake suddenly, startled by the cold sensation of water on his skin. Wiping the droplets from his face, he muttered, "W-Where am.... I?" His mind was still clouded and hazy. "Ah? You are in the ce called... mercy that is if you want your life" Upon hearing the response, Aether turned his gaze towards the source and beheld a bulky man standing before him, the weight of a humongous hammer resting casually on his shoulder. "Who are you?" Aether inquired, attempting to rise but losing his bnce and falling back down. "Hahaha..." "Look at him!! Hahaha" "He''s a clown!! Hahaha" The mockingughter echoed around Aether as others couldn''t help but join in, finding humour in his pathetic predicament. ''Why is the ground so slippery?'' Aether wondered, cautious as he tried to stand again. "Man, you really messed up," the bulky man remarked, his tone a mixture of amusement and disdain. Aether, however, paid him no mind, focusing instead on his drenched coat. "Fuck! It was a good one," he muttered, frustrated at the ruined attire, before discarding the red coat. Silence fell like a heavy nket as Aether removed the coat, revealing his drenched form. [+10 Affection] [+10 Affection] [+10 Affection] [+10 Affection] ... ... Aether found himself overwhelmed by the sudden influx of affection points. "What''s happening?" Aether furrowed his brow, perplexed by the strange urrences around him. Unaware of his own innate charm and its impact, he failed to realize that his mere presence was causing a stir among the onlookers, especially the lower levelled women who struggled to tear their eyes away from his drenched physique. The majority of the women were genuinely taken aback by the ve''s impressive physique. The idea of having such a ve under theirmand stirred desires.... The women couldn''t help but gulp their dried throats. ''Oh my~'' ''Shit, I want him as my personal toy ve~'' ''Fuck, I-I think I wet my panties~'' These unspoken sentiments simmered beneath theirposed exteriors, hidden from public view but undeniable in their intensity. "You done?" The bulky man asked, his annoyance evident as he eyed Aether''s appearance. "Yes?... !!!" Aether responded, but his expression shifted to one of rm as he saw the hammer hurtling towards him. Reacting swiftly, Aether crouched to avoid the iing attack. "BOOM!" "W-What''s your wrong with you?" Aether questioned cautiously, eyeing the massive crater left in the ground by the powerful impact of the hammer. "Hmm? Seems you''re quicker than I gave you credit for," the bulky man remarked with a smirk, "Anyway, since you''ve disgraced our Princess, everyone here wants to teach you a lesson." "Princess?" Aether''s brows furrowed as he nced towards the haughty figure of the Princess observing the spectacle. His lips twitched "You bitc--" but before he could voice them... "You should pay attention to me, boy! Or else, you won''t see how you meet your end," the bulky man warned before swinging his hammer again. "BOOM!" Once more, Aether narrowly evaded the attack, frustration evident in his expression as he retorted, "You Fucker," before delivering a swift punch towards the man''s jaw. "Thud!" However, the bulky man barely flinched, his eyes reflecting pity for Aether''s punch felt like a little mosquito bite. "Hmm?" Aether tilted his head in confusion, surprised that his punch didn''t have enough impact to break the bulky man''s jaws. Grabbing Aether''s hand effortlessly, the man taunted, "You''re weak, boy. If you beg for mercy and grovel before me, I might go easy on you." With a forceful motion, he threw Aether back. "THUM!" The sound reverberated through the arena as the bulky man hurled his hammer at Aether without hesitation. "BOOM!!" "!!!!" "!!!!" A collective gasp echoed through the crowd as they witnessed the bulky man''s ruthless action, taking Aether''s life without a moment''s hesitation, contrary to Princess''s initial intent of teaching him a lesson. "NO!!!" Selene''s cry rang out in despair, reflecting the shock and horror that rippled through the onlookers. As the dust settled, the crowd saw the hammer m on the ground just inches... Just a few inches away from Aether''s head, a chilling reminder of how close he hade to death. The bulky man, wearing a smirk of triumph, remarked, "Next time... it''ll be your head," a threat that hung heavy in the air. Aether remained motionless, his gaze fixed on the hammer for several long moments... no one knew what he was thinking... most likely, no one cared. Seeing him not getting up, "He wet himself! Hahaha..." "I bet he''s missing his mommy right now! Hahaha" "It looks like he''s learned his lesson!" The crowd''s taunts and jeers filled the arena, adding insult to injury as Aethery defeated on the ground. The bulky man''s smirk widened, his satisfaction evident as he reflected, ''Thank goodness I acted decisively; otherwise, I might have missed out on this easy reward!'' With amanding tone, he ordered, "Announcer, it seems our little ve has been thoroughly traumatized. Remove him from the arena!" The Announcer turned towards the Princess, who wore a dissatisfied expression at this unexpected turn of events. Just as she was about to nod in agreement, "Weak..." A lonely voice came. All eyes snapped to the source..... finding Aether standing up slowly, his hand reaching out for the handle of the hammer. "Weak...hehe Me?... hehe" Aether''sughter carried an eerie tone, sending a chill down the spines of those present. "!!" Even the Empress turned alert, recognizing the unsettlingughter she had heard before. It wasn''t just her; others who heard that uncannyugh couldn''t shake off memories of the.... dark entity. "Hmm? What''s all this mumbling?" The bulky man questioned, surprised by Aether''s audacity in attempting to lift the massive hammer. "Kid, you must be joking! Do you think you can wield my hammer?" The bulky mancouldn''t help butugh, "Hahaha.... You can''t even scratch me and you...hahaha... Yet...haha... Yet, Do you think you can lift that?!!...ahaha" But Aether paid no heed to the mockery. His mind echoed with the words "Weak" and "Grovel," triggering a painful memory. ''p'' "You should grovel before your brother! You wretched failure!" His second father''s harsh words echoed in Aether''s mind, apanied by the sting of a p. Turning his gaze to the smirking bulky man, Aether''s lips curled into a small, uncanny smile as he muttered, " Hehe... Let''s see who ends up grovelling ~" His words sent a shiver down the spine of everyone present. !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 5.5%?] Chapter 102: Drunken Man Part-4 "Hmm? Have you lost your mind?" The bulky man''s frown deepened as he observed Aether''s unusual behaviour. "Mad? Me? Hehehe..." Aether''s chuckle carried an unsettling edge, his hazy eyes locked onto his target. Veins bulged on Aether''s forearm as he tightened his grip on the hammer, murmuring quietly to himself, "Increase the strength" !~Ding~! [Error] [Limit reached ording to the Level] "I said... Increase it, Bitch" [...] !~Ding~! [+9 Magic Affinity] [Magic Affinity: 10] [Remaining AP: 24423] !~Ding~! [You have Leveled up!!] [Level: 2] !~Ding~! [Congrattions on Leveling up] [Reward: 10000 Affection Points] !~Ding~! [+10 Strength] [Strength: 20] [Remaining AP: 24423] [Error] [Limit reached ording to the Level] Aether''s hand trembled with newfound power, pulsating with energy as the veins throbbed beneath his skin. ''ttrrr'' The hammer quivered, causing the bulky man''s eyes to widen in astonishment and disbelief, "W-What in the world...? H-He was weak just moments ago!" he stammered, his gaze fixed on Aether, who now radiated an overwhelming aura of arcane energy and pressure. Even the spectators couldn''t help but be captivated by the sudden transformation. Empress leaned forward, her expression filled with intrigue. Princess, on the other hand, frowned at the unexpected turn of events. It was then that the Empress leaned in and whispered in her ear, imparting words of wisdom.... "My dear daughter, the world is always full of surprises... So you must be ready for anything." Aether''s gentle smile sent a shiver down the bulky man''s spine, leaving him unsettled and uncertain of what woulde next. "Grovel?.... Me?"Aether pointed at himself incredulously, a hint of amusement colouring his tone, "Hehehe... It''s been a long time since I''ve heard someone say that to me.... Hmm... How long has it been? Really... quite a while."His gaze turned nk for a moment as he reminisced, then he refocused on the bulky man before him. "Do you know what happened to them?" Aether lifted the once-heavy hammer effortlessly, cing it casually on his shoulder. A piece of cake!! "H-Heh W-Wait--" The bulky man''s protest was cut short as Aether swiftly acted. "They... begged me to let them grovel before me." "BOOM!!" In an instant, Aether swung the hammer with tremendous force, sending the bulky man crashing to the ground. "Cough, Cough!" "Hmm? Holding up pretty well," Aether remarked, observing the bulky man''s attempt to block the blow with his hands, though the damage was evident... "Your hand is totally broken," Aether noted with a touch of pity as he saw the blood and flesh around the man''s arms crack from the impact. "I-I will... ''cough'' not be defeated by a" The bulky man''s defiant words were interrupted by Aether''s decisive action. "I don''t want to hear your fuckingst words," Aether cut in,gently tapping the hammer''s back without hesitation. "ARRHHH!!" With a final cry of pain, the bulky man sumbed to the overwhelming force of Aether''s blow.... Finally, the Bulky man feels unconscious.Healers took the gained Bulky man. "Hmm..." Aether nodded to himself, cracking his knuckles in a self-satisfied manner. "That''s all?" The participants'' collective anger and fury were palpable. "Come on... I''m just getting started! Don''t disappoint me now," Aether taunted confidently, his demeanour bordering on arrogance. However, a moment of realization crossed his face, ''Shit, I almost forgot this!'' He turned abruptly towards Princess, addressing her with tant disregard. "OI!! Aqualina!" Princess was taken aback by the brazenness of being called out so boldly by a mere ve. "How dare you disre--" "How can I win your heart?" Aether interrupted bluntly, catching everyone off guard with his unexpected question. "...." Silence fell over the arena as Princess and everyone alike processed Aether''s audacious inquiry, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief. ''Damn! We''ve been through a lot of surprises today!'' Participants thought, exchanging bewildered nces as they watched Aether with shock and pity.... wondering how he would die. Princess blinked in confusion for a moment before asking, "What did you just say?" "Hmm? Didn''t you hear it?.... Looks like your ears are also dumb," Aether replied with a feigned look of sadness and pity. Veins bulged on the princess''s forehead, a rare disy of anger for her. She had never been angry in her life!! "Anyway, I asked you, how can I win your heart?" Aether shouted, his mind clearly unstable as he blurted out whatever came to his mind. He figured it would be easier to ask the person directly rather than working hard on his brain to create a shitty n that would never work. ".... H-His he even for real?" Princess couldn''t help but ask, her cheeks flushing slightly with shame and embarrassment. "Hello? Aqualina?" Aether tilted his head, suddenly feeling fatigued and drowsy. Clutching the armrest tightly, Princess muttered, "Damn that ve!" She then shot a re at Kai, who was still trying to make sense of the situation unfolding before him. Turning her attention back to Aether, Princess muttered with a haughty tone, "Then grovel before me!" "Hmm..." Aether flinched, taking a moment to process her demand before responding, "Hehe... Your mother is far more beautiful than you... You know!" "This jerk!! That''s not what I am asking for," Princess snapped in annoyance, her frustration mounting at Aether''s flippant response. She was really annoyed hearing this a second time. Yes, she knew her mother was not only more beautiful than her but also in prowess. However, Aether''s next words sent shockwaves through the entire pce... "I wish I could win her heart~" he murmured hazily, his gaze drifting towards Empress.Thinking this would have been an easy job if Log designated Empress... He might have got an MIL- ahem...A Mature person! "..." Empress blinked in surprise for a few moments before bursting intoughter. "Hahahahaha...." Herughter echoed through the room, genuine and hearty. "Grrrr," Archpriestess gritted her teeth, irritated by Aether''s apparent cosy with Empress. "Mother!! How can youugh? Do you understand what he''s saying?" Princess asked incredulously, her disbelief evident in her eyes. Even Velc and the others couldn''t help but feel shocked and worried about what might transpire next. If Empress decided to kill Aether or even decided to take him forcefulbily, Velc needed to signal his father quickly. Meanwhile, Alfred was sweating bullets, realizing that his ns were spiralling out of control, especially considering Aether''s evident new power. He needed to regain control of the situation before it slipped from his grasp entirely. "Oh~ Dear... hah.... " Empress finally managed topose herself, wiping away a tear from her eye before addressing Aether, "You want my heart? Then prove that you are more than just a... ve." Her words held a cryptic weight as she snapped her fingers, and "Thank you for this opportunity, Your Majesty!" A voice echoed through the arena, causing Aether''s eyes to widen in recognition.... A Familiar Voice! His eyes widened as he turned to see a ck-haired man approaching. "ke..." Aether muttered under his breath, recognizing the figure... The same one that not only tortured him but also hurt Ste. "Prove to me who you truly are. If you do, you will not only win my heart but also the heart of my daughter," Empress dered with a sly smile, her words cryptic yet intriguing. "M-Mother?" Princess was taken aback by her mother''s unexpected turn. ""Your Majesty?"" Both Kai and Velc exchanged shocked expressions, unsure of what was happening. "Hmmm? What are you worried about? He is doing this so that my daughter won''t sell him," Empress rified, shedding light on Aether''s drunken words that had caused misunderstandings. Upon hearing this exnation, everyone in the room sighed in relief, especially Princess and thought, ''Now everything makes sense...''. However, the Empress leaned closer to her daughter and whispered, "My daughter, carefully watch him, and you will feel the.... King, If my hypothesis is right?" "???" Princess was left with numerous questions, bewildered by her mother''s actions. Chapter 103: Drunk Man is Angry Part-1 "OH? You know me, ve?" ke eximed his expression one of surprise. However, Aether couldn''t suppress the eerie chuckle that bubbled up from within him. It started as a faint, almost imperceptible sound, but soon escted into a cacophony of unsettlingughter. "Hehe... hehe... Hehehehehehehehe," This uncanny smile almost made everyone lose control... It felt entirely different from before, though they couldn''t pinpoint exactly how. Thisugh was like that of a.... True manic. ke''s features contorted into a wry expression as he struggled to make sense of the situation. "H-Hey, why are youughing like an idiot?" he stammered, his voice betraying a hint of uncertainty. And yet, despite the apparent anger simmering beneath the surface, Aether continued tough.... augh that seemed to defy reason and logic. "What the...?" ke waspletely caught off guard by Aether''s unexpected reaction. After a few seconds of uninterruptedughter, Aether fixed his gaze on ke with an unsettling intensity. "What the hell, man? Have you gonepletely insane?" ke said with annoyance. "..." Aether remained silent, his eyes boring into ke''s with almost palpable intensity, before finally uttering, "So, you''ve finallye... ah," his words dripping with a strange sense of foreboding. "Pardon?" ke furrowed his brow in confusion what the hell this ve was trying to say? "Whatever..." Aether shrugged indifferently as if dismissing ke''s confusion with a mere wave of his hand, before gesturing for him to approach, "Come at me," ke''s frown deepened as he sensed the simmering rage emanating from Aether''s gaze, a rage that seemed to burn with an intensity that bordered on madness. "Heh..." A sly smirk yed across ke''s lips as he leaned forward ever so slightly, a glint of determination shining in his eyes, "I''ll make you regret acting like a big shot," he said. With a swift stomp of his foot, he closed the distance between them in an instant, ready to engage in battle. ''Bam'' ''Bam'' ke unleashed a flurry of punches with lightning speed, each blow aimed at Aether with deadly precision. ''Hmm?'' ke''s brow furrowed in confusion as he observed Aether''s peculiar blocking stance, a stance that seemed to anticipate his every move with uncanny uracy. It was as if Aether possessed an innate understanding of his opponent''s intentions, reacting with preternatural reflexes that defied exnation. Meanwhile, Aether remained unfazed, his haughty smile never wavering as he effortlessly parried each of ke''s attacks with calcted precision. "What''s going on?" ke''s teammates exchanged puzzled nces as they watched the battle unfold before them, unable toprehend why their leader had yet to unleash his full power. "Perhaps he seeks to defeat the ve through sheer skill alone, without relying on his magic," one suggested, the uncertainty evident in his voice. "Hmm... There''s something peculiar about that ve... I swear I''ve seen him before," another muttered under his breath. ''Thud'' ''-Huff-Huff-'' ke staggered backwards, his chest heaving with exertion as he struggled to catch his breath. Despite his best efforts, he found himself unable tond a single blow on Aether, whose unwaveringposure seemed to mock his every move. "Looks like your body is tougher than I thought," ke remarked, a begrudging admiration shining through his words. "Hmm... Finished with your assessment?" Aether inquired casually, his expression betraying no hint of fatigue or exertion. "Oh? So, you knew I was just testing you?" ke''s surprise was evident in his expression. Indeed, after witnessing Aether''s fight with the bulky man, ke had intended to gauge Aether''s physical capacity before the actual confrontation. Aether remained silent, merely beckoning ke once again. "Hmm..." ke''s smile widened as he muttered, "Arcane!" With those words, a faint light emanated from ke''s sternum, manifesting as a small, sliver-colored card that popped up and hovered before him. Taking the card, ke exined, "This is my Arcane Card. Now, I''d like you to show me yours." ke was keen to see what kind of card Aether held, as it would determine his next course of action. "Why should I?" Aether''s frown deepened. "Pufff..." "Hahaha... Look at him, the illiterate ve." "He doesn''t even know basic courtesy." "What do you expect from a ve? Hahaha." Amidst the mocking words, Aether discerned that the world he now found himself in adhered to strange social conventions beforebat. ke couldn''t help but smile as he remarked, "There''s no need to be shy. Even if your aptitude is low, your performance wasmendable for a ve." Veins bulged on Aether''s forehead as he listened to everyone acting as if they knew more than him. "Tsk, Come out, Bitch" Aether said with annoyance, his frustration evident in his tone. "...." A hush fell over the crowd momentarily, followed by a wave of murmurs. "H-Hey, what did he just say?" "Bitch? Who''s he calling a bitch?" "A-Arcane? The god!" "This ve has some nerve to use those words for the god!!" "No knowledge, no respect... Totally useless except for his handsomeness!" The criticism of Aether''s behaviour spread among the onlookers. ke and his team couldn''t contain theirughter at Aether''s outburst. ke then regarded Aether with disdain and began, "Do you really think our Arcane god would--" His words were abruptly cut off as a small light emerged from Aether''s sternum. "What the..." People gasped in disbelief as the Arcane card reacted to Aether''s words. With eager anticipation, they waited to see what kind of card would be revealed... But, to their surprise, "nk?" "..." The crowd was genuinely surprised to see a nk, transparent card hovering before Aether. "Hahahahaha...." Laughter erupted across the field as the situation turned into aedic spectacle. Velc and his family were utterly shocked to witness Aether summoning an Arcane Card. "S-Seriously, man, I was really worried, you know... I thought you were going to unveil something silver or gold," ke said with visible relief. "Hmm... Do you think this determines my talent?" Aether asked as he flipped the card back and forth between his fingers. "Of cour---''Sllckkk''" Before ke could respond, Aether flicked his Arcane card with lightning speed. It shot past ke, cutting his cheek before disintegrating into particles and vanishing. Chapter 104: Drunk man is Angry Part-2 ''Shckkk'' Aether ced a hand on his chest, feeling the card return to its ce without the need for a summon, "I suppose it returns to the user and... no one could steal it," Aether muttered under his breath, his gaze fixed on ke, who was still recovering from the sudden attack. "Are you okay? Don''t die on me now... I still have a score to settle," Aether remarked with a sly grin, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "YOU!!" ke snapped, his eyes filled with hatred as he red at Aether. "That''s more like it. Come at me now," Aether nodded in satisfaction, observing ke seethe with anger. ke clenched his Arcane Card tightly, and in a swift motion, the card dispersed into shimmering particles of silver before coalescing into a long, slender sword. With determination in his eyes, ke lunged toward Aether, the sword gleaming as it sliced through the air, his intent clear.... to defeat his opponent once and for all. "Increase Agility," Aether muttered under his breath. !~Ding~! [+1 Agility] [Agility: 11] ''Shhh'' Just as ke''s sword was about to connect with Aether''s neck, Aether dodged it with lightning speed, narrowly avoiding the lethal strike. "What the..." ke was momentarily taken aback, his confusion evident as he struggled toprehend Aether''s sudden burst of speed. Despite having analyzed Aether''s movements and speed beforehand, he found himself surprised by the sudden increase in Aether''s agility. "He''s improving..." Empress murmured quietly, her gaze fixed on Aether''s now more intriguing eyes, which seemed to hold secrets beyondprehension. "Yes..." Archpriestess nodded in agreement, noting Aether''s newfound confidence and careless demeanour, a stark contrast to his earlier cautiousness. "BAM!!" Aether swiftly countered ke''s momentary distraction with a powerful punch to his gut. ke staggered back, coughing up blood as the force of the blow took its toll. With a defiant re, he locked eyes with Aether, his gaze burning with determination. "Yes... I quite like those eyes," Aether remarked with a smile, his expression a mix of drunken and delight. ''Tsk, He''s clearly concealing his true strength,'' ke thought to himself, his resolve hardening as he prepared tounch another assault on Aether, this time with heightened caution and vignce against any potential blind spots. "Hmm..." Aether''s smile widened as he once again muttered, "Increase Agility" !~Ding~! [+1 Agility] [Agility: 12] ''Shhh'' ''Too fast!!'' ke''s eyes widened in disbelief as Aether effortlessly evaded his attack once more. Reacting swiftly, ke attempted an unexpected de swing, only to have it redirected to the ground by Aether''s agile manoeuvre. However, before ke could fullyprehend the situation, a voice echoed from behind him.... "That''s a mistake many make..." ''He''s behind me!!'' ke''s realization came toote as Aether''s swift kick connected with his body. ''Thud'' ''Thud'' ''Thud'' ke tumbled across the ground, his body rolling several times beforeing to a stop. ''Thu'' Spitting blood from his mouth, ke''s lips twitched in pain. The impact from Aether''s kick had taken its toll, leaving ke to acknowledge Aether''s strength and agility, ''He''s not just strong... he''s faster than I anticipated,'' ke acknowledged inwardly, his mind racing through any potential opening. ke knew he needed a magician to back him up. He nced at his party members, who looked at him with worried expressions. ''N-No, I mustn''t fall now. I need to win this tournament and earn the money that Empress promised us,'' he thought. When they arrived topete in the tournament, they received an unexpected visit from the Empress''s Maid. She informed them that they only needed to defeat one opponent to receive a generous reward, and without hesitation, ke and his team agreed. Aether observed ke, pondering, ''Did I really get beaten by this guy...?'' He followed ke''s gaze, wondering what had caught his attention. "OH! Oh!..." Aether''s smile widened as he addressed ke. "I suppose you are nothing without your group." "What are you babbling about?" ke asked, his annoyance evident as he slowly stood up and readied his fighting stance. "Let''s see... 1 vs 7...." Aether paused, adopting a contemtive expression before turning back to ke with a mockingly pitiful look, "Oh, my apologies.... hehe... 1 vs 6, isn''t it? I mean, that red-haired bitch you abandoned, crushed like a tomato... am I right?" ke''s eyes widened in realization, "I-I didn''t abandon h... wait!!! Y-You..." It finally dawned on him what Aether was implying. Aether''s smile widened even further as he mockingly bowed like a gentleman and introduced himself officially, "Heh... Yes, Yours truly... My true name is Aether. The Stray ve whom you and yourpanions once tried to eliminate, along with a little girl!" Empress exchanged a meaningful nce with the Archpriestess,who had expressions of simmering anger as she watched the unfolding confrontation.... Her eyes burned with anger when she saw ke. ''This is getting interesting...'' Empress thought, her eyes glinting with amusement as she observed her daughter''s surprised reaction. "Is something the matter?" Empress asked Princess with a knowing smile. "H-Huh? No," Princess quickly shook her head, her attention now fully on Aether as she pointed at him. "Who is he?.... I can feel the Arcane connected to him, just like with Kai''s... but his..... is even stronger." "That''s for you to find out," Empress replied cryptically, her gaze lingering on Aether with a hint of intrigue. Delphine remained seated behind Velc, observing everything with a calm demeanour as she sipped her drink. Her eyes were fixed on Aether, studying his every move intently. Even the Snow peeked out from her cleavage, its eyes glittering as it followed Aether''s fight with keen interest. "M-Master, why is he so strong?" Alfred couldn''t contain his worries and directed the question to Velc. "I don''t understand it either..." Velc muttered, his frustration growing as he nced at Delphine, who discreetly pushed Snow back into her cleavage. "You said he''s only level 1, right?" Velc''s voice carried a hint of disbelief. "Yes, that''s correct." "Then can you exin what we''re witnessing now?" Velc''s tone betrayed his rising anger as he pointed at Aether and said, "There is no way in hell a Level One could do this!!" "I don''t know," Delphine replied simply, her expression unreadable. "Ggrrr" Velc gritted his teeth in frustration, "I''ll have to report this to Father." "Sure, go ahead... Even the old man will know I didn''t lie," Delphine waved dismissively. "Ggrrr" Velc could only clench his teeth tighter in frustration. Alfred nced at his son, a worried expression crossing his face as he feared his son might lose his position due to this unexpected turn of events. Chapter 105: Drunk man is Angry Part-3 ke waspletely taken aback, unable to believe that he was facing the same person he had once treated like a mere toy. ''W-What happened to him?'' ke''s thoughts raced as he tried to make sense of the situation. He had believed that both he and that girl had perished inside the forest, yet here stood Aether, fearless and unyielding. "Come on... Where''s that haughty attitude now?... heh," Aether chuckled wickedly, his demeanour reminiscent of a viin relishing the chaos. ''This bastard!!'' ke''s frustration and anger surged, evident in the veins that popped on his forehead. "I will end you with my own two hands!!!" ke''s voice reverberated with determination as he lunged at Aether once more, intent on cutting him down. However, his attack was swiftly intercepted. ''Thud'' ''Shhh'' Aether deftly caught ke''s forearm that held the weapon, effortlessly disarming him with a single strike. Before ke could react, Aether delivered a devastating gut punch, sending ke crashing to the ground. "BAM!!" "Cough, Cough" ke coughed up blood, his body wracked with pain as he struggled to regain his footing and retrieve his weapon. Yet, Aether was relentless. "BOOM!" Aether''s fist connected with ke''s head.. "Heheh...", each strike was apanied by a chilling chuckle from Aether. "BOOM!" "Heh.." "BOOM!" "Heh.." "BOOM!" "Heh.." "BOOM!" ... .... ke''s party, witnessing the brutal scene unfold, couldn''t contain their outrage. "YOU BASTARD!! STOP!!" "YOU JERK!!!" "I WILL KILL YOU!!" Hearing their enraged shouts, Aether momentarily paused his assault, a sinister grin crossing his face. "I dare you to step in and fight for your friend, otherwise...." Aether''s threat hung in the air, ominous and foreboding. "BOOM!!" "Hehe..." Aether''sughter echoed through the arena, sending chills down everyone''s spine. "C-Come on, guys, we need to intervene or we''ll lose our leader at this rate!!" One of ke''s party members shouted, prompting them to jump into the battle arena. However, their impulsive action was swiftly halted by the Announcer, "Who gave you permission to enter the battle?" The Announcer''s voice cut through the chaos, her tone devoid of emotion... it was none other than Empress''s Maid. ke''spanions flinched, realizing their oversight in the heat of the moment. They scrambled to plead for forgiveness, but before they could utter a word, "Empress." Aether stood up, his gaze fixated on Empress, "I want to face them all at once," his voice brimming with anticipation, his mind consumed by thoughts of defeating ke and his allies.... Forgetting his seduction process!! "Ether, what the hell are you talk--" Velc attempted to intervene, but Empress interrupted with, "Go ahead, but... I''m not yet impressed." ''Impressed... what is she talking about?'' Aether wondered briefly, but his focus returned to the group as they tended to ke, administering healing potions to his battered form. ''Four men and two women...'' Aether nodded to himself, sizing up his opponents as he stretched his muscles in preparation. "Damn that bastard!!" "Is he really the same person we nearly killed before?" "How is he even alive?" "Perhaps that girl sacrificed herself for him, and now he''s seeking revenge." ke''s team murmured amongst themselves, wearing grim expressions as they contemted Aether''s actions. "Whatever it is, we need to eliminate him," ke dered as he stood up, his face healed but still bearing signs of the brutal beating. Hispanions nodded in agreement, their determination evident as they summed their Arcane cards and readied their weapons. "You''ve made a grave mistake... allowing us to group together. Now you have no chance of survival," ke spoke with malice in his words, his eyes fixed on Aether. "Hmm..." Aether nodded calmly, showing little reaction. He then casually inserted his hand into his pocket and spoke with a haughty smile, "I''ll give you one minute. If yound a single attack on my body, I''ll be on total defence..... You can do whatever you want, and I won''t fight back." ".... Seems like you''re pushing your luck," ke retorted, his gaze unwavering as he asked, "What if our attacks don''t reach you?" ".... Well, you''ll find out soon enough," Aether replied with a shake of his head, a hint of pity in his eyes. "Tsk, KILL HIM!!" kemanded his teammates, who quickly formed an attack formation. Three men took the front lines with their axes and swords, while two women positioned themselves as support behind them, and ke positioned himself in the centre, ready to strike. "Heeee..." Aether''s smile took on a wicked edge as he observed the approaching attackers. His hands remained in his pockets as he braced for their assault. The scene reminded Aether of past encounters, facing off against groups of thugs armed with various weapons... a baseball bat, an iron rod, sharp knuckles, and chains. It always thrilled him in a peculiar way, yethe never acknowledged that feeling. "Hehe..." ''Shhh'' ''Shhh'' ''BAM!'' "What the...." The three men in the front were taken aback as Aether effortlessly evaded their attacks, moving with the grace and agility of a snake. Undeterred, they continued their assault, swinging their weapons fiercely, but Aether continued to evade every strike without taking a single hit. "The clock is ticking~" Aether''s voice carried a gentle tone as he deftly avoided their attacks. But then, "BAM!!" "Shh... that was close," Aether muttered, assessing the damage caused by a fireball that narrowly missed him. He then turned his attention to the two women who wereunching magical spells at him. With a smirk, "Increase charm" [+1 Charm] [Charm: 11] The sudden increase in charm made the two women flinch, their faces flushing as they were momentarily entranced by Aether''s gentle smile. "What are you doing?!" ke''s shout snapped them out of their daze, and they refocused onunching their magical assaults at Aether. ''Tsk, Well, I suppose I''ll use it if things get dire...'' Aether thought, swiftly evading their spells and physical attacks with remarkable ease and grace, almost like a dancer on the battlefield. "Sshhh" "Don''t move, idiot!!" "Sshhh" "Bam!" "Come on, stand in one ce!!" "BOOM!" ..... ... Aether, with his hands still leisurely tucked in his pockets, effortlessly dodged every attack, making it look like child''s y despite the intensity of the battle raging around him. "F-Father, I-Is he truly the same person?" Kai asked with disbelief, his eyes wide as he watched the seasoned warriors of their group struggle to eveny a finger on Aether. "..." Velc''s face turned pale as he observed Aether''s prowess, a sense of unease settling in as he realized the gravity of the situation. He nced at Delphine, seeking some exnation, "Did you teach him these skills?" "Who knows?" Delphine shrugged casually and with a gentle smile shemented, "While his movements may seem rough, there are no unnecessary or wasted motions in his body. It''s a natural talent.... Good talent!" Empress, watching the battle unfold with a keen eye, nodded in agreement. "Indeed, his fighting style mayck refinement, but he is exceptionally skilled in his own way." In the midst of the chaotic skirmish in the battle arena, "That''s all? Just ten seconds more, you know!! Time is crucial," Aether remarked with a hint of impatience, his keen eyes scanning the panting and fatigued opponents before him, a predator sensing its prey''s weakness. All eyes turned expectantly to ke, who stepped forward with renewed determination, a flicker of doubt hidden behind his confident facade, "Looks like I''ll have to teach you a lesson right here," he taunted, holding a massive fireball conjured with intense concentration. "Hehe... That''s what I''m talk---" "BOOMMMMMMMM!!!!" Before Aether could finish his sentence or react, ke unleashed the fiery projectile with surprising speed and force, aiming to end the battle decisively. "!!!" Selene''s eyes widened in horror, her heart pounding in her chest.... not only her but also Velc who abruptly looked at his son for any difort but to his surprise, "Kai, are you alright?" Velc''s voice was tinged with concern as he hurriedly checked his son for any signs of injury. "H-Huh?" Kai blinked in confusion, his expression mirroring his father''s concern as he checked his outer body, "I-I don''t feel anything," he reassured them, relief flooding his voice. "He''s really ying with fire... quite literally," the Archpriestess remarked, her gaze fixed on the inferno fire "Hehe..." Empress chuckled softly, a hint of amusement in her tone as she watched the unfolding spectacle with keen interest. "Did we kill him?" a woman from ke''s party asked, her voice trembling with uncertainty as she scanned the battlefield for any sign of Aether, Hoping everything ends here... However, before her eyes, A man walked out from the yellow mes without a single burn on his body or rather on his dress. !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 5.55%?] Aether nced triumphantly at ke, his grin widening into a mischievous smirk as he revelled in the thrill of the battle. "Time''s up! I won! Yay!!!" he eximed joyously, briefly adopting a childlike demeanour before his expression shifted back to one of terrorizing faces. "Hehe... Let''s y Hide and..... Seeeekkkk!!!" he added, his tone taking on a slightly menacing edge that sent a chill down the spines of those around him. [+1 Agility] [Agility: 13] Before the woman could evenprehend what was happening, she found herself mmed into the ground by Aether''s swift and precise strike. "Boom!" "One down~" Aether dered with a hint of amusement, showcasing his dominance in the battle arena with both skill and cunning. Chapter 106: Drunk man is Angry Part-4 "Boom!" "One down~" Aether whispered with a hint of madness as he forcefully mmed the woman onto the ground, her body going limp as she lost consciousness in an instant. Aether tilted his head with drunken amusement, his eyes fixed on ke and his team, who were utterly stunned by his sudden and brutal attack. "Attack him!!" ke''s voice boomed as he unsheathed his silver sword andunched it towards Aether, aiming for a fatal blow. "Tsk, Tsk, Tsk..." Aether shook his head mockingly and adopted a crazed tone. "Didn''t I tell you ''Hide and Seek''?" he taunted as he evaded the attacks with lightning speed, his agility increasing with each move. "Increase Agility" [+1 Agility] [Agility: 14] ''ssshhh'' With swift precision, Aether crouched low and delivered a precise strike to one of the man''s legs, causing him to twist and fall with a pained cry. Without hesitation, Aether followed through, mming the falling man to the ground with enough force to knock him unconscious. "BOOM!!" "Two Down~" Aether announced calmly, his voice belying the chaos of the situation as he surveyed the remaining fearful opponents. The remaining members of ke''s team backed off, their expressions a mix of fear and disbelief at Aether''s unpredictable behaviour. "Why are you not hiding? It''s no fun if you are not hiding..." Aether pouted childishly, his demeanour shifting rapidly between yful and menacing. ''Cough, cough'' A dry cough interrupted his theatrics, the previous fire st didn''t have much impact on him due to increasing in Magic Affinity but still his throat went dry. "OI!! Give me something to drink," Aether demanded impatiently, his annoyance evident as he struggled with his dry throat. "What''s wrong with this lunatic?" ke''s team eximed, their confusion and frustration palpable. "Hehe..." Empress chuckled, finding amusement in Aether''s antics. She actually liked this kind of characteristic from Aether... She tossed a bottle of wine towards him instead of water, a mischievous glint in her eye. The Archpriestess, however, frowned disapprovingly, feeling that Aether''s innocence was being tainted by alcohol. She shot a disapproving re at Empress for throwing the wine bottle. "What else? He didn''t specify anything, did he?" Empress retorted with a yful smile, enjoying the spectacle. Catching the bottle with a deft motion, Aether inspected it briefly before popping the cork and taking a long swig without hesitation. ''Gulp'' ''Gulp'' As Aether indulged in the wine, oblivious to the chaos around him, one of ke''s members saw an opportunity and lunged forward to take advantage of Aether''s distraction. ''Shhhh'' Just as the de was about to reach Aether''s head, ''Increase Agility'' [+1 Agility] [Agility: 15] Aether leaned back in an instant, his agility defying belief as he narrowly avoided the de, strands of his hair getting clipped by the passing edge. The attacker recoiled in shock at Aether''s speed... "Trrrrr" "Arrrhhh!" Seizing the moment of shock, Aether swung the wine bottle with surprising force, connecting it with the man''s head in a brutal strike. The impact was so intense that the bottle shattered, sending shards of ss flying, and the man cried out in agony as he clutched his injured head, momentarily incapacitated by the unexpected assault. "Aioo, you wasted my drink ''Hic''" Aether muttered with annoyance before delivering a p to the man''s face. "Sigh..." Aether nced at the broken bottle in his hand and then at the remaining individuals. "Three down~," he remarked casually, his tone belying the gravity of the situation. "B-ke, we need to escape now!" "Yes, look at the mad man, he''s clearly out of his mind! "...." ke swallowed nervously, feeling a surge of fear as he realized the extent of the transformation in the man before him, who was now devoid of the cowardice he had seen just weeks ago. "Listen, I know you guys are scared, but if we lose now.... we might never get a chance to enter the pce," ke said with determination, rallying his team with a steadfast resolve. The others frowned, but seeing their leader''s resolute expression, they too hardened their resolve, refusing to let a mere ve overrun them. With newfound determination, they devised a sudden n... "Shall we y tag game?" ke asked with a smile as his party members surrounded Aether. "Tag?" Aether tilted his head as his eyes scanned the group, his expression yful. "Why no---" "Shh..." Before Aether could finish, he was bombarded with water spear magic. However, Aether easily evaded the magical assault and was about to move toward the only magic user among them when an axe swung in his direction... "SHMM!" "OH!" Aether barely dodged the attack in the nick of time, a realization dawning on him. ''I see...'' Their strategy became clear.... they were ganging up on him, akin to bullying tactics. "BOMM!!" ''sshh'' ''Shhh'' Aether expertly evaded each attack, his movements fluid and graceful. He wanted to retaliate and incapacitate one of them, but every time he moved towards a specific target, the others would strike, leaving him with no opening. "Yes, we need to drain his strength," ke remarked with satisfaction, observing Aether''s struggle to evade their coordinated assault. He couldn''t help but feel a pang of regret, wishing he had employed this strategy earlier to secure an easier victory. "Tsk, It''s all my mistake thinking he wouldn''t pose much of a problem," ke muttered in frustration, redoubling his efforts to wear down Aether''s defences. "He is now surrounded," Princess observed with keen interest, intrigued by Aether''s sudden surge in power as if he were growing stronger amidst the chaos of battle. If this were indeed the case, she couldn''t help but wonder what kind of asset he could be to her kingdom. ''I see... I now understand,'' Princess muttered to herself, casting a meaningful nce at the Archpriestess. ''Now it all makes sense... We cannot afford to lose him.'' She then turned her gaze to her mother, who wore a knowing smile, silently acknowledging their shared understanding. "Finally I got it Mother" Princess mumbled... Empress just smiled. "I got him!!" Princess turned her head around at the sound, her eyes widening in shock as she beheld Aether, now bleeding from his stomach. "!!!" Princess was taken aback by the sudden turn of events. "E-Ether!!" Selene''s expression turned to one of horror, her concern evident. The Archpriestess, meanwhile, nearly broke the armrest in anger at the sight. "This is what will happen if you try to y with us, brat!" ke dered with a haughty smile, his gaze fixed triumphantly on Aether, who was now pierced through both his stomach and his back. "Cough, Cough" Aether coughed up blood, his vision growing hazy as he looked up at ke''s smug expression. Despite his injuries, Aether''s grip tightened around the neck of the person he held pinned to the ground. Chapter 107: Power of Nuclear Bomb...? Just a few seconds ago, As Aether struggled to evade their relentless assault, he noticed the woman supporting magic gradually faltering, her strength drained from the constant output of spells.... Slowly, she copsed to the ground, leaving the others in shock. "NO!!" They shouted in fear. "I didn''t do anything but.... Four Down~" Aether remarked, observing their dwindling numbers with a wry smile, while ke''s expression turned mortified. "Finish him now!!" In a fit of rage, one of ke''s members hurled their axe at Aether, who simply giggled before effortlessly dodging the attack. Aether then leapt onto the person he had previously struck in the gut, following up with a punch to the nose and gripping his neck. Just as he prepared to deliver another punch to render him unconscious "PUfff!!" Aether coughed up blood, looking down to see a knife prating his stomach from his back.... ncing back, he spotted the supposedly unconscious woman behind him, piercing his back with a knife. "Caught you~ Pretty Boy~" she whispered in a seductive tone, her voice dripping with sadistic pleasure as she twisted the knife, causing fresh waves of pain to surge through Aether''s body, each stab feeling like Hell''s own torment. Aether''s lips twitched in agony. "Arrhh" ''Thud'' With a heavy thud, Aether threw the man he was holding aside. As he reached out to apprehend the woman, another de found its mark in Aether''s stomach... this time wielded by ke himself. "Cough, Cough." Aether struggled to maintain hisposure amidst the escting pain, yet he managed to seize the woman and m her onto the ground. The strength in his body began to wane, and he felt the ominous spectre of unconsciousness looming ever closer. Still, he maintained his grip on her neck, her gasps for breath a desperate symphony in the chaos. "Arrh- baataaa--arrdddd W-Why don''t you just-aarrhh- die already-!!!!" The woman''s voice cracked with rage and frustration as she attempted to strike at Aether''s wound, her blowsnding with a sickening thud. "Arrh." Aether''s groans echoed in the air, his gaze meeting hers as she smirked in cruel satisfaction. "Le-Let me go-aarrhh... Motherfucker... cough... or..." The woman''s voice faltered as she grabbed Aether''s wounded abdomen, her grip tightening in a feeble attempt at defiance. "!!!" Aether bit down hard on his lip, refusing to give her the satisfaction of hearing his cries of pain, even as he tightened his hold on her neck, his fingers digging into her flesh with a desperate intensity. "This is what will happen if you try to y with us, brat!" ke''s voice cut through the chaos, his haughty smile belying the danger of the situation as he stood before Aether, poised to deliver the final, fatal blow. "Drip, Drip" Blood dripped from Aether''s lips and also from his stomach. He knew increasing his agility might help him escape, but this could potentially cause more blood loss and fainting at any moment, a risk he couldn''t afford to take. "Y-Your Majesty?" Velc''s face turned pale; he could not have Aether die now. However, the Empress didn''t respond to anything as she keenly observed everything. The Archpriestess nced at her followers, who nodded in understanding. The followers readied themselves for any movement. Aether peered down at the woman with hazy eyes, his grip slowly loosening as a n formed in his mind. "Increase.... Charm by 2," he whispered. [+2 Charm] [Charm: 13] "!!!" The woman''s eyes widened in surprise and confusion as she found herself face to face with a remarkably handsome man, his presence strangely captivating. Aether''s blood dripped onto her lips, sending a shiver down her spine and igniting an inexplicable warmth within her. In that fleeting moment, something stirred deep within her, a primal instinct to protect this enigmatic man at any cost. And so.... when ke poised to strike Aether down, her body moved of its own ord, instinctively interposing itself between them. ''Sclkkkk'' ''Thud'' Her head tumbled to the ground, a macabre testament to her sacrifice. "...." ke''s expression twisted into one of horror and disbelief, mirroring the shock etched on the faces of all who bore witness to the grisly scene. "What the hell just happened?" the Princess eximed, her voice tinged with confusion and disbelief. Even the Empress and Archpriestess furrowed their brows in bewilderment, struggling toprehend the sudden turn of events that had led to the woman''s selfless act. Aether casually pushed the headless body aside, his gaze locking with ke''s stunned gaze. "You not only abandoned your team but were also prepared to take a life... ah," Aether''s voice carried a note of pity, though it fell on deaf ears as ke remained frozen in shock. ''Oh well...'' Aether shrugged nonchntly, inwardly marvelling at the unexpected power of his charm. He had never anticipated that it would elicit such a profound and unforeseen reaction from the woman.... He... He had just assumed she would plead for mercy, not sacrifice herself in his stead. Charm was truly dangerous!!! Aether made a mental note to tread more cautiously in the future, even as he surveyed his surroundings with detached calm. Despite the blood loss and mounting exhaustion, he felt an odd sense of detachment.... he wondered why. "Well... Let''s finish this... Before I pass out," Aether remarked, his tone oddly serene as he focused on stemming the flow of blood from his wounds. "Put everything in Magic" [+10 Magic Affinity] [Magic Affinity: 20] [Remaining AP: 06423] [Error] [Limit reached ording to the Level] Aether took a deep breath, feeling the raw power surging through his veins as he channelled all his energy into his magic. He nced at ke, who still wore a shocked expression, his gaze fixed on the head of the woman who had sacrificed herself. "Well, That''s Karma for you..." Aether remarked, shaking his head at the twisted turn of events. "W..." ke stammered, his voice trembling with a mixture of shock and rage. "What?" "W-WHY?!!! Why is this happening to us!! All we did was what we were supposed to do!!" ke''s voice cracked with pain as he descended into a rant, his words tinged with desperation and confusion. Aether regarded ke with a steady gaze, his expression unreadable yet tinged with a hint of pity. Despite the chaos, there was a cold certainty in Aether''s demeanour. There was no way in hell he would feel wrong now after he went through hell!! "It must be because of you!!" ke suddenly used, his gaze filled with a mix of anger and desperation as he pointed an usatory finger at Aether. "Hmm?" Aether tilted his head. "Yes, It must be you!!! Ever since I met you, everything went to hell... First, I lost my wife," ke''s voice cracked with emotion, his painid bare for all to see. "That''s because of your cowardice," Aether retorted bluntly, his words cutting through ke''s usations. "STOP!! Damn It!! You are the one who is responsible for my wife''s death!" ke''s usation turned into a shout, his voice echoing with raw anguish. "What the hell?" Aether''s disbelief was palpable. He couldn''t fathom how ke was shifting me onto him.Aether was clearly saving his ass for all the problems he was going through. "A-And now... My S-Second W-Wife also d-died now.... ALL BECAUSE OF YOU!" ke''s voice cracked with grief and rage, his sword trembling in his grasp as he advanced menacingly toward Aether. "... Second wife?" Aether''s confusion briefly flickered across his face before heposed himself, his gaze hardening with resolve. He extended his hand in a gesture reminiscent of a gun and spoke in a chillingly emotionless tone, "This is for me, enduring the suffering you''ve caused... and for Ste, for the tears she shed that day." ''ouch'' A pang of guilt shot through the Archpriestess''s heart at the mention of Ste''s name. ''srhh'' A small me appeared on Aether''s fingertip, its intensity growing while shrinking as it transformed from a gentle yellow to a zing blue hue, a manifestation of his heightened magical prowess. His hair seemed to dance with the flickering mes, an aura of power surrounding him. ke lunged forward, his sword aimed to cleave Aether in half, but Aether''s eyes glinted with indifference, "Bang!" Aether winked yfully, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "BOOOOMMMMMMMMM!!!" ''SSSSSSHHHHHHHHHH'' A humongous yellow mushroom appeared in the dark sky. Chapter 108: Restrains Part-1 "BOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!" A thunderous explosion rocked the night, apanied by a shockwave that sent ripples of fear through the onlookers near the pce. A humongous mushroom cloud billowed into the dark sky, casting an eerie glow over the surroundings and plunging the area into a temporary state of chaos and panic. "!!!" The Empress''s eyes widened in rm as she immediately sprang into action, deploying another protective barrier around the battle arena with swift precision. The entire battlefield was engulfed in swirling blue mes, their intense heat and crackling energy drawing gasps of astonishment and dread from the spectators. It was a disy of power that surpassed expectations, leaving many questioning how a mere ve could wield such devastating force. ''Crack, Crack'' The inner level of the protective barrier strained and cracked under the immense pressure of the attack, its magical defences faltering before the overwhelming might of the unleashed magic. It was a close call, and had the Empress not intervened swiftly with her reinforced barrier, the repercussions could have been catastrophic for the lower-ranked warriors and nobles in the vicinity. "M-Mother...." The Princess watched the spectacle with a mixture of awe and trepidation, her grip on the armrest tightening in excitement and nervous anticipation. "Do you understand now?" The Empress''s voice cut through the chaos, a mix of sternness and surprise evident in her tone.Even though she was taken aback by the magnitude of the attack which was almost simr to one who levels at least 15-20, she couldn''t help but smile. Princess''s eyes sparkled with curiosity, her fascination evident as she witnessed the disy of power before her. [+10 Affection] [Survival rate: 5.6%] If she could take him under her, she would have no trouble facing the Arcane Queens of other Empires. Velc and Alfred''s faces grew even more sombre as they witnessed the extent of Aether''s power. Their gazes turned usatory as they red at Delphine, who shared their shock and apprehension. She had known Aether''s strength, but this disy was beyond what she had anticipated. As the mes finally dissipated, revealing the aftermath of the devastating magic, everyone saw a solitary figure standing amidst the debris, his surroundings resembling a crater from the impact. "O-OH MY GOD!" "I didn''t sign up for this!" "I''d rather live my life begging than die like this." "I''m leaving the tournament!" The voices of panic and regret echoed through the area as those who hade for the tournament hastily retreated, followed by a cascade of others abandoning the scene. "haha..." The Empress chuckled softly, shaking her head in amusement, ''Those useless people. Aether has expended all his energy; he''s weakened now.This would be a perfect chance and yet....'' ncing at the exhausted Aether whose head dancing in the air as if he would fall any moment, she muttered inwardly, ''I suppose he''s a bit more capable than I initially thought'' and was just about to end this parade when.... "Timmy?" Alfred''s voice rang out with surprise as he spotted his son striding confidently toward Aether. With a smirk, Timmy leapt into the crater-like depression and confronted Aether, who was still in a dazed and drained state, akin to a drunkard lost in his thoughts. Though Timmy was shocked to see Aether''s newfound power, just like anyone after performing huge magic.... Aether must have drained his energy. So without wasting any time, Timmy decided to strike while the iron was hot. "Hah..." Timmy''sughter was tinged with a hint of triumph. It had been far too long since he had beaten Aether, and now, with Aether weakened and vulnerable, he intended to demonstrate his superiority, especially before Selene, whom he sought to impress and show who was great. Empress and the others watched with furrowed brows, silently observing Timmy''s approach. The empress''s maid stood ready, awaiting her master''smand, her gaze fixated on Timmy. "Timmy,e here!" Alfred''s voice carried a mix of worry and authority. He didn''t want his son near this monster anymore. As Alfred started to feel a sense of dread from Aether if his son died, there was no way in hell he would be able to forgive himself. "It''s fine, Father!" Timmy''s voice held determination and a hint of mischief. Then he called, "Oi!! Ether!!" Aether didn''t respond and instead rambled like a drunk with a hazy mind. Due to using every bit of energy, Aether, who was already in a state of drunkenness, was even worse, like he was daydreaming while muttering his ex-name and chattering.... though no one could understand his words. Timmy shook his head with pity, and without hesitation, hended a solid punch on Aether''s face. "Thud" "HMM!" Aether snapped out of his daze and rubbed his nose with a mix of pain and a frowning expression. Blood bled from his nose, staining the broken ground beneath him. Aether''s gaze narrowed as he looked up at Timmy, who stood over him with a serious expression etched on his face. "How dare you disrespect the princess and Empress!" Timmy eximed with a fiery determination, his voice echoing through the tense air before he strengthened his body and delivered another powerful punch to Aether''s already bruised face. "Thud" Aether staggered backwards, his bnce wavering as he struggled to remain upright before finally copsing to the ground. "Drip, Drip" Blood flowed from his face, Aether desperately trying to gather his consciousness that was slipping away with each passing moment. Timmy immediately leapt onto Aether, overpowering him and forcing him down with a victorious grin, "You dare to hurt the princess!" "BOOM!" "This is for the Empress!" "BOOM!" "And this for the Archpriestess!" "BOOM!" "You filthy ve should know your damn ce!" "BOOM!" Aether''s face slowly started to disfigure as he lost consciousness under Timmy''s relentless assault. Despite Aether''s fading awareness, Timmy, with a haughty smile, continued to rain down punches on Aether''s face without hesitation, as if his pent-up frustration had finally snapped. "Do you think you''re a big shot?!" "BOOM!!" "You Fucking ve!!" "BOOM!!" "You are beneath me, yet you dare touch the Archpriestess!" "BOOM!!" "You''re pathetic!" "BOOM!" "Worthless!" ..... ... Aether, who had lost consciousness, found himself standing near the seashore, disoriented yet drawn to a strange vision unfolding before him. "Hmm? What is this?" Aether questioned, furrowing his brow as he observed a gang of people bullying someone in the distance. "Hey! What are you doing?" Aether frowned as he approached them.... only to widen his eyes in surprise. "Ether?" Chapter 109: Restrains Part-2 "Hmm? What is this?" Aether questioned, furrowing his brow as he observed a gang of people bullying someone in the distance. "Hey! What are you doing?" Aether frowned as he approached them.... only to widen his eyes in surprise. "E-Ether?" Aether was taken aback to see a white-haired guy being assaulted by.... Timmy and his gang. Aether attempted to intervene, but to his shock, his hands passed through their bodies. "Memories?" Aether wondered and looked around the surroundings which were the same as when he arrived in the world.... realizing he was witnessing a past event. "How dare you!" Timmy''s voice boomed as he delivered a kick to Ether''s head. "Arrhhh!" Ether groaned in pain, clutching his head, yet he made no attempt to resist or fight back. "Tsk," Timmy clicked his tongue in disdain as he grabbed Ether''s hair and yanked his head back. "You fucking maggot! Just because Selene treats you better, do you think you can cling to her?!" Timmy''s voice dripped with contempt as he delivered another punch to Ether''s defenceless face. "arrhh!" "Listen, fucker! Once Kai, Young Master, bes the Head of the household, he promises me that he will marry his sister to me! Do you understand what I am saying?!" Timmy''s anger boiled over, yet Ether remained unresponsive. "Tsk, I hate this broken toy," Timmy muttered beforending another brutal blow to Ether''s face. He then turned to his three boot-lickingckeys andmanded, "Throw him into theke..." """Yes, Boss!""" Theckeys echoed in unison as they dragged the unconscious Ether towards theke. Ether offered no resistance, his demeanour disturbingly.... lifeless. "H-hey, Sto--!" Aether shouted, attempting to reach out to Ether. However, when Aether caught a glimpse of Ether''s... emotionless, lifeless eyes robotic eyes, Aether halted. Then, the vision abruptly shifted... Inside a dimly lit room, nightfall had settled, "Ether, have you fallen asleep?" Aether heard a voice, turning to see Selene in a ck nightgown, gazing tenderly at Ether, whoy motionless on the bed. ''She looks younger... Maybe 12 or 13...'' Aether observed Selene''s youthful appearance and then nced at Ether, who also seemed younger, ''It seems I am going backwards in time?'' Selene smiled softly and affectionately patted Ether''s head, her voice tinged with sorrow, "I am sorry, Ether, but it seems that Timmy bastard told my father that I sneaked you into my bed, so this will be thest time you sleep here." "..." Ether remained silent, his gaze fixed on the ceiling with the same nk emotionless and lifeless eyes. "But don''t worry," Selene continued with determination, "Once we enter the academy, I will try my best to convince my brother to change your ownership. Once we have done that then, I will take you somewhere where it''s just you and me..." muttered gently with a small smile. Selene''s cheeks suddenly flushed slightly as she continued, her words stuttering in her emotions, "A-After that, w-we can have our own f-f-family..." She blushed and shook nervously. However, her expression turned sorrowful again. "But until then, I must act indifferent towards you... I''m sorry, Ether, but I can''t show any affection like before, o-otherwise my father will punish you..." Tears welled in her eyes. "E-Even though my brother isn''t a bad person, he always obeys my father, and my father would never allow a ve near his daughter... I fear he might even harm you..." Selene''s voice trembled with worry and sadness. With a tender kiss on Ether''s forehead and teary eyes, Selene whispered, "I might have to hurt you sometimes until they believe I hate you.... Please hang on and Please don''t h-hate me....''Drip'' ''Drip''.... I-I will protect you, Please give me some time until then... I''m sorry," as she held Ether close like a cherished toy and drifted into slumber. [Author''s Note: They are just sleeping together just like any 12 or 13-year-old children.Don''t think anything unnecessary] Aether watched the scene unfold, feeling an unknown emotion when he stared at Selene''s teary eyes.... then he observed Ether''s robotic, emotionless eyes. ''I suppose this is what Ether looks like... A person devoid of ego,'' Aether reflected with pity in his eyes. He wondered how Ether was like that, Did he like this from birth?.... Aether really wondered. As Aether turned to leave, a sudden movement caught his attention, "!!!" Aether''s eyebrows raised in surprise as he witnessed Ether''s emotionless eyes show.... A sadness!! In a fraction of a second, a glimmer of sadness appeared in Ether''s eyes before turning robotic, emotionless eyes. Ether''s hand, moving mechanically, reached out and gently patted Selene''s head. "Heh..." Selene giggled in her sleep. ''Ba-dump, Ba-dump'' "Ha-ha...ah...ha" Aether suddenly started to breathe heavily, his heart racing faster than ever before. Unknown emotions swirled inside him... His eyes flickered. No, These emotions..... He knew...He knew more than anyone.... Loneliness and Powerlessness!! Throughout his two existence, those emotions had been his constantpanions. "Ha...ha...ha..." Aether gasped for air, his blue eyes now transformed into bottomless pools of ckness. With a surge of raw emotion, heshed out, punching the nearby wall. The surrounding structure cracked like brittle snacks before crumbling down, revealing the true space in which he now found himself. Aether''s gaze fell upon a small, transparent object suspended in the same white-ck space he had entered before.... However, unlike previous times, he didn''t find himself trapped between those contrasting realms. In the centre of the ck-and-white expanse hovered the transparent Acrane card diagonally, its surface marred by... ''Drip'' ''Drip'' ''Drip'' ''Drip'' ''Drip'' ''Drip'' Six drops of dark ck liquid oozed onto the Transparent Arcane card, staining its pristine surface (On the white side realm) like ink seeping onto parchment. [Author''s Note: I apologize if my previous statement was unclear. Please read the following for rification: The Transparent Arcane Card hovered diagonally in the middle of the white-ck realm. When dark ck liquid oozed out of nowhere and dropped on the Arcane card, the white side of the transparent Arcane Card began to show ck drops, marring its once pristine, transparent surface.] Aether''s eyes werepletely shrouded in ck as if something were tainting not just his body but also his.... very soul. !~Ding~! [Compatibility: 90%?] [Survival rate: 7.6% ] ..... .. Outside, the tension was palpable as the scene unfolded. "F-Father, stop him!!!" Selene''s voice cut through the air, pleading with her father to intervene in the brutal beating. Velc, though worried about his son''s safety initially, remained silent. He had witnessed Aether''s full power and knew that someone needed to put the rebellious ve in his ce, or it could lead to unforeseen consequences. As long as Aether didn''t meet his end, Velc would consider the situation manageable. Even Kai didn''t say anything as he clearly didn''t like the way Aether touched his future wife. Alfred, on the other hand, had been anxious about Aether''s newfound strength. However, seeing his son handle the situation with ease, he let out a sigh of relief. He attempted to calm Selene, saying, "Young Miss, this is just a tournament. My son wants to face this ve, so we shouldn''t interfere. Especially after that ve humiliated the princ---!!!" Alfred''s words abruptly halted as he caught Selene''s deathly re... "The Nerve..." She muttered. "Forgive me," Alfred murmured, lowering his head, ''She''s just like her mother,'' he thought, wiping the sweat from his forehead nervously. "I-I think this is enough. The young man seems to have passed out..." The Archpriestess injected a calm tone, though her clenched fingers betrayed her attempt to control her rising anger, blood trickling from her tightly gripped hand. Empress especially frowned when she saw something wrong with Energy around the battle arena.... Before anyone could react or step in, "BOOM!!" "pkkkk!!" The sound of a brutal impact echoed, followed by a stter of blood. "ARRRHHHHHH!!!" A cry of pain and anguish erupted, breaking the tense silence of the scene. Chapter 110: Restrains Part-3 "M-My HANDDD!!!" Timmy''s piercing scream tore through the air, echoing with raw agony as he beheld the gruesome sight of his right hand shattered into pieces, blood spurting in a crimson arc from the shattered joints. Timmy writhed on the cold ground as waves of searing pain crashed over him,sting longer than he had anticipated and leaving him gasping for air. "M-My son!!" Alfred''s voice trembled with shock and despair as he beheld the dire state of his beloved child, his gaze shifting swiftly to the figure responsible for Timmy''s grievous injury. ''trrrr'' Debris cascaded from Aether''s form as he rose to his feet with an eerie calmness. His expression remained inscrutable, His eyes were obscured by strands of ck-dyed hair that hinted at his true white hair beneath. ''Drip, Drip'' Blood trickled down Aether''s face in a macabre rhythm, each droplet a stark reminder of the brutal exchange that had marred his features. ''Step'' With measured purpose, Aether advanced toward the still-writhing Timmy, whose cries of anguish pierced the tumultuous atmosphere. "Something feels wrong..." The Archpriestess''s voice carried a note of unease, her keen senses detecting a subtle shift in the arcane energies enveloping them... a strange calmness. "..." The Empress remained silent, yet she also felt the sudden calmness in the surroundings. "S-Stop him!!" Alfred''s face contorted with dread as he spoke, his uncertainty evident. He knew that if Aether was not halted now, something far worse than death could befall his son..... a thought of how Priest turned into a ck monster... chilled him to the core. Just as Alfred moved to intervene, "!!!" he was seized by a sudden pressure a force exerted by none other than.... the Empress. "Y-Your Majesty?" Alfred stammered, his eyes filled with dread as he looked at the Empress. "Didn''t you previously say, ''My son wants to face this ve, so we should refrain from interfering''?" The Empress''s smile held no warmth, her tone edged with a hint of menace that sent a shiver down Alfred''s spine, "Remember, this is merely a tournament where death is but a matter of pride, and your son''s unauthorized entry into the battle arena without permission..... Let''s see what he''s capable of. Who knows, he might surprise us all." However, the Empress couldn''t help but wonder about Aether, ''What in the world is wrong with this boy?... Even I have a hard time sensing him.He seems to be mingled in the arcane, beyond my understanding.'' The Empress''s excitement always peaked when Aether exceeded her expectations, a fact that both intrigued and unsettled her heart. Velc, although tempted to disagree with the Empress''s decision, found himself at a loss for words.... Timmy''s haughty entrance into the battle arena left him no voice of opinion. Timmy, who had been writhing in excruciating pain moments ago, abruptly ceased his cries as he sensed a looming presence over him. Turning his head, he locked eyes with Aether standing before him. "Y-You, Bastard!! How dare you hit me, you Bastard!!" Timmy''s voice cracked with anger and pain. Aether remained silent, his imposing figure casting a shadow over Timmy, his eyes hidden behind strands of hair that swayed gently in the breeze. "Just because you''ve grown stronger, you think you''re some kind of big shot, doing as you please... You pathetic ve, A filth!! You should never forget your ce in the en" Timmy''s words faltered as a sudden gust of wind lifted Aether''s hair, revealing eyes that were hidden. The eyes shrouded in darkness, devoid of emotion, sending a chill down Timmy''s spine!! A sense of fear gripped Timmy, his breath catching in his throat, "H-Hahah..." He forced a nervousugh, attempting to mask his unease as he slowly began to crawl back, his bravado waning in the face of Aether''s silent menace. However, before Timmy could move, Aether swiftly seized his leg, "W-Wait!! S-Sto" Before Timmy could finish. ''Slikk!'' With a forceful motion, Aether tightened his grip and jerked Timmy''s limb like a whip, causing him to collide with the ground with a sickening thud, the force of the impact tearing Timmy''s leg from his body. With a pained cry, Timmy was sent rolling across the ground until he finally came to a halt at a considerable distance. "Puffkkk" "ARRRHHHHHHH!!!" Timmy''s agonized screams echoed through the arena, his pain palpable in the air, yet... ''Step'' At the sound of the approaching footsteps, Timmy''s survival instinct kicked in, propelling him to crawl desperately away, "I-I ept defeat!! I give up!! Please, no more! Please stop this madman!" Timmy''s pleas were drowned in tears and mucus as hey in a pool of agony. The Announcer, also known as the Empress''s Maid, exchanged a nce with the Empress, but the Empress''s gaze remained fixed on Aether''s advancing figure. "Y-Your Majesty, he has surrendered! Please, stop this before it goes further!" Alfred''s voice trembled with fear as he pleaded for his son''s safety. But Alfred''s words seemed to fall on deaf ears as the Empress maintained her silence, her expression unreadable, instilling dread in those around her. Velc, too, shared in Alfred''s apprehension, his lips pressed together in anxiety. "H-Hey! Someone, stop him... Please!!" Timmy''s voice trembled as he watched in despair, realizing that no one wasing to his aid despite his surrender. Aether closed in, his presence suffocating, and Timmy''s heart sank with despair as he resigned himself to a grim fate. With no other options left, he turned to Kai, Aether''s Master. "Y-Young Master, P-Please help me... Even though I acted rashly, it was for your sake," Timmy implored, his desperation evident. Upon hearing Timmy''s plea, Kai''s heart sank with remorse. He understood Timmy''s actions were motivated by a desire to protect the princess, but he couldn''t stand by and watch his assistant and ve engage in a potentially deadly confrontation. Kai shook his head, torn between his only truthful servant and his desires. Despite his longing to marry the Princess, he couldn''t abandon Timmy, who had been by his side since childhood. Summoning his courage, Kaimanded, "Ether, I order you to stop!" ''!!!'' Aether''s movements halted abruptly, frozen in response to his Master''smand. Princess and Empress exchanged disapproving nces, their annoyance palpable. "Forgive me, Princess, but I cannot allow my Assistant and ve to harm each other," Kai stated firmly, his decision final. He finally maned up!! "Very well," the Princess responded nonchntly, She was truly intrigued by Aether.While Selene, though not sure what was happening to him, was relieved that Aether was unharmed, as long as Aether didn''t get hurt she was fine. However, "Arrhh" "trrrrr" ''Crack, Crack'' "Oh My...." The Empress muttered in disbelief as she witnessed Aether move his finger ever so slightly, a feat that defied thews of their world. "Cough!!" Kai suddenly doubled over, coughing up blood, his body unable to bear the strain of what was unfolding. "W-What is happening?" Velc''s voice shook with concern as he held his son close, his eyes fixed on Aether whose body trembled as if struggling against an invisible force constricting him. "Is he serious?!" Delphine couldn''t contain her shock, her gaze locked on Aether''s struggling form. "H-He is defying thew of the Eternal ve," the Princess whispered in shock, her usuallyposed demeanour shattered as she watched some kind of invincible restraint wrap itself around Aether''s body. Before anyone couldprehend the gravity of the situation, "Crack, Crack..." "trrkk" ''Step, Step...'' Aether took his first deliberate step forward, ignoring his Master''smand and the fundamentalws that bound him. "Cough, Cough!!" Kai''s condition worsened as he coughed up even more blood, his once-clear eyes now clouded with pain and confusion. "W-What is happening!! YOUNG MASTER!" Timmy''s voice trembled with horror and disbelief as he witnessed Aether''s defiance, a sight that struck fear into his heart. "...." "...." The Empress and Archpriestess stood frozen, their mouths agape in utter shock at the unprecedented events unfolding before them, events that threatened to unravel the very fabric of their establishedw. Chapter 111: Chains of Eternal Slave "M-Mother...?" The Archpriestess''s voice trembled as she rubbed her temples, a slight headache creeping in. /KILL HIM/ "Archpriestess?" Her followers exchanged concerned nces, noticing her distress. "N-Nothing," the Archpriestess dismissed their worries with a shake of her head, biting her trembling lips as she focused on the unprecedented spectacle before her. "That ve... he''s defying all norms, going against the very essence of the Eternal vew," one of her followers murmured with a deep frown, mirroring the disbelief shared by many witnessing the unfolding chaos. "N-No, No, No, No!! Go away!! Get away from me!!" Timmy''s screams pierced the air, a chilling echo of his terror as Aether advanced toward him. "YOUNG MASTER, STOP THIS MANIAC!!!" Alfred''s voice cracked with fear and desperation as he watched his son''s life hanging by a thread. Aether swiftly caught Timmy''s other leg, "NO, NO, NOOOOOO!!!!" Timmy''s desperate cries echoed through the arena, "P-Please I wo.. ''Hic'', I won''te near you... I want to live--aarrrrhhh" but before he could finish his plea, Aether mercilessly broke Timmy''s other leg, the broken limb now twisted and grotesque. The broken leg was dancing in the air! "TIMMY!!!!" Alfred''s heart shattered as he witnessed his beloved son being treated worse than a dog. Regret flooded his mind as he cursed himself for ever involving Aether in his schemes. It was all because of him! If his son.... died here, Alfred knew he would carry the weight of that guilt for the rest of his days. Kai clenched his fists, his resolve hardening as he wiped the blood from his mouth, refusing to appear weak in front of the Princess. His gaze turned steely as he red at Aether, who now crouched down and gripped Timmy''s neck with a vice-like grip. "P-Please... I-I''m sorraahhh... Plessess...." Timmy''s desperate pleas choked in his throat as he was hoisted into the air by Aether, his neck straining under the pressure, the threat of it snapping looming like a grim shadow. As the end seemed imminent, the Empress released Alfred from her hold, surprising him, but he wasted no time in rushing to his son''s aid. Just as he prepared to move, amanding voice rang out, "In the name of Arcane, I, Kai Frostde, order my Eternal ve, Aether, to cease this instant!" Kai''s authoritative tone cut through the chaos, his hand raised in amanding gesture that revealed a small, glowing conical tattoo on his palm. "Arrhh!" Aether emitted a pained groan, a scorching sensation branding his ve mark behind his neck in response to Kai''smand. "THUNDER!!" The heavens roared in response to Kai''s invocation, lightning streaking across the darkened sky as clouds swirled ominously above, coalescing into a formidable presence that seemed to pass judgment upon the unfolding drama. ''ng, ng'' "Chains of the Eternal ve..." The Archpriestess''s voice quivered with disbelief as she bore witness to the unfolding spectacle, her eyes widening in astonishment as golden chains materialized from the depths of the brooding clouds. "Oh My God..." The spectators murmured in hushed awe, their gazes fixed on the celestial chains descending majestically, each link radiating an otherworldly aura. Yet, the spectacle was far from over, "ttrrrrr" As the golden chains began their descent, The ground trembled violently, as if protesting the disruption of its natural order. Cracks snaked across the broken battleground, a visual testament to the magnitude of the earthquake... ''ng, ng....'' "Damn, Aether...." The Empress, couldn''t conceal her astonishment as dark devoid ck chains emerged from the fractured ground. The appearance of the Chains of the Eternal ve is a profound manifestation that urs only when a Contracted Eternal ve defies the Master''s Order..... a testament to the watchful gaze of the Arcane herself, ensuring that no one can disobey the contract under her witness. This was a moment of rare significance, marking the first time in centuries that everyone had witnessed the emergence of these ancient chains. ''ng, ng'' ''ng, ng'' The golden chains, imbued with divine power and shimmering with radiant energy, encased Aether''s upper body in a resplendent embrace, while the ck chains, foreboding and shadowy, coiled around his lower body with an air of dark authority, ensnaring him in an unbreakable grip. Every inch of Aether''s movement came to a halt, his strength draining rapidly under the relentless pressure. "grrr" Aether gritted his teeth unable to move... He couldn''t snap Timmy''s neck. Meanwhile, Timmy, ''Drip, Drip'' Found himself unable to control his fear... He soiled!! Then, a unique cor materialized around Aether''s neck, merging the hues of gold and ck. Chains extended from this cor, tracing a path back to his Master.... Kai. Kai seized the extended chain, casting a nce at the Princess with a smug expression, as if to say, "See? I''ve resolved the situation with mere words." The Empress''s lips curved slightly as she observed the unfolding events, her thoughts murmuring, ''I see... now...''. Before turning her attention to Velc, "Velc..." "H-H-Yes?" Velc''s attention snapped back to the Empress, puzzled by her sudden address. The Empress''s words carried weight as she spoke with a profound tone, "I don''t know why or how it is even possible in the first ce, but it is truly beyond anything I have seen so far." "Pardon?" Velc''s frown deepened as he struggled toprehend the Empress''s cryptic statement. Meeting Velc''s gaze with a serious expression, the Empress continued, "You know.... You can take a King''s treasure.... His Kingdom.... His power..... His people.... His position, and.... Even his life. You can steal anything you desire, but..." Her gaze as she slowly shited to Kai who was showing off. "Let him go!" Kaimanded firmly. Aether''s grip automatically loosened, and with a thud, Timmy copsed, losing consciousness. The Empress then turned her attention back to Aether, her tone carrying a mix of acknowledgement and reverence as she said, "You.... You cannot be the King himself... because there is only one True King, isn''t that so?" ''Gulp'' Velc audibly gulped, his face now drenched in sweat, his hair standing on end as he realized the weight of the Empress''s words, ''S-She knows!!!!!!'' Velc screamed inwardly, his eyes darting around, unable to meet the Empress''s gaze. "Hehe..." The Empress chuckled softly, nodding to herself as she looked at Aether with a small smile, "I see... True Arcane King... ah," she murmured, a mix of admiration and understanding in her eyes as she finally confirmed her doubts. Though she wasn''t sure how and why Mortimer could pull this stunt... still, ''He able to change the destiny...'' she thought as she linked Mortimer''s cursed state, ''He also angered the Arcane and got cursed, that''s why Arcane favouring Aether... ah'' those where her thoughts and conclusions. She couldn''t help but smile at Aether and muttered under her breath, "You finally got me impressed, Pretty boy~" !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 7.5%] Velc''s thoughts raced, realizing the gravity of the situation, and his intentions to contact his father were abruptly halted by a chilling sound, ''Crack'' Chapter 112: That Thing ''Crack'' The sudden sound seemed to freeze everyone in ce as if time itself had paused. Velc''s movements were robotic as he turned his head to witness the golden chains around Aether''s neck..... noticing a small crack amidst their divine sheen, all while Aether''s gaze remained fixed in their direction. ''ssshhhhh'' A subtle breeze lifted Aether''s dark locks, unveiling his eyes, which were eerily devoid of emotion, staring intensely at Velc. "Thud" Velc dropped to his knees, his face pressed against the cold ground, his eyes vacant and lost. Meanwhile, Kaiy unconscious nearby, having sumbed to the strain after coughing up blood. "What in the world..." The Empress couldn''t contain her shock and muttered under her breath, not because of Velc or Kai but due to the..... unsettling presence behind Aether. "ARRRHHHH!!!" Archpriestess''s agonized scream pierced the air as she clutched her head in unbearable pain. "Archpriestess, what''s happening?" Her followers rushed to her side, concern etched on their faces as they steadied her. Archpriestess winced in agony, her hazy and pained gaze fixed in Aether''s direction where a dark figure loomed behind him. A deep dark figure..... It was a silhouette of a woman, her arms wrapped around Aether in a sinister embrace and what more horrifying was that her face twisted into a grotesque grin that seemed tock features altogether. A white grin adorned the face of a faceless ck woman figure!!! ''Gulp'' Empress audibly gulped, her throat drying with unease and... Fear? Her eyes remained locked on the haunting scene unfolding before her, unable to tear herself away from the bizarre spectacle. "Is something wrong?" Delphine asked the Empress, noting her empress unusual behaviour while Aether continued to nkly stare at Fallen Velc. "Mother?" Princess also frowned, observing her mother''s peculiar reaction, a hint of concern etched on her features. "Y-You can''t see?" Empress inquired, though her gaze never wavered from the grinning figure that seemed to exude a malevolent aura. "What?" Delphine and Princess exchanged puzzled nces, turning their attention to where the Empress was fixated, only to find Aether ensnared by the chains, nothing unusual about his appearance to their eyes. "Archpriestess, is something wrong?" Her followers asked, noticing her distress and the tension in the air. "C-Can''t you see that thing?" Archpriestess muttered, her voice filled with utter fear and disbelief as if struggling toprehend the surreal sight before her. "What are you talking about? Did that ve do something strange again?" Her followers responded, unable to grasp the invisible threat that seemed to grip the Empress and Archpriestess. Selene, too had a worried face but not for her brother or even her father... Only for Aether, who was bound by the mysterious chains. Empress and Archpriestess shared a knowing nce, realizing that they were the only ones able to perceive the sinister presence that loomed ominously over Aether... but why? "M-Marisandra..." Archpriestess''s voice quivered with pain as she uttered the name, her mind clouded with dread and foreboding. "W-What?" Empress''s attention was drawn back to the Archpriestess, her gaze still fixed on the enigmatic figure. "M-Mother wants to kill him.... " Archpriestess''s words wereced with agony as she struggled to articte the torment that gripped her mind, /KILL HIM//KILL HIM//KILL HIM//KILL HIM//KILL HIM//KILL HIM/.... Empress nced at Archpriestess before refocusing on the figure, her expression grave as she contemted the implications of its presence, "I-I fear.... that thing will surely kill us before we even take the first step..." Her words carried a weight of foreboding. She was clearly not joking around as she sensed the Arcane Energy surrounding Aether..... screamed in agony. Archpriestess swallowed hard, her eyes fixed on the figure that suddenly ceased grinning, its white lips moving in silent whispers... Both Empress and Archpriestess strained to decipher its words, reading its lip movements with a sense of dread, "She truly hates when he gets hurt" "She truly hates when he gets hurt" As they muttered they couldn''t help but freeze in terror.... Then Empress and Archpriestess exchanged frowns as theyprehended the chilling message, then looked back again... only to find... "Where?" Empress''s brows furrowed upon seeing Aether lying unconscious on the ground, the chains that once bound him now vanished without a trace. "H-Huh?" Archpriestess felt a sense of calm wash over her as her mind cleared, She didn''t hear any more words in her mind. "Are you feeling better, Archpriestess?" Her followers asked, noting the change in her demeanour. "Y-yes, I am feeling better... now," Archpriestess replied with a faint smile, though her eyes remained fixed on Aether with a growing sense of concern. !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 7.4% ] Velc, Kai, Timmy, and Aether were healed by the Archpriestess in due time. The aftermath was taken care of by the Empress''s Maid, ensuring everything was cleaned up after the engagement party concluded. However, there were lingering matters to address. "So, what do you say, Mr. Velc?" Archpriestess asked as she leaned back in her chair, her expression was unreadable "I... I ''sigh'' I''m not sure about it..." Velc replied with an awkward expression. After receiving healing from Archpriestess, she requested a private meeting with him to discuss something important. Timmy, Kai, and Aether were peacefully asleep, especially Aether, who had finally found tranquillity after causing so much chaos. "Mr. Velc, I''m not forcing anyone since you are not one of my subjects..." Archpriestess reassured him with a gentle smile, indicating if he was her subject... She wouldn''t be asking calmly. "F-For-Forgive me, Archpriestess, but I cannot relinquish ownership of Ether, even if the offer is.... really good one" Velc said with a hint of dread, casting a quick nce at one of Archpriestess''s followers. "Even though your own son could gain another Arcane Queen by his side?" Archpriestess posed the question. Velc hesitated momentarily. What the Archpriestess offered was undeniably tempting... No, it was miraculous to receive an offer. An engagement to another Arcane Queen from a different Empire would surely elevate Velc''s position, and his son would be delighted to have beautiful and powerful women by his side. A potential boost in status and power for both himself and his son. Yet... "A-Archpriestess, I-I would be happy if you asked for anything other than Ether," Velc admitted, awkwardly scratching his head. Seeing him not cooperating, She tried a different route, "Sigh, you saw that thing, right?" Archpriestess asked with a serious face. At the mention of it, Velc flinched, his expression morphing into one of horror, "Y-You saw that thing too!!!" Archpriestess nodded solemnly, understanding the gravity of the situation, That unknown entity had revealed itself to only a select few individuals. But why... She wondered. ''-ha-ha-ha'' Velc''s breath caught, his face once again contorted in fear. The memories of that thing itched onto his brain..... Arge grin on the ck figure, Velc would never forget it!! "That''s why I''m telling you, I need to keep an eye on that boy... I fear he might be dangerous," Archpriestess confided, though her words were only partially truthful. "I... I am sorry," Velc replied, fear evident in his voice and yet he shook his head to give Aether to anyone. ''Tsk'' Tsking inwardly, the Archpriestess bid him farewell and left the room without further discussion. "Saintess," Archpriestess called out as she walked away, her followers trailing behind her. "Archpriestess?" Her follower responded. "You''re attending the academy, correct?" "Yes, Archpriestess. As holder of one of the Arcane Queen, it is my duty to attend the Academy alongside our Apostle, who serves as the Arcane King," her follower confirmed. "Good..." Archpriestess paused, fixing her gaze on the follower with a stern expression, "I need you to keep an eye on Aether." "You mean that ve?" "..... Yes." "Why would I--" "Do as I say," Archpriestessmanded firmly. Chapter 113: That would be a problem for my future plans "You mean that ve?" "..... Yes." "Why would I--" "Do as I say," Archpriestessmanded firmly. Her followers could only nod as they left the pce, leaving the Empress alone with her thoughts. She stood there, gazing out at the Battle Arena with a nk expression, contemting the recent events. "What is that thing..." Empress muttered to herself, her eyes narrowing in thought as she tried to make sense of the mysterious urrences. Most of all, she was literally scared by that thing... Which makes no sense to her. Suddenly, A pair of obsidian eyes suddenly manifested in the dark sky above. Each pupil was a void devoid of light, rotating with an eerie fluidity as if searching for something. Then, they settled upon the Empress, who, rather than being rmed, smiled and waved at the ethereal presence. Those same eyes had appeared before when Aether was training his butt off! After a moment, the eyes vanished into the darkness once more. Empress couldn''t help but giggle softly before speaking to herself, "Let''s see what rampage that boy is going to cause in the near future... hehe." Her smile held a hint of anticipation and amusement. While everyone nning their next move, In an unknown ce within the universe, a scene unfolded amidst the vast expanse. UNKNOWN PLACE "Now, six more souls are missing to enter the path of samsara... Do you have anything to say about this?" The voice that spoke was elegant yet carried amanding authority, resonating through the boundless chamber. "M-My grace," a subordinate began, bowing deeply, "I-It was l-li-like so-s---" Before he could continue, he was cut off abruptly. "Tsk, What a waste," the voice expressed disappointment as the subordinate who was bowing suddenly turned into mist and dispersed into nothingness. The endless room fell into a heavy silence for a few moments, as if it needed to collect its thoughts. ''Snap'' The sound of snapping fingers pierced the silence, and another subordinate entered the boundless chamber. "My grace," the neer knelt down before the void, a dark vortex swirling in the center of the endless chamber. No one could see beyond the void; it was filled with imprable darkness. ".... Did you find the culprit?" The voice echoed from the void, resonating through the vast and eerie room. "Y-Yes, My Grace," the subordinate replied nervously. "Who?" "T-That''s..." The subordinate hesitated, on the verge of disappearing like the previous one, when suddenly, "Excuse me..." Someone else entered the endless room. "Y-You!! I told you to wait outside!" The subordinate''s voice was sharp as he addressed the wavy ck-haired, rugged man entering haughtily. "Come on now... You cannot possibly make me wait as one of the Arcane Kings of our Empire. I need respect, you know!" The ck-haired man said with a charismatic smile that belied his current situation. "...M-My grace, please forgive me! He told me he knew who was responsible for stealing the souls! I instructed this man to wait outside until I received your permission! But he entered without permission, I-I am truly sorry, My Grace!" The subordinate mmed his head on the ground as he begged for forgiveness, his fear palpable in the air. The void turned silent, creating an oppressive atmosphere that made it hard for the subordinate to bear. He silently wished he wouldn''t meet the same fate as the others, disappearing into nothingness.... No one wants that!! "Jack Sparrow..." The elegant voice echoed from the void once more. Jack Sparrow, also known as the man who was killed by Aether, stood before the void. His expression was a mix of respect and haughtiness as he responded, "My grace, I am truly honoured that you remem--" "Kneel!" "Thud!!" Sparrow was forcefully brought to his knees by the immense pressure emitted from the void. His face contorted in pain as the pressure bore down on his shoulders. The subordinate let out a silent sigh of relief, grateful that the attention had shifted away from him, at least for the moment. "M-My gr-grace, F-For-forgive me!" Sparrow managed to bring out those words through gritted teeth, enduring the pain. As Sparrow bowed down, his head touching the floor.... the intense pressure slowly lifted, allowing him to breathe more easily. "T-Thank y-you," Sparrow said, relieved as the pressure subsided. "Just because you were blessed and chosen by the Arcane, that doesn''t mean you are above anyone. Keep it in your mind... Arcane King," the voice stated with eerie indifference, its authority unquestionable. "Y-Yes, I will keep it in my mind, My grace," Sparrow responded with full understanding and humility. "So?" "Y-Yes, After serious investigation, I know who is responsible for disturbing the path of samsara," Sparrow replied with a serious expression. "..." "His name is... Kai, Kai Frostde, who was the Arcane King of the Aquaris Naiadae Empire," Sparrow disclosed, his tone grave. "I see...." "W-What should we do now, My grace?" Sparrow asked eagerly, his face reflecting both determination and anticipation. ".... Of course, Anyone who blocks the Path of Samsara... needs to die." "B-But A-Arcane wil--" "I am well aware of what am I doing, and Arcane is the one who gave me ''This role: A role to guide the souls''. I am merely fulfilling the job she assigned me.... thus I order my subjects to Eliminate Kai Frostde as soon as possible and bring back those souls that were taken," the voicemanded with unwavering authority. "U-UNDERSTOOD, MY GRACE!!" The subordinate who had been silently listening, immediately nodded his head and walked out to spread their ruler''s decree. ''That would be a problem for my future ns....hmmm...'' Jack Sparrow thought, a frown furrowing his brow before nodding and turning to leave when, "Next time.... Don''t send your toys," The voice said with dread, its echo lingering in the air like a warning bell. "Shit!" Jack Sparrow''s eyes widened in realization, and before he knew it, his body dismantled like a toy. ''Thud'' ''Thud'' ''Thud'' ''Thud'' His body partsy scattered... It was exactly looked like broken toys. "I-I am sorry," Sparrow''s disembodied head muttered, before vanishing into nothingness. Meanwhile, a little far away from this situation, inside a certain room, "SHIT!!" A teenage boy with wavy ck hair screamed in pain, his face contorted with agony, "Fuck!! That bitch''s power is even attacking me through my puppet!!" He gripped his body tightly, trying to endure the searing pain coursing through him. After a moment of intense suffering, the teenage boy finally calmed down, albeit with a lingering grimace of difort. He then took a picture and looked at it with a calcting gaze, muttering, "Ether.... ah," He nodded with a cunning smile. He then shifted his attention to the ten motionless Jack Sparrows standing in the corner of the room... they looked like toys without any resemnce to life. "Hehe... It''s getting interesting." Then he looked at the invitation to the Academy, a twisted grin spreading across his face, "Hehe.. Let''s y even more... Hahahaha." The teenage boy, resembling a younger version of Jack Sparrow,ughed maniacally, his mind already concocting new schemes. Who he was truly and what was his aim?.... nobody knew, but one thing was sure: his next target had been none other than Aether, who was, of course, sleeping peacefully.... not a single care for his fucked up life that was going fuck up even more. .... However, this time... He gonna fuck up everyone!! Chapter 114: Everyone was Traumatized "That''s exactly what happened" "So, let me get this straight. You''re telling me that I did... I mean, ''I'' did all that?" Aether asked incredulously, his wide eyes reflecting a mix of shock, surprise, and, most of all... horrified expression. "Yes," Delphine affirmed with a subtle nod, her lips curving into a small, knowing smile as she observed Aether''s evolving range of emotions. She couldn''t help but feel a slight sense of satisfaction in getting her revenge on every previous harassment. This was the day following Aether''s destructive outburst. When he finally regained consciousness, he felt disoriented and struggled to recall the events that had transpired. He could vaguely recollect some memories of Ether, but beyond that... everything was a blur. All he could distinctly remember was epting the drink Selene had offered him, and the next moment, he found himself immersed in Ether''s memories, and then abruptly awakening in an unfamiliar room... That was today. Emerging from the room, Aether was met with perplexed stares from those around him. With a growing sense of urgency, he sought out the only person he knew to be level-headed and approachable amidst the chaos.... Delphine. Upon entering her allotted room, Delphine detailly recounted every detail without omitting a single nuance. ''Ah, I fucked up!'' Aether muttered himself and couldn''t help but gulp in fear knowing the cause of the woman''s scarifice... then he looked at Delphine, who seemed to be enjoying his difort a little too much. His lips twitched mischievously as he caught Delphine''s delicate hand in his own, a yful glint in his eyes. "Let''s elope!" he eximed, throwing a metaphorical bomb into their conversation. "W-What!! What are you talking about?!" Delphine stammered, her face flushing crimson as she attempted to wriggle her hand from Aether''s firm grip. "I''m dead serious!" Aether''s tone was unexpectedly grave as he locked eyes with her aqua-coloured eyes, his voice softening, "They''lle for me, Delphine. They''ve seen what I can capable of and clearly seen my wonderful worth!. This is my chance... no, our only chance. Let''s disappear before they realize I''m gone" his tone slightly hinted with narcissistic. [+10 Affection] "W-Wait! W-Why should I be dragged into your mess? And why should I f-follow you?" Delphine retorted, her voice tinged with a mix of confusion and defiance. "Because you know..." Aether leaned in closer, his breath mingling with hers. "!" Delphine instinctively backed away... Though, [+10 Affection] Aether, seeing her flustered under his persistent advances, couldn''t help but feel a sense of triumph, "We''re partners... You''re my cute little rabbit~" "No way!" Delphine suddenly screamed, delivering a punch to his gut, but..... Aether anticipated it and caught her hand. "Gotcha~" Aether''s grin turned haughty as he sessfully countered her attack. ''Fuck! Yes!'' Aether cheered internally as he managed to react to her attack, but his victory was short-lived. "Tsk," Delphine clicked her tongue and swiftly aimed a kick at his..... crotch. Aether''s eyes widened as he witnessed the slow-motion horror of her leg heading straight for his... no, every man''s weak point. This time, Delphine was quicker than before, catching Aether off guard. Despite his determination to protect his manhood, Aether couldn''t react in time. So, he did what any sane man would do at this point, ''Put everything in Agility'' !~Ding~! [+5 Agility] [Agility: 20] [Error] [Limit reached ording to the Level] ''Ssshhh'' Delphine''s eyes widened in surprise as Aether surprisingly moved faster, backing away just in time. "Y-You!" Aether''s fingers trembled as he pointed at Delphine with a mixture of shock and horror, "You''re the enemy of every man in this world" Delphine snapped out of her surprise and quickly regained herposure, shing a cunning smile. "I''d dly embrace that title... Now, get out!" ''Maybe I pushed it too far...'' Aether thought as he hastily made his exit from the room. As soon as Aether left the room, ''Thud'' Delphine crumpled to her knees with a heavy thud, her breathing in ragged gasps as her face flushed a deep shade of red, reminiscent of a ripe tomato. "W-What''s ~ha~ happening to me?" she wondered, her gaze drifting to her hand where Aether had held it... When Aether touched her hand a sudden wave of heat coursed through her body, as if something invasive had entered her without her permission. She attempted to wriggle her hand free from the memory of his strong, healthy grip, sturd-- "What am I even thinking?!" Delphine shouted into her hands, ovee with embarrassment. She frantically fanned her flushed face, trying to cool the feverish sensations that seemed to radiate from within. "There''s definitely something off about that b-boy!" Delphine muttered to herself, the image of his face too close for lingering in his mind. ''Ba-Dump'' Her heart skipped a beat, recalling the moment his face had hovered just inches from hers, the proximity almost enough to make her worry he could hear her racing heart. ''I-I need to avoid him..'' Delphine resolved with newfound determination. "SSS~" Snowke, who had been hiding snugly in her cleavage, peeked out with a concerned expression. The little creature sensed Delphine''s body temperature rising and her heart rate quickening. "Don''t worry," Delphine reassured Snowke with a smile. Over the days they had spent together, she and Snowke had grown closer. "Your Master is really something~" Delphine remarked with a hint of annoyance, patting Snowke''s head gently, her thoughts still swirling with the recent encounter. But before she could delve further into her musings, ''Thud'' Aether suddenly burst into the room, and said, "You''re still holding my snake" his words trailing off as his eyes widened in shock. Before he could finish, two ice spears were hurled towards him with deadly uracy. "Shit!!" ''Thud!!'' ''Slk'' ''Slk'' With lightning reflexes, Aether mmed the door shut just in time, the spears stabbing themselves into the door. "What the fuck?!" Aether muttered disbelief etched on his face as he leaned against the door, wiping sweat from his forehead. "I really pissed her off...ah," Aether mused, realizing the gravity of the situation. He decided it was best to avoid Delphine for the time being. As he made his way through the corridors, he couldn''t help but notice the servants avoiding him, their fearful gazes darting away as he approached. Even Timmy''sckeys were on their knees, begging for forgiveness.... Even though he was just walking past them. "I must have traumatized them..." Aether nodded to himself though he didn''t care as long as he was treated correctly. Finally, he encountered Velc, who was staring nkly at him. Aether braced himself for the inevitable confrontation but to his surprise... "Did you rest well?" Velc asked calmly. Aether blinked in confusion, ''Just to sure..'' thought, ncing over his shoulder to ensure there wasn''t someone else behind him. "I''m asking you, Ether," Velc reiterated, his voice steady. "... Yes, Sir," Aether replied, somewhat taken aback by Velc''s unexpected demeanour. "Good. Now, get ready. We''re leaving for the Academy. Leave," Velc instructed calmly though a hint of urgency underlying his calm tone. ''Even this fucker is shaken...'' Aether thought, bowing not by the respect before exiting Velc''s room. ''Did I really cause that much fear?'' Aether wondered as he walked, pondering the recent reactions.... He kind of liked it. ''Maybe I should drink one or two times...'' He wondered. Suddenly, "Hello, Drunken Badass." "Shit!!" Aether jumped in surprise, recognizing the voice of the Empress''s maid, who stood before him with a mischievous smile. "Empress requests your presence," she announced casually. Chapter 115: Bonus Chapter... (?ˇεˇ?) Both the Princess and the Empress fixed their curious gazes on Aether.... Their eyes literally sparkled as if they had stumbled upon a rare gem. While Aether usually enjoyed the attention of beautiful women, the situation felt decidedly off. "E-Excuse me?" he stammered, taken aback by their intense scrutiny. "Yes?" "What is it?" The Empress and Princess responded simultaneously, their voices harmonizing in a strange synchronization. Aether couldn''t help but feel a bit suspicious. Seated in a private dining room, Aether found himself surrounded by the Empress, who reclined gracefully in a chair opposite him, and the Princess, who sat beside her with a gentle smile. The Empress''s maid stood nearby, poised to serve at a moment''s notice. "Can I eat, right?" Aether''s gaze drifted towards the table, which was adorned with avish spread of exquisite dishes. Despite any suspicions he may have harbored about their intentions, hunger gnawed at him, and the tantalizing aroma of the food beckoned irresistibly. He hadn''t seen such delicacies even in Velc''s mansion, and he doubted he would get such an opportunity again. "Of course, you may," the Empress assured him, her tone gracious. The Princess nodded in agreement, her demeanor equally weing. With cautious optimism, Aether selected a piece of meat and brought it hesitantly to his lips, half-expecting his survival rate to plummet..... Yet, to his mix of relief and surprise, no ominous notification appeared. Food was not poisoned! "Hmm~" Aether''s surprise was palpable as he savored the exquisite vors, his initial wariness melting away in the face of such deliciousness. Hunger drove him to devour the meal with gusto, his expression gradually shifting from caution to contentment. The Empress observed with a smile as Aether consumed the food without reservation, was inwardly astonished at how quickly he devoured half of the dishes presented before him in mere minutes. After an hour had passed, Aether sighed contentedly, patting his stomach. ''Damn, that was one of the most delicious meals I''ve ever had,'' he thought to himself. "You certainly have quite the appetite," the Empress remarked teasingly, her eyes dancing with amusement. Her maid nodded in agreement as she began to clear the table. "...." "...." Feeling the weight of two stern stares directed at him, Aether coughed awkwardly and asked, "What about the others?" "They''ve already eaten in the dining hall," the Empress''s maid replied with a friendly smile. "I see..." Aether nodded, waiting for further conversation. However, the intense gazes from the three women in the room made him feel as though he was being scrutinized like prey by predators. ''Why is she staring at me too?'' Aether frowned, noticing the Empress''s maid also taking an interest in him. After what felt like an eternity of silence, the Empress finally spoke, "You don''t remember your past, do you?" "No," Aether confirmed. "And you don''t recall what happenedst night either?" the Empress continued. "Um, no... I don''t," Aether admitted, scratching his head in confusion. "Hmm..." The Empress nodded thoughtfully, exchanging a nce with her daughter before addressing Aether again, "My daughter was the one who invited you to this feast. She has something important she wishes to discuss with you.... I''ll take my leave now." "Huh?" Aether was visibly taken aback, wondering why the Empress was suddenly acting distant. "Is something the matter?" the Empress asked, noticing Aether''s shocked expression. "N-Nothing," Aether replied, though his thoughts were racing with confusion as the Empress and her maid left the room. ''Something isn''t right...'' Aether thought as he stared at the closed door. Once alone, the Princess spoke up, her eyes fixed on Aether, "You''ve won my heart..." "Huh?" Aether snapped back to reality, frowning in confusion, "Pardon?" "I said, you''ve won my heart," the Princess repeated. Aether''s eyes flickered to his mission tab, confirming that the mission was still active. ''What is she talking about?'' Aether wondered, but then he recalled Delphine''s story that he said inappropriate things not just to the Princess, but also to the to Empress. ''I see now....'' Aether thought to himself, nodding with a polite smile. "Thank you, Princess, for allowing this humble ve into your gracious heart." The Princess fell silent, sensing a something wrong with Aether''s words, but she chose to dismiss it for the moment. "You know, I havenot very fond and little patience for lowlifes, especially ves who ignore their master''s orders..." Her tone carried a subtle edge as she stood from her chair and approached Aether. Continuing as she stood before him, the Princess expressed, "However, YOU.... when you defy the very norms of our world... I find myself strangely drawn to you. A man who refuses to bound by thews of this world..." Her gaze locked onto Aether''s blue eyes, searching for some understanding. "Isn''t that intriguing?" she mused softly, reaching out to touch Aether''s cheek. As Aether and the Princess stood in a moment of silence, Aether''s mind raced with questions and uncertainties. ''Should I say something now or waht?'' Aether pondered, feeling the weight of the situation. Breaking the silence, the Princess walked away from Aether, her steps carrying her towards the window, "A man who cannot be restrained by thew... everyone would love to im him for themselves," she mused aloud, her voice carrying a hint of admiration. Leaning lightly against the window frame, the Princess let the gentle breeze to y with her silky hair. She tucked a stray strand behind her ear as she continued, "I now understand why the Archpriestess coveted you so much... going as far as offering her Empire''s Arcane Queen." Her gaze turned skyward, lost in contemtion and finally those words that sticking on her throat, "I want you to be mine, Aether." Her gaze met his with sincerity, a small smile ying on her lips, "I know I have shorings," the Princess confessed with a sigh, acknowledging her ws. "Sometimes I lose my temper over trivial matters, and I may have hidden agendas. But ultimately, I just want my mother to have a happy, normal life." Her voice carried a note of longing and determination. "She sacrificed a lot in her childhood... her hands were stained by the blood of royalty, haunting her like a recurring nightmare. I want to free her from these burdens, to give her the peace she deserves..... Even more that nightmares that yet to began..." Aether''s frown deepened as he absorbed her words, feeling a sense of foreboding creeping over him, ''Nightmares... What the fuck am I being pulled into now?'' he wondered anxiously. "Please, support me, Aether," the Princess implored, her smile genuine as she extended her hand, "In return, I will grant you the freedom you seek." Aether finally rose from his chair, meeting the Princess''s gaze... _____ [Author''s Note: If we reach 100 Golden Tickets... I will upload two more chapters. So support me guys!!??] Chapter 116: I will make her mine Last Night. It was a quiet night within the Empress''s chamber, the stillness broken only by the soft rustle of curtains as everyone retired for the evening. "Mother, I know you must have some knowledge about that ve," Princess Aqualina confronted her mother, her gaze intense as she watched the Empress in her nightgown, leaning on the bed. "Aaahhhh..." The Empress let out a tired yawn before meeting her daughter''s unwavering gaze. "Can we perhaps discuss this at a more opportune time, my dear?" "Nope, we can''t!" Princess replied firmly, determination evident in her tone. "Sigh..." Empress sighed before looking at her daughter and said with a straight face, "I don''t know" Veins appeared on the Princess''s forehead as she eximed, "Mother!" Princess wasn''t naive; when Aether caused a lot of problems, her mother didn''t oppose him, as if implying he should do as he pleases. Allowing a ve to act without restraint in her territory was total nonsense if she knew something others didn''t. And most of all... Aether''s stranger powers. "Haha.... Fine, Fine!" the Empress chuckled before continuing, "He is someone who was protected... no, perhaps favoured... Yes, He is favoured by the Arcane." Princess''s expression was one of shock. "Really, Mother?!!" There was no one in this universe whom the Arcane favoured. "Yes," the Empress nodded. "Why a ve? Why him? If he were a noble or even amoner, they might have be the most prominent figures all over the five worlds!" Princess eximed with a serious face. The Empress turned silent for a second before responding, "My dear, can you fullyprehend my doings?" "Yes," Princess nodded without hesitation. "Oh? Really?" the Empress asked with a smug face. "W-Well, maybe a little," Princess awkwardly admitted, eliciting a giggle from the Empress, who then said, "Even though I am your mother, you cannot entirely grasp my intentions.... Just as we are mere parts of the Arcane''s y, the god who created us... We cannot fathom her methods." "I see..." Princess nodded in understanding and inquired, "So, what kind of approach should I take to him under me?" "Hmm? Why are you asking me?" Empress asked back. "Come on, Mother! You must have already nned, right? Please give your daughter a hint," Princess pleaded. "A hint... ah? Then tell me first, what are you nning to do with him?" Empress inquired. Princess sighed, knowing her mother wouldn''t relent until she shared her thoughts, "Well, I initially thought of manipting Kai and transferring ownership to me. But it seems that might take some time and that idiot was totally Papa''s boy. So, I considered using a ''carrot and stick'' strategy to gain control over Aether. If possible, I might even resort to coercion until he obeys me..." "Hmm... That''s a well-thought-out n," Empress acknowledged, feeling a touch of pride that her daughter was strategizing effectively. However, she added, "Yet, you risk losing his loyalty." Princess remained silent, knowing this was precisely why she sought her mother''s advice. Sighing, the Empress continued, "My daughter, please don''t follow my path. Look at me, even though I have more powerful subordinates everywhere, they serve me out of fear, not loyalty." "I just want you to remember when you face death, those who fear you would flee without a second thought. But loyalty... you cannot buy it even if you sacrifice an entire empire. So, think carefully before making a move on Aether, who was favoured by the Arcane." Princess slowly digested her mother''s words and then asked for onest hint, "Any hint?" Empress sighed again and muttered, "He is just an idiot who does what he wants, loves freedom, smiles when treated well, fears being used and discarded, and above all..." Empress couldn''t help but smile, "He loves.... eyes..." "Hmm?" Princess frowned at her mother''s smiling expression, which was quite rare. Sensing her daughter''s confusion, Empress cleared her throat and said, "That''s all for now... Now go!" She was visibly exhausted after the day''s events. However, instead of leaving, Princess moved closer to the bed and nestled into her mother''s embrace. "Hmm?" Empress flinched at first, but then a smile spread across her face as she hugged her daughter and whispered, "There are many things you need to learn, my dear... I am always beside you." ".... Yes, Mom," Princess replied with a smile. They embraced each other before drifting off into dreams together. Present! Aether rose from his seat and approached the princess. He had heard every word she spoke until now. In truth, if any other ve or servant had been treated to suchvish foods and been graced by her heartfelt words alongside her mesmerizing face, they would undoubtedly have pledged their loyalty to her, even willing toy down their lives. And Aether was no exception. ''Thud'' Aether knelt before her, taking her hand in his, akin to a knight pledging his devotion to a princess in a fairy tale, "I shall protect you with my life, My Princess," he dered, pressing a kiss to the back of her hand. The princess smiled faintly. However, Did Aether care for her pitiful act or whatever?..... No. Was his heart stirred by her beauty?..... No. Did her offer bring him happiness?... Bitch, No way!! He going to remain a ve unless he finishes his missions!! Aether may not have been aware of the nightmares looming on the horizon waiting for him.... nor did he particrly care, for his life had been nothing short of a nightmare itself. But one thing was certain... He would survive. He was willing to face those nightmares again to live his existence without any regrets. This was his second chance, and he would do whatever was necessary to survive. Behind his gentle smile, there lurked a cunning smirk as he gazed upon the princess''s serene face, so different from the day before. Did he truly concern himself with her facade? Not in the slightest! ''If you wish to use me... Go ahead, but be prepared to be used in return... Little girl. I will conquer both your mind and body,'' Aether resolved with unwavering determination... His pupils flickered with ck before settling down to blue. The princess smiled, interpreting the resolve in his expression as evidence of her sess, ''I suppose I''ve won his heart,'' she mused, content with the oue of her n. Though it was rooted in truth, she had spoken from the depths of her heart and the result was far better than if she lied about something. [+10 Affection] [Survival rate: 7.5%] ''I suppose that''s what it takes to earn one''s loyalty,'' she pondered, unaware of Aether''s true intentions. ''I will make her yearn for me! I will dominate her thoughts! I will etch myself into her mind! Drive her sanity to the brink! Soon, I will im her heart... This girl will soon be mine and mine alo-- Wait?'' Aether was startled by his own inner dialogue. ''What the fuck! This is not me!!'' Chapter 117: Truth behind his Arcane Card In Aether''s allocated room, / Name: Aether Sex: Male Race: ##### Level: 2 Title: The Lost One, ve [Eternal Contract to ########], The Only Holder of Ether and Past-less, Future-less Entity. Attributes: Strength: 20 Agility: 20 Intelligence: 10 Magic Affinity: 20 Charm: 13 Compatibility: 90% Survival rate: 7.5% Affection Points: 00443 (1000 Affection Points = 1 *any Attributes) Seduction:1/10 / Aether gazed at his Log and contemted, ''Everything seems normal.'' He then shifted his attention to his mission tab, finding no anomalies there either. ''Then why did that thought cross my mind?'' Aether wondered. His mind had wandered into unfamiliar territory when he epted the Princess''s proposal regarding his future ns to seduce her. His inner dialogue felt markedly different, almost as if a dormant part of him had awakened. Aether grew concerned about the possibility of being influenced by external forces. He closed his eyes, delving deep into introspection to unravel the source of these unusual thoughts. After a moment of deep contemtion, a realization struck him. "Arcane card," Aether whispered, summoning forth the card as his sternum briefly shimmered before a transparent card materialized, hovering before him. He scrutinized the card intently, noticing a small corner etched in ck on the transparent card. ''Six drops... I''ve taken the lives of six people,'' Aether murmured to himself as his fingers brushed against the darkened corner, !~Ding~! A soft chime echoed in his mind as the log materialized before him, [Congrattions for summoning the Arcane Card!] !~Ding~! [Arcane Card: Unlike other Arcane Cards, yours is not exactly an Arcane Card. It is a ##### Card... a modified version of the Arcane Card. This ##### Card contains two aspects: The Ethereal Domain, which is supposed to be on the white side, represents... Your Bright Pure Heart! The Umbra Domain, which is supposed to be on the ck side, represents... Your Hidden Dark Heart! You must fill both the Ethereal and Umbra domains equally; otherwise, the dominant side will corrupt your soul. For example: If you fill your Umbra side more and more than your Ethereal side, you will gradually lose your human sanity ording to difference. This imbnce leads you to pursue your objectives by any means necessary, resorting to extreme actions like mass destruction or coercion. Ultimately, You might be a despised monster in the eyes of the worlds. Conversely, if you fill your Ethereal side more and more than your Umbra side, you will gradually be the purest person in the universe. While you achieve your goals and fulfil your missions, you remain truthful even to your enemies. You exhibit immense forgiveness, even toward those who have caused you grave harm or taken the lives of your loved ones. Ultimately, You might be a saint, beloved and respected across worlds.] !~Ding~! [Both the Ethereal and Umbra domains represent your true nature, unique to you alone. There are no external factors influencing them.They embody your ultimate desires and pent-up emotions.... So Do not point it out to others just for the sake of not epting the reality!] !~Ding~! [Requirements for filing the Ethereal Domain: Help the pure form of beings that needs you in their life] !~Ding~! [Requirements for filling the Umbra Domain: Devour/Eliminate the souls/person who harbours hatred and enmity toward you.] !~Ding~! [Tolerance: Maintain a 15% difference between the domains; exceeding this threshold will result in the dominant side corrupting your soul.] !~Ding~! [Warning!!!] [The aforementioned actions ur only when you summon your card; otherwise, your soul remains untainted!] !~Ding~! [Important Notice: Your desired weapon has yet to manifest. To unlock it, you must first fill both Ethereal and Umbra Domains.] "Hmm... That''s quite a lot of information," Aether murmured, nodding as he slowly digested the details. !~Ding~! [Warning!!!] [Please maintain bnce in the domains... Otherwise ~Arcane~will~get~angry~??] "...." Aether stared nkly at the emoji, annoyance and anger flickering in his eyes. ''Ah, how tempting it is to imagine pounding you while hearing your screams--'' he thought, his mind briefly wandering. "Tsk, What the hell am I Thinking?" Aether snapped out of his dark thoughts, and the Arcane Card disappeared from his hand. ''I understand... Bnce, huh?'' Aether inwardly acknowledged that both the Ethereal and Umbra sides seemed overwhelming for him to handle. One path led to bing a monster, something Aether vehemently opposed. He simply desired to live in peace, making this option uneptable. The other path was equally perilous. Aether couldn''t fathom bing a saint, forgiving enemies and speaking the truth always.Such honesty would only lead to his demise, as revealing his true self to everyone was out of the question. He living only by lying!! "Modified Arcane card..." Aether mused, then sighed heavily. He couldn''t grasp the purpose of carrying this ticking time bomb within him. It seemed utterly futile. "So those thoughts were my true dark inner desires..." Aether acknowledged, epting this revtion. He refused toment like a bitch, knowing that every human harboured simr shadows within their hearts and he had those... so no problem, of course as long as he remained true to himself. With another sigh, he left his room, his mind set on meeting someone... ''Knock, Knock'' Aether knocked on the imposing door. "Is something the matter, Drunkan Badass?" The Empress''s maid suddenly appeared behind him. "I wish to see the Empress," Aether stated with a faint smile. "Hmm?" The maid furrowed her brow, sensing that something was amiss with his demeanour. She was about to refuse when... "Come in," the Empress''s voice echoed from behind the door. The maid nodded and allowed him entry. !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 7.4% ] Aether stepped into the room without hesitation or concern for his dwindling survival rate. The Empress''s maid tilted her head in confusion, silently wondering, ''What''s wrong with him?'' She was about to leave when a voice interrupted her thoughts. "Why is he entering inside?" The maid turned to see Kai, his expression furrowed in a frown. "Her Majesty asked him to meet her," the maid replied with a professional smile, concealing the truth. Kai''s fists clenched with frustration. He knew she was lying; he had overheard everything. Today, As soon Kai woke up from his deep slumber, he immediately decided to punish Aether for his unruly attitude and ignoring hismands. Yet, his father had intervened, inexplicably preventing Kai from taking action, as if gripped by fear. Realizing that Aether''s actions may have caused his father to worry about the contract, Kai had intended to confront Aether before his father. However, despite his thorough search, Aether remained elusive. When Kai finally decided to inquire with the Empress, he stumbled upon Aether at her chamber door, receiving permission to enter. ''Something fishy is going on...'' Feeling a growing sense of unease, Kai knew he needed to uncover the truth. "I wish to meet with the Empress," he dered firmly. The Empress''s maid frowned, prepared to dismiss him, when... "Kai" A gentle voice called him. "I''ming~ Princess," Kai responded with a smile, recognizing the voice without needing to turn around. With a contented smile, he walked toward the Princess. The Empress''s maid watched Kai''s retreating form with a peculiar expression before shaking her head and returning to her duties. Inside the Empress''s chamber, "This is the first time you are visiting me~" Empress said with a teasing smile, sitting on the table as she sipped the tea she was drinking. "Well, It seems someone trying to avoid me" Aether said with a straight face as he sat before her with a casual face. "...." Empress had a mildly surprised face, ''Something is wrong...'' she thought. Chapter 118: An art of Seduction begins... "You''re avoiding me, aren''t you?" Aether asked, his expression filled with judgment. Empress studied Aether''s face for a moment, noting the annoyance etched there. She inwardly found his sudden usation amusing and decided to y along, saying, "What gives you that impression?" "Tsk, did you think I wouldn''t notice your beautiful eyes avoiding looking at mine?" Aether voiced his dissatisfaction. "Cough, Cough," Empress sputtered as her tea took an unexpected route down the wrong pipe. Never in her life had she imagined hearing aint intertwined with apliment. Just as she reached for a handkerchief, Aether''s concern interrupted herm "Are you okay?" He stood before her, patting her head and using his sleeve cuff to wipe away the spiled tea from her lips. Empress momentarily froze, not because of Aether''s touch, though that yed a part, but most importantly because she hadn''t sensed his approach until he touched her head. ''He''s growing stronger at an rming rate...'' Empress thought, observing Aether''s shining blue eyes reflecting genuine concern. "Hmm?" Aether tilted his head, noticing the Empress''s once-misty purple eyes now looking at him directly. A small warmth and happiness graced Aether''s face as he remarked, "Now you''re looking at me..." ''Ba-Dump'' "!!!!" Empress''s eyes widened in surprise, her heart pounding loudly in her chest all of a sudden.... She could literally hear the beating!! ''pufff'' "What the...?" Aether was taken by surprise as he watched the Empress vanish before his very eyes. He scanned the room, bewildered, only to find her standing in the farthest corner. ''What in the world is she doing over there?..... Could it be that she''s scared of me? Empress never reacted like this?'' Aether wondered, his smile tinged with genuine surprise. He was truly surprised to see her running away like a rabbit... Just as he was about to take a step forward to inquire... "Did you get drunk again?" The Empress''s stern and serious voice cut through the air, her gaze fixed firmly on Aether. "Hmm? What are you talking about?" Aether furrowed his brow, puzzled by the usation of being drunk. He? Drunk? Of course not. In fact, the situation amused him, especially seeing the Empress''s sudden change in demeanour. He wanted to tease her! "No, don''t move!" Empressmanded with a serious tone, her eyes reflecting a mix of concern and authority. ''I just want to be true to myself instead of holding back and overthinking... but that seems to have caused quite a diverse reaction.... It''s truly amusing,'' Aether thought, a hint of amusement ying on his expression. He was well aware that he was being bold; summoning his card had slightly filled the dark side... He knew after reading the data... He brought out his hidden desire and that was... to make her blush. Of course, that desire was only temporary. He wasn''t daring enough to take it any further. Continuing to tease her, Aether furrowed his brow and inquired, "Why?" Empress red at Aether, her toneced with authority, "Because I am the Empress, and you are nothing but a ve!" Hearing that, Aether''s lips twitched in amusement, ''You speak of our status when you practically sit on me?'' he wanted to retort but knew this was a delicate moment; he needed to tread carefully, or his head would be rolling on the ground before he knew it. "I-I apologize for my insolence..." Aether said with a sad, fake expression, oveying it with his true emotions, "I-I simply wanted to understand why you seemed to be avoiding me. Please forgive my impertinence, Your Majesty." "H-Huh?" Empress observed Aether''s change in demeanour, sighing inwardly as she calmed herself from overreacting to a simple touch. She recognized his genuine curiosity, especially since she often teased him. "Fine!" Empress dered, walking toward Aether and positioning herself before him, "But don''t touch me without my permission." "I see..." Aether met her gaze, noticing her avoidance, and offered a sly smirk. "Then you shouldn''t touch me without my permission, Deal?" "Hmm?" Empress found his negotiation amusing. ''Look at him, trying to bargain with me... Oh?'' she mused, replying, "As the Empress, I can do as I please," as she lightly touched his chest with her fingers, wearing a seductive smile. She anticipated Aether''s reaction, expecting him to tremble like a rabbit caught in her, just like before. However, this time... "You touched~" Aether remarked with a small smile, seemingly unfazed and almost as if he had been anticipating her touch. Empress''s seductive smile faltered when she noticed the tenderness in his eyes as if he were taking care of her with just his gaze. ''Ba-dump'' ''Fuck This! What is wrong with him!!'' She screamed inwardly, feeling a surge of frustration, and was about to push him away when... "Empress..." Aether''s face broke into a wide grin as he spoke gently, "You are blushing~" Empress flinched instinctively, her heart skipping a beat. In a matter of seconds, she found herself standing before a mirror, scrutinizing her reflection... To her shock, she noticed a slight red hue on her cheeks. "Me?" She questioned herself, surprised by her own reaction, before ncing back at the boy who was grinning as if he had won something. "Tsk" Empress clicked her tongue in annoyance before swiftly returning to Aether and pushing him onto the bed, taking her seat atop him just like before. "Y-You should consider yourself l-lucky to see me blush, you little brat!" Empress dered, her grip tightening around his neck. Empress was well aware that Aether was weak against women''s advances, especially given how he often avoided her like a gue. She had hoped to see him blush and tremble beneath her touch, expecting a certain reaction from him... Yet, "Your eyes are even more beautiful when you''re blushing!" Aether remarked with a gentle and warm smile..... The next moment, he found himself standing outside her room. ''How did I end up here?'' Aether wondered, slightly perplexed but, [+100 Affection] !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 6.4%] He shook his head thinking this was not the Empress he had in his mind... She truly acted like a little girl.He smiled to himself as he walked away, feeling a sense of aplishment. Once Empress threw Aether out, she mmed her hand on the table in frustration, emitting a loud "grrrr" as she gritted her teeth. She couldn''t believe her heart had been swayed by his sweet smile as if he had awakened something inside her heart. "Damn that brat!! He must beughing at me!!!" Empress''s face turned even redder in shame, and then she shouted to herself, "Damn, heart!! Just fucking calm down!!" Hearing the ruckus, the Empress''s maid entered the room immediately, worried that the Empress was under attack. To her surprise, the Empress was the one causing themotion, breaking things in her fit of anger. The maid wanted to inquire about what happened, but she chose to stay silent. After a minute of venting her frustration, the Empress finallyposed herself and said firmly, "Get everyone ready; we are leaving for the Academy." "Understood, Your Majesty!" The maid bowed before quickly leaving to carry out the orders. Chapter 119: Before Academy Part-1 As everyone readied themselves and started to move toward the Academy, chatter filled the air. Soon, they departed from the Pce and arrived at the Teleportation Station. "Whoa!" Aether eximed as heid eyes on the huge entrance adorned with strange ruins. "Teleportation... ah. That means we are travelling quite a distance from here," Aether muttered inwardly, noting the significance of teleportation and its implications for their journey. He picked up his luggage as well since, as a ve, he needed to fulfil his duties. The Teleportation Station was a hub of magical energy, pulsating with the power needed to transport individuals across vast distances in an instant... It helps to travel between Empires. And the Academy they were talking about was situated in a different Empire. Aether marvelled at the sight of colossal roots extruding from the ground, forming a pathway that seemed to defy conventional spatial logic. These roots, intertwined with weird magnificent symbols and glowing with Arcane energy, created a pathway that parted to create an entrance into the teleportation portal. As the scene unfolded at the Teleportation Area, Aether observed with a mix of curiosity and anticipation. The sight of people stepping into the pathway and disappearing into the portal left him deep in thought, contemting the wonders of magical travel. "Hmm..." Aether nodded to himself, his mind abuzz with questions and excitement about the teleportation process. Delphine, noticing his contemtive expression, couldn''t resist teasing him gently. "Can''t contain your smile?" she chimed in, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she observed his attempts to hide his astonishment. "Hah..." Aether chuckled, his smile breaking through. "This is my first time venturing into a new life without constant watch by others," he admitted with a sense of freedom. Delphine smiled warmly, leaning closer to him. "Good for you then," She replied. Meanwhile, around them, workers in the Teleportation Area were busy with their tasks, their movements precise and focused. They bowed their heads respectfully to the Empress and diligently prepared for the uing teleportation. "Kai, Selene, please stay safe and don''t hesitate to contact me if you need anything," Velc said, his face showing traces of tears. "My son, please do whatever it takes to avoid that monster," Alfred added, his voice tinged with fear and concern. "Do your best, my dear," Empress chimed in, offering a supportive smile. The atmosphere grew heavy with emotions as the realization of parting from their loved ones sank in. Kai couldn''t hold back his tears as he hugged Velc tightly, and Alfred''s eyes were also moist as he embraced his son, emphasizing the need to avoid "that monster." ''Tsk, He''s still calling me a monster!'' Aether clicked his tongue in annoyance. Alfred, who had acted so imposing before, now avoided even looking at him. Suddenly, "!!" Aether flinched when he felt Delphine hug his hand tightly. He looked at her with a surprised expression. Delphine whispered softly, "I guess this is as far as I can help you... From now on, do your best." Aether felt a surge of emotion as he sensed something crawling inside his hand, knowing it was her, Snowke.... but he couldn''t hide his sadness as he gazed at Delphine. He was genuinely sad as he realized what she meant. She was his Survival Donor, and the thought of parting from her filled him with despair. How could he survive without her? "Delphine," Aether couldn''t help but mutter with a broken expression. Delphine wore a teasing smile, finding his despondency amusing. "Oh my~ Are you going to miss me?" she teased, but she didn''t anticipate his earnest response. "Yes!" Aether replied earnestly, his expression showing his genuine feelings as he almost pleaded with her, "Pleasee with me!" "W-Wait!" Delphine was taken aback, trying to free her hand from his tight grip as he seemed unwilling to let her go. "A-Aether, stop, everyone is going to look at us!" Delphine urged, concerned that their disy might lead others to misconstrue their rtionship. She truly worried about what others would think! She knew she would never be able to face anyone if things escted further! "Please, I will really miss you~" Aether''s eyes turned teary as he acted like a child who didn''t want his mother to leave. [+10 Affection] Delphine''s face turned red as she red at Aether and muttered, "Aether, let me go, otherwise--" "Otherwise?" Both Delphine and Aether flinched as they slowly turned their heads and saw Empress standing before them, her gaze carrying a smile that wasn''t really a smile, but rather a dangerous aura. "I-It''s not what you think it is," Delphine said quickly, her voice faltering under Empress''s scrutiny. Empress''s eyes lowered, focusing on Aether''s hand that tightly held Delphine''s hand. Delphine jerked Aether''s hand away before excusing herself, saying she needed to bid farewell to her nephew and niece, her face still flushed with embarrassment. ''That woman...'' Aether thought with a betrayed expression before looking at Empress and stammering, "E-Empress..." "...." Empress remained silent, her gaze still fixed on Aether for a few more seconds, making him sweat nervously. "..." Empress kept a deadly stare until the operator came and announced they were ready to begin the teleportation process. ''Sigh,'' Aether visibly sighed, feeling a mix of relief and frustration, and red at Delphine, who was giggling softly. "Now, everyone is ready to enter..." The operator nced at Kai, Selene, Timmy, Princess, and Aether, and one by one, they entered the teleportation area, waving their hands at their loved ones. As Aether was about to step into the portal, he turned around and looked at Delphine with a mischievous smile. Delphine''s face turned sour as she anticipated that Aether was about to say or do something shitty. With a parting weirdugh, Aether said, "I am truly grateful that Ms. Delphine took care of my snake in her bosom. Thank you, Ms. Delphine... hehehe." He entered the pathway, leaving everyone stunned, especially Velc, whose mouth hung wide open in shock. His expression was so incredulous that it seemed like a mosquito might have flown into his mouth ande out of his ears.... just kidding, but he truly had a horrified expression. Alfred looked at Delphine with a disbelieving expression, clearly caught off guard by Aether''s parting words. "W-Wait! T-This is not what it looks like!! That damn brat is not good with words!! Believe me!!.. He is clearly the worst at wording!!" Delphine eximed with a horrified face, trying to exin the situation. "Is that so? Why don''t we have a small talk?" Empress chimed in with a small smile, as she also heard reports saying Aether entered Delphine''s room most of the time. Delphine froze in the realization of the impending conversation, her expression turning from shock to dread before she couldn''t hold it in any longer and shouted, "AETHEEERRRR!!!!" ..... ... "Achoo!" Aether sneezed as he rubbed his nose, and when he opened his eyes, he found ady weing him. "Wee to our Aerionis Zephyra Empire," thedy said warmly. Stepping through the portal, Aether found himself standing before the weingdy without feeling the usual nausea associated with teleportation, a surprise considering what he had read in novels. "Oh! Thank you, Miss! Have a good day!" Aether replied politely, bowing before following the others while carrying Princess''s luggage. "Hehe... good child," thedy stationed to wee everyone smiled warmly, pleased to see someone reciprocate her kindness. Her smile seemed to brighten as if her energy had been replenished, and she continued to wee the others with the same gentle demeanour. "Why are youte?" Selene inquired, noticing Aether''s dyed arrival. "K-Kind of forgot something," Aether offered a vague excuse, eager to move on from the question. Soon, everyone exited the Teleportation station. ''New Empire... ah,'' Aether mused, gazing up at the sky, where suddenly... ''Flssshhhh,SSHHHHHH'' "FUCK!! That''s a Dragon!!" Aether''s eyes widened in awe and excitement as he beheld the majestic sight of a colossal dragon soaring through the sky. Chapter 120: Before Academy Part-2 Aerionis Zephyra [+10 Affection] [+10 Affection] [+10 Affection] [+10 Affection] [+10 Affection] ... .... Aether found himself clouded with affection points, and yet... "Fuck!" "Fuck!" "Fuck!" "Fuck!" "Fuck!" "OH MY GOD!!!" Aether shouted in shock as he ran as fast as his legs could carry him, his heart pounding in his chest. ''step, step, step, step....'' Behind him, a horde of women chased after him, theirughter and yful screams mixing in the air... Yeah, He was a lucky bastard, chased by women. but this was far from a pleasant situation. "KIkkIIikk!" "Sshhhh!" "Mewooww!" "WArfff!" "YNnnnngggg!!" "Chrippp!!" Those sounds were not just theughter of women..... but the calls of animals, all tirelessly chasing Aether. Yeah, he was indeed being pursued, not just by women but by a mix of creatures. "Fuck! My damn charm is even affecting animals!" Aether yelled as he sprinted along a deserted path, knowing that no one else was likely to cross this lonely stretch. In order to understand Aether''s current predicament, we need to rewind a few hours, just a few hours earlier... Upon arriving at the teleportation station, Aether and his group were immediately escorted by the staff arranged by the Academy. Since Princess was Royalty... The Staff came by themself, unlike the others.... This shows the Empress''s weightage in the Academy! After verifying Princess Aqualina and Kai''s Arcane cards, the staff nodded and ushered them towards a special vehicle. This vehicle resembled a carriage, but instead of being drawn by horses or any other animals, it was powered by advanced magical technology unique to the Academy. Princess and Selene boarded one carriage and departed, while the other awaited Kai, Timmy, and Aether. However, as they prepared to depart... "Ether," Kai called out to Aether. "Yes, Master," Aether responded with a professional demeanour, though he wondered what Kai wanted this time. "..." Kai observed Aether closely, sensing that there was something more behind his obedient facade. He then nced at Timmy, who appeared to be a bit anxious and hiding him like a scared rabbit. ''I need to take care of Timmy''s state of mind,'' Kai thought, deciding to offer Aether something to upy him and possibly alleviate Timmy''s distress. "Here" He handed Aether a sheet of paper. "A map?" Aether furrowed his brows as he unfolded the paper. "Yes, although I''m tempted to discipline you for disobeying, circumstances prevent me from doing so," Kai exined with a hint of frustration. He recalled his father''s stern warning not to harm Aether under any circumstances, as if there were unknown consequences to doing so. Therefore, while Kai couldn''t punish Aether directly, he also couldn''t forgive him for getting too close to his future partner. Hence, Kai resolved to impart a lesson to Aether for his insubordination. "...My hands are tied in this matter, and Timmy and I need some time alone to discuss things. So, I''m instructing you to follow this map and make your own way to the academy," Kai said, a smirk ying on his lips. Aether''s expression turned serious. Instead of pleading, he questioned, "But won''t I be a stray ve if I''m separated from you?" "Don''t concern yourself with that," Kai replied smugly, noting Aether''s obvious reluctance to part from them. Kai ced a hand on Aether''s shoulder and continued,"I, Hereby allow you to move freely!" Aether''s ve mark, hidden behind his neck, glimmered briefly before fading back into its usual state. ''What the....?'' Aether thought, surprised by the sudden turn of events. "With this, you are free to move anywhere you want... and I will inform the guards to let you enter the city," Kai stated. Aether''s eyes lit up with the prospect of freedom. ''Fuck!! I''m going to run away... hehe'' His inner excitement was abruptly interrupted by Kai''s next words. "You can stay separated from me as far as possible for the next 24 hours, but after that time... even a momentary separation will cause your ve mark to shine brighter than when you left us before! Others might interpret that as an ~invitation~ to eliminate you..... So, It''s better to run now; otherwise, you''ll bete," Kai warned before boarding the vehicle. Timmy followed Kai, not sparing a nce at Aether. As the vehicle departed, "Tsk" Aether clicked his tongue in annoyance, "How many functions does this damn ve mark have?" he muttered to himself. Taking a deep breath and clutching the map, Aether made his decision to follow it. He wasn''t particrly saddened by Kai leaving him behind; in fact, he preferred the freedom of walking alone rather than being cooped up with two guys who would likely annoy him in a confined space. Stepping forward, Aether inhaled the new scent of this unfamiliar empire. He felt a sense of liberation and began to relish his new adventure in this magical world. "Pretty cool~" Aether smiled as he followed the map, his steps filled with newfound enthusiasm, "Although it might take a while judging by the distance..... I''m okay with that!" ''Step'' As he continued to walk with happiness, he noticed there weren''t many people on his path, since he walking he decided to go path that was closer to the distance. His surroundings were mostly filled with trees and nts as if he were in the vige outskirts. ''Step'' "Aerionis Zephyra Empire... ah," Aether mumbled to himself. He realized he needed to learn a lot about this new ce, especially its geography and other essential information. ''If it was the Academy, I might learn many things,'' he thought. ''Step'' "Damn, I literally know nothing about my new world," Aether chuckled to himself, finding the situation somewhat amusing. ''Step'' Aether''s lips twitched, and he nced back, "Come on, how long are you going to follow me?" he asked, noticing a deer walking behind him.... more like following for more than a minute. The deer simply stared back, unfazed. Aether shrugged and continued walking. After a few minutes of walking... ''Step, Step..'' Aether heard more footsteps. Frowning, he turned around and was surprised to see a variety of animals.... birds, deer, cats, cows... "What the..." Increasing his pace, Aether couldn''t shake off the feeling of being followed. ''Step, Step, Step...'' Aether stopped abruptly and looked back, surprised. "Oh, FUCK!" A growing horde of animals was now following him, their curious gazes fixed on him. Aether felt a chill run down his spine as he realized the number of animals was increasing with each passing moment. Without hesitation, he broke into a run, hoping to leave the bewildering scene behind. However, no matter how far he ran, the animals kept multiplying, turning what started as a curious encounter into a bizarre chase through the outskirts of the empire. "Fuck!! I don''t even have a flute!" Aether shouted in frustration. Back to the present... "I need to do something!" Aether thought, considering using his magic to st the road. However, he quickly dismissed the idea. He wasn''t willing to harm innocent animals, even in such a strange situation. He wasn''t that much bad guy, you know!! "KKIKK!!" "MMOOMMMEEE!!" "CRRHIIPPP!!" "Yeah, Let''s st it!!" Aether said as he sealed their fate. However, "HISSSS!!!!!" = [HE IS MINE!!!] Echoed a powerful voice, startling Aether and the animals. Snowke, his enormous white snakepanion, emerged from his pocket and expanded to its full size, towering over the surroundings. The animals, terrified by the sudden appearance of the massive snake, began to tremble in fear. "KIII!!" "MMOO!!" "SSKKKK!!!" The animals'' eyes widened in horror as Snowke fixed its gaze on them with deadly intent. Without a word, they instinctively fled from the intimidating presence. "Sigh, you could have done that earlier, you know," Aether remarked, looking at Snowke sceptically. "sss~" [+1000 Affection] Snowke affectionately licked Aether''s face with its split tongue. "Hah..." Aether chuckled, feeling the warmth of Snowke''s affection. He was content that Snowke had handled the situation, sparing him from any further trouble. Grateful for Snowke''s protection, if not he might have turned into a vige boy he read in certain books.... Just as he was about to resume his peaceful walk, a sudden explosion interrupted the tranquillity. "BOOM!" Chapter 121: Before Academy Part-3 A few hours earlier, before Aether found himself chased by animals... In a quaint wooden cart pulled by a sturdy chestnut horse, a blue-haired boy turned his attention to the mysterious ck-dressed girl, "So, Madam, where are you from?" he inquired. "...." The woman remained silent, her expression unreadable. The other passengers seated around them couldn''t help but chuckle at the boy''s unsessful attempt to engage the mysterious woman. The blue-haired boy then turned his attention to the other upants of the cart, consisting of three middle-aged men and two women, one of whom held a child in her arms, their expressions amused yet sympathetic. "Allow me to introduce myself, I am Leon," he announced with a hint of confidence, stealing a quick nce at the ck-d figure who remained fixated on the path ahead. As Leon''s attempt at conversation faltered once more, the others concealed their amusement, offering their own introductions in turn. After that, "So, where are you heading?" inquired one of the middle-aged men, his tone polite yet inquisitive. With a prideful gleam in his eyes, Leon replied, "I am headed for the Academy." "OH!! So you are a student of Sovereign Arcanum Academy?" The woman asked with sparkling eyes while holding her child in her arms. "Yes," Leon nodded eagerly, stealing another nce at the stoic ck-dressed girl beside him. "You must possess considerable skill to face their rigorous admission trials!" remarked one of the men, his admiration evident in his voice. With a hint of frustration, another man chimed in, "Their tests can be quite absurd. I''ve failed their challenges multiple times despite having a respectable aptitude." "Ah, the envy!" sighed a third man, shaking his head ruefully. As everyone engaged in lively conversation, the two women exchanged nces with Leon before directing their attention to the ck-dressed girl, attempting to assist him by inquiring, "Excuse me, Miss. If you don''t mind, could you share with us where you are headed?" However, the girl remained silent. The atmosphere in the cart suddenly grew awkward, prompting one of the middle-aged men to change the topic. "W-Well... Have you heard about the Arcane Kings and Queens who are set to enter the academy soon?" he interjected. "Y-Yes, the Arcane Kings and Queens from the five empires, right?" others chimed in, shifting the conversation''s focus. "Indeed, Each Empire has an Arcane king and Queen, so that''s Five Arcane Kings and five Arcane Queens, correct?What makes them so special?.... I''ve only heard rumours about their power and their unique Arcane cards, and most of the details about them are kept secret from us locals," remarked another middle-aged man, his tone a blend of curiosity and scepticism. "Yes, it''s likely because something significant is about to ur," everyone concurred, their expressions reflecting curiosity and intrigue. Leon observed their discussion silently until... "Help!" Suddenly, a cry rang out from the road ahead. The cart driver swiftly turned his attention to a bald man who was bleeding profusely from his hand and immediately halted the cart. "Are you alright?" The Driver hurriedly jumped down from the cart, ready to offer aid when... "Don''t!" The ck-dressed girl interjected, her voice calm yet tinged with indifference. Everyone present flinched at her sudden speech, their attention now fully on her. Before they could react, they found themselves surrounded by a group of armed individuals. "Bandits!" Leon''s expression darkened as he stepped out of the cart, instructing the others to remain inside. "Hand over all your valuables, and we''ll let you go unharmed," the bald man demanded with a sinister smile, wiping the fake blood. Everyone''s expressions turned grim as the tense situation escted... The three middle-aged men covered the two women while the ck-dressed girl looked at everything with a curious expression. "I-I will give you everything, please, spare my life!" the driver pleaded, sinking to his knees in desperation. "Thu," the bald man spat disdainfully, his arrogance evident in his demeanour, "I will spare you if youply." "Oi, Oi, are you serious?" Leon''s voice cut through the tense air as he locked eyes with the bald man. "Looks like we''ve got ourselves a rebellious one," the bald man sneered, gesturing to hispanion to deal with Leon. "Sigh, this is why I can''t stand people who push their luck!" Leon muttered under his breath, frustration evident in his tone. With a swift movement, he snapped his fingers, "BOOM!!" The sh erupted into a fierce fight as both sides engaged in a battle. Now, in the present, Upon hearing a deafening st echoing in the distance, Aether swiftly called Snowke, and discreetly tucked her into his pocket before hastening towards the origin of the sound. Arriving at the scene, Aether took cover behind a bush, his curiosity piqued as he surveyed the unfolding events. "Y-You think you can escape from us!" A bald man''s voice trembled with fury as he brandished dual swords, casting a wary nce at his fallenrades reduced to mere shreds like diced chicken, before fixing his gaze upon the woman who was the cause of this chaos. Silently, the girl in the dark ck suit met the man''s gaze, effortlessly twirling her curved sword in her hand before swiftly striking, ''Slick!'' In a fraction of a second, the man found himself transformed into a pile of neatly sliced pieces. "What in the fuck?!" Aether mumbled inwardly, his eyes widening in shock and curiosity as he observed the woman''s remarkable prowess. The woman, appearing to be in her mid-twenties, was dressed in a deep ck formal suitplete with a stylish ck jacket and a delicate ne adorning her neck. Her long dark red hair cascaded down her back like a dark red sea,plementing the deep red hue of her lips that would etch anyone if touched it... as if she had carefully applied lipstick. Her eyes remained hidden behind sleek ck sunsses, adding an air of mystery to her persona. Gripped firmly in her hand was a beautifully crafted curved reddish-ck sword, its gleaming de reflecting the sunlight in an almost ethereal manner. "T-Thank you, Miss!" "Thank you so much for your help, Miss!" "If it weren''t for you, we would have surely perished. We are eternally grateful to you, miss!" "Y-You possess such incredible strength!" A group of people suddenly burst into expressions of heartfelt gratitude, their faces beaming with relief and admiration as if they had been rescued by a true saviour. However, the girl remained aloof, her attention solely focused on the aftermath of her swift and decisive actions. "BOOM!!" Aether''s eyes turned toward the source of the explosive sound, his senses heightened as he assessed the unfolding situation... A young man, who appeared to be on the cusp of his teenage years, stood amidst the chaos. His striking blue hair flowed like waves of the ocean,plementing his sky-blue eyes that held an intensity that belied his youthful appearance. He was dressed in a pristine white suit, with a stylish coat draped over it, revealing a meticulously patterned shirt underneath. In his arms, the young man held an unconscious person, their limp form a stark contrast to his ownposed demeanour as he dragged them towards the gathering crowd. "Oi, oi, Miss, you could at least acknowledge them," Leon interjected, breaking the tense silence that hung in the air. However, the woman remained stoic, her attention unwavering. "What do we do with him?" Leon turned to the group, his gaze shifting to the captive person. "Let''s hand him over to the officials," suggested one of the group members, a consensus forming among them. "It''s almost like something out of a novel," Aether remarked with an amused tone, his mind briefly wandering into the realm of storytelling. In a novel, he imagined, this young man would likely be the main character (MC), while the enigmatic woman would assume the role of the female main character (FMC). In this setting, where bandits cornered a group of travellers, the typical narrative seemed to unfold: the heroic MC swooping in to save the day, the mysterious FMC taking an interest in him after seeing his skills, and slowly they fell in love with lots of ups and downs. However, doubts crept into Aether''s mind, "Something is wrong though... I mean, this route might not have many people passing by, but judging by the bandits'' well-established presence, it appears they''ve been operating for a long time without interference or detection, it seems odd that no one has reported them or.... that they''ve managed to eliminate any witnesses," Aether mused. The thought of aiding the group crossed his mind, a potential boost for the Ethereal side of his Arcane abilities, but... "Who cares?... I will have other chances," Aether dismissed the notion, rationalizing his decision to refrain from interference. With everyone seemingly safe, he turned to leave... but, "Looks like I missed one" "BOOM!!" Chapter 122: Before Academy Part-4 "Looks like I missed a single one," Leon mumbled to himself as he snapped his fingers, his brow furrowing in mild frustration. Aether''s eyes widened immediately, reflecting a mix of surprise and apprehension, as he witnessed an air bubble materialize right before his very face. In the blink of an eye, the bubble burst with a resounding, "BOOM!!" "Hmm?" Leon''s expression shifted to one of surprise as he watched Aether swiftly back off and dodge the explosive attack. "Looks like we have a tough opponent!" Leon eximed with a smile, cracking his fingers in anticipation. "W-Wait!" Aether raised his hand hastily, speaking hurriedly, "I''m not one of them. I was just walking along the path and saw the explosion, so I came here to see if anybody needed help." "Hmm?" Leon frowned, sceptical, "Then.... why don''t you remove that ugly head cover of yours?" "...I can''t," Aether replied reluctantly. Indeed, Aether was currently wearing a makeshift head cover fashioned from his old clothes.... a perfect mask akin to those worn by thieves and criminals. It wasn''t that he didn''t want to reveal his face; rather, it was a precaution to avoid unnecessary trouble in his already fucked up life. "Oh? I see... then I''ll remove it along with your head," Leon said with a serious expression, once again snapping his fingers. Numerous air bubbles swirled around Aether, each bursting in rapid session like a festive cascade of fireworks. "BOOM!" "BOOM!" "BOOM!" "BOOM!" ..... ... As the explosions echoed through the air, Aether moved with agile grace, sidestepping each detonation with the precision of a seasoned dancer. ''It''s funla~'' Aether thought, a grin tugging at his lips as he effortlessly evaded the cascading bubbles. Leon''s surprise was mirrored by the others, their faces registering a mix of disbelief and admiration as they watched Aether deftly sidestep each explosive bubble, moving with the fluidity of a seasoned performer. Amidst the tension, a child in the arms of a woman nearby giggled with delight at Aether''s unexpected agility. "Hahahah...hehe...hehe" the child chuckled gleefully, finding entertainment in Aether''s unexpected acrobatics. "Hmm?" The ck-dressed girl furrowed her brows as she looked at Aether. While everyone else was engrossed in watching Aether''s dance, ''N-No! No! No!.... Everyone is dead!!'' The cart driver screamed inwardly, his voice drowned out by the tumultuous waves of panic crashing against the shores of his mind. His face turned a sickly shade of pale, his eyes darting frantically between the gruesome remnants of his fallenrades. Indeed, the cart driver was part of this bandit group. They had been executing this scheme for quite some time, enticing unsuspecting visitors to their empire with promises of afortable ride in their cart. Instead of following the usual route, they would divert onto a long, decrepit path full of bumps and turns. In the midst of this journey, Cart Diver''srades would pounce on their victims, robbing them of their possessions and ultimately.... Kill them!! Their targets were typically those perceived as weak and lowly, avoiding entanglements with high-ranking individuals. However, circumstances had taken a drastic turn, The cart driver looked at his remainingrade, knowing that once his friend started to blurt out everything, the officials woulde for him, ready to exact their punishment. Feeling the urgent need to escape, he scanned the others who were engrossed in watching Aether''s performance. "Hehe..." Hearing that child''s giggle, the cart driver''s gaze shifted to the child in the woman''s arms. A sly smile crept across his features as a chilling n formed in his mind. "NO!!!" The woman''s cry of anguish filled the air as she watched her child being forcefully pulled away from her protective embrace. "Don''t move!!" The cart driver''s voice boomed,manding attention as everyone''s focus shifted to the unfolding confrontation. "W-What are you doing? Let go of my son!!!" The woman''s voice cracked with desperation and fear. "So you are with them?" Leon''s voice held a note of usation, his frown deepening as he assessed the situation. "Hehe... Let me go!" The cart driver''s grip on the child''s neck tightened, his fingers digging into the delicate skin as he issued his menacing threat. "NOOO!!" The woman''s scream echoed, a heartbreaking plea for mercy and salvation. The crowd instinctively took a step back, creating a wary circle around the escting conflict. However, one figure remained steadfast amidst the chaos.... the ck-dressed girl. "Don''t move, miss!!" Leon''smand was met with defiance as the girl stepped forward, her sses locked onto the cart driver. "Ha-Ha.. D-Do you think I won''t kill this child?!" The cart driver''s words quivered with a mixture of bravado and uncertainty as he contemted the grim reality of his actions. The memories of his friends, now reduced to mere pieces, shed before his eyes, fueling his resolve to carry out the unthinkable. Yet, despite his threat, the girl stood her ground and moved forward. "What the hell are you doing?!" Leon shouted at the girl, his voice tinged with anger, as he moved to grab her hand to intervene. "I guess that clears up my doubt," Aether remarked calmly before swiftly kicking Carter''s head in a fraction of a second. "SLAM!!" With lightning speed, Aether caught the child in his arms, cradling the little one gently. "..." Everyone present blinked in astonishment, stunned by the sudden turn of events. "Hey, cutie~" Aether cooed as he gently pinched the child''s cheek before returning him to his mother''s embrace. "T-thank you, sir, I-I am really grateful!! ''sob'' ''sob''" The mother''s voice trembled with emotion as she hugged her child tightly, tears streaming down her cheeks. "W-Who are you?" Her eyes held a mix of curiosity and gratitude as she looked at Aether, wanting to know the man who had just saved her son. "I am just nobody...." Aether''s voice trailed off as he turned away, walking slowly with an air of mystery, his movements reminiscent of a mysterious hero making a cool exit. If not for the weird head cover, he might have looked even cooler! However, before he could disappear into the shadows with a mysterious exit, "SHLCCKKk!!" "Shit!" Aether swiftly dodged the attack, narrowly avoiding having his mask cut off, and turned to face his assant. "I told you I am not one of them!" Aether''s voice held a hint of frustration as he addressed the ck-dressed girl, trying to reason with her. Yet, undeterred, "SHLLCCK!" Once again, the girl swung her sword with incredible speed, this time almost slicing Aether''s attire. ''Oh no! I cannot engage her head-on...'' Aether quickly assessed the situation, realizing that her agility far surpassed his own. Despite retreating to create distance between them, Aether managed tond a small scratch on her cheek, a testament to his agility and strength. The girl, surprised by the unexpected turn, touched the cut on her cheek, her expression momentarily shifting as she rubbed her own blood, her lips curling in amusement.... She poised herself for another attack but, "Yes, police officer! Catch them!!" Aether''s voice rang out, drawing the attention of the onlookers. ''Police?'' Confusion swept through the crowd as they turned to look, only to find.... nothing but an empty space. Then they looked back again at Aether, only to find... again nothing but an empty space. "...." The ck-dressed girl stared at the empty space. "..... Hahahahaa" Laughter erupted from the crowd as they realized they had fallen for Aether''s simple ruse. ''Who is he?'' Leon pondered briefly before taking charge, securing the unconscious captives before resuming their journey. ..... .. Coming to Aether''s side, who had already taken a different route than theirs, "I guess saving the child didn''t fill the Ethereal domain..." Aether muttered, his brow furrowing in contemtion. "What else could it be...?" His mind raced through various possibilities as he pondered the situation. The sky started to dim gradually, and without any further problems, Aether continued on his path. Soon, he caught sight of a line of people attempting to enter the city. As they entered, Aether observed people touching a crystal and saying ''Log In''. ''I see... they are registering,'' Aether concluded to himself and followed suit, just like the others. Once he said ''Log In,'' only his name was disyed on the crystal to the guards stationed there. "Ether?" The guard stationed at the city entrance frowned as he recognized Aether. "Yes" Aether answered. "Hmm," the soldier nodded. He was about to ask the purpose of Aether''s visit, simr to officers in airports, but since Kai had already informed the guard, he simply said, "You can enter," stepping aside to let Aether pass. Inside the city, Aether consulted the map and found the specific building marked by Kai. Following the directions, he arrived at a grand hotel. "You arrived faster than expected," Princess Aqualina remarked as she stood at the entrance. Aether was surprised to see her waiting and couldn''t help but ask, "Do you need something?" "... No, I am just worried about you," Princess Aqualina replied with a smile. ''Yeah... Like hell, I believe that little girl,'' Aether thought cynically. With a sly smile, he knelt down, took her hand, and said, "I am also worried to death about you, Princess Aqualina ~chu~" yfully kissing her backhand. Onlookers nearby couldn''t help but murmur at the unexpected disy of affection. "I-I-Is that so?" Princess Aqualina immediately jerked her hand away, her cheeks flushing slightly not from Aether''s kiss but from onlookers who were giggling. [+10 Affection] "Come to my room!" Princess Aqualina quickly invited before walking away. "Heheh..." Chapter 123: Sovereign Arcanum Academy Part-1 "There are five great Empires that dominate our cosmos, namely: Aerionis Zephyra, Aquaris Naiadae, Pyra Fulgur, Elysiumis Aurora, and Umbrionis Void. Though they aremonly referred to as Empires, in truth, or more precisely, from a technical standpoint, they represent distinct worlds!" the Princess stated with a serious and contemtive expression. "Oh my..." Aether eximed, his face a mixture of surprise and wonder. When Aether arrived at the hotel, She guided Aether to the room designated for her at the Academy''s hotel, a space allotted for today''s rest before the officialmencement tomorrow. Seated regally on a cushioned chair, The Princess gestured for Aether to join her, as she wanted him to believe they were on equal terms. Since Aether was a ve and unfamiliar with many things, the Princess decided to educate him on some matters. She knew he was unaware of most things and was prepared to impart some knowledge to his empty mind to advance her n. Observing Aether''s eyes shimmer with childlike wonder and curiosity, the Princess couldn''t suppress a smile of amusement. "Different worlds? Could you borate? Are these worlds distinct entities or separated by enigmatic boundaries?" Aether inquired. "... I''m not sure about the enigmatic boundaries you''re referencing, but indeed, each world exists as a unique, individual, t-surfaced realm," the Princess exined. "t-surfaced... ah," Aether murmured, nodding inprehension. "Ha! I nearly forgot to mention a crucial detail... These worlds are interconnected by a fundamental entity known as..... the Mother Root!" the Princess divulged. "Mother Root?" Aether''s eyes sparked with interest. "Can you exin more, Princess?" he asked, his expression resembling a cute little puppy''s. [+10 Affection] "W-Well, I don''t possess an exact understanding of the Mother Root. My mother advised me to delve into this topic during my studies at the Academy," the Princess admitted with a touch of dejection. "Tsk" "D-Did you just click your tongue?" The Princess frowned. "You must be imagining things, Princess," Aether said innocently. "... Anyway, just remember, these worlds are held together and connected by the root... You must have already encountered it during your baptism, right?" "....Kind of" "Sigh, then you must have seen it at the Teleportation station, correct?" "Yes," "Those were the same roots that extend to other empires, but they were much bigger than what you saw, and each world is held together by these roots," the Princess exined with a serious expression. "....We are diverting from the real topic," the Princess cleared her throat and continued, "Let''s discuss the chosen people, also known as Arcane Kings and Queens... Every millennium, the Arcane choose and bless ten individuals, two from each empireone male and one female, with no racial or age restrictions! These chosen ones must attend the Academy to determine the Arcane Sovereign among them... That''s why we, the Arcane Kings and Queens, need to attend the academy known as The Sovereign Arcanum Academy, simply called SA Academy or SAA!" The Princess''s expression turned solemn. "OH!" Aether''s expression turned thoughtful as he asked, "How do they determine the sovereign, and why is a sovereign needed? Why the Academy in this empire, and most of all, why does Arcane choose only ten people, for what reason?" He sensed there were many unanswered questions in her story. "You''re asking a lot of questions, you know," the Princess said with a dissatisfied expression. She had only outlined the basics and wasn''t permitted to reveal more details to anyone. "Pretty please~" Aether''s eyes sparkled like those of a curious child but inwardly, ''Vooo'' Aether vomiting himself for his pathetic act! [+10 Affection] "Sigh, I can''t! And I''m not allowed to tell," the Princess said firmly. "Tsk" "Y-You really clicked your tongue again?" The Princess frowned and pointed at him usingly. "You must be imagining things again, Princess," Aether said with an innocent expression. The Princess nkly stared at Aether''s face before speaking, "But I can tell you one thing... This Academy is not as simple as you think, it holds a lot of secrets and... lots of unknown powers and also it is not stationary; it can move between Empires." "You mean..." Aether''s mind quickly pieced it together. "Yes, thest Arcane Sovereign belonged to Aerionis Zephyra Empire" the Princess stated seriously, adding, "If you hold the title of Sovereign, then the entire SAA belongs to you until the next chosen ones arrive!" "So?" "That means, if I be a Sovereign, the SAA will remain in our Empire for the next 1000 years." Still not fully grasping the implications, Aether''s questioning gaze prompted further exnation. "Ah? I''m sorry, I suppose you haven''t seen the Academy. One thing I can say is, that once I be the Sovereign, the entire Five Worlds will be under me! Even the rulers of the Empires should bow before the Sovereign," the Princess revealed, though it was only a partial truth, as she wasn''t allowed to disclose the full extent of the nightmare that was going toe. "OH! You certainly have great ambition..." Aether nodded, understanding that everyone seeks power and influence. He asked, "So, Princess, do you want me to support you discreetly?" "Yes, something like that, but..." The Princess nodded as she began to outline her n. "I don''t like bloodshed, you know. I truly wish to resolve everything through simple talks" "You?" Aether''s expression turned horrified, ''Who is this girl? Didn''t she just impale Lia in the gut before?!'' he screamed inwardly. The Princess''s lips twitched as she sensed his thoughts, "Let me rify for youI attacked her because of what she said.... I don''t think it was an irrational decision. Anyone would be angry if someone said, ''I will be his first if I win,'' on their engagement day," the Princess mimicked Lia''s haughty tone, her eyes shing with remembered indignation. ".... I suppose Lia was wrong at that time," Aether said, understanding the situation better. As much as he wanted to support Lia, it was clear she had made a mistake. And it was all because of him. ''Skk!'' A pang of guilt pierced Aether''s heart! ''W-Well, I did try to help her, right?.... I hope she is doing well,'' Aether reasoned with himself to ease his guilt and then asked, "So, how do we n to resolve this through talk you are talking about?" Princess sensed that Aether was slowly starting to be familiar with her, though in another case he might have faced consequences for his disrespect. However, since Aether was her only ally, she shrugged off the thought. Princess''s face suddenly turned cunning, "By stealing the Arcane Queens." ".... Pardon?" Aether blinked in confusion. Princess''s expression grew even more cunning as she continued, "Aether, I want you to seduce every Arcane Queen." "...." Aether''s eyes and lips twitched simultaneously, not in reaction to her words but rather... !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 6.5%] Chapter 124: You checking out both ladies... There were many things Aether couldn''t understand, especially his Survival rate... There were times he thought it was rted to his current survival situation, but he quickly dismissed that notion. After all, most of the time he faced numerous life-threatening situations. So, his survival rate never meant his current situation, rather it was rted to the ''Survive until the Beginning'' mission. This meant his survival was purely based on the ''Beginning'' that the mission talked about. Even more perplexing was when he encountered the Empress. She posed a significant threat to his life and drained his survival rate, yet when the Archpriestess came into action, the Empress''s presence seemed to raise his survival rate, as if he needed both of them rather than just one. Still, the Empress consistently decreased his survival rate. If he thought about the survival rate, Delphine would surely be a major factor in his survival. Yet, there was no mission about her, which made him wonder... "What does survival rate mean to me?" Aether pondered, feeling a surge of confusion. Was it about him only? Or was it something else, or someone else? Many things confused him. Yet, amidst the confusion, there was one thing he understood... ''Decision...'' Aether thought as he looked at the Princess, who was clearly enjoying his reaction. !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 6.5%] As he walked alone on the road, his mind buzzed with thoughts. They say you think too much when you are alone in the middle of the road or something like that... He might not have fully understood his survival rate, but he did catch something relevant to him. The choices he made would reflect on his survival rate!! ''Let''s test it,'' he thought to himself and then gathered his courage to speak, saying with a shy face, "P-Princess, what are you talking about? Seduce? me?" "There''s no need to be shy~ You might not know this, but I''m pretty sure you are really handsome," Princess nodded with amusement. "E-Even so, I-I don''t think I can do it," Aether said with a terrified expression as if he were scared of something deep within. Seeing this, Princess couldn''t help but feel a tinge of disappointment, ''Maybe he''s not up for the task,'' she thought to herself, her brows furrowing slightly. !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 6.4%] ''Fuck! I knew it!!'' Aether screamed inwardly, his mind racing with understanding and happiness. With a remorseful face, he added, "I-If Princess wants, I will do my best," forcing the words out as if he werepelling himself to agree for her sake. Hearing that, Princess''s smile brightened, a sense of satisfaction washing over her features. ''Not bad,'' she nodded inwardly, a glimmer of approval in her eyes. !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 6.5%] Aether stared at his log, realizing that his decisions would surely affect the.... Future, not him! Aether realized that it wasn''t necessarily about him seducing the Arcane Queens, but rather about the choices he made and their consequences, which seemed to trigger a shift in his survival rate. This revtion prompted him to wonder, ''What if this survival rate is about more than just my own survival? Could it be rted to the women who need to survive, or perhaps it pertains to the fate of this worlds, or even the mysterious.... Arcane?'' "Come back to reality!" Princess''s voice broke through his thoughts as she snapped her fingers before him. "H-Huh?" Aether snapped out of his reverie, his attention refocusing on the Princess, his brow furrowing slightly as he tried to shake off the lingering thoughts. "What, are you already dreaming of having a gorgeous woman under you?" Princess teased with a knowing smile, her tone yful.... unknowingly she started to get familiar with him. Aether gently shook his head, "You mentioned every Arcane Queen, right? So I thought Princess was also including herself," his voice soft and hesitant, revealing a hint of shyness. Princess''s expression suddenly turned sour, "You are pushing your luck too much, ve," However, Aether maintained a calm smile while hiding a small trace of sadness on his face. "Forgive me, My Princess," he said softly. Seeing the genuine sadness on Aether''s face, which he wasn''t really hiding as well as he nned, Princess felt a pang in her heart. She shrugged her shoulders, trying to dismiss the feeling, and then said, "Anyway, this is my n. I need you to get the attention of the Arcane Queens and make them fall deeply for you, to the point where they are willing to give up anything for you." ''I supposed I need to work on my facial expression even more and.... She''s making it sound easy...'' Aether thought, feeling a bit overwhelmed. He gathered his thoughts and asked, "Forgive me for interrupting Princess, but what''s the use of me seducing them? I don''t understand. You could easily ask Ka--Master Kai for that, couldn''t you? He''s charming, charismatic, and powerful. I''m pretty sure they would fall for him without much effort." "..." Princess stared at him, her expression turning thoughtful as if he had touched on a sensitive topic. "P-Princess?" "Sigh, I don''t want my future husband to be chasing after other women," Princess said with a mixture of truth and hesitation. The real truth was that she couldn''t fully trust Kai after witnessing how he treated Lia. Princess had been aware of Kai and Lia''s situation. Actually, that time... She tested him to see his resolve in love, and it had truly disappointed her. If she were to discuss a n like this with Kai, who knew when he might discard her and pursue other bitches. Aether nodded in understanding, sympathizing with her sentiments. He then asked, "What about me then? I''m not sure if the Arcane Queens would even pay attention to me, being a ve and all. Plus, most of all... you can use Timmy, I mean, he has a better status than me, right?" "Timmy? He''s not suitable... hees off as rather foolish," Princess said with a frown, recalling her observations of Timmy. She had already assessed him and concluded that he wasn''t worth the effort. Princess continued, "But you are different. You are favoured by the Arcane." "!!" Aether raised his eyebrows in surprise, wondering if she knew something he didn''t. Princess, wanting Aether to be loyal to her, decided to be truthful with him. "Yes, what my mother said... and also, there were a few older women dered as Arcane Queens," she said with a grin, hinting at a deeper connection. "So?" Seeing him act nonchnt, Princess grinned even more. "Come on, do you think I didn''t notice you checking out both Delphine and my mother?" "Cough, Cough" Aether coughed fakely, his eyes widening in surprise. ''A-Am I that obvious?'' he wondered, feeling a flush of embarrassment creeping up his neck. Being caught by a little girl especially since she was the daughter of someone he checked out.... It really made him embarrassed. Seeing his reaction, Princess''s grin widened even further. "Gotcha," she eximed triumphantly as if she had just caught him in a lie. Aether''s lips twitched in annoyance, resisting the urge to pinch her grinning face. Chapter 125: Aether is Tsundere... Really? "You see, even though I am wearing a nightgown and all... Your eyes never went past my neck. Heck, you didn''t even look at me as if you didn''t care," Princess pointed out with a mix of yfulness and mild.... annoyance? Although she mentioned it, Aether''s gaze had never been lustful or suggestive; it was more of admiration for Empress and Delphine''s beauty. Even Empress and Delphine seemed to understand this, which is why they never made a fuss about Aether''s shy nces as if he had a crush on them... they almost found it endearing rather than disgusting. If Aether were aware of their thoughts, he might have preferred not to face them again! ''I want to die...'' Aether thought, not in a literal sense, but rather expressing his deep embarrassment but then, ''I will do it next time very carefully!!''... He was the Man of Culture!! "Anyway, once the Academy starts, you will understand the dynamics, and after that, we will discuss who to seduce first," Princess said, signalling that their conversation wasing to an end. "Hmmmm.." "What is it now?" Princess inquired, curious about Aether''s sudden change in demeanour. "So, they need to fall in love with me? And I need to fall in love with them? Are you fine with that? Then what happens next? One day they might find out the truth, and they will kill me for ying with their emotions, right?" Aether asked, his curiosity piqued as he wanted to gauge the younger generation''s perspective on such matters, preparing himself ordingly. "What are you talking about? Love? You just need to seduce them. There is no need for you to love them and all. And even if they found out, all you need to do is eliminate them... since that would be as far as I can show mercy... and I fine as long as you seduce them" Princess replied with a strict and resolute face, devoid of any hint of pain or guilt. For Princess Aqualine, eliminating other Arcane Queens was a feasible task (Though It might take time), but she didn''t want to emte her mother, who resolved everything through bloodshed. Princess aimed to resolve conflicts peacefully, but she was prepared to resort to drastic measures if necessary. Her ambition was clear, and she wouldn''t allow anyone to hinder her path to achieving it! "..." Aether stared at the young Princess for a few moments before responding, "I see. I understand, Princess. I''ll take my leave then." Aether stood up, his mind already working on altering his approach with this ambitious and potentially dangerous girl. He needed something to flip her switch to make him acknowledge in her heart... As Aether began to walk away with a disappointed expression, Princess called out, "Hey." "Yes" Aether stopped but didn''t turn around immediately. "Do you think I''m a heartless ''Bitch'' who doesn''t care about others?" Princess asked with a frown, annoyance evident in her voice. She had been curious for a while about why he had called her a ''bitch'' that day, not knowing anything about her. ''Yes'' Aether was really tempted to say that, but he held back and replied instead, "Sigh, I''m not here to judge, Princess. I don''t know much about you or your reasons. I''m sorry, but it did make me wonder.... I mean what if, what if.... if you would discard me once I''m no longer useful to you?" "..." Princess watched Aether''s retreating figure, she felt his voice a little patty and different as if he was down. She then insisted, "Turn around" "..." "Aether!" "Sigh" With a resigned sigh, Aether turned back around, his expression gloomy with teary eyes. He decided to step up his acting game, realizing he needed to y his cards differently with Princess if he didn''t want her to trample over him. First, he pretended to be worried and fearful that she might abandon him, subtly making her feel guilty for using him. Aether knew it might seem distasteful to fake teary eyes in front of a young girl, but he deemed it necessary for his n. It felt distasteful, but he had to do it if he wanted to survive!! Don''t judge him!! Then she might try tofort him, and it was then he nned to do something that would leave asting impression on her... ''Hehehe...'' However, not everything went ording to Aether''s n. Princess, instead of reacting as he had predicted, furrowed her brows in confusion at his teary eyes. She couldn''tprehend why he seemed genuinely sad, ''His he really worried about other women?'' she thought but then, Princess frowned not understanding why his eyes turned red as if he was sad.... It was then she recollected something... /"Are you fine with that?"/ ''N-No, No, No way!! He is definitely not thinking about me, right? I mean, he literally only stared at my mother and other older women, and he even called my reek bitch or whatever...'' Princess''s mind raced as she tried to process the situation. But she wasn''t naive or even an idiot to not understand as her mind slowly joined some dots.... /"So I thought Princess was also including herself"/ ''T-That must be some kind of teasing or something...'' Princess reasoned with herself, trying to dismiss any thoughts of Aether''s sincerity. But then, another memory surfaced... something that she hid inside her mind: /"How can I win your heart?"/ ''Ba-dump'' Princess''s heart skipped a beat when she saw Aether''s sad and lonely face.... She recalled reading in novels about characters who never express their feelings directly, using teasing or annoying words instead. These characters often harbour deep affection for the main character.... the ssic "Tsundere" archetype. ''Tsundere...'' Princess thought, her eyes widening in surprise as the pieces clicked into ce. She began to see Aether''s behaviour in a new light, realizing that his previous actions and aloof demeanour might be a cover for deeper feelings. As she observed Aether''s pitiful eyes, a sense of understanding and curiosity welled up within her. She wondered if there was more to Aether than met the eye, and her perception of him began to shift. Princess''s mind raced with newfound realizations, ''S-So he had been doing this to grab my attention? And he must be so shy to even look at my face, that''s why he didn''t check me out,'' she thought, her expression filled with shock as she processed this revtion. In her mind, memories began to rewrite themselves to fit her newfound understanding: /"How can I win your heart?"/ transformed into /"It''s not like I want to win your heart or anything"/ and /"So I thought Princess was also including herself"/ turned into /"It''s not like I wanted Princess included or anything"/ Princess finally understood why Aether had praised her mother''s beauty and behaved the way he did. It was all an attempt to make her jealous.... ''How cute...!'' Princess thought, her expression softening as she looked at Aether with a new understanding and affection. [+100 Affection] !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 7.5%] Meanwhile, Aether was taken aback by Princess''s sudden change in demeanour. ''What the fuck happened? Why is she looking at me like that?'' Aether couldn''t help but scream inwardly, utterly bewildered by the situation unfolding before him. "''Deep exhale''... I never thought I would see someone really this in the real world," Princess muttered under her breath, her mind racing with thoughts and emotions. ''What the fuck is going on in her mind?'' Aether wondered, feelingpletely lost in the whirlwind of Princess''s weird face. "Hmm," Princess nodded, her understanding evident in her expression as she looked at Aether with a small, gentle smile. "I know, I know..." ''What the fuck do you know...?'' Aether screamed inwardly, feeling perplexed by Princess''s sudden change in demeanour. However, he decided to shrug off whatever she was thinking, realizing that he needed to act quickly when the opportunity presented itself. "Princess!!" Aether eximed, dropping to one knee like a knight and taking hold of her hand. "!!!" Princess flinched at his bold action, caught off guard by his sudden disy. "I will d-do my best to protect you," Aether said, his voice weak and pitiful. But in Princess''s mind, those words morphed into: /"It''s not like I will do anything for you"/ [+200 Affection] Princess stared nkly into Aether''s eyes, her thoughts swirling with confusion and surprise. ''Well... Something is better than nothing, right?'' Aether thought, trying to calm himself. "What''s going on?" The sudden interruption broke the moment, causing both Aether and Princess to turn their attention towards the unexpected visitor. "S-Selene?" Princess withdrew her hand from Aether''s grasp, her expression shifting to one of surprise as she looked at Selene entering the room with a frown and.... nk eyes. "What are you doing here..." Selene directed her question at Princess, but then her gaze shifted suddenly to Aether, "Ether?" It was evident that Selene wanted to address Princess, yet there seemed to be a hint of lingering sanity in her words and respect. ''Why me....'' Aether cried inwardly! _______ [Author''s Note: I am sorry guys but there won''t be chapters for tomorrow since I will be busy (I may try to post one chapter .i.e. If possible!!! ??)] Chapter 126: Selene made different Princess and Selene shared the same spacious room in the hotel, while Timmy, Kai, and Aether were also assigned to another room, given the abundance of students attending the academy. Selene had spent a long while in the cafeteria, growing increasingly frustrated as she waited for Aether''s arrival..... She had heard her brother Kai mention that he had punished Aether earlier. Fuming with anger, Selene almost punched her brother, but she held back due to Princess and Timmy''s presence. After waiting for what felt like an eternity without Aether''s appearance, she decided to change into a different outfit and search for him herself. As Selene made her way to their floor, she encountered her brother Kai circling around before their room with an anxious face. He seemed like a lost cat in a storm, and Selene couldn''t help but notice his nervous energy. After asking why he was acting like an idiot, he stammered with a scared expression, "P-Princess took Aether with her inside the room, and they haven''te out for an hour." Selene''s mind only registered one thing: ''Aether in her room.'' Hearing that, Selene initially nodded.With a quick decision, she gently opened the door, not allowing her brother to see inside, and immediately closed it. She noticed Aether wasn''t in the living area so, Then she changed into a loose white shirt, trying to appear unconcerned about the situation. She added a touch of scent and makeup, not wanting to appear too casual but also not wanting to seem overly prepared. She briefly considered taking a bath, but the time it would take made her settle for just using perfumes. Finally, she entered the bedroom and saw... Aether kneeling down... "Ether?" Aether, he wasn''t sure why but he felt he should not say anything about the seducing part here and... feeling a sense of unease and pressure, began to sweat nervously as he tried to speak, "I-I... We-We...." "We?" Selene''s darkened eyes narrowed, focusing intently on Aether.... as if she were zooming in with dark eyes! "P-Princess asked me toe to her room!!" Aether blurted out, pointing at Princess, who flinched at his words and looked at Aether with disbelief. ''That fucking traitor...'' Princess thought, maintaining her professional smile as she spoke, "I was teaching him a few things before the Academy". "Is that so?" Selene now focused on Princess with dark eyes. "!!" Princess flinched, feeling a surge of unease. ''W-What is this feeling?'' she pondered. Even though she was physically stronger than Selene, Princess felt that something was wrong, and with one wrong move, she might regret it deeply. "Y-yes, I was trying to teach him... that''s all," Princess nodded, trying to maintain herposure. "... Really?" Selene tilted her head, her gaze still probing. ''Gulp'' "Y-Yes, really," Princess answered. "Really, Really?" ".... Yes, Really Really!!" Princess answered, forcing confidence into her voice despite her inner turmoil. "It''s good then." Selene''s face suddenly returned to normal, and she smiled at Princess. Princess forced herself to smile back, though the tension in the air lingered. ''Sneak, sneak...'' Aether slowly and carefully tried to exit, but then, "Ether?" "!!" "Y-Yes, Ma''am!" Aether saluted unknowingly, caught off guard. "Hahah... What''s wrong with you, Ether? You''re acting weird," Selene asked as she appeared before Aether in an instant, her eyes scanning his face with curiosity. "!!" Aether was surprised by Selene''s sudden appearance and thought, ''Who is acting weird?'' as he realized she was just an inch away from him... She was too close! Selene maintained her gentle smile, but there was a hint of concern in her eyes as she observed Aether''s reaction, "I didn''t know my big brother punished you until everyone arrived at the hotel." "I-It''s fine, I mean I did get drun" Aether halted his words as he realized, ''I forgot she''s the one who made me drunk!'' and looked at her with a judging expression. Seeing Aether''s mix of sceptical and judgful look, Selene''s face turned even more gloomy as she exined, "I-I am really sorry, Ether. It was Alfred who gave me that drink. He told me to give it to you as refreshments since you are working tirelessly." "Oh..." Aether''s expression shifted to one of surprise and disbelief. ''So, that was all his doing... Damn, I didn''t hit him, did I?'' Aether cursed his drunken self for not punching Alfred''s face. "But don''t worry.... I am gonna make his son regret that... Fu~Fu~Fu~" Selene said with a dangerous smile, her eyes gleaming with determination and a hint of mischief. ''...Dare ga? I mean, who is this girl?'' Aether thought, taken aback by Selene''s sudden change in demeanour and the fire in her eyes. "I-I see..." Aether simply nodded in response, not entirely sure what to make of Selene''s statement or her intentions. Selene smiled wickedly and put her hands behind her back, leaning in a little closer to Aether and... ''Sniff'' She took a deliberate sniffing.... no, not of Aether''s scent, but more like she was checking for any other scent or traces. To Aether, her gesture was confusing and a little strange. He frowned, thinking, ''She looks like a little puppy,'' unaware that her demeanour was more akin to a determined bulldog''s than a yful pet. Suddenly, when her nose twitched as she looked at Aether''s hand, her expression turned dark, and with an indifferent voice, she asked, "What did you do with your hand?" She didn''t clearly see anything other than Aether kneeling before Princess. "!!" Aether flinched, wondering what she was asking, and looked down, only to avert his eyes quickly. "What?" Selene frowned, seeing him avoiding her gaze. "I-I.. I can see..." Aether covered his red face as if he couldn''t believe he would turn red seeing a glimpse of cleavage along with... a pink bra! Despite being an adult and having seen many more things, the unexpected sight caught him off guard, stirring his teenage hormones and emotions. Selene took a moment to understand and looked down, only to realize that due to her leaning position and her loose t-shirt, her deep cleavage was showing prominently, the soft fabric entuating her curves... She instantly flinched, her face turning bright red as she stammered, trying to form coherent words amidst her embarrassment. "I-I-I... Th-That... Wha...N-No..Sff---" Her words trailed off, her mind racing with embarrassment and self-consciousness. [+1000 Affection] [+1000 Affection] [+2000 Affection] [+1000 Affection] [+3000 Affection] [+2000 Affection] After that Aether found himself standing in the hallway. After throwing out, ''D-Did he see my bra?'' Selene''s thoughts raced as she recalled Aether''s flushed face, which he tried to conceal behind his hand. ''HE REALLY SAW!!'' she screamed inwardly, mortified by the realization. ''I-I should have worn something better!'' Selenemented, disappointed in herself. If she had known this would happen, she would have chosen something more appropriate... perhaps a heart-patterned bra! She was still a child.... Selene then looked at Princess, who wore an amused expression as if she had deciphered the entire situation just by observing their brief interaction. She was about to tease her when, "Look at you, acting sh--" "He is Mine!" Selene interjected with an indifferent voice, cutting off Princess''s words. Princess frowned and was about to respond, but Selene interrupted again, "I se--" "MINE!" Princess''s face turned sour as she realized Selene was dead serious. Selene stood firm before Princess, her expression resolute. "You have my brother, so keep your shitty ws off Ether... He is MINE!" Selene reiterated firmly. Princess, now equally serious, attempted to reason, "Selene, do you know who ar--" "I. don''t. fucking. care...He is MINE and MINE Alone!!" Selene''s words were sharp, leaving no room for argument. "...." Princess stared at Selene,paring her to a little puppy trying to im a piece of food, not realizing it had already been taken. ''Hehe... Interesting...'' Princess thought to herself. While Selene and Princess stared at each other, a voice broke the tension from the outside. "Tell me what you guys did in there?" Kai''s voice carried a sense of dread. ''NTR... warning... Pe oo Pe oo...'' Aether thought inwardly. Chapter 127: Sovereign Arcanum Academy Part-2 [Author''s Note: I''ve added some pictures in Discord showcasing their clothes and the Academy. If other readers who don''t have Discord want to see them here, please let me know in thements, and I''ll include them here as well... Thank you for reading!] "Kai, I understand your concern for keeping that ve close and not like to hand over the ownership, but I cannot overlook his unruly behaviour and disrespect toward the Empress and other rulers. It not only tarnishes your name but also reflects poorly on me as your fiancee. Therefore, I will take charge of him from now on and train him," ''It''s what she said when she informed me while searching for Ether that time,'' Kai thought, nervously biting his nails with an unknown uneasiness. It had been a few minutes since his sister entered the room, and yet there was no sign of Aethering out.Kai grew increasingly uneasy about Aether''s prolonged absence. He wanted to storm in but hesitated, not wanting to betray any concern over a mere ve to Princess. ''Thud'' It was then Aether was thrown out from the room and without hesitation, "Tell me what you guys did in there?" Kai''s voice carried a sense of dread. Aether took a moment to grasp the situation and finally realized Kai''s worry. He replied cautiously, "Princess taught me something... special," as he licked his lips. A vein throbbed on Kai''s forehead as he grabbed Aether''s cor, his tone turning menacing. "What the fuck are you talking about?" "S-She taught me about the Academy and rted matters and instructed me not to disclose anything, even to you. But I cannot disobey my Master''s orders, as I have learned my lessons..." Aether responded with a serious expression. "Tsk," Kai clicked his tongue in frustration, scrutinizing Aether''s face for any signs of deceit. Finding none, Kai relented slightly. "Tell me everything that''s happening, even if Princess ordered you not to share... and you must not inform her about this, understood?!" "Yes, Master!" Aether affirmed. With that, Kai''s inner turmoil finally settled. However, his mind kept reying how Aether nervously licked his lips.... nting an unwanted seed of doubt inside Kai''s heart. Aether''s lips curved slightly as he realized what he had done... nted a seed of doubt inside Kai''s mind. This was his subtle way of causing Kai to question Princess''s actions and perhaps be more critical of her. ''Hehehe...'' With that uncanny smile, Aether followed Kai to the room to sleep. This time, he was in the same room as Timmy and Kai, but he was lying on the floor. He noticed a slight change in Timmy''s demeanour towards him.... just a slight shift. ''It seems something happened...'' Aether pondered, but he chose not to delve deeper. As long as Timmy didn''t intrude into Aether''s life, he was content to let things unfold. Finally, "Wee to Sovereign Arcanum Academy," greeted the guard as Kai and his group nodded in acknowledgement. Then, everyone stood in awe and respect as they looked at the magnificent sight of the building. Its grandeur surpassed mere description; it was a testament to centuries of wisdom and power, standing tall and imposing like a fortress of knowledge and magic. "..." Aether was rendered speechless as he gazed at the marvellous structure before him. It was more than just a school; it resembled a grand castle, with a grand entrance that made the doors seem taller than Velc''s Mansion itself. ''Damn....'' He truly marvelled! "Princess, you look beautiful," Kaiplimented Princess, who was dressed in a white uniform provided by the Academy. "You look handsome too, Kai," Princess returned thepliment with a smile, observing Kai''s attire of a white dress paired with ck pants. "Hehe..." Kai giggled and turned to his sister, adding, "You also look beautiful, my sister." "So, I am second now, Hmph!" Selene pouted yfully when Kai praised Princess, but her eyes soon shifted to Aether, who appeared captivated by the awe-inspiring sight of the Academy. "Y-Yes, Miss Selene looks beautiful too," Timmy chimed in, wearing his ck attire distinct from the students'' uniforms, as he was a servant. "... Yeah," Selene responded with a nod, her enthusiasm somewhat subdued... Feeling Aether didn''t even nce at her. Timmy nced at Kai, whose expression turned awkward as he cleared his throat before addressing Aether, who was also d in a sleek ck dress, "Ether, what are you gawking at? Let''s move inside... the ceremony is about tomence." "A-Ah? Yes!" Aether answered, reluctantly tearing his gaze away from the majestic building before following them into the Academy''s grand entrance. As they walked through the spacious halls, Aether couldn''t help but marvel at the Academy''s resemnce to a renowned series of novels, famously known for its captivating world and rich lore. The architecture exuded an air of grandeur blended with serene elegance, while the vibrant atmosphere buzzed with anticipation for the uing ceremony. The beautiful surroundings added to the overall enchantment of the ce, leaving Aether in awe of the Sovereign Arcanum Academy''s charm. As everyone walked along the circr path leading inside, Selene deliberately slowed her pace, allowing Princess, Kai, and Timmy to move ahead while she fell into step beside Aether, who was taking in the surroundings with curious eyes. "Ahem," Selene softly cleared her throat as she walked beside Aether. "Hmm?" Aether tilted his head, turning his attention to her. "H-How does it look?" Selene''s cheeks tinted a faint red as she asked in a hushed tone. Aether''s expression turned puzzled for a moment.... Then, a memory shed in his mind an image he struggled to dismiss: a pink bra. ''M-Might this would be a bit different about these things?'' Aether pondered and never thought she would ask brazen enough to ask bluntly, reluctant to act as bashful as before. With a confident smile, he responded, "Yeah, it''s good... I mean, it''s kind of... exciting?" Aether trailed off, wondering about his choice of words. ''Exciting?'' Selene''s frown deepened as she nced at her attire, which didn''t seem particrly exciting. However, when she noticed Aether''s gaze drifting towards.... her bosom, she quickly caught on to what he meant. ''Pufff!'' Her face flushed bright red, resembling someone in a hot tub, and [+2000 Affection] "Y-Y-You p-pervert!" She eximed as pinched Aether''s hip before swiftly hurrying to catch up with the others. ''Pervert? What the fuck!! She''s the one who asked me!'' Aether screamed inwardly, ignoring those affection points. As Selene caught up with the others, Princess couldn''t help but notice Selene''s trembling lips, a subtle yet undeniable sign of genuine happiness.... Her gaze unconsciously drifted towards Aether, who seemed lost in the grandeur of the Academy. "...." The group continued their walk, the air filled with a mix of excitement and anticipation as they approached the stadium for the new students'' entrance ceremony. Chapter 128: Sovereign Arcanum Academy Part-3 The first row consisted of tenrge cushioned seats reserved for the Chosen Ones, namely the Arcane Kings and Queens. The first five seats were designated for the Arcane Queens, while the next five were for the Arcane Kings. Following them, the second and subsequent rows were upied by those who had earned their ce through hard work and dedication... and didn''t give a shit about anything in their life in order to enter this prestigious Academy. These were the students who had toiled relentlessly, cracking the entrance test with flying colours to secure their spots at the Academy. Each student took their seat based on their rank and the marks they had scored in the rigorous entrance examination held just a month prior. As for Aether.... Well, he, of course as a Servent, was confined to entering and standing in the corner just like the other nobles'' servants. Timmy stood a little far away from him. "Sigh, I want to leave..." Aether thought, clearly uninterested in the proceedings. The grandeur of the ceremony and the significance it held for others didn''t resonate with him. "Ahem, Silence, Please!" Themand from the podium brought everyone''s attention to the front. A group of people, consisting mostly of professors, appeared, and in their midst stood a middle-aged man who seemed to be overseeing the event with a critical eye. "Good!" The middle-aged man nodded approvingly at the students before him. His gaze lingered a moment longer on the first row, which only had six upants. A flicker of disappointment crossed his face as he noted the discrepancy. He then turned his attention to the row behind, finding it appropriately filled with diligent students, ''Some people don''t even realize the privilege they''ve been given,'' he thought to himself, his annoyance palpable. Clearing his throat, he addressed the assembly without using any microphone... His voice echoed everywhere, "The chosen ones need to attend this ceremony promptly, just like the others. We have 15 minutes before the Principal arrives." The air was filled with murmurs as the students who had worked hard exchanged nces and whispers about the uing ceremony. Princess Aqualina nced to her side and noticed a dark red-haired woman wearing sunsses inside the stadium. She sighed and shifted her gaze to the person sitting beside the red-haired woman.... a girl with golden hair and golden eyes. Turning her attention to the two empty seats, Princess couldn''t help but think, ''Something fun is going to happen....'' Her anticipation sparked with curiosity. Kai, on the other hand, found himself in an interesting... "Hello, my name is Leon," the blue-haired boy introduced himself, his curiosity evident as he looked at Kai. "H-Hello, my name is Kai Frostde..." Kai replied with a smile, trying to match Leon''s enthusiasm. "Frostde? You mean that Frostde!" Leon''s eyes widened in shock as recognition dawned on him. "Yes, my grandfather is Mortimer Frostde!" Kai confirmed, ncing briefly at the person sitting beside Leon... a boy with dark brown hair and golden eyes who seemed lost in his thoughts focused on the podium. Noticing Kai''s nce, Leon turned to the dark-haired boy and introduced himself again, "Hello, my name is Leon." The dark brown-haired boy took a moment to snap out of whatever he was thinking and looked at Leon with a small smile he replied, "Sorry for thete reply, My name is Finnian Sunfire" "Apostle?" Leon''s face lit up with excitement at the title, his interest piqued. "Yes," Finnian Sunfire nodded. Leon was just about to ask more when the middle-aged man interjected with a note of pity in his voice, "It seems none of them areing..." The murmurs faded as everyone focused on the podium as they saw a ck whirlpool appeared... "sssshhhh" "Wee, Principal!" The group of professors immediately bowed as a portal opened suddenly. The atmosphere grew tense as everyone fell silent, watching a figure slowly emerge from the portal. ''Step'' An old woman wearing a dark green dress emerged, her presencemanding respect and attention. Every student stood up and bowed with respect, even the chosen ones lowering their heads before the Principal of the Sovereign Arcanum Academy. "Raise your heads, children," The old woman said with a gentle, grandmotherly voice, as if speaking to her beloved grandchildren, instilling a sense of warmth and familiarity amidst the grandeur of the asion. Everyone smiled and looked at the old woman, her wrinkles a testament to her years, yet she carried herself with undeniable presence... But to Aether... ''Damn! Principal?.... She must have been one hell of a woman when she was young,'' Aether thought as he observed her. Actually, When Aether saw hering... He felt some kind of attraction... and uneasiness? He thought his log would fuck him off by selecting her as his target since he himself knew that was not going to happen but still, he kind of attracted to her. ''Shit!! Really! I am attracted to this old woman... What the fuck is happening to me?'' He really wondered forgetting the truth that she looked like GILF! and his inner desire that had been started to show out... slightly causing this. But let''s be real she was even beautiful and... Kind of sexy... ''FUCK!! Don''t do anything unnecessary bastard!!'' Aether shouted inwardly to stop his unruly and hical thoughts. But then again, targeting an olddy wouldn''t be the most shameful thing, would it? Besides, if he had encountered her in her prime, in her 30s or 40s, he might have been tempted to try his charm on her, not just for the mission, but because she still had a certain allure even now. That''s all it was, he reasoned. Even a simple kiss might give her a heart attack and end her life... He didn''t want responsible for the olddy''s death. This shows his readiness for an unknown future and eptance of his fucked up life.... Don''t judge him!!! Aether then attempted to nce at the professors standing behind the principal, but the lighting and his position in the corner made it difficult to discern their identities. "Sigh... So I will be with teenage girls and the olddy hereafter... sigh," Aether muttered to himself, feeling tired already. "Hmm? Where are the remaining chosen children?" The Principal asked with a wrinkled frown as she looked at the empty first-row seats. The professors lowered their heads, understanding the situation without needing it to be spoken aloud. "Sigh... Young children nowadays don''t respect their elders," the Principal remarked with a sad expression. "P-Principal, if you want, I will bring them," the middle-aged man offered, his face showing concern. "Hmmm..." The Principal simply regarded the man before turning her attention back to the students who had worked hard to enter the academy, all present without a single absence. "So, you think you are above everyone... ah," she mumbled with a stern face, her disappointment evident. The Principal then looked at Sky, her weak and wrinkled eyes suddenly shing with energy as she spoke with an emotionless tone, "You fucking chosen brats!!" The entire five worlds seemed to tremble as everyone heard the Principal''s voice. "If you don''te within five fucking seconds... I am gonna fucking kill you and along with your fucking empire, You hear me Fucking Brats!!!" "Shhhhhh," The entire Academy trembled at her soft and indifferent voice, but the tremor didn''t stop there; it spread to every empire.... more like every world! There was no gentleness in her eyes now... She lookedplete demon ready to ughter them!! In Aquaris Empire, Empress Marisandra, who was drinking her tea with a thoughtful expression, couldn''t help but mutter after hearing the Principal''s voice, "Those guys really pissed her off... They are going to suffer now.... ahah," while shaking her head and continuing to create a n to make Aether blush, her mind buzzing with mischievous ideas. Anyway, ''I take it back!'' Aether, who was watching this scene unfold (Demon) with wide eyes, screamed inwardly, ''I FUCKING TAKE IT BACK! She is more rming and dangerous than anyone I have seen so far!'' He could feel his body being pressed by her mere anger!! "Even long night rough pounding won''t break her, much less cause a heart attack. Thank goodness she''s old," Aether said with a mixture of dread and relief, thanking the heavens for the Principal''s age. Otherwise, he was fucking sure his log would have selected her as his target!.... Just to fuck his life. ''Sigh... So many ''Fuck'' now...'' He sighed hearing a principal saying those words. !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 7.4%] Aether, due to shock, mumbled a little too loudly, though others might not have heard him clearly amidst themotion... "What did you say?" The Principal suddenly looked in Aether''s direction, her gaze sharp and piercing. ''Fuck!'' Chapter 129: Sovereign Arcanum Academy Part-4 "Child, do you have something to say about this?" The Principal''s sharp gaze fell on Aether as everyone looked back at him. Other servants who were near Aether immediately stepped away, sensing trouble. "N-Nothing, Madam," Aether stammered, his face turning awkward as he inwardly cursed, ''What the fuck is wrong with me!!'' The Principal''s frown deepened, her eyes briefly ncing at his pocket where Snowke, the tiny snake creature, was hiding. Snowke trembled when it felt two gazes staring at her. "Thud" Just as tension built in the room, the door swung open with a loud thud. Four people hurriedly walked in, their expressions a mix of relief and anxiety, before quickly settling into the first row without uttering a word. The Principal, her attention now on theters, nodded in acknowledgement, "It''s good that you finally came. Now, we shall begin our ceremony." ''Sigh,'' Aether breathed in relief, thinking the Principal had forgotten about his momentarypse... unaware that she nced a few times at Aether before she settled into her chair, her attention shifting to the Middle-aged man who began to address the gathering. After a long wee speech about the students'' past efforts and the challenges awaiting them in the future (which almost put most of the students to sleep), the middle-aged man finally turned his attention to the chosen ones. "I know you''ve all heard about them before, but as a formality, allow me to introduce them to everyone," he announced. ''p, p'' The audience responded with polite apuse as the chosen ones gracefully rose from their seats and made their way to the stage. The middle-aged man began the introductions, and the rest of the students watched with eager expressions: "First, we have Kaelen Darkfang and Aria Zephyr from the Aerionis Zephyra Empire." Kaelen, a man in his twenties with ebony hair and yellow-slitted eyes, bore wolf ears and tails. His tall and muscr frame, coupled with his confident demeanour, spoke of a seasoned warrior. Aria, a woman in her thirties with silky white hair and piercing blue eyes, exuded a Queen aura despite her Warrior-like expression. Her long ears indicated her Elvish heritage, adding an air of grace to her powerful presence. Those two were theters. "Kai Frostde and Aqualina Naiadia from the Aquaris Naiadae Empire," he continued. Kai, a bluish-ck-haired boy in his teenage years, had an air of mystery around him. His sharp, icy-blue eyes hinted at depths of determination and mystery about his unknown future. Aqualina, with her silky purple hair cascading down her shoulders, had a serene yet determined look in her purple eyes. Her elegance and confidence were evident in every step she took. "Leon Dargonheart and Raven Noir from the Pyra Fulgur Empire," the Middle-aged man proceeded. Leon, with his striking blue hair and keen, observant eyes, carried himself with a sense of curiosity and intelligence. His youthful energy was tempered by a maturity beyond his years. Raven, the dark red-haired woman in her twenties,manded attention with her intense gaze behind her sunsses and formidable silent presence. Her confident stance spoke of someone who had faced challenges and emerged stronger. "Finnian Sunfire and Helena Sunfire from the Elysiumis Aurora Empire," he announced next. Finnian, with his dark brown hair and piercing golden eyes, had an aura of determination and loyalty. His calm demeanour hid a fiery passion within, ready to ze when needed. Helena, with her radiant golden hair and matching eyes, emanated warmth and kindness. Her gentle smile belied the strength and resilience thaty beneath her exterior. "Jack Sparrow and Nyx Shadowfall from the Umbrionis Void Empire," the Middle-aged man concluded. Jack, the ck-haired teenage boy with intense ck eyes, had an air of mystery and unpredictability around him. His sharp features and confident posture hinted at a cunning intellect and resourcefulness. Nyx, the ck-haired woman with hints of purple and mixed purple-blue eyes, exuded an enigmatic charm. Her poised demeanour and piercing gaze hinted at depths of knowledge and power waiting to be unravelled. The remainingters. "Jack Sparrow..." Aether frowned deeply as he scrutinized the ck-haired boy, Jack Sparrow, who stood among the Arcane Kings and Queens. The ceremony continued with enthusiastic cheers and admiration from the audience. The Arcane Kings and Queens, representing power and beauty, received a storm ofpliments and affectionate shouts from the attendees. ''p, p'' ''Wsshhh!'' "Mr. Leon!! I love you!!" "Mr. Kai!! You look very handsome!!" "Mr. Kaelen... You look majestic!" "Mr. Jack, I love you too!!" "Mr. Finnian, Your gaze is burning me!!" Thedies in the audience couldn''t contain their admiration, showering the Arcane Kings with praises and adoration, eachpliment painting a picture of charm and allure. Not wanting to leave out the Queens.... gentlemen in the crowd who cheered for the Arcane Queens, "Ms. Aqualina, You are so beautiful, I like you!!" "Queen Aria Zephyr... Our Elven Queen Long live!!" "Ms. Raven, we cannot see your beautiful eyes behind the sses!!!" "OMG! Saintess Helena is really far more beautiful than what I had imagined!!" "Ms. Nyx, you are....." However, thestpliment got stifled as the speaker faltered under Nyx''s intense gaze, revealing a hint of fear amidst the admiration. Aether couldn''t help but feel.... Worried.Yeah, He was worried about girls. Observing the line of Arcane Queens, he couldn''t help but think, ''What a pain in the ass.'' And Log being silence made him even more worried.... If not for these Arcane Queens, who would be his target? His gaze shifted to two individuals he had narrowly escaped before. _____________________ [Author''s Note: I am truly sorry guys but I somehow got repeated 100 words.I know it''s my mistake for this to happen... Please forgive me. I tried to delete it but Webnovel wouldn''t allow 100 words.....I am sorry again!! I will make sure this will not happen again. Again sorry for making you waste your hard-earned money. ''Wsshhh!'' "Mr. Leon!! I love you!!" "Mr. Kai!! You look very handsome!!" "Mr. Kaelen... You look majestic!" "Mr. Jack, I love you too!!" "Mr. Finnian, Your gaze is burning me!!" "Ms. Aqualina, You are so beautiful, I like you!!" "Queen Aria Zephyr... Our Elven Queen Long live!!" "Ms. Raven we cannot see your beautiful eyes behind the sses!!!" "OMG! Saintess Helena is really far more beautiful than what I had imagined!!" "Ms. Nyx, you are....."] ____________________ ''Dang it, I thought they might be in the Academy, but I never thought they would be the chosen ones,'' Aether thought, grateful that he had the foresight to conceal his face earlier. Then suddenly, the Principal stood and proimed, "Now, for the top three students who scored magnificently during the Entrance Test." "1st Rank Holder who passed the test with flying colours.... Let''s wee, Thalia Crimsonw" Aether observed as an onyx ck-haired girl with Crimson red eyes, adorned with two ck horns on her head, exuded an aura of allure and danger, signifying her dragon lineage. With a small grin on her face, she confidently walked toward the stage. "2nd Rank Holder.... Aurelia Scarlett." Aether was taken aback when he heard that name. Walking towards the stage was a blonde-haired girl he recognized all too well. Even Kai himself seemed surprised that Aurelia had secured the second rank. "Then 3rd Rank Holder..... Ashara Nightfire." A girl with a pale body and ash-coloured hair, apanied by raspberry-coloured eyes and two small horns, indicative of her Subus heritage, made her way to the stage. "Subus?" "Don''t tell me she secured Third Rank?" "Damn, look at her hot body." "Fuck, I hope shees to my dream." "Hehe... I think she might have slept with an officer to get this ce." Some students murmured amongst themselves, unaware that their words were heard by the Principal, who wasted no time in addressing their discrimination, "I don''t care who you are. If you discriminate against any race in my Academy and question our selection process.... I will throw you away without a second thought," she dered, snapping her fingers, and causing the three students to disappear from the stadium. Students who were near them couldn''t help but sigh in relief, grateful that they had refrained from joining the chatter. "Now, if anybody wants, you can give your speech to fire up the remaining students," the Principal announced with a smile, her eyes scanning the 13 students standing on the stage. Most shook their heads, except Kai, Leon, and Thalia. After receiving permission, Kai said, "My name is Kai Frostde, grandson of Mortimer Frostde, who saved millions of people during his service to his Empire. Like him, I will save those in need and prove my worth through my efforts." Students were surprised to see Kai''s dead serious face and determined expression. Thedies couldn''t help but marvel at his speech, shouting at him with fanatical expressions, impressed by his noble aspirations. ''Sigh, he''s already getting the women''s attention,'' Aether thought, noting the reactions of the female students around him. Next, Leon said, "My name is Leon Dragonheart. Though my family is very influential and rules the Empire, I want to prove myself without their support. From the moment I was chosen by the Arcane, I trained myself without my family''s backing. I aim to be a sovereign through hard work and dedication, just like others who started with nothing but their two hands." "OHH!!!" Students opened their mouths in surprise to see a noble acting like amoner. Others couldn''t help but awe him, recognizing the sincerity in his words and his determination to stand on his own merits. And Last, And finally, Thalia said, "I will be Sovereign." With those words, the entire stadium fell silent, the gravity of her deration sinking in. Aether couldn''t help but ponder the contradiction. Hadn''t Princess made it clear that only the Chosen could aspire to be a Sovereign? The deration from Thalia about aspiring to be a Sovereign piqued Aether''s interest. Chapter 130: Sovereign Arcanum Academy Part-5 "I will be Sovereign," Thalia said with a straight and serious face. "...." The entire stadium fell into an awkward silence, with many wondering if the first-ranked student understood the basics. "Pfftttt...hahahaha," Jack Sparrow couldn''t contain hisughter. "M-Ms. Thalia, I think you should understand what it means to be a Sovereign." Thalia ignored Sparrow''sment, instead addressing the Principal directly, "I know what I am saying. I don''t care whether I am a chosen one or not. I will be Sovereign, and one day, I will defeat you... The Sovereign." The Principal smiled and responded, "I truly appreciate it when my students push their limits and challenge the veryws themselves..... I''ll be waiting, Ms. Thalia Crimsonw." Thalia smiled confidently at the Chosen Ones. "I will prove that being chosen is nothing but a mere title..." Kai and the others didn''t react much, knowing it was just a pipe dream. ''So, the Principal is the Sovereign?'' Aether pondered, scrutinizing the Principal intently. "Now, shall we end this ceremony?" the middle-aged man asked, motioning for the 13 students to return to their seats. "With this speech, I conclude this ceremony. You will receive your dorm and ssroom assignments from the staff waiting outside. If you have any inquiries, please direct them to them. sses will start tomorrow. Thank you for the wonderful future ahead of you," he concluded, preparing to leave when, "Oh! I forgot something," the Principal said suddenly, her gaze shifting to the fourters. "I really don''t like undisciplined students, and as Principal, I need to treat everyone equally." ''Snap'' With a single snap of her fingers, those four students disappeared, reappearing on an isted ind far from the academy grounds. A massive screen materialized, capturing everyone''s attention. "Why don''t you show your power as Chosen Ones so others can understand better?" the Principal suggested with a smile. "Defeat the Golden 1-Star Bear Monsters and survive as long as you can. Consider it a test of your abilities and let the others know what you guys are capable of" The group of professors could only sigh, knowing they had much to do before tomorrow, yet their Principal was engaging in such activities. The audience grew intrigued, about to witness the true capabilities of the Chosen Ones. "Isn''t this suicide? Fighting High-Level Aptitude Monsters?" "Yeah... Even the tests were a walk in the parkpared to this." "Do you think they can even scratch that thing?" "I have faith in Elven Queen Aria. She''s bound to handle those monsters effortlessly." "Absolutely, and Kaelen is a born hunter. I bet he''ll surprise us all." "But what about Jack Sparrow and Nyx Shadowfall? We don''t know anything about their specialities." "We''ll just have to watch and learn. This is what being a Chosen One is all about." The buzz of conversation and spection continued among the students, heightening the suspense in the air. Suddenly, Thalia''s voice rang out, her annoyance palpable as she challenged the Principal. "Principal, are you looking down on me?" The Principal, caught off guard, responded with genuine surprise, "Hmm? What do you mean, dear? I never look down on any of my children." "Then why are they being pitted against a Golden Star Monster while we faced only Silver Star ones?" Thalia''s concern was evident in her tone. "This is their punishment, Thalia," the Principal exined calmly, her smile unwavering. "Stil--" "I''ve made my decision. Please, Thalia, take your seat," the Principal urged, her tone gentle yet firm. Thalia grumbled under her breath, clearly unsatisfied with the exnation, before finallyplying and sitting down. "Dang, this girl has some nerve," Aether thought to himself, impressed by Thalia''s boldness amidst the unfolding drama, before refocusing on the video disying the uing challenge. Aether stared at Jack Sparrow for a few seconds, pondering, ''Nah, he looks too young to be that man, and I''m pretty sure I killed him..'' With a shake of his head, Aether dismissed the idea and refocused on the unfolding battle. Jack Sparrow and Nyx Shadowfall engaged in a fierce fight against the four Bear Monsters without resorting to their Arcane Cards, showcasing remarkable coordination and skill. Meanwhile, Kaelen Darkfang and Aria Zephyr fought separately, seemingly disinterested in teaming up. The students watching couldn''t help but be awestruck by the seamless teamwork disyed by Nyx and Sparrow. ''That''s a perfect duo,'' echoed through the crowd''s thoughts. As the battle progressed, Aether observed everything with intense focus, trying to discern the skills and powers of the others. It was during this scrutiny that a sudden event caught his attention. "BOOM!!" "Cough, Cough" As the ground shook from the impact, Aria stumbled backwards, coughing as she regained her footing amidst the chaos. Her eyes widened as she took in the sight of the five bears closing in on her, their ferocious growls filling the air and their massive forms casting intimidating shadows. "That''s not going to be easy to ovee," the Principal remarked in an amused yet observant tone, her eyes fixed on Aria''s struggle against the surrounding monsters. The situation highlighted the importance of teamwork; had Aria and Kaelen coborated like the other pair, they might have stood a better chance against the onught. However, their separation had left them vulnerable, and the bears were quick to exploit that weakness. While facing the bears individually would have been more manageable, these monsters were cunning enough to coordinate their attacks, making it a challenging battle. Meanwhile, Kaelen found himself with no choice but to summon his Arcane Card when he realized the direness of his situation, facing three bears at once. Aria, on the other hand, didn''t summon her Arcane Card; instead, she used her knife to fight the monsters. Her determination was evident in her every move as she faced the daunting challenge without relying on external help. "Sigh, she is still stubborn..." the Principal muttered to herself, exchanging a concerned nce with the middle-aged professor who was watching the screen with a worried expression. Just as the Principal was about to intervene and pull Aria out of the dangerous situation, a disruptive voice pierced through the tense atmosphere of the stadium... "Tsk, What the fuck are they even doing? Fighting? ''Yuck.'' They look like children struggling in a fight... Are they even chosen ones? Did Arcane joke around with those jokers?" The sharp words echoed through the space, sending ripples of shock through the audience, especially with the final words questioning the integrity of Arcane''s choices. The Principal, maintaining herposure but clearly taken aback by the audacity of thement, fixed an inquiring gaze on the speaker. "What did you say?" "I said... Did that Arcane or whatever the hell you''re talking about really choose those shitheads?" Aether retorted, his annoyance evident as he looked at the Principal with indifferent eyes. ''ssshhh'' A hushed silence fell over the crowd, the tension palpable as they awaited the Principal''s response, unsure of how she would react to such disrespect. "What the hell is he doing?" Kai muttered under his breath, his expression a mix of surprise and apprehension. Princess, too, frowned as she watched Aether''s bold move, her thoughts racing with curiosity, ''Did he get drunk again?'' she wondered and watched Aether''s actions. Ignoring the reactions around him, Aether shifted his attention to his log screen, where a new mission notification had appeared in bold letters. !~Ding~! [Mission: Save and Seduce Aria Zephyr] The notification blinked in green very fast, indicating that Aria was in imminent danger. Aether needed to act now even though he didn''t know a single thing about that person but still, he needed to do what he could and even more, he already had something to leave an impression. Chapter 131: Dont die on me!! "You again?... Who is your Master, Child?" The Principal asked with a visible frown, her tone carrying a mix of authority and curiosity. Kai was about to stand up and apologize for his servant''s misconduct, but before he could speak, Aqualina intervened. "Kai, I will take care of it. I said I trained him, right? So, it''s my responsibility to handle this," Aqualina whispered in Kai''s ear, her voice gentle yet firm. Kai''s face suddenly turned red as he looked at Aqualina, he was embarrassed when her breath tickled his neck. Then he said, "B-But he is my ve, and it''s my responsibility" "Sshhhh," Aqualina silenced him by cing a finger on his lips, her eyes reassuring. "What is yours is mine, and what is mine is yours... So don''t worry." Kai''s face turned even more red as he nodded silently, trusting Aqualina''s judgment, and allowed her to take charge of the situation. Aqualina understood Aether''s intentions. She herself wanted to push Aether into this because, seeing Aria''s situation, helping her might earn Aether some favour. Additionally, Aqualina saw an opportunity to gain everyone''s attention, which would align with her own ns. ''He is really up for the task... ah,'' she thought to herself. "Forgive him for his rudeness, Principal," Aqualina stood up gracefully from her seat and bowed slightly, a gesture of respect. "I am his Master." "Hmm... Aqualina..." Principal regarded Aqualina with a scrutinizing gaze. "This is not about rudeness, child. He clearly meant our Arcane God... that''s beyond mere rudeness." Aqualina remainedposed, her expression unwavering as she replied, "Yes, Principal. I acknowledge that what he said was beyond rude and cannot be forgiven, especially for disrespecting the Arcane God. However, in this situation... He is correct" Principal frowned, "What do you mean?"'' "What I mean is that... look at them. Everyone knows that if they joined forces, they would definitely defeat the monster. Yet, they chose to act independently without considering what it means to be a chosen one..." Aquilina exined, her words carrying a hint of disappointment. "Chosen ones are not just about themselves, are they, Principal?" Aqualina''s question was both rhetorical and pointed. "... Well, I can''t say you''re wrong about that," Principal admitted, nodding in agreement. "Still, it doesn''t justify your servant''s words against the Arcane, though." "Rather than words, I would be happy if Principal punished my servant as well," Aqualina suggested, her tone diplomatic yet firm, indicating her willingness to ept responsibility. Aqualina then turned her gaze towards Aether, a yful smile on her lips as she proposed, "Due to the sullying of words about chosen ones... why don''t you ept the punishment?" Aether understood the underlying message in her words and the opportunity she presented. "I dly ept any punishment for you, Princess," Aether replied with a genuine smile, his demeanour respectful as he lowered his head in acknowledgement. The principal, observing this unfold, couldn''t help but think, ''Tsk, she''s just like her annoying mother.'' She then remarked, "I never punished a servant... more like any servant dares to say that." ''Snap'' With a snap of her fingers, Aether disappeared and reappeared... in mid-air. "Fuck!!" Aether''s eyes widened as he realized he was falling from the sky, he clearly noticed before that others were teleported directly to the ground. "YOU OLD HAG!!!" Aether shouted angrily as he plummeted. "Crack, Crack" The energy crackled around Principal''s foot as she nced at Aqualina and remarked, "You really should train your servant; otherwise, who knows when he might disappear..... permanently" Aqualina was left speechless, thinking, ''That idiot!!'' Nheless, she was also curious to see how Aether would handle the situation and attract everyone''s attention. "AAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" Aether screamed, not out of fear..... but excitement. "YEAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH, that''s one of my bucket list!!!" He yelled joyfully, relishing the thrill of freefalling. The rush of air against his face and the mix of fear and excitement sent shivers of thrill down his spine, an experience he had not encountered until now. Watching this on the screen, the students couldn''t help but smile, as if they were enjoying the spectacle along with Aether. As Aether looked down, he noticed three distinct impact points on the ground. Therger ones were Jack Sparrow and Nyx Shadowfall fighting around, while the two smaller ones must have been the other twoters, thoughhe wasn''t sure who it might be unless he got near them. "sssshhhhh" Suddenly, Aether''s foot let out small mes before his shoes burst, sending him hurtling down faster than he expected. "BOOMMM!!" "OYYYYYYYYY!!!" Aether shouted.... It took a few moments for him to get adjusted to the increased speed, and during that time, he quickly thought, ''Shit, I need words; otherwise, everyone will notice I am chantless... What word would be fitting? Yeah, let''s go with that.'' /Astro/ He channelled his energy swiftly into his hands, causing mes to appear and slow his descent as he hovered in the sky. Students watching were in awe at seeing a servant manipte Arcane Energy with such precise uracy. ''He''s good at manipting...'' They thought in unison. With a smirk, Aether flew towards the spot where a group of bears tried to attack a white-haired woman. "Huff, Huff," Aria panted heavily as she faced the three angry bears, her body already drained from the prolonged fight. Despite having dispatched two of the bears with just her knife, she knew she was reaching her limit. She couldn''t help but wonder why the Principal hadn''t intervened yet; if this continued, she might truly be in danger of not just exhaustion, but serious injury or worse. Blood trickled from her mouth, a testament to the intensity of the battle. Just as she prepared to confront the remaining monster, ''sssssshhhh'' A distinct sound pierced the air, causing even the advancing bears to pause and look skyward. What they saw was aet-like object hurtling towards them, its trajectory aimed directly at their location. "BOOOOOMMM!!!" As the deafening impact shook the ground, dust and debris filled the air. Amidst the chaos, Aether emerged, hisnding less than graceful but effective nheless. ''Cough, Cough'' "I think I need to work on mynding..." Aether said as he patted his dress. As the dust settled, Aether looked around and saw no one.... "Hmmm? Where are you, Ms. Aria?" Aether''s voice echoed, But as he moved closer, another bout of coughing caught his attention. "Cough, Cough" Peering down, Aether saw "M-Ms. Aria?" An elfy unconscious below him and finally noticed he was standing on her stomach.... ncing beside her, he noticed the bodies of the three bears, smashed by the impact of hisnding. Aether gazed intently at the blinking mission tab, feeling a sense of urgency building within him. "M-Ms. Aria? Are you fine? Don''t die on me!" Aether''s voice quivered with concern as he knelt beside the unconscious elf, gently checking her pulse. Relief washed over him when he confirmed that she was merely unconscious, not fatally injured. ''Sigh, I really thought I had killed her,'' Aether sighed, thinking he might have failed his own mission. His eyes then darted back to the mission tab, which was blinking even faster now. ''Something is definitely going to happen!'' Chapter 132: Something is wrong... "Ms. Aria, are you feeling alright?" Aether inquired with a tone of concern as he gently patted her cheek to rouse her from her stupor. "Ahhh," Aria groaned softly, her eyelids fluttering as she struggled to regain consciousness. Slowly, she opened her eyes and found herself met with the curious gaze of a young boy. "W-Who are you?" she managed to croak out, her voice still heavy with sleepiness. ".... My name is Aether," he introduced himself with a polite nod. Aria nodded slowly, her mind gradually piecing together the events leading up to her awakening. "Wait... I remember now. Something... something fell from the sky!" she eximed, her eyes darting around the scene, only to find the monstrous bears smashed and scattered. Turning back to Aether, she searched his face for confirmation. "Did... Did you do this?" Aether hesitated briefly before nodding. "Yes," he admitted, his expression solemn. "Thank you," Aria murmured gratefully, attempting to push herself up. However, the moment she shifted, a sharp pain shot through her side, causing her to gasp and clutch at her ribs. "Ahhh! It... It hurts! My ribs... they''re broken," she managed to choke out, her voice strained with agony. Aether averted his eyes... He could not possibly say he was the one who stepped on her and broke her ribs. Instead, he masked his turmoil with a facade of concern, "You need to get help. If you''re hurt, staying here isn''t an option." "Why are you even here?" Aria''s voice trembled, a mixture of confusion and curiosity evident in her eyes. Aether replied with a resigned tone, "It''s just a punishment." In reality, he wanted to utter those cheeky lines like, "I came to save you," but he felt it was way too close for strangers, and he could not possibly say those in front while everyone was watching. Aria nodded in understanding, contemting that he might be in a situation simr to theirs, caught in the wrath of the Principal''s anger. "Rooarrrr!!" The deafening sound echoed through the forest as the trees nearest to them were violently torn apart. Aria and Aether turned their attention towards themotion, their eyes widening as they caught sight of a gigantic wolf with ebony fur and yellow slits for eyes, charging towards them with urgency. "What in the...?" Aether''s surprise was palpable as he tried to make sense of the sudden chaos unfolding before him. Before they could react, the wolf swiftly dashed past them, leaving a trail of disruption in its wake. "Kaelen... in his wolf form?" Aria''s brow furrowed in recognition, her mind racing toprehend the situation. Aether''s astonishment mirrored Aria''s as he processed this revtion. ''So he can literally transform into a wolf...? OMG!'' A rush of amazement and disbelief washed over him. However, his jubtion quickly turned to concern when he felt the ground tremble beneath his feet, signalling an impending threat. "W-We need to run," Aria urged urgently, her voice tinged with fear as the sound of approaching bears echoed through the forest. Aether also felt those vibrations, weighing his options carefully.... Now faced with a crucial decision, he pondered his next move: either y the role of a brave hero who wouldn''t abandon a damsel in distress, or opt for a more strategic retreat. Or... he could surprise everyone with yet another unexpected manoeuvre. "Hehe...." An uncanny smile leaked from his mouth. "!!!" "!!!" "!!!" Timmy and Kai couldn''t help but flinch hearing that. "Can you walk, Ms. Aria?" Aether''s voice was calm yet decisive. "Y-Yes, I can," Aria replied with determination, pushing through the pain as she struggled to stand, her hand still firmly pressed against her injured ribs. "Then walk away" "Hmm? What about you?" Aria''s brow furrowed.She still wondered why Principal hadn''t pulled them out. "I will handle them," Aether assured her, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the six dark brown bears now charging toward them. Aria looked at Aether even though she didn''t know who he was but he saved her so at least she would support him, "I can su--" "Tsk," Aether clicked his tongue and looked at Aria with disdain. "Let me make this clear. I am here to prove to everyone that you were all worthless before... our Princess Aqualina Naiadia and... Kai Frostde?" Aria frowned upon hearing that, her confusion growing. Kai, witnessing this exchange, was taken aback but couldn''t help but smile inwardly, thinking that perhaps the Princess''s training was working exceptionally well in shaping Aether''s behaviour. Aqualina''s eyes widened in disbelief and irritation. ''What the hell? Shouldn''t he be trying to save her with some cheeky lines, like in the books... tsk, you are wasting a chance, Aether!!!!'' The Princess thought with annoyance, her expectations shing with Aether''s unexpected approach. She thought Aria the Elven Queen would be under her but it seems Aqualina needs to teach Aether more about seduction. However, beneath her irritation... her lips curled up. [+300 Affection] Aether smiled upon seeing Aqualina''s reaction, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of determination and calction. Yes, Aether''s primary objective was to impress Aqualina rather than focus on Aria, whom he had just met. What did he know about Aria?.... Absolutely nothing! He didn''t know a single thing about Aria. Unlikest time, he needed to study his target; otherwise, he would surely fail. Thus, he had been waiting for a mission to know who his target was and then gain intel before making up his n. However, he never expected ''Save and Seduce'' toe into y, so he was left with no choice but to take matters into his own hands immediately. He clearly did not intend to seduce Aria in the first ce; all he wanted was to save her first and score Aqualina''s heart as much as possible. Using this chance, he might be able to boost her ego before everyone. As Aether strode confidently towards the dark brown bears, his mind raced with possibilities. He knew he had the power to handle the situation and most of all he needed to showcase his power before everyone so... ''Ssshhhhh'' Blue mes flickered to life at his fingertips as he dered, "Behold the power of the Servant of Princess Aqualina." [+500 Affection] /Bang/ ''ssshhh'' The blue me surged toward the group of bears, its intensity causing the bears to freeze in terror as they realized the impending danger. However, before they could react or scatter, "BOOOOMMMM!!!" ''WSssshhhh'' The powerful shockwave swept through the area, leaving nothing but a trail of destruction in its wake. Aria and Kaelen(who peeked from the trees), who had been observing the events with cautious curiosity, couldn''t help but be awestruck by Aether''s disy of power. ''Hmm... I suppose this should do,'' Aether pondered as he nced at the Mission tab, noting that the mission was still active. ''Tsk, that means... the monster isn''t the primary challenge,'' Aether muttered to himself as he retrieved the golden crystals adorned with a single star. Meanwhile, the Principal observed with a furrowed brow, a sense of concern growing within her. ''There''s something off about that boy... just as she told me'' "Now you see, don''t you?... It''s not about being chosen or not; it''s about having the heart to act... Even a mountain will move just for you.... Princess Aqualina" Aether stated confidently, his gaze on Aria wore expressions of surprise. Suddenly, [+100 Affection] [+100 Affection] [+100 Affection] [+100 Affection] .... .. It wasn''t Aria who was giving these points; in fact, she hadn''t shown any signs of neutral affection, let alone earning friendly points. Anyway.... These Affection points were from the students who had heard Aether''s heartfelt words. They were surprised to find themselves emotionally moved by the words of a servant. A hint of red hue appeared on Aqualina''s cheeks when she felt Aether really being straight rather than tsundere. [+500 Affection] [+500 Affection] Aether grinned seeing his work starting to pay off.... he thought as he observed the sudden surge of Affection points. Suddenly, !~Ding~! [Mission update: Seduce Aria Zephyr] Aether noticed that the blinking had stopped, ''Is that all...?'' Aether frowned, recalling that the blinking hadn''t stopped even after dealing with the bears. What had changed now? ''Something must have shifted after the st,'' Aether thought with a furrowed brow as he nced at Aria. Within seconds, Aether and the others were transported back to the stadium. "..." Jack Sparrow silently stared at Aether''s back upon arrival on the stage, ''He looks different and... feels different'' he thought. Chapter 133: Love is pouring out like a broken dam "Take her to the infirmary," the Principal ordered firmly as she meticulously inspected Aria''s wounded body. The middle-aged professor stepped forward with a concerned expression, ready to offer support to Aria. However, she swiftly swatted his hand away, determined to make her own way to the Infirmary without assistance. Aether, intrigued by the unfolding scene, observed the middle-aged professor, noting the distinct Elvish features that hinted at a possible rtion between them, ''Maybe they are rted,'' he mused inwardly. "I trust you all have learned a valuable lesson today and will bear in mind the importance of punctuality in the future... Now disperse!" the Principal stated solemnly, her tone carrying a weight of authority. A collective nod rippled through the group as they began dispersing, each taking away the lesson in their own way. As Jack Sparrow made his way off the stage, the Principal approached him discreetly, her voice a low whisper carrying a hint of warning, "Should you attempt such a stunt again in my presence, death will seem like a merciful wish... Jack" Jack, caught off guard, visibly flinched before hastily making his exit. "What happened?" Nyx asked when she saw Jack''s amused expression. Jack simply smiled and replied, "Sovereign is really something else..." Meanwhile, the Principal''s keen eyes followed Aether''s hurried departure as if he was scared of her due to his previous words, a mischievous thought forming in her mind, ''Hehe... I''ll address his behaviour in due time,'' she mused to herself, casting a nce at the group of professors before instructing them, "Ensure everything is handled smoothly." With that, she gracefully exited the scene, leaving the responsibility in capable hands. Soon, students gathered their respective details and room keys from the attentive staff, proceeding on their separate paths with newfound insights from the day''s events. Aether, burdened with both Aqualina''s and Selene''s luggage, gazed at them with a mix of curiosity and bewilderment. "I-Is it appropriate for me to enter the girls'' dorm?" Aether questioned tentatively, his voice tinged with both curiosity and a hint of apprehension. "Don''t worry about it,e on in. We''re just getting settled, so it''s not a big deal," Aqualina reassured him as she confidently led the way into the dormitory. Noticing Aether''s hesitation, Selene reached out and gently pulled him along. A few minutes ago, After boosting Aqualina''s and Kai''s ego with praises and admiration, it became apparent that Kai was not only satisfied but impressed with Aqualina''s training of Aether. Without any further question or hesitation, Kai agreed to lend Aether as Aqualina''s servant, albeit only in name for the time being. Theypleted the necessary paperwork, officially registering Aether as Aqualina''s servant. Timmy, on the other hand, had initially desired to serve Selene, but due to Kai''s need for an assistant, Timmy reluctantly agreed to take on that role. Thus, both Timmy and Aether were assigned to a Servant dormitory. Selene, who had fervently pleaded with Kai not to allow Aether to be Aqualina''s servant, fell silent when Aqualina intervened in their conversation, causing Selene to begrudgingly ept the arrangement, albeit with visible resentment in her eyes. Afterwards, Kai and Timmy departed for the Boy''s dormitory. Upon entering the girl''s dormitory, Aether''s nostrils tingled with a pleasant fragrance, prompting an internal exmation, ''Damn, that smells goo---- Oh, no, not again! Fuck!! I am really turning into a pervert!!'' Aether''s eyes widened at this realization, marking the second time his mind had wandered into such territory. It seemed as though Aether''s inner thoughts were bursting forth like a dam. He recognized the urgent need to increase his Ethereal domain to gain better control over his impulses and mental privacy. "Hand me mine," Aqualina asked as she positioned herself before her spatial elevator, leading to her floor.... more like Floor for Arcane Queen, situated on the top floor. Aqualina retrieved her luggage from Aether and positioned herself on the circr tform adorned with a peculiar magic circle etched into the ground. "After you''ve settled her room,e to room number 3," Aqualina instructed before disappearing. "That''s like a smaller version of teleportation," Selene remarked as she observed Aether''s surprised expression upon witnessing the magic. "Yes, quite fascinating," Aether acknowledged, his curiosity piqued. Together, Selene and he stepped into the circle. Selene inputted the floor number, and in an instant, they vanished from one tform and reappeared on separate circr tforms. "Let''s go! Mine is Room Number 9," Selene announced as she seized her luggage from Aether''s grasp, urging him to follow. Utilizing the ess card provided by the staff, Selene unlocked her room, which was nothing short of grandeur, resembling the amodations in her own father''s mansion. Surveying the extravagant amenities, including a king-size bed, an attached bathroom, and apact kitchen, Like a 1BHK apartment! Aether couldn''t help but ponder, ''Isn''t this level of luxury excessive for a student?'' Nevertheless, he assisted Selene in organizing her belongings as they settled into thevish surroundings. ''W-We look like a couple!!'' Selene screamed inwardly while Aether folded the clothes, and she arranged them in the wardrobe. "What''s your rank, Madam Selene?" Aether suddenly asked, curious about the ranking system. He wondered why Selene, who always appeared studious, didn''t score higher. Selene snapped out of her blushing thoughts and nced at Aether but remained silent. "Hmm? Madam Selene?" Aether called again, but Selene didn''t respond. Aether spected, ''Maybe she didn''t score as well as expected...'' However, "Sel" "Yes?" "Call me Sel!!" Selene blurted out, her face turning bright red. [+3000 Affection] ''... Oh dear, it seems she isn''t holding back anymore,'' Aether thought. Despite being oblivious at times, even Aether couldn''t miss the hints after glimpsing the Memories of Ether (Tiny bit). The growing affection points only added to his understanding of the situation. Aether bit his lip, as much as he wanted to survive at any cost.... looking at her red face that was evident with maiden-struck love.... He felt little disgust about himself. ''Sigh, I''m still half-ass about everything,'' Aethermented silently, feeling a tinge of guilt. "S-Sel" "YES!!" Selene''s happiness was palpable as she jumped slightly, her face lighting up with joy. She giggled and said, "Heheh...I ranked 4th. You know, 4th!! just one below the top three... It was so challenging! I almost lost my mind trying to remember everything from the written test. You have no idea how tough it was. I really hoped to secure 2nd or 3rd ce, but others outperformed me, especially Lia. She must have put in a lot of effort... and also....." She continued talking like a little loveable girl, sharing her academic struggles like a girlfriend sharing her day with her boyfriend. "Hah..." Aether shook his head in amusement as he remembered his ex behaving simrly. In situations like this, all you needed to do was listen....nothing more, nothing less. Just listen!! As Selene continued to talk, Aether wanted to ask what Aqualina had said to make Selene ept Aether as Aqualina''s servant, but... ''She really talks a lot...'' Aether thought, a small smile ying on his lips. Absentmindedly, his hand brushed against something incredibly soft. Startled, he looked down, his eyes widening as he muttered, "Pink." Those two words were enough to halt Selene''s chatter. She turned to him with a horrified expression, realizing he had identally touched her innerwear. "D-Don''t look!!" Selene shouted, scrambling to retrieve her innerwear, only to trip over the luggage and... ''Thud'' She fell onto Aether, their faces almost touching, a moment of intense closeness enveloping them. Selene gazed into his soulful eyes, and Aether looked back into her wonderful blue eyes filled with love and tenderness. For a brief moment, they forgot to breathe, lost in the intensity of the moment... [+4000 Affection] "Y-You know... I''ve been waiting for so long to hear my name from you," she whispered with a smile, her eyes shimmering with a hint of tears. Her gaze drifted to his lips.... her head leaned in unconsciously... "~Hmm~" Chapter 134: Teenage Hormones As their lips were about to touch, Aether turned his head slightly, causing Selene''s lips tond softly on his cheek. "~hmm~" Selene''s eyes widened in surprise as she realized Aether had avoided the kiss. Tears welled up in her eyes. "I-I am sorry... I-It must have fe.. felt di-disgusting... I- I am sorry...Please, D-Don''t hate me, P-Please" Selene stammered, trying to hold back her tears that were trying to break down. She had just realized that Aether might not remember their past or her promise to him. What she had done was nothing but one-sided feelings thrust upon a stranger. ''Drip, Drip'' "Ah? W-Why?" Selene mumbled, feeling her tears escaping involuntarily when she thought the word ''Stranger''... she never thought she would be a stranger to Aether. Aether was taken aback by her tears. ''It must be hard for her...'' he thought. He lifted his hand to wipe away her tears but stopped himself, realizing he wasn''t.... Ether. Her love and tears were for Ether..... not Aether. He couldn''t bring himself to utter words like ''I''ll take care of her in your ce'' because he understood the weight of love. To him, such words felt repulsive, especially to someone who genuinely loved Ether. This girl loved Ether, who was nothing more than a ve and a selfless boy. She loved him unconditionally... Not Aether, who was selfish and wed. Aether couldn''t allow himself to seduce a girl who was not even his target but also already in love with Ether.... not Aether. Her love was pure, unlike his... whose life was going to be filled with the maniption and seduction of lots of women... driven by his mission and his fucked up life. Though Aether believed Ether was simr to him..... the truth was they were not the same. Ether and Aether were not the same!!!! Ether was truly loved by someone who epted him wholeheartedly without any care for his egoless part. Unlike Aether!! Who had lots of errors in his damn body! Even so... Even more... ''Drip'' When he saw her crying, something inside Aether cracked, as if a part of him was torn, reminiscent of the pain he felt when his ex broke up with him. "E-Ether? Why are you c-crying?" Selene paused, shocked when she saw tears well up in Aether''s left eye and flowing down to his cheek. Quicklyposing herself, Selene took one of her clothes and gently wiped Aether''s tears. "D-Don''t cry! I-I won''t do it again... I-I am sorry" Aether stared at her, seeing her concern even though she was hurting herself. She really worried and cared only for.... Ether. Without realizing it, his hand reached out and caught hers. Looking into her surprised eyes, Aether spoke softly, "I am... not Ether." "..." Selene''s eyes softened with understanding. "Yeah, I know you''re not..." She acknowledged that Aether without his past memories was not the same as Ether. "..." Aether knew she misunderstood, but he couldn''t find the words to correct her. "But I do believe my Ether will return to me one day," Selene said with a strong and determined expression, as if she held unwavering faith in her love. "..." Aether could only smile at her steadfast ''Love''. "Haha," Aether chuckled softly, shaking his head in disbelief before leaning forward impulsively... "~Hmm~" Selene''s eyes widened as she felt soft lips pressing against hers.... Not only her but even Aether was shocked by his own actions. Both Aether and Selene were taken aback by the unexpected intimacy. [+4000 Affection] [+4000 Affection] [+4000 Affection] [+4000 Affection] [+4000 Affection] For every second, Aether received five notifications, indicating the duration of their kiss. They remained locked in the moment for about five seconds before Aether gently pulled away, both of their faces flushed bright red. The room was filled with the sound of their racing hearts, each beat echoing louder than ever. "I-I am l-eaving!!" Aether said urgently, his heart racing as he hurriedly exited her room, overwhelmed by the intensity of their brief moment. It took a few moments for Selene toe back to reality, her hand subconsciously touching her lips, still feeling the warmth from their kiss. "aww~Wawwhh~hahaaa~" Incoherent sounds escaped her lips as she jumped onto the bed, burying her face under the pillow in embarrassment. She couldn''t help but feel shocked by how Aether''s kiss caught her off guard, her face, neck, and even ears turning red and hot as embarrassment flooded her. "P-Pervert..." she mumbled under her breath, her mind filled with the memory of his smile and the unexpected Kiss. Though she started it still.... "HMMMMMFFFFFF!!!" Selene covered her face tightly with her hands, her legs kicking the bed in a mix of flustered emotions and disbelief at what had just transpired. Meanwhile, outside Selene''s room... "Huff-Huff-Huff," Aether panted heavily, trying to catch his breath as he crouched by Selene''s door. He was in a squatting position while hiding his red face! ''D-Did I really kiss a teenage girl?'' Aether''s expression was one of horror and confusion. He was certain he hadn''t intended for it to happen, yet the moment had unfolded beyond his control. When he saw her vulnerable and sad too side... He felt he would regret something if he didn''tfort her now. ''I-Is this what Ether''s feeling?'' Aether questioned himself, his mind racing with thoughts of identity and emotions. ''I need to investigate this but how?... Are these feelings truly Ether''s or... Mine?'' Aether shook his head, convinced that he couldn''t have feelings for anyone, yet his heart raced uncontrobly... Like he did a marathon!! "Excuse me?" Suddenly, a voice snapped him out of his thoughts. Aether still crouched down, finally looked up and saw an ash-haired girl staring at him intently. "A-Ashara Nightfire?" Aether mumbled in surprise. "Oh? You know me?" Ashara''s expression shifted to surprise. "Y-Yeah," Aether replied, wondering why this girl was speaking to him. "Haha... I''m really famous now~" Ashara whispered with happiness, her gaze lingering on Aether with even more intensity. "I-Is something wrong?" Aether asked, a flicker of doubt in his voice, as he felt Ashara''s gaze roam all over his body, making him feel exposed as if he were standing there naked. "Your face is red... why?" Ashara''s tone was filled with genuine curiosity, her eyes studying his flushedplexion. ''Red? Am I really blushing? FUCK!!'' Aether''s mind raced with embarrassment and frustration before he tried to regain hisposure, ''Sniff, Sniff,'' Ashara suddenly sniffed the air, her head tilting with even more curiosity as she probed further, "You are discharging... Mating hormones, Why?" Hearing Ashara''s observation, Aether''s face turned nk, ''M-mating?''... his eyes instinctively dropping down to where Ashara was looking, and... "FUCKKKKK!!!" Aether''s exmation echoed in the corridor as he realized the embarrassing situation he was in, a slight bulge in his pants causing him intense embarrassment. "HIKKK!!" Ashara was visibly taken aback by Aether''s outburst, her surprise evident on her face as she took a step back, unsure of what had just transpired. "What''s with the noise?" Another voice cut through the tension, and Aether''s eyes widened in recognition. Without a word, he turned on his heel and dashed towards the spatial elevator, disappearing from view in a sh. "Hmm? Is that... Aether?" Lia frowned in confusion as she noticed Aether''s sudden departure, and then she nced at Ashara, who was still looking puzzled. Ashara didn''t respond to Lia, with a shrug, Ashara decided to let the moment pass and retreated back to her room. ''What in the world just happened?'' Lia couldn''t help but wonder, her mind buzzing with questions. She then turned her attention to Selene''s room, where she nned to catch up with her friend after that fateful day. Chapter 135: Rizz her with compliments "Hmmm..." "...." "Hmmm...." "..." "Sigh, what happened now?" Aqualina asked, looking at Aether, who was nkly helping her arrange her clothes and other belongings. Her eyes narrowed as she noticed his absent-mindedness. Aether snapped out of his daze and looked at Aqualina. "Nothing, just lost in thought," he replied, trying to refocus on the task at hand. "Hmm..." Aqualina nodded, though she seemed unconvinced. After a moment, she frowned and asked, "Anyway, why didn''t you use that chance to rizz that woman?" "I... just didn''t know anything about her," Aether replied with a serious face, his expression indicating he was deeply considering his actions. Aqualina understood that Aether couldn''t just go and seduce someone without understanding their behaviour, likes, dislikes, past, and a lot more. Unfortunately, Aqualina didn''t have that information on hand. "Hmm.... Okay, give me a week. I''ll collect their data," Aqualina said with a determined look. "...." Aether was surprised. ''Did I just get a powerful spy?'' he thought. It kind of looked like Aqualina was working for him, not the other way around. Curious, Aether asked, "Will the data include you?" "...." Aqualina paused, her expression shifting to a deadpan stare. "You... are really pushing your luck." "I-I am sorry," Aether apologized, but inwardly, he couldn''t help but smirk. [+300 Affection] ''I think she''s kind of a... tsundere,'' Aether thought but shrugged. He looked through the clothes, checking for any underwear, hoping to create an "ident" like before. But, ''She is really clever,'' he thought, noting that the underwear was already arranged before he came into her room. "Anyhow, from tomorrow onwards you will be working as my attendant," Aqualina stated, reminding him of his tasks and responsibilities with a serious tone. Aether nodded in understanding. He took a deep breath, preparing himself for the days ahead. After that, Aqualina asked with an amused face, "So, are you fine with the other Arcane Queens?" "Pardon?" "I asked if they have what you like?" "...." Aether''s face turned shy, a faint blush spreading across his cheeks. He was just acting! "Tsk," Aqualina clicked her tongue, seeing Aether''s shy face. "Don''t do anything stupid. Follow my lead, and you will eventually have everyone in your hands." Aether still shyly nodded. He was still acting! "Tsk," Aqualina got annoyed seeing his shy face. "Could you tell me what you talked about with Madam Selene?" Aether asked, his eyes filled with curiosity. Aqualina smirked and said, "I told her I will give you to her anytime she wants, unlike her brother." Aether''s face showed shock. Just a few moments ago, he had almost lost control when he was with Selene, and now... Aether could only imagine what might happen next. Aqualina giggled, observing Aether''s shocked expression, thinking, ''He might not be interested in her... It''s getting interesting.'' Soon after, Aether was stepping out of the girls'' dormitory. He looked up and saw the sky was still bright. He approached a staff member who was cleaning the floor and asked, "Miss, could you tell me the directions to the infirmary?" After getting the directions, Aether walked to the infirmary, unaware that something was following him. Upon seeing the infirmary sign on the wall, Aether thought it looked exactly like the ones in his school. Entering the room, which resembled an old hospital structure where patients were cared for, he was greeted by an old woman with a warm and gentle smile. "Is there something you need, young man?" she asked. "Yes, Madam.... I would like to know where Ms. Aria Zephyr is?" Aether asked, returning her warm and gentle smile. The olddy was about to reply, but a voice chimed in, "What do you need from me?" Turning back, Aether saw a white-haired elf lying on a bed. He then looked at the old woman and asked for permission to speak with Aria. The old woman nced at Aria, who nodded her consent. "How are you?" Aether asked, stepping closer to her bed. "... I am fine, thank you," Aria said with a slight pause. "Do you need any help?" Aether asked, maintaining his gentle smile, trying to appear as genuine as possible. Aria frowned and asked directly, "What do you want?" Aether knew she was on guard. He, too, was cautious around strangers who acted overly familiar. He didn''t intend to seduce her immediately; he just wanted to raise his likability and..... perhaps earn her trust. "I just want to help you," Aether said sincerely. "..... I don''t need it," Aria responded tly, her expression unchanging. ''She''s a tough nut to crack,'' Aether thought, realizing he needed a different approach to get through to her. He needed a topic to capture her interest, so he said, "You know... I was really surprised when I saw you fight against the five bear monsters. Your skills were impressive." "Hmm?" Aria frowned, her curiosity piqued. She wondered what this boy wanted from her and why he wasplimenting her now. "I mean, look at you. Even though you were surrounded by those monsters, with just your knife, you managed to kill two golden 1-star monsters. That was incredible!!" Aria smiled slightly at his praise but then frowned, recalling his earlier words, "Hey, didn''t you say before, ''I am here to prove to everyone that you were all worthless'' or something like that?" Aether didn''t get flustered; he maintained his smile and said, "Yes, I did say that." Aria''s frown deepened, "Then why are you praising me now" "Because I followed my master''s orders before... She wanted me to say those words" Aether replied, smiling while thinking, ''Yeah, let''s put all the me on Aqualina.'' He wasn''t entirely wrong about it, right? "Master...?" Aria finally noticed Aether''s dress code and realized he was just a servant. Even though Aether had mentioned it before, she hadn''t heard much due to her pain and the chaos around her. She nodded in understanding and asked, "So what does your master want now?"... She wondered what her master was up to. Aether shook his head, "Nothing at the moment. I just felt bad for looking down on you earlier instead of helping you" he said, his face turning a little shy, making his previous bravado seem almostical. "Hmm?" Aria tilted her head, a small smile appearing on her face as she saw the boy acting shy in front of her. It was a stark contrast to his earlier demeanour. "I mean... When I saw you fighting without anyone''s support or even using your powers, just purely relying on your physical skills... I was in awe. I have no words to describe how impressive that was," Aether said, his eyes sparkling with genuine admiration. "O-Oh... T-Thank you," Aria''s cheeks turned slightly red as she felt embarrassed by the sincerepliment. [+1 Affection] !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 7.5%] "The determination on your face, those fierce eyes coated in the blood... Damn, I literally felt goosebumps!" Aether continued to praise her, his enthusiasm ungging. "I-It''s fine! T-There is no need topliment me so much," Aria said, her cheeks burning brightly. She never thought she would receive so manypliments from a boy, especially one she had just met. [+1 Affection] Aether smiled inwardly, ''I suppose I can keep this up...'' he thought and was about to continue with more praise when, "Queen Aria, your husband is here," the old woman stated, interrupting the moment. "H-Husband?" Aether suddenly flinched upon hearing that and looked at the neer. "Hello... I am her husband," a middle-aged man waved at Aether with a small smile, but it was definitely not a friendly smile directed at Aether. Chapter 136: His Dark side again and again coming out! "She-male?" Aether blurted out, looking at the middle-aged man with long elf ears and flowing white hair that cascaded down to his hips, making him resemble a.... woman. "Pardon?" The middle-aged man frowned, puzzled by Aether''s strangement. "N-Nothing... You''re the professor, right?" Aether hastily redirected the conversation, inwardly berating himself, ''Damn, Aether!! Can''t you just shut the fuck up?!'' The man furrowed his brow for a moment before nodding with a smile and introducing himself, "Yes, I am the Professor who weed you all in the Entrance Ceremony... My name is ric Zephyr, also known as the Emperor of Aerionis Zephyra." "Oh..." Aether''s mouth formed a wide ''O'' as he nced at Aria, who simply looked away, ''Fuck you, Log!! I know I asked for a mature woman, but at least give me someone unmarried!! This time you really chose a VVIP MIL-- umm, married woman? She''s the fucking queen of Aerionis Zephyra!!! Did you finally acknowledge my kink-- Fuck! What am I even thinking?'' His inner turmoil raged on. ric frowned at Aether''s behaviour even though he introduced himself already, "Where are your manners?" "Pardon?... Oh! Sorry, My nam---arrh" Aether furrowed his brow, and then was just about to reply when, ric didn''t respond verbally; instead, he simply gazed at Aether, causing Aether''s legs to tremble as if he were being weighed down by an immense force. "Kneel," ricmanded, and Aether was forced to kneel when the pressure almost crushed his body, unable to resist the overwhelming pressure exerted by ric''s presence. Aether couldn''t even lift his eyelids! Ignoring Aether, ric turned his attention to Aria, who spoke with disdain, "Are you trying to show off in front of a child? That''s utterly disgusting. Stop that!" ric sighed and exined, "I am not on duty at the moment as Professor.... I am the Emperor, and I was merely reminding him of my authority. Nothing more." "I see..." Aria responded, her expression nk. "Yes, unlike you, I need to maintain a certain image. Otherwise, everyone would think the rulers of Aerionis Zephyra were pushovers," ric remarked seriously. Aria shook her head in disbelief, "Stop that..." She gestured towards Aether, who was still forced to kneel. "I will, but first, tell me what you were discussing earlier. Do you know him? How long have you known him? You smile a lot for him.... and You seemed to be blushing quite a lot," ric inquired, his tone tinged with annoyance, anger, and.... a hint of jealousy. "Are you serious?" Aria couldn''t help but be shocked by ric''s visible jealousy towards Aether, who had simply been offering her nothing more thanpliments, "Are you really jealous of him? He''s just a childpared to me... Seriously!" Aria''s disgust was evident as she lifted herself from the bed, preparing to assist Aether to stand-up. "Arcane" A sudden sh of light filled the room, followed by a deafening sound. "SLAAM!!" !~Ding~! [+7 Charm] [Charm: 20] [+10 Intelligence] [Intelligence: 20] !~Ding~! [You have Levelled up!!] [Level: 3] !~Ding~! [Congrattions on Levelling up] [Reward: 10000 Affection Points] [Remaining AP: 37374] !~Ding~! [+10 Strength] [Strength: 30] [Remaining AP: 27374] "OI, Motherfucker!!..... Are you looking down on me?" When Aria regained her vision, she witnessed Aether gripping ric''s neck, mming him against the wall. Aether''s pupils flickered with a dark, void-like colour. He stared nkly into ric''s silver eyes. Aether didn''t summon his Arcane Card just to unleash his dark side; he did it to ensure he wouldn''t show mercy before a woman.... Actually, He was a little soft before the woman because of his Ex who would always be worried and fearful when he got into a fight. That''s why even when he was surrounded by ke and his group he didn''t fully fight because of Ste..... He always thinks of running away. Most of all, In his current state, Aether was mostly concerned about maintaining his Affection points with Aria, but his pride really hurt now. Even though he had been forced to kneel before, those instances were when he was fully under their control..... and He was still under them so he had to kneel however... Before this man, Who was this man to him? A FUCKING NOBODY!!! To Aether. Kneeling before ric fueled Aether''s anger to the point where he cared little about Aria''s affection; he needed to reim his pride! His Dark side was the only answer, willing to go to any lengths to achieve what he wanted. While ric was surprised to see a mere servant withstand his pressure, he remembered Aether''s ability to st High-Level Monsters with a single spell. "Surprising..." ric mumbled, not truly taken aback, as he was far stronger than Aether. Suddenly, Aether chuckled, "Hehe....Surprising... right? You Motherfucker!" [+10 Intelligence] [Intelligence: 30] [+10 Magic Affinity] [Magic Affinity: 30] A wave of information flooded Aether''s mind, yet unlike before, he felt no pain. Instead... "Hehehe..." The influx of information brought him joy. ''ssssss'' ric''s eyes widened as he felt Aether attempting to pressure him with Arcane Energy. ''W-When did he learn?'' Pressuring someone with Arcane Energy requires a wealth of information to process and precise control over Arcane Energy. Even a mere nce was enough to pressure the weak, yet Aether''s increased Magic Affinity was sufficient to shock and awe ric. ''Is he really just a servant?'' ric wondered, but he quickly shook off the thought. He couldn''t afford to show weakness before his wife. With a smirk, ric unleashed half of his Maximum potential... No, more like he was tried to do but, "I will call the Principal," the old woman, who was simply sipping her tea, stated without any sense of urgency or worry. Hearing the mention of the Principal, ric instantly calmed himself, but before he could react further, Aether interjected with an amused smile, "What are you scared of... an old hag?" ric''s lips twitched in irritation, poised to teach Aether a lesson when the old woman intervened once more. "Young man, you need to calm down too" she gently admonished. "I won''t! He''s the one who started this!" Aether protested adamantly. With a resigned sigh, the old woman turned to Aether and addressed him, "Won''t you do this for an olddy like me?" Aether was momentarily startled before his expression returned to normal as well and his eyes returned normal, "W-Well... I''ll let this slide this one time," he conceded with a shrug. As much as he wanted to act like a delinquent, Aether had a soft spot for elderly people. After letting off Alraic, who was about to issue some warnings to some kind of viin when the old woman simply shooed him away like a dog.... ric face turned furious with an annoyed expression he left. Once he had left, Aria apologized, "I''m sorry. It all happened because of me." She hoped Aether would understand her circumstances and let the matter slide.... However, He wasn''t about to miss this opportunity to score some points! "No, I won''t unless you give me a kiss," Aether stated boldly, then blinked in surprise at his own words. "PUFFF!!" "Cough, cough!" The old woman sputtered, choking on her tea. Aria also looked at Aether with a perplexed expression. ''What did I just say?'' Aether wondered, but then he was surprised to hear a notification chime. !~Ding~! [+10 Affection] [Survival rate: 8.5%] Chapter 137: Aria is easy woman..? "Puffff! Hahahaha..." Ariaughed heartily, her eyes sparkling with genuine amusement as she looked at Aether. "You''ve got some guts, kid." "No, I''m serious," Aether replied, his expression unwavering. Ever since his survival rate had increased, he realized he needed to be straightforward with her, abandoning any passive or indirect approaches. Aria''sughter faded, and she frowned for a moment before shaking her head, her face clouding with a hint of sadness. "I''m happy you''re asking for a kiss from an olddy like me..." "Olddy?" Aether echoed, his brow furrowing. He scrutinized her from head to toe. ''There''s no way she''s an olddy... Damn, she doesn''t even look like a MIL Ahem, a mature woman! She just looks like a girl in her twenties,'' he thought incredulously. Noticing Aether''s intense gaze, Aria smiled gently. "I might not look old, but I am actually quite old, you know," she said, rising gracefully from the bed and smoothing out her dress. "How old are you exactly?" Aether''s curiosity was piqued even further. "Hmm? Don''t you know it''s rude to ask a woman''s age?" Aria teased, picking up a piece of luggage that was sitting near her bed. She cast a yful nce at him, but there was a seriousness beneath her words. Before Aether could respond, an elderly woman, who had been silently observing their exchange, chimed in, "Young man, she may look youthful, but she''s far older than I am." "!!!!!" Aether''s eyes widened in disbelief, his mind reeling with the information. Aria''s cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she scolded the older woman, "Seriously, how can you say that to him?" She then nced at Aether, who was still staring at her in shock, his mouth slightly agape. Now visibly irritated, Aria snapped, "Why are you acting as if you''ve just heard something beyond imagination?" "H-Huh?... If I say that was really beyond imagination, would you believe it?" Aether asked, still in shock, his voice almost trembling. How was he supposed to react to this revtion? He nced between the elderly woman, who clearly appeared to be in her 80s, and Aria, who looked no older than her early twenties. And yet, the elderly woman imed Aria was older than her. Aria''s expression soured slightly. Noticing this, Aether hurriedly added, "N-No, don''t get me wrong! I just thought you were around 20 years old... so, you know..." He awkwardly scratched his head, hoping to defuse the tension that had settled between them. Hearing that, Aria''s displeased expression softened into one of amusement as she mumbled, "Twenty... ah." "Tsk," the old woman suddenly clicked her tongue, shooing them away from her territory. ''I suppose no matter who it is, women surely hate mentioning their age...'' Aether thought, ncing at the door the old woman had just mmed. Aether then turned his attention to Aria, who was walking away without responding to him. "H-Hey!" Aether hurried to catch up with her. "You left without saying anything." "Hmm? What do I need to say to you?" Aria asked genuine curiosity in her voice. She was truly intrigued by this child, knowing full well what he was referring to. Aether nced around nervously before awkwardly saying, "K-Kiss?" "...." Aria''s face lit up with amusement as she asked, "You really are asking for it? Even though I''m old and married?" "OH! You''re married too?" Aether''s expression grew even more shocked. "Tsk, don''t act like you don''t know!" Aria said with a smirk. She found his yful attitude endearing, not really minding her status. "I really don''t know..." Aether''s eyes looked wide and innocent as if he genuinely had no idea she was married. Veins popped on Aria''s forehead as she grabbed Aether''s ear and pinched it, saying, "You surely are a naughty brat." "Ouch, ouch, ouch!!" Aether winced in pain..... though not sincerely. "I''m sorry, Miss... Please, don''t hurt this pitiful child!" Aether pleaded, his tone dramatically pitiful. "Pff... hahaha..." Aria couldn''t help butugh at Aether''s fake acting. She never thought she would encounter a child like him. To her, he seemed like a little boy acting out,pletely contrasting his previous demeanour when he had saved her. Aether then asked, "Can I help you?" as he tried to take her luggage from her hand, but Aria purposely refused. "Please, I am the one who broke your ribs, so at least give me this chance to make amends," Aether said with a serious and sorrowful expression. Aria hesitated for a second, but seeing his sincere expression, she could only nod and hand over her luggage. But then, "Broke my ribs?" she echoed, thinking, ''Yeah, I didn''t break my ribs until he arrived'' she frowned as her eyes widened in realization.... She looked at Aether, who was now running away as if he had been caught. "You damn brat!" she shouted, a smile spreading across her face as she followed him. [+10 Affection] There was no hint of her regal status or even of being a married woman... All Aether saw was a straightforward child who loved to be praised by others. "I am sorry... ouch," Aether said with pitiful eyes as Aria pinched his ear like she was punishing a child. Seeing his genuine difort, Aria nodded and released him, noticing the odd looks from passersby. She didn''t want to cause Aether any more trouble, so she let him go. Some even started murmuring themself... If her husband were to hear that... She could only think what might happen to Aether. As they walked in silence, Aether couldn''t think of anything else to say, so he decided to ask, "Why did the monsters only target you?" It wasn''t just for the sake of conversation.... well, maybe a littlebut he had noticed that she was the only one surrounded by the monsters. More importantly, the wolfman had led those creatures directly to her. It was clear her life had been in danger before, but his mission suddenly changed, suggesting the trouble had passed. Although he doubted the wolfman had done it deliberately, the wolfman was also severely injured... Suddenly, Aria''s face darkened... She hadn''t realized it during the fight, but when Aether had smashed those monsters, she had seen faint threads wrapped around their bodies like puppets. She wasn''t sure who was behind it, but Kaelen was the first toe to mind since he had brought those monsters towards her when she was hurt. However, she didn''t rule out the possibility of the other two having a hand in it. "Ms. Aria?" Aether called, noticing her prolonged silence. "Hmm? Yes... I don''t know, but all I can say is that being the Arcane Queen is surely the worst thing," Aria said, her face gloomy. "..." Aether didn''t respond, sensing her distress. As they reached the girl''s dormitory, Aria said she could handle it from there, but Aether refused and entered the dorm as if he owned the ce. When they arrived at the top floor using the spatial elevator, they were suddenly confronted.... "What are you doing?" "..." Aether flinched when he saw Aqualina ring at him with a mix of fury and doubt. Aria also flinched, seeing Aqualina face-to-face for the first time. "W-Well, I am..." Aether tried to exin, but his words faltered. ''Shit, my luck is really bad!'' he thought. Aqualina nced at Aether''s hand, which was holding Aria''s luggage. No words were needed as she... ''SLAP!'' Chapter 138: Aqualina is a Villainess ''SLAP!'' That p was enough to make Aether fall to the ground, his head spinning from the impact. It took a second for Aria to react. "W-What the...?" she eximed, just about to help Aether when, "Mrs. Aria Zephyr," Aqualina said, her voice cold and indifferent. "Y-Yes?" Aria flinched, looking up at Aqualina. "Mind telling me why MY servant is holding your luggage?" Aqualina asked, her tone dripping with disdain. "W-Well, he was trying to help me," Aria stammered. "OH? Helping...ah," Aqualina nodded as she crouched down, her gaze piercing into Aether. "So, you''re licking another''s foot now?" "H-Hey, what are" Aria began, but Aqualina cut her off with a steely re. "He is MY servant... Do you have any problem with that?" "..." Aria halted her words, her eyes dropping in defeat. Aqualina nodded, satisfied, and turned back to Aether. "Now..." she said, grabbing Aether''s hair roughly, "are you licking another''s foot now?" "N-No, M-Madam!" Aether replied, his voice trembling as he avoided her gaze. "Then why..." Aqualina asked, mming Aether''s head onto the ground with brutal force. "BOOM!" "...are you holding..." "BOOM!" "... her luggage?" "BOOM!" ''Drip, Drip'' Blood flowed from Aether''s head, his eyes bing hazy and unfocused. Seeing this brutality, Aria couldn''t help but reach out and grip Aqualina''s hand, trying to stop her. "Hmm? Is something wrong?" Aqualina asked with a frown, looking at Aria''s hand gripping hers. "...." Aria just stared at Aqualina. "Is something wrong?" Aqualina asked again, her tone more threatening. "D-Don''t you think this is too much?" Aria asked, her grip tightening on Aqualina''s hand, her voice trembling with suppressed rage. Aqualina smirked, sensing Aria''s anger and frustration, "Too much? Come on now... He is MY servant. I can do whatever I want. I can even kill him. He. belongs. to. me! You got it?" "Grrr," Aria clenched her jaw, her anger boiling over. She wanted to say something to stop this madness, but she knew she was in no position to challenge Aqualina. She nced at Aether, who was still smiling faintly despite the blood streaming down his face. It only angered her more. Just a few moments ago, they had been talking andughing, and now... "Sigh," Aria sighed deeply, releasing Aqualina''s hand. She looked at Aqualina with an indifferent face, masking her turmoil. "You act like a child whose toy was stolen." "What?" Aqualina frowned, her eyes narrowing as she let go of Aether and stood up to re at Aria. "What did you just say?" Aria met her re, her voice steady despite the tension. "I said, you act like a spoiled child whose toy was taken away. It''s pathetic." Aqualina stared nkly at Aria, then looked up and down before smirking and said, "I suppose, for an old hag like you... I might seem like a child." Veins popped on Aria''s forehead, the tension escting as if they were about to fight. However, Aqualina suddenly stepped back. "I don''t have time to y with you," she said, walking towards the spatial elevator. Before disappearing, shemanded, "Come with me, Aether." "U-Understood" Aether nodded. Aria immediately helped Aether to stand up and tried to wipe his forehead, but he protested, "I-I am fine Ms. Aria." He was about to follow Aqualina, but Aria caught his hand. "You are bleeding. You need to go to the infirmary, now," Aria insisted, trying to guide him there. "I-I am sorry, Ms. Aria, but Madam Aqualina will punish me again If I don''t go now," Aether said with a gloomy smile. "...." Aria''s face turned sad. Just by looking at Aether''s face, she could see how much he was enduring. She couldn''t help but think of how he had grabbed her husband''s neck without hesitation. She felt like Aether was chained LION! "A-At least let me wipe the blood," she said. This time, Aether let her. Her hands trembled a bit as she wiped the blood from his forehead. ''She must be a soft person...'' Aether thought. "Thank you," Aether said with a gentle and grateful smile before following Aqualina. Aria stared at the spot where Aether had disappeared before looking at the bloodstained handkerchief in her hand. Her mind turned hazy before she shook her head, saying, "T-This is just normal," trying to convince herself. She took her luggage and entered her room, though she nced at the spatial elevator onest time... [+100 Affection] ..... ... INFIRMARY "OUCH!" Aether shouted as the olddy in the infirmary treated his wounds, her hands steady and experienced. "C-Can''t you just use a healing potion?" The olddy replied while stering his forehead, "Young man, this wound will heal easily. There''s no need for a healing potion..." "Even so..." Aether grumbled. "Believe me... Healing potions are not as simple as you think. They have side effects, like stunting your growth if you use them too often, and they can even cause mental fatigue. In simple terms, they can do more harm than good. For wounds like this, you just need normal treatment," the olddy said with a warm smile. Aether sighed, and then his eyes fell on Aqualina, who was standing beside them. "Off you go," the olddy said after finishing, then turned to Aqualina. "I believe you said he fell down the stairs, right?" "...Yes," Aqualina nodded. The olddy noted it in her records and looked at Aqualina with a stern face. "This is thest time, right?" Having worked in the infirmary for almost a decade, the olddy knew the nature of these wounds. She didn''t want to press the issue on their first day, so she issued a warning to Aqualina, making her expectations clear. Aqualina nodded curtly and left the infirmary, with Aether following behind her. He turned back to thank the olddy before exiting. As they left, the olddy stared at the door for a moment, then looked down at the datasheet about Aether. "Ether... ah," she mumbled, lost in thought. Outside the Infirmary Corridor, "Princess, you really are good at acting!" Aether said with a smile, trying to lighten the mood as they walked down the corridor. "Oh! Am I?" Aqualina replied with a smirk, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "Yes, I really thought you were angry. You know, the p didn''t even hurt me in the first ce," Aether said, still shocked by the recent events. He had genuinely believed she was furious when she caught him with Aria, but her quick thinking to make him look pitiful in front of Aria and cast herself as the viin was truly impressive. "Well... I was also surprised when you came with Aria. You really know how to make a move on women," Aqualina said with a smile. She had only been out to see theyout of the academy for her future ns... when she stumbled upon Aether with Aria. She couldn''t miss the opportunity and instantly took the viin route. "Even though you are a viin," Aether said those words unconsciously, his thoughts slipping out before he could stop them. "!!" Aqualina flinched, her eyes narrowing as she red at Aether. "What did you say?" "N-Nothing!!" Aether waved his hands in defence. Aqualina''s gaze softened slightly as she looked at Aether''s forehead where the ster was ced. "D-Does that hurt?" "...Well... Yeah," Aether nodded. Even though Aqualina had been acting, she had really mmed him against the wall, and the force of her p, though controlled, had still left a mark. "Hmm..." Aqualina hesitated, ncing at Aether. "Yes?" Aether asked, curiosity piqued by her uncharacteristic pause. "I....." "You?" "I...I s.... Nothing," Aqualina simply shrugged, then quickened her pace, her demeanour closing off again. Aether tilted his head in confusion, a slight frown forming on his face. However, a notification popped up in his mind: [+400 Affection] Aether could only smile inwardly and shook his head, thinking, ''Typical Tsundere...'' After their exchange, Aqualina and Aether spent the remainder of the day exploring the Academy, making mental notes of itsyout and significantndmarks. Aether found the architecture impressive, a blend of old-world charm and modern facilities. As the sky darkened, signalling the end of their tour, Aqualina returned to her dormitory while Aether finally stood before the Servants'' Dorm. "Not bad," Aether muttered as he entered the building. It wasn''t as fancy as the main dormitories, but it was far better than what he had rented in his previous life. Themon areas were clean, and the atmosphere was surprisingly weing. Finding his room, number 28, Aether entered and smiled, "Good..." he said, looking around. It was a typical dorm room, much like the ones he had seen in his past life. A single room with a bunk bed and an attached bathroom. "I guess I''m not alone then," Aether mumbled when he saw the bunk bed. He wanted to take the lower bunk but decided to wait for his roommate to arrive and let them choose first. He had no luggage, just the spare clothes offered by the Academy for servants. He inspected the room, noting its simplicity but appreciating thefort it offered. "SSsss~" A small sound drew his attention, and Snowke, his pet, peeked out from his pocket, her tiny face filled with concern. When Aqualina had pped him, Snowke had almost burst out if not for Aether holding her down. "I''m really fine, you know," Aether reassured her, though Snowke''s worried eyes told him she wasn''t convinced. "Sssss~" [+1000 Affection] Snowke kissed his forehead, showing her deep concern for him. The gesture touched Aether, bringing a warm smile to his face. "Hahah..." Aetherughed softly, feeling grateful for her affection. But then, "You tamed a monster?" "SHIT!!" "HIIISSS!!" Both Aether and Snowke were startled by the sudden voice behind them. Chapter 139: Register it! Aether looked at the boy, who had light brown hair and striking purple eyes. His expression was t as he tried to hide Snowke, his pet. "Empress''s Maid," Aether said, voice t and usatory. The boy flinched and stammered, "W-What are you talking about? Empress''s Maid? Who? Me? Of course not, I am not that revered, famous Marisandra Naiadia''s Maid." Aether wore an expression of ''You cannot be more obvious than this.'' The boy''s face flushed even more as he continued, "B-Believe me... I am not" "Yeah, yeah... I believe you, Mr. Empress''s Maid, so no need to worry," Aether replied nonchntly. "Sigh, I guess the cat''s out of the bag," the boy said. In an instant, he transformed into a woman. Aether watched, slightly impressed at how quickly the disguise was shed and a maid''s uniform appeared in ce of the boy''s attire. ''She is really good at changing clothes,'' Aether thought, observing the Empress''s Maid, who now stood before him in a perfectly arranged uniform. "How did you find out?" she asked, clearly baffled. She had been sure her disguise was wless. "Hmm... It''s just your eyes," Aether said, maintaining his nonchnt tone. "My eyes?" The Maid frowned. "Yes," Aether confirmed. The Maid frowned even more. "It''s not like I am the only one who has purp" "Each eye is unique and different, and I can literally remember details," Aether said with a proud smile. ''Come to think of it, Ste and her sister also had the same eyes.... maybe they were blood-rted,'' he thought but shrugged. "So, you remember my eyes?" the Maid asked. "Yes" [+10 Affection] Aether blinked, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected affection from the maid, before regaining hisposure. He refocused his attention and inquired, "Why are you here?" The maid hesitated, considering her response carefully before answering, "Actually, it''s my duty to support the Princess. However, she rejected me, iming she chose you..." Anger flickered in her eyes, betraying her frustration at the Princess''s decision. ''Those mes could literally burn me to death,'' Aether thought, feeling the intensity of her gaze. Undeterred, the maid continued, "But I cannot leave the Princess in the hands of a womanizer... So I registered as Selene''s servant." "I see..." Aether nodded, though he wondered about the ''womanizer'' part. However, Aether''s curiosity was piqued, prompting him to question, "Then why are you disguising yourself?".He wondered why she was disguising herself if she registered as a servant. Suddenly, the Maid flinched and averted her gaze from Aether as she stammered, "I-I was kind of... you know..." Aether took slow steps forward, closing the distance between them. The Maid froze in ce, her cheeks flushing slightly as she leaned back instinctively. When Aether reached her, he stared at her intently, as if trying to peer into her soul. The Maid''s heart raced, her breath catching in her throat. She never expected Aether to be so bold, especially when they were alone. Then, to her surprise, Aether ced a hand on her shoulder, causing her to startle. "W-Wait!! What are you doing?!" she eximed, her voice betraying her nerves. The Maid was taken aback by Aether''s sudden forwardness. She knew she had to put a stop to any advances from this womanizer, especially interacting with her Princess otherwise Princess would be suffering just like how Empress suffering now. In truth, the servant assigned to the Princess was someone else entirely. It was the Empress who had tasked her with safeguarding her daughter while gathering information about .....Aether. The Maid remembered it all too clearly... Whenever the Empress blush.... she immediately breaks everything surrounding her... The pce became the most chaotic ce and it was all due to this man. ''This man is really dangerous,'' she concluded, her thoughts swirling with apprehension. Throughout the day, she had observed Aether closely, noting how he seemed to effortlessly forge connections with Queen Aria and even Ashara Nightfire(albeit with few words)... It was clear to her that he wielded a dangerous charm. "I know..." Aether''s calm voice broke through her thoughts, causing her to startle. "Y-You know?" The Maid flinched, taken aback by Aether''s awareness. "Yes..." Aether confirmed, his expression serene. The Maid sighed inwardly, resigning herself to the fact that Aether wasn''t that dumb... "What the hell did you do to the Empre" "Cosying... I won''t judge," Aether interrupted, his words catching her off guard. "C-Cosying?" The Maid''s expression twisted into one of disbelief. "Yeah, don''t worry... You can dress however you want. I won''t judge you!" Aether reassured her with a cid smile. "Tsk," the Maid clicked her tongue in annoyance, her frustration mounting. "You are the first idiot I''ve ever seen in my life." "What?" Aether was taken aback by her sudden hostility. He had only been trying to offer his support, yet it seemed to have backfired. "Anyhow... tell me about that snake you have," the Maid asked as she changed the topic. "Hmmm? What are you talking about?" Aether attempted to y dumb. "Sigh... Did you register at the Academy?" She pressed on, disregarding his attempts to evade the topic. "Register? Do I need to do that?" Aether feigned surprise, hoping to deflect her inquiries. The Maid sighed, her patience wearing thin, as she exined that any tamed beasts were required to be registered in the Academy''s records. Failure to do so would result in punishment for the owner. "I see..." Aether nodded in understanding, ''I suppose no more hiding it'' but then he hesitated before asking, "Could you keep quiet about this?" He dreaded the thought of others finding out, especially considering Kai''s potential interest in Snowke. The Maid shook her head firmly, "No, I cannot do that. It would be a problem if others found out... I suspect the Principal may already be aware. You really need to register, otherwise it could cause trouble for Princess Aqualina." A sour expression crossed Aether''s face as he contemted his options. ''What should I do now?'' he wondered, feeling uncertain. He resolved to consult Aqualina about the matter, despite his concerns that she might try to take Snowke away from him. "I will be at the top," the Maid dered, signalling her intention to retire for the day after a long day of following him.... "..." Aether remained silent as he mulled over the situation, deciding to leave everything for tomorrow''s Aether to tackle. "Sss~~" Snowke swirled around the top of his chest as she also slept peacefully though she red a the top bed. Chapter 140: He is still a Servant "Hmmm?" Aether''s gaze lingered nkly on the Empress''s Maid, who stood before him dressed in attire typically reserved for boys. The Empress''s Maid, undeterred by Aether''s scrutiny, simply patted down the folds of her clothing and met his gaze with a practised professional smile. "So... you''re not exactly a cosy thusiast?" Aether vtured, breaking the silce with a hint of curiosity. A soft sigh escaped the Empress''s Maid''s lips, a sign of her patice wearing thin, "Took you long ough to figure it out... No, I''m not some tric cosyer. I''m merely in disguise," she exined. "Disguise? For what purpose?" "... In order to safeguard the princess," she replied matter-of-factly... while lying through her lips. "I see..." Aether nodded, piecing together the puzzle. Pretty much she was protecting Aqualina in the shadows while making others believe she was Sele''s Attdant. ''Damn, the Empress is truly protective of her daughter,'' Aether mused siltly before querying, "What''s your name again?" "...." "What?" The Empress''s Maid sighed and confessed, "I am not permitted to disclose my name to others...." "Hmmm..." He pondered further, desiring to delve into the matter but ssing her reluctance. Instead, he probed, "Under what name did you register?" "Taylor" "..." Aether blinked, processing the unexpected response, before blurting out, "Do you ev sing?" "Pardon?" She frowned, she felt she was somehow offded but didn''t know exactly what it was. "Never mind," Aether dismissed with a wave of his hand. And they proceeded to the Girls'' dormitory to meet others. "Good Morning, Princess," Aether greeted with a respectful bow as he took her handbag, containing a few books. The Princess nodded and began walking towards her ss. "Good Morning, Ms. Sele," Taylor greeted with a bow. "Tsk," Sele expressed her displeasure at Taylor''s presce, not wanting any other males trailing behind her... She really didn''t want to Aether feel insecure. She simply nodded and followed Aether. Taylor nced at them and thought, ''That womanizer!!'' "Can you take mine?" Sele asked, offering her handbag to Aether. Upon seeing Aether again, she couldn''t help but blush, remembering their counter from the previous day. [+4000 Affection] [Remaining AP: 894] ''What in the...? She''s really not holding back...'' Aether''s thoughts raced as his face flushed momtarily, but he quickly regainedposure, hewasn''t going to act like a teage boy controlled by hormones. Aqualina smirked, observing both Aether and Sele''s hesitation. She couldn''t resist teasing Sele..... but she hadn''t anticipated her reaction. "Oh? Why don''t you ask your att--" "WHAT?" Aqualina suddly flinched wh she saw Sele''s dark and emotionless eyes. Meanwhile, Sele''s thoughts raced, "How dare she interrupt my sweet time again with my darling? She''s pissing me off.... She REALLY pissing me off..... I should not have epted the offer. It''s so annoying....." Unconsciously, Aqualina stepped back, muttering, "W-What the...?" Ssing the tsion, Aether took Sele''s handbag and said, "I am honoured." "Thank you~" Sele eximed with sudd happiness, grabbing Aether''s hand.There was no hint of her previous emotions... now, only a lovely girl! "M-Mad--" "Sel" "...." "Sel," Sele looked at Aether with puppy eyes. Aether grew worried. If Sele started showing her affection oply, it would be hard for him to seduce others. ncing at Aqualina, who had averted her head, ''Traitor'' Aether thought while, Aqualina wondered why she found Sele dangerous, especially wh Aether was involved.... She truly wondered why. "S-Sel" "Yes!" "I-I am the Princess''s Servant, so..." Aether tried to reason with her, but she interrupted. "Don''t worry, I don''t care," Sele shrugged, pulling Aether with a happy smile. ''My life is going to be fucked up....'' Aether thought, resigning himself to letting her do as she pleased. Meanwhile, Taylor secretly noted everything to report to.... the Empress. Everyone had their purpose. As they arrived in ss, they countered Kai and the others. Sele immediately let go of Aether. Aether sighed in relief, thinking, ''I suppose she still maintains herself before her brother... that''s good.'' Approaching Kai, Aether noticed Kai and Timmy standing with Leon and Finnian, along with their servants. "Good morning, Kai," Aqualina smiled. "Good morning to you too, Princess," Kai replied with a smile "Oh? What''s this? Why are you calling her by title instead of her name?" Leon asked with a knowing smile. "T-That..." Kai''s face flushed as he tried to respond, but Leon teased him. ''It seems they''ve be frids,'' Aether thought, th noticed Finnian staring daggers at him, ''What''s his problem?'' Seeing Aether ring back, Finnian averted his eyes and suggested, "Shall we ter the ss?" "Hmm... Let''s go," Kai agreed, and everyone tered, with the servants following behind. Entering the ssroom, Aether noticed it looked like the same old college structure in his world, with rows of desks arranged in stepped tiers. ''I never thought I would be in a ssroom again,'' Aether thought with nostalgia, remembering his visits to his frid''s college during festive times..... It had always made him happy. Aether observed that the other Chos Ones were already prest, apanied by a few more childr who had achieved top scores. Aria cast a quick nce at Aether, a fleeting desire to wave her hand arising within her, only to halt herself upon catching sight of Aqualina''s presce. Upon finishing the necessary arrangemts, Aether made a move to take a seat wh Taylor interjected. "What are you doing?" Taylor''s inquiry broke the silce... Everyone nced at Aether and Taylor. "Hmm? Is something wrong?" Aether responded, guine curiosity evidt in his voice. "Did you guinely believe you could simply sit among the others?" Taylor''s disbelief was palpable. "....I cannot?" Aether hoped at least he could learn here, ev if standing.... only to be met with disappointmt. "You cannot!" Timmy''s voice chimed in, apanied by a smirk, though his trembling legs betrayed a hint of nervousness. "...." Aether''s gaze flickered briefly towards Timmy before he shrugged it off, choosing instead to rise to his feet before exiting the room. "..." Aria and Sele exchanged nces, watching Aether''s departure with bittersweet smiles. Outside the confines of the ssroom, Aether and the rest of the group servants found themselves standing "So... we''re to wait until they finish?" Aether pondered aloud, seeking confirmation from Taylor, who simply nodded in response. ''It''s going to be dreadfully dull!!'' Aether''s inner voice cried out. Suddly, the rhythmic sound of footsteps echoed through the corridor. ''Step, step'' Reacting to the noise, Aether turned his atttion towards the hallway, where he spotted... An aqua-haired woman wearing a professional professor dress, her expression stern as she made her way towards them... "Delphine?" Chapter 141: Alaric Again! [Author''s Note: I know I have sometimes mtioned servants as attdants. This isn''t a mistake.... some characters have attdants instead of servants (I willter include those parts), so don''t get confused by the terminology.] Aether''s eyes wided in surprise as he called out, "Ms. Delphine, what are you doing here?" However, ''Step, Step'' Delphine ignored himpletely, her footsteps echoing down the hallway as she tered the ssroom without uttering a single word. "...." Aether blinked, momtarily tak aback by her disregard. "Hahaha..." "Hehehe..." "look at that clown!" The others standing beside Aether couldn''t help butugh at his bewildermt, their amusemt evidt. ''What''s with her?'' Aether wondered, puzzled by her behaviour. But th, [+ Affection] Aether blinked again, seeing the notification, before muttering to himself, "I really cannot understand wom at all," as he leaned on Taylor''s shoulder. "Hey!" Taylor eximed, startled wh she felt Aether leaning on her. "Hmm? Sorry, I forgot you are a man now..." Aether replied with a fake smile. He th added, "But damn, you really hid those tits well," nodding appreciatively as he patted her chest.... Washboard! ''Bandages... You guys are really doing a good job!'' Aether thought to himself. "!!" Taylor''s face turned bright red. In a fit of embarrassmt, she suddly punched Aether, covering her chest instinctively. ''Thud!'' Aether caught her hand just in time. ''Damn!!'' he thought, swiftly moving away from her. "I am sorry," Aether said with guine seriousness, He knew he unconsciously touched her chest... though Taylor continued to re at him, her face still flushed with anger and embarrassmt. As the ss continued inside, Aether and the others stood outside the ssroom, growing increasingly restless. Aether was truly bored and considered moving away to find something more interesting to do. ''Step, Step'' Once again, the sound of measured steps echoed down the corridor, drawing everyone''s atttion. ''Tsk,'' Aether clicked his tongue in annoyance, recognizing who it was. It was other than ric Zephyr, the man who had previously made Aether kneel..... Every attdant and Servant bowed their head in respect, and ev Taylor lowered hers defertially. "Is he some kind of big shot?" Aether asked, curious about the man''s significance... He knew he was Emperor or something but still, he wanted to know more information. "Well, he is the Emperor of this empire as well as.... previous Arcane King," Taylor whispered urgtly in his ear, adding, "Now bow!He is a person who does not like if others disrespect him" "Previous Arcane King, huh?" Aether nodded nonchntly, processing the information, but he did not bow like the others. What would the child do if someone asked them to do not?... Of course, they do!! Why would he not?Because he was an adult?... Fuck off!! ric nced at the servants and attdants briefly, his eyes scanning the group. He th focused on the ssroom door, his expression turning into a frown as he recognized a familiar face among the servants. ''Tsk,'' Aether clicked his tongue visibly, his annoyance clear as he looked directly at ric, who was now standing before him. The others watched with growing tsion, ssing a confrontation. Taylor, fearing something was about to transpire, whispered urgtly to Aether. Although she had followed him yesterday, she hadn''t tered the infirmary and was unaware of what had happed inside. "Please, just bow," she urged, her voice filled with anxiety. "...." Seeing him not responding, she turned to ric and said, "Your Maj" "Move aside," ric interrupted with an indiffert expression. Taylor hesitated, but Aether moved her aside and faced ric with a stern look. "You" "Yes" "You do know who I am, right?" "A ruler of this Empire, I presume?" Aether replied, his tone calm. ric simply smiled and stated, "Yes, but currtly, I am also the Vice-Principal of this Academy, as well as a revered Professor who deciphered a number of ancit s and discovered gbreaking sp" Aether interrupted, "I think you should ''show off'' in there to scare the ''childr,'' not out here," pointing towards the ssroom filled with studts. ''Come on, why the fuck would I list to his narcissistic build-up?'' Aether thought. Taylor''s eyes wided. ''This idiot...'' she thought, realizing the gravity of Aether''s words. Not only she, but everyone else who heard Aether''s words was equally shocked. ric''s lips twitched, and veins popped on his forehead, but th he asked with a forced smile, "I heard your master pped you for helping my wife?" "H-How did you know?" Aether asked, guinely shocked. "Heh... I have eyes everywhere, brat," ric said with a smirk, relishing Aether''s shocked expression while berating him in front of everyone.... He felt a sse of aplishmt. But th, "Yuck, Ms. Aria has a quiet stalker... I pity her for having a husband like you," Aether remarked with disdain, his words dripping with contempt. Thank goodness he didn''t have someone like that. Aether would be quite horrified if he knew he was being stalked. Unbeknownst to him, the person beside them was actually stalking him, observing his every move with hidd intt. "!!!" Everyone flinched at Aether''s bold and provocative statemt. "How dare you call my wife''s name?" ric turned furious, his voice rising as he heard his wife''s name spok by a mere servant. He clearly didn''t like it. ''So... he isn''t going to dy the ''stalker'' part?'' Aether wondered, his mind racing with incredulity, and he smiled with a pitiful expression, further infuriating ric. Seeing the smirk, ric felt as if Aether was mocking him for his wife''s indifferce. Just as ric was about to grab Aether''s cor, ~Ding~Dong~ The bell signalling the d of the first period rang, its chime echoing down the corridor. The ssroom door oped, and Delphine stepped out, her sharp eyes immediately taking in the tse atmosphere that hung heavy in the air. "It seems Ms. Aqualina Naiadia''s servant is not disciplined well," ric''s voice boomed, echoing into the ssroom and drawing the atttion of Kai, Sele, and Aqualina, who sighed in unison and made their way out.... though Sele had a worried face. "Is something wrong?" Aqualina asked, her voiceced with frustration as she red at Taylor. Her silt question was clear: why hadn''t Taylor stopped Aether from causing trouble? Aqualina knew Aether had a knack for getting into problematic situations. He had already irritated her on multiple asions, and she had specifically instructed Taylor to interve if he acted irrationally. Yet, here they were.... "Your servant... A MERE SERVANT dares not bow before me. I wonder who is at fault here," ric said, his piercing gaze fixed solely on Aether, who stood his g defiantly. Aqualina sighed deeply, ncing at Aether who was ring at ric with unwavering determination, ''I bet he didn''t realize who he was standing before... If he had known... Tsk, I should have told him everything,'' shemted inwardly, recognizing the predicamt they were in. Understanding that a servant''s misdeed was a reflection of the master''s failure, she had no other choice but to bow and ask for forgivess on behalf of her servant. She was just about to bow wh... "Heh, so you''re worried ''A MERE SERVANT!'' isn''t bowing to you? Hahaha... You look like a pitiful childining to their mother," Aether said, his tone dripping with mockery as he looked ric directly in the eye. The tire ce fell into stunned silce, everyone froz like statues in the face of such bold defiance. Except for one, "Pfft----" Aria suddly covered her mouth, her shoulders shaking as she tried to hide herughter. Tears streamed down her face as she struggled to contain her mirth. [+0 Affection] "!!!!" Veins bulged on ric''s forehead as he saw his wifeughing at him, his rage escting to an almost palpable level. ''He really fucked up...'' Aqualina thought, her eyes wide with disbelief and horror at Aether''s audacity. Chapter 142: Blame it on Empress! ''He didn''t learn anything at all!!'' Kai, who had be watching the tire sce unfold, screamed inwardly in frustration. From his vantage point, he could see Aqualina''s face twist into a shocking expression, her eyes wide and her mouth slightly agape. Feeling that now was the perfect momt to show off his manly side and demonstrate his willingness to support her whever she needed, Kai took a deep breath and began, "Et-PUFF!!" But before he could get another word out, Aqualina''s fist connected with his gut... softly!! Kai, gasping, and looked up at her with an usatory gaze, his eyes full of hurt and confusion. "I''m sorry, Kai... But if others find out he was an eternal ve, your reputation might get damaged," she whispered softly with a smile that didn''t reach her eyes. However, the real truth she kept hidd was, ''That fucking idiot!! If hemands Aether now, th everyone will be aware of his Aether''s position as Eternal ve, and it will be ev more difficult for him to approach other wom.'' "I-I see," Kai nodded in understanding, though his pride was wounded, ''She''s already thinking about my reputation... what a considerate girl she is,'' he thought, his heart swelling with admiration as he floated on cloud nine. Their small altercation wt unnoticed by the others, who were all grossed in watching ric and Aether, the tsion betwe the two palpable. "You''ve got some nerve, human," ric said, his face and voice turning as cold and unyielding as ice. "Oh? Thank you, I guess?" Aether responded nonchntly, a small smirk ying on his lips. "Pfffttt--" Aria quickly covered her mouth to stifle herughter, finding Aether''sck of respect for ric''s position both amusing and refreshing. [+0 Affection] Suddly, Aqualina''s stern voice cut through the air, "Aether, now bow," her face serious and unyielding. Yet, Aether stood his g, making everyone gasp in surprise. They had all se how obedit Aether had be, always boosting his master, but now... ''This is getting interesting...'' Jack thought, his eyes gleaming with anticipation as he watched the situation unfold with a mischievous grin. Seeing Aether''s refusal to bow, ric''s expression darked. "I suppose someone has gott arrogant after having a little fun beating some low-ss monsters," he said with a sneer. ''Low-ss?'' Hearing that, others in the crowd wanted to shout, ''Are you kidding me?'' "Since your master didn''t teach you proper manners... let me do the honour," ric continued with a sly smile, stepping forward. Aqualina''s eyes wided in rm, "P-Professor--" but before she could continue, ric''s cold voice interrupted, "You failed to teach your servant proper etiquette, Ms. Aqualina, so I will take over." Aqualina gritted her teeth in frustration and shouted, "JUST BOW!!" Aether looked at the furious Aqualina and sighed inwardly, ''I guess I''m pushing it too far considering my position... Better to cower for now,'' he thought. Reluctantly, he bowed to ric. Aqualina sighed in relief, but the tsion wasn''t over. "That won''t do now..." ric said tly, "You failed to bow wh you were supposed to, and n--" "Empress," Aether interrupted, his voice cutting through the tsion like a knife.... "Pardon?" ric frowned, clearly not expecting the interruption. Aether had initially nned to d this confrontation by bowing, but ric''s unyielding stance made him realize that the man wasn''t going to let him off easily. If ric was a ruler of this empire..... Aether knew another ruler of an Empire who blushed under his seduction and refused to acknowledge it! Empress Marisandra Naiadia! Aether''s lips curled into a defiant smile as he looked directly at ric and dered, "Since I am Princess Aqualina''s servant, Empress Marisandra Naiadia has decreed that I must not bow before anyone... ev if they are the FUCKING ruler. I am to bow only to her and my master. So, I am bowing now because I don''t want to upset my master, but if the Empress hears about this... I wonder what she will do if she finds out her servant bowed to others." The tire area fell into a stunned silce.... It wasn''t just Aether''s words that made the group silt.... But the recollection of the Empress''s fierce reputation that held everyone in thrall. She was known to be a sociopathic woman who would go to any lgths to force her will. Aether might not have known this, but invoking her name was the right move in this precarious momt. !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 8.6% ] Ev ric''s face paled for a momt before he regained hisposure, his mind racing, ''If that woman were involved, she would indeed say those words without hesitation and actpletely irrationally...''. ric decided not to push further; he simply snorted in disdain and tered the ssroom. ''Coward'' Aether thought but th couldn''t help but think, ''That means Empress might be... a little more dangerous'' Aqualina wanted to ask Aether wh her mother had told him about this, but ric''s urging for everyone to ter the ss prevted her. ric gave onest scrutinizing look at Aether before closing the door. ''Sigh, I guess I chose wisely,'' Aether thought, patting himself mtally for pulling off this stunt. Did he feel guilty about dragging the Empress into this? ... Not at all. He was quite proud of his quick thinking. If they were going to mess with him, th why not pull that annoying woman into his mess! "Come with me," Delphine''s authoritative voice suddly called out to him. "Me?" Aether asked, pointing to himself, surprised. "..." Delphine didn''t reply. She simply turned and walked away. Aether nced at Taylor, who had be shocked expression, and th decided to follow Delphine. ''Step, Step'' As they walked through the hallways, the tsion betwe them was palpable. Neither Delphine nor Aether spoke a word. ''There''s no way I''m going to talk to a woman who didn''t care to reply to me earlier,'' Aether thought stubbornly, walking beside her with a proud expression while his eyes roamed a, taking in their surings. "..." Delphine nced at Aether from the corner of her eye and smiled faintly, amused by his pouty demeanour and annoyed expression. [+ Affection] Aether blinked in confusion for a momt and looked at Delphine, who had already returned to her stern face, eyes fixed forward. ''Sigh, I clearly don''t understand wom at all!'' he thought, exasperated. Soon, they reached the..... Principal''s office. "W-What?" Aether had a shocked face. ''Knock, Knock'' "Come in," came the principal''s voice from within. "..... I-I think I have an urgt matterrrrrr," Aether stammered, trying to find an excuse to escape, but Delphine was having of it. She grabbed him firmly and dragged him inside. Inside the Principal''s Office, Aether and Delphine stood before a GIL- ahem, an olddy who sat at her desk, scribbling away on some important documts. ''ssshhhhssshhh'' The principal continued to write, almost as if she were showing off how busy she was, ignoring their presce for dramatic effect. That''s what Aether thought, his initial curiosity giving way to boredom. He nced at Delphine, who maintained her stern, unyielding expression, waiting for the principal''s acknowledgemt. Just as Aether was about to let his mind wander again, "If not for you having the real deal, she might have lost her job," the principal suddly spoke, putting her p down and looking at Aether with a curious, almost amused expression. "... Pardon?" Aether blinked,pletely baffled by her words. ''Job? Who? Real deal?'' he wondered, his mind racing to catch up. The principal smiled knowingly and looked at Aether''s pocket with a hint of kill!..... In response, Snowke, ssing something, flinched, jumped out of Aether''s pocket, and transformed into her normal,rger size, coiling her snake tail protectively a Aether. "HISSSSSS!!!" Snowke hissed, ring at the principal with fierce intsity. "Hmmm... What a fierce cute child you have," the principal mused, her eyes studying Snowke with interest. ''What is happing here?'' Aether wondered, feeling more confused than ever. Chapter 143: Become a Black Sheep Part-1 [Author''s Note: Please check the Commt section... I asked a few questions and wanted to know feedback... Please give me your honest answers] "I am truly grateful that Ms. Delphine took care of my snake in her bosom. Thank you, Ms. Delphine... hehehe." Ever since Aether made that public statemt, Delphine had be suffering immsely. She almost lost her job due to his yful and misleading words. Left with no other choice, Delphine had to tell the truth to the Empress wh the Empress pressed on to her. Had the Empress not supported Delphine and rified that Aether really meant a literal ''snake'', Delphine would surely have lost her position as a professor at the Academy. Each Empire is represted by only five professors in the Academy, making it crucial for the Aquaris Naiadae Empire to maintain their stronghold. Losing Delphine would have be a significant disadvantage in areas such as research, information exchange, advanced spell theories, and support for their chos ones. The implications were vast and far-reaching, affecting not just Delphine but the tire empire she represted. Despite having other professors, only five were permitted to teach or ess dangerous information at the Academy, highlighting the importance of Delphine''s role. These select few held immse responsibility and wielded considerable influce within the institution. Losing one of them would be a serious blow to the Academy''s knowledge and capabilities. "I-I see..." Aether nodded nervously after hearing this. To be honest, he had indeed intded a double meaning at that time... Yeah, although he had unconsciously said those things before, that time he really meant it! He never thought his words would almost make Delphine lose her job. "Now you understand," the Principal said, looking at Aether, who was still held by Snowke. "I understood," Aether replied, ncing at Delphine, who maintained a stern, professional face. "I heard a lot from Delphine about you... You are quite... a pervert," the Principal said with a frown. "Hmm? Who?" Aether was confused. "You" " Me?" "Yes" Aether nced at Delphine, who still had a stern face, though her sternness was brok wh, [+ Affection] ''Yup, I''ll teach herter who the real pervert is here,'' Aether mumbled inwardly, th wided his eyes. "A lot?" "Yes, she told me a lot of things about you... Ev Sandra mtioned a few things," the Principal said. "Sandra?" Aether frowned, trying to ce the name, th realization dawned on him. "Marisandra Naiadia... She asked me to take care of you," the Principal exined, her tone revealing a hint of reluctance. "I-I see..." Aether nodded again, feeling the tsion in the room height. He patted Snowke, who looked at him with concern. After he gave her a reassuring smile, Snowke returned to her normal size and nestled into his pocket, her head peeking out. "Hmm... You really tamed her well," the Principal observed Snowke, who was still ring at her despite not being nearly as powerful as the Principal. ''I suppose it''s not about taming... He truly earned her loyalty, but how?'' she thought, turning serious, "Sandra said you''re a special dog to her and wants me to let you rol so you can learn many things and be a special pet lion for her." "OH!" Aether was momtarily overwhelmed by the Empress''s dorsemt, his heart softing before he snapped back to the peculiar term, ''Dog?'' "Pardon? Did you say dog?" Aether asked, confused. The Principal shook her head, indicating he had misunderstood. Aether sighed, ''Maybe I''m just tired...'' "Special dog," she repeated with a smile, emphasizing the phrase. Aether''s eyes twitched, but he forced himself to remain calm. He saw this as an opportunity to learn more and possibly uncover the truth about his ve status. He knew he had to lower his head wh necessary to gather valuable information. Suppressing his urge to punch the Empress''s face, he said with a professional smile, "I am very much honoured to d--" "However, I don''t think I can now," the Principal interrupted before Aether could finish. "W-Why is that?" Aether asked, unable to hide his surprise. "Well..." The Principal shrugged as if the answer were obvious. "Because I am an OLD HAG!" Aether''s expression shifted to one of disbelief, ''Are you serious? Are you really going to hang on that?'' he had this expression, while the Principal''s face clearly conveyed, ''I am damn serious'' with her expression. Without hesitation, Aether said with a straight face, "Oh! The principal, the almighty of the Academy, your presce is a testamt to timeless grace and wisdom. Your elegance transcds the boundaries of AGE, exuding a beauty that is both captivating and ENDURING. The poise with which you carry yourself, the sparkle in your eyes, and the warmth of your smile are UNMATCHED. Your charm is ough to make suffer of nightm- ahem, wonderful dreams." The Principal''s lips twitched. Ev though Aether spoke with a straight face, there was a hint of sarcasm in his words. " points... I guess," she mumbled, th said, "Still, I cannot ept you though...." Aether''s lips twitched, and before she could finish, he tried to interfere, "If you''re truly worried about that, I''m telling you, you really a GIL--" "Because it will break the rule, but since Sandra asked me and I still owe her, so..." Both of their voices ovepped, creating a momt of mutual confusion. They looked at each other and asked in unison, ""What did you say?"" Aether flinched, a slight tremor coursing through him. "N-Nothing, please, carry on." The Principal''s brows furrowed in mild concern, she wanted to press but she already wasted ough time so she got into matters, her voice measured yet authoritative, "Next week, we have an uing contest integral to our Ranking system... and you must participate." "What manner of contest might this be?" Aether''s curiosity piqued. Delphine, interjected, her voice calm andposed, as she spoke while the Principal took a momt to hydrate herself with a sip of water. "It''s a contest to determine the hierarchy/Rank among the Chos Ones... T teams shall be formed, eachprised of five individuals and led by Chos ones. The contest is other than Capture the g! As the name implies, each team will stake im to its own base and g... Their mission: protect their g while strategically infiltrating the emy''s base to seize theirs... The number of gs they manage to secure will ultimately determine their team''s rank. That sums it up," Delphine concluded short and sweet. Chapter 144: Become a Black Sheep Part-2 "That sums it up," Delphine concluded short and sweet. "I see..." Aether nodded in understanding, realizing they were already starting the fight for the Sovereign by cing them in a certain rank and making them work even harder..... It was kind of exciting. With an excited face, he asked, "So, I need to help Princess Aqualina? If she ranks first, I will be able to enrol here." The Principal looked at Aether and said, "No... You will be a ck sheep." "... ck what?" Aether was taken aback. "A ck sheep... Since you are a servant, you cannot even enter the game, so that''s where I will give you an opportunity... You enter the game with my approval but not as a servant, rather as an anonymous participant..." The Principal exined as she slid a ck mask before him and continued with a serious face, "If you steal 10 gs... I will let you enrol, though you will need to hide behind the mask even after." ''What the fuck?'' Aether screamed internally and asked just to confirm, "10 gs?" "Yes" ''.... Are you fucking kidding me? Bitch!! If you don''t want me to enrol here, you can just say it directly... why put me through this torture?'' Aether screamed inwardly but outwardly, he maintained a smile and asked again, "10 gs?" "... Yes" It wasn''t just about taking 10 gs... it was clearly about facing 100 students, including 10 Chosen Ones, whose powers he had yet to witness. "Haha... Thank you for your generous offer, but I must dec--" Before Aether could escape from this fucked-up situation, !~Ding~! [Mission update: Save and Seduce Aqualina Naiadia] !~Ding~! [Mission update: Save and Seduce Aria Zephyr] "... Yeah... I can do it," Aether said with a forced smile, resigning himself to his fate. Both the Principal and Delphine had surprised expressions. They didn''t expect him to agree to this so readily. Actually, the Principal had nned to test him by having him collect a maximum of three gs. She just wanted to tease him because he had teased her professors and even got into a fight with ric. She wanted to put him in his ce and stop him from acting rudely towards others, but... "Are you really okay?" the Principal asked, her voice tinged with genuine doubt. "Hmm? You are the one who told me to," Aether said while sealing his fate with a resigned smile. "Yes... but you could at least... you know... like ask or even beg..." the Principal suggested, her tone softening slightly. ''... What''s wrong with this old woman?'' Aether thought as he looked at the Principal, his face betraying his bewilderment. The Principal''s face twitched in annoyance, ''He''s clearly not speaking with respect ever since I met him'' she thought, feeling there was not even an inch of reverence or awe in his demeanour. ''I suppose ignorance is bliss,'' she mused, waving dismissively. "Make sure to register the beast, and... Illicit Rtionship between Teacher and Student... is not eptable!" the Principal said with a smile, leaning back in her chair. Delphine''s face suddenly flushed bright red, "P-Principal, what are you talking about?" she stammered. The Principal only grinned wider, enjoying the effect of her words. Delphine''s face turned even redder, and the Principal couldn''t help but think, ''Has she really fallen for him?'' She scrutinized Aether closely, wondering, ''Other than his charm, what qualities does he possess that might attract Delphine?'' "Yes, what are you talking about, Principal?" Aether echoed, his face showing genuine confusion and a touch of irritation as he nced at Delphine. "She and I... no way!" The Principal was taken aback by Aether''s vehement denial. She wasn''t fully aware of the dynamics between them; it was just that whenever Delphine spoke about Aether, there was always a faint blush on her cheeks.... like a maiden in love. This led the Principal to believe that Delphine might harbour feelings for him. Even Delphine flinched, an awkward smile ying on her lips as she felt her heart tighten unexpectedly. She was caught off guard by the direction the conversation had taken. However, Aether said something that waspletely unexpected...something that was undeniably true! "I am not her student, so there is nothing inappropriate about our rtionship. She is a teacher, and I am just a servant... Isn''t that right, Delphine?" Aether asked with a smile, dropping the formal tone he usually used. [+100 Affection] !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 10.6% ] Delphine''s face flushed an even deeper shade of crimson upon hearing him speak so candidly in front of others. She was overwhelmed by a mixture of emotions, including embarrassment and an unspoken affection. The next thing Aether knew, he was being unceremoniously thrown out of the office... again! As he picked himself up off the ground outside the Principal''s office, he couldn''t help but reflect on the bizarre turn of events. He had barely managed to navigate the conversation. "sss~" Snowke, who had nestled into his pocket, popped her head out and gave him a curious look as if asking what had just happened. "Don''t ask," Aether muttered to Snowke, shaking his head in disbelief. He nced back at the closed door of the Principal''s office, contemting theplexities of his situation. Between the enigmatic Principal, the stern yet blushing Delphine and the looming contest he had to prepare for, Aether realized that his time at the Academy was going to be anything but ordinary. He looked at the ck mask with golden lining lying before him on the ground, its dark surface gleaming under the office lights. "Hehe..." A sly smile appeared on his face as he picked it up. The mask symbolized both a challenge and an opportunity, and Aether couldn''t help but feel a thrill of excitement. This might be the break he needed, a chance to prove himself in a world where his status as a servant had always held him back. Wearing this mask, he could step into a different role, one where his true potential could shine without the constraints of his usual identity. He slipped the mask into his pocket alongside Snowke, who chirped curiously at the new addition, "Don''t worry," he murmured to his loyalpanion, "This is just the beginning." "ck sheep... Hehe... It''s going to be interesting... heheh..." An uncannyugh echoed in the corridor. Chapter 145: Aethers heart stolen... After Aether was thrown out of the office, the Principal turned her attention back to Delphine, a mischievous smile ying on her lips. "So, you do like him?" the Principal asked, her toneced with amusement. "N-No! I-It''s not like that!" Delphine stammered, her face flushing a deep crimson. "Hmm... Hmm..." The Principal hummed with a knowing smile. She never thought she''d see the day when Delphine, known for her cold demeanour and stern professionalism, would blush because of a man... no, a young man! "A-Anyhow, is this really a wise decision?" Delphine asked, trying to shift the conversation back to Aether''s participation in the contest. "Well... since he agreed, I can''t go back on my word," the Principal said, her tone contemtive. "Let''s see what he can do. Even if he fails to collect 10 gs..... We will see" She trailed off, recalling the Empress''s visit a few days ago and her words, ''He is favoured by Arcane.'' ''Favored... hmm? Let''s see why she favours this child,'' the Principal thought. Then, a question struck her, and she turned to Delphine. "Come to think of it, he said something about ''GIL...'' What was that?" Delphine''s face turned even redder as she averted her gaze, unable to bring herself to exin. She couldn''t help but think, ''Damn, that pervert boy, is really into older women, isn''t he?'' She gritted her teeth inwardly. Sensing Delphine''s difort, the Principal''s smile turned more wicked. She knew Delphine had some idea of what Aether meant, and she intended to get it out of her, one way or another.... Thus she began the torture (Not for the Viewers/Readers). A few minutester, Delphine was lying on the ground, her arms and legs twisted in a way that defied exnation. The Principal patted her hand, admiring her handiwork. "GILF... ha... Let''s see who''s gonna fuck him!" she murmured, her smile turning even more cruel. Delphine''s face showed a mix of horror and fear, but she quickly regained herposure. Suddenly, the Principal tilted her head, her expression turning serious, "It''s time... let''s begin the procedure." With a miraculous quickness, Delphine''s limbs returned to their usual positions. She patted her wrinkled dress and nodded in agreement with the Principal. Meanwhile, Aether, walking down the corridor, stared at his log: [+1 Affection] !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 10.5% ] ''What the hell did I do now!!'' Aether screamed inwardly but then shrugged it off. With Delphine on his side now, there was no need to worry about this anymore. ''I am a free bird~'' Aether whispered to himself, a happy expression spreading across his face as he walked towards ss. As he neared the ssroom, he noticed only a few servants standing outside, with even fewer people inside the room. "Where did they go?" Aether wondered aloud as he approached Taylor. "Professor ric took the Chosen Ones somewhere, so the remaining ss is cancelled for today," Taylor exined. "Is that so..." Aether nodded. With Aqualina not around, he didn''t have much to do, so he decided to wander around. However, his n was interrupted when, "Ether~" Selene suddenly jumped on his back, surprising him. ''Ah! I forgot about her...'' Aether facepalmed himself, just about to move away when, ''ZING!'' A shock ran through his spine... metaphorically, of course. ''B-Boobs!'' Aether flinched as he felt Selene''s bosom pressing against his back, even through the thickyer of her dress. "S-Sel... Could you please calm down?" Aether stuttered, feeling his face heat up. For some reason, whenever Selene touched him, he started to act like a teenage boy... which he technically was. "Hmm?" Selene tilted her head in curiosity, looking at Aether''s slightly blushing face. Her face and ears turned red as she grinned, ''I-Is he bing aware of me?'' she thought, ncing at his trembling lips. ''Gulp'' She hugged him tighter, just as things were about to escte when, "M-Ms. S-Selene, what are you doing!!" Timmy shouted, seeing Selene hugging Aether''s back. Both Aether and Selene flinched. Selene stepped down from Aether''s back, facing Timmy''s furious expression. "H-How dare you let Ms. Selene on your back, bastard?" Timmy finally gathered the courage to confront Aether, trying to threaten him. "Do you think Young Master Kai would let this slide? I am going to report this to Master Velc and-- PUFFFFFF!!!" Before he could finish his threat, Selene sent him flying with a punch. "Fu~Fu~Fu~ How long has it been since Ist punched him?" Selene mumbled with an indifferent and dark expression that sent shivers down everyone''s spine. Selene, with measured steps, approached Timmy, who was struggling to stand. "S-Sel..." Aether tried to stop her. He wasn''t worried about Selene killing Timmy; he was just a little worried about her... a little! "You don''t need to worry, Ether~ I will take care of you~" Selene''s face turned lovely, then instantly nk as she delivered another punch. "BOOM!" "Ahh!" She punched Timmy in the gut, saying, "This is for hurting my beloved!" "BOOM!!" "Arrhhh!!" "This is for almost killing him!" "BOOOMMM!!" "Arrhhh!!" "This is for ganging up on him!" "BOOOMMM!" "arr..." "And this is for trying to report to my annoying father!!" "BOOOMMMMM!!" "..." "And this is for hurting my beloved!!" .... ... The cycle continued, her punches ruthless, as if she intended to kill him. Even Aether felt a little pity for Timmy... just a little. However, no one dared to approach the horrifying scene because they feared they would suffer if they interrupted her. "S-Selene, stop this!!" Lia shouted as she emerged from the ssroom, hearing themotion. However, Selene didn''t stop until Lia grabbed her arm and forced her to halt Selene''s actions.... Selene red at Lia for stopping, but Lia simply shook her head. ".... Sigh," Selene sighed and nodded. Then she picked up the broken Timmy and threw him to Taylor, who caught him like garbage. "Take him to the infirmary and say he fell down the stairs," Selene said with a serious face. ''Stairs?'' Everyone exchanged incredulous nces, their eyes widening in disbelief as they beheld Timmy''s battered form. The sight of him, bloodied and broken, seemed to defy all logic and reason. ''Even a child would not believe this!!" they inwardly eximed, struggling toprehend the absurdity of the situation. Taylor wanted to say something, but Selene spoke sternly... Taylor sighed and took Timmy to the infirmary. Selene''s eyes returned to normal as she looked at Aether with love-filled eyes... she really wasn''t going to hide it. However, Aether looked at her with a worried expression as he caught her hand and noticed it was covered in blood, the crimson stains stark against her pale skin. "A-Are you alright?" Aether''s voice trembled with concern as he gingerly wiped the blood from her hand with his handkerchief, his eyes filled with worry. "!!!" Selene flinched momentarily, caught off guard by his gentle touch. But as she met his gaze, a tender smile graced her lips, "I-I am fine," she reassured him. ''I am going to die!!!'' She screamed inwardly with happiness, her heart soaring at Aether''s evident concern for her well-being. Even Aether couldn''t believe what he was doing but he decided to follow his heart. As Aether wiped away the blood, he noticed a few bruises on her knuckles, darkening her delicate skin. "This must be painful," he remarked sympathetically, his heart aching at the sight of her injuries. ''E-Ether influencing me...?'' Aether thought with fear. She then smiled gently, "Nothingpares to what you went through..." Those words were enough for him to halt his movement, ''Ba-Dump'' Aether''s heart skipped a beat.... Not Ether''s heart... when he lifted his head and saw her gentle smile. They stared at each other as if they were trapped in something beyond... "Ahem!" "W-What''s going on?" Lia chimed in. Chapter 146: Who is MC? [Author''s Note: I am sorry guys previously it didn''t work due to my words so I am asking here: Hello, everyone! I''d like to ask a few things: First, is the story''s pace slow or fast? Second, should I add R18 chapters?..... Actually, I only wanted to include some teasing, something more intimate rather than the main dish, because I thought that might disrupt the flow of the chapters and the story. So, I''m wondering if I should add R18 content or not. Since it''s a seductive novel, you might expect a lot of seduction and teasing, which is why I''m trying to avoid including R18 scenes. However, it''s up to you guys, so I''d like your input on this. Lastly, I''d like to know what you dislike in the novel aside from Aether''s suffering. Please feel free to share any feedback. And give me a review guys... If possible!] ______________ "So, you see, this is what a magic circle is all about. Once you elevate your level of intelligence, you''ll unlock a deeper understanding of how this magic circle operates, its intricate workings, and its functionalities. To achieve this, you must enhance your intelligence throughprehension and meditation..." Selene exined with a radiant smile. Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she shared her knowledge with Aether, hoping he would grasp the intricacies of what she was teaching. "I-I see," Aether nodded, trying to appear attentive. However, the current situation made it challenging for him to concentrate on her lecture. The intense stares from the other students were unsettling, making him feel like he was under a.... danger! Every student in the cafeteria stared at him as if he were a guenot metaphorically, but quite literally. This reaction was because Selene had pulled him into the exclusive Student''s Cafeteria, a ce where no servant should tread. After Timmy''s life-threatening situation, Selene decided to bring Aether to the Student''s Cafeteria to teach him what she had learned in ss. She knew Aether was eager to learn and saw this as the perfect opportunity to help him while Aqualina and her brother were away. ''Studying together... hehe,'' Selene giggled inwardly, her innocent imagination transforming the academic session into a romantic one... pletely her naive imagination)! So yeah, Everyone in the cafeteria was a student, and no servants were allowed inside; they had their own designated dining area. So, it was no surprise that everyone was staring at Aether, who had entered the cafeteria only because of Selene''s insistence..... also by Lia. Aether looked around, feeling the weight of their gazes. Before him sat a blonde-haired beauty.... Aurelia Scarlet, who exuded an aura of elegance and authority. Beside him was the bluish-ck-haired beauty..... Selene Frostde, whose enchanting presence made it hard for anyone to look away. The sight of two beauties sitting with Aether would make any student envious, leading them to wish Aether would die fast! If it were another student, they might consider him just "so-so," but.... A servant? Really, him? The male students'' eyes were filled with jealousy and fury, their silent resentment palpable. "Ether?" Selene called out, noticing he wasn''t paying attention to her exnations. "Y-Yeah," Aether responded, snapping back to reality. He looked at Selene and nodded earnestly. Selene smiled warmly and continued teaching him everything she had learned in ss. Lia, observing the interaction, felt a pang of something she couldn''t quite identify. She stared at Aether, who hadn''t acknowledged her presence, ''Tsk, where is that annoying attitude now?'' she wondered. Seeing Selene and Aether''s closeness stirred an unfamiliar emotion within her. "Sel?" Lia called out to Selene, breaking the momentary silence. "Yes?" Selene lifted her head, her smile Lia had never seen before... Too Lovely! ''Ba-dump'' Even Lia''s heart skipped a beat, her eyes widening in surprise. ''W-Why is she so beautiful?'' she thought, momentarily lost in Selene''s charm. Gathering her thoughts, she asked, "What are you doing?" "Hmm... of course, I am teaching him. Is something wrong?" Selene replied, her tone genuinely curious. Lia blinked, trying to make sense of the situation. She had believed Selene didn''t care much for Aether before, so why the sudden change? Was she missing something?... Was something wrong with her memories? "Anyhow, why are you even with us?" Selene asked with a slight frown. She had hoped for some alone time with Aether, but Lia''s unexpected presence had thrown a wrench in her ns. Nevertheless, without Lia''s support, who ranked second in the test, the guards might not have allowed Aether to enter the cafeteria. Lia''s lips twitched in response. "I thought we could go outside to buy some things," she said, trying to sound nonchnt. Hearing that, Selene''s eyes lit up with excitement, much like a child''s. She turned to Aether and said, "Let''s go on a date, darl- ahem, Ether," she quickly corrected herself, her cheeks turning a shade of pink. However, ''She was about to say ''Darling,'' right?'' Both Aether and Lia thought in unison. Selene noticed Aether''s curious gaze and felt her cheeks heat up. Just as she was about to say something to defuse the situation, a haughty voice interrupted them... "Date? With a servant? Why bother?" A tall boy with a handsome face sneered, making his presence known. "Ugh, ugly!" Selene immediately retorted, her face contorting with disgust. The tall boy nearly stumbled at her blunt remark. Lia almost burst intoughter, knowing Selene''s unfiltered nature. Simply put, Selene:She wasn''t one to sugarcoat her words or pander to anyone''s ego. Most of all, Selene''s straightforwardness and shy side made her endearing. The tall boy with an ugly face (ording to Selene), stood before them and red at Selene, "My name is John, from the noble house of..." he began to boast about his family''s prestigious lineage, his tone dripping with arrogance. ''The clich...'' Aether mused, feeling like this moment belonged in one of those novels where a mob character attempts to flirt with the protagonist''s love interest in front of them. The protagonist, inevitably angered by the audacity of the interloper, rises to the asion, asserting his dominance and protecting what''s his. It was a trope as old as time, but witnessing it unfold in real life felt surreal to Aether. "Why be with a servant? I am sure I could date not one but two beautiful women like you," John continued, his gaze shifting between Selene and Lia, who were both visibly irritated and angry. Aether shook his head, dismayed. ''So I''m the MC now...'' Aether''s lips curled into a small smile at the absurdity of the situation. "Hehe..." An uncannyugh escaped his lips, causing John to flinch and re at him even more intensely. John, unable to tolerate the perceived insolence, grabbed Aether''s cor, "Do you think this is funny, you mere servant?" he snarled, his grip tightening. ''Here ites... hehe,'' Aether thought, preparing to defend himself. He attempted to crush John''s hand but was interrupted. "YOU BASTARD!! DON''T YOU DARE TOUCH HIM WITH YOUR FILTHY HANDS!!" Selene screamed, her voice echoing through the cafeteria. "SLAM!!" John''s head was mmed onto the table with such force that it shattered into pieces, leaving everyone in shock. "...." Aether blinked, barely registering what had just transpired. Selene and Lia quickly pulled him away from the scene. ''I-I am not the MC here?'' Aether thought, horrified. He looked at Selene, who simply smiled and said, "I will protect you~" "..... Yeah... She is the true MC," Aether mumbled under his breath, awestruck by Selene''s strength and... beauty. "...." Lia stared at Selene''s hand, which was firmly holding Aether''s, her mind racing with questions. ''Is she the one?'' Lia wondered, her frown deepening as she tried to understand the changing dynamics. Chapter 147: Date? "How is it?" Selene asked with a bright smile as she picked up a cute pair of couple''s dresses. Her cheeks flushed slightly with excitement. Yeah, she didn''t even hide her love anymore; her affection was bing increasingly transparent. "T-That''s a couple''s dress, right?" Aether asked with a frown, his brow furrowing as he nced at the clothing in Selene''s hands. Selene blinked, looking down at the dress she had picked: two T-shirts, each emzoned with half a heart that would form aplete one when ced together. "N-No!!" Selene''s face turned a deep shade of red in embarrassment as she hurriedly put the dress back on the rack and picked up another, "I-I-I just thought it was c-cute, that''s all," she stammered, trying to cover her flushed cheeks. ''Sigh... I guess she unconsciously picked it up. She might not be that pushy,'' Aether thought, letting out a quiet sigh. After that little incident, Selene dragged Aether outside of the Academy campus. To Aether''s surprise, the guards allowed them to leave without asking any questions. ''I suppose this whole city is under the Academy''s control,'' he mused. Selene and Lia then entered a women''s clothing shop. As they browsed, Aether felt increasingly out of ce among the racks of dresses and blouses. "How long are you going to ignore me, bastard?" Lia asked finally, standing right beside him with her arms crossed. And Yeah... If Lia hadn''t been standing there, he would have already bolted out of the shop, feeling the strange gazes from the other shoppers. "Oh? You know me? I thought you didn''t want to speak with me," Aether said, genuinely surprised. He wasn''t being rude; he seriously thought she might have forgotten him after that previous event. Lia''s lips twitched as she saw Aether''s genuine surprise. "You really thought I wouldn''t speak with you?" she asked incredulously. "Well..." Aether nodded awkwardly. Veins bulged on Lia''s forehead, but she calmed herself and asked, "Why?" Aether gave her a perfectly truthful answer: "Noble." She was noble, and he was a servant. Though their paths had crossed, it was only for a brief moment, so Aether believed she might return to her usual self, just like when he had initially met her. Lia nodded silently, though she felt a little hurt that Aether judged her like that. She understood why he thought that way, though. If not for that incident, Lia herself knew she wouldn''t be speaking with Aether now. "Anyhow, don''t ignore me..." Lia said with a stern face, her tone leaving no room for argument. Aether smiled and nodded. With a cheeky grin, he said, "Call me big bro." Lia''s eyes twitched when she saw the annoying bastard''s yful side emerge. Though her lips curled up slightly despite herself. "Tsk" [+10 Affection] "Haha..." Aether chuckled softly and asked, "How are you? Did you finally get over him, or do you still want to take him back?" Lia smiled a little, her expression softening, "I am fine... I am truly fine! Yes, I kind of got over him." "Good," Aether nodded with a warm smile as he patted her head gently. "Hey!!" Lia swatted his hand away and said, "Don''t treat me like a child!" Though her face was flushed with a mix of embarrassment and lingering affection. [+10 Affection] "Okay, okay..." Aetherughed and patted her head again, teasingly. ''This infuriating man...!!!'' Lia thought, gritting her teeth. "Don''t get me wrong; I am not here for him," she rified, trying to maintain herposure. "Oh?" Aether smiled, noticing her determined and proud face. ''I suppose she really has gotten over him,'' he thought. But he couldn''t resist teasing her a bit more, "Then you came here for... me?" Lia''s eyes widened in shock. "O-Of course not, you jerk!!" [+10 Affection] Aether offered a genuine smile had enough teasing he asked, "Did you buy the clothes you wanted?" "Yes," Lia replied, her expression brightening as she showed him the bags. That''s quite a lot! he thought but didn''tment, having experienced many things with his ex-girlfriend that had taught him when to hold his tongue. Lia nced at Aether, who was staring at Selene with a thoughtful expression. Then she looked at Selene, who was still rummaging through the clothes with a happy, almost childlike enthusiasm. Atst, Lia couldn''t control her curiosity any longer. "She loves you, doesn''t she?" she asked softly. "...." Aether didn''t answer immediately; he simply nced at Lia for a moment, his expression unreadable. "Sigh... So, you are not that dense," Lia nodded and continued, "I just want to know... is she the one you talked about before? Is she trying to get back to you now after doing those things?" Lia was aware of his love story and his mention of status before, so she could already conclude it was all about Selene and him. ''Ah.... Fuck!'' Aether mumbled inwardly. He had told that story to keep her from breaking down, yet it hade back to bite him. If he said yes, things might getplicated, and it could even break their friendship if she mistook it that Selene left him for status. "...No, she isn''t," Aether said with a straight face. Lia breathed a heavy sigh of relief. She had almost thought Selene was just like her brother. Thank goodness she hadn''t asked her directly..... Then it begged the question. "Who?... Who else would it be?" Lia asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity like a mischievous little sister''s. Aether wanted to avoid delving deeper into this topic. Just then, Selene arrived at the scene, inadvertently rescuing him. "Ether, how about this?" she asked, holding up a fluffy pink dress. "It''s good," Aether nodded with a smile. Soon, they picked up what they wanted and arranged for them to be delivered to the Academy. Lia and Aether decided to leave, but then Selene pulled Aether into a men''s clothing store. "S-Sel?" Aether was shocked when he saw Selene picking out every fancy dress. He didn''t have a single penny on him. "Let''s buy you a handsome and sexahemgood dress," Selene said as she picked a lot of clothes, her face slightly flushed. ''She has a good sense of selection...'' Aether thought, nodding as he noticed her choices were not only trendy and fancy but also perfectly to his taste. Aether picked up a shirt and looked at the price tag. His heart almost leapt out of his chest. "2000?" Here they used ''Zenith'' as currency notes, which was almost simr to the dor, though there wasn''t any penny or cent. Zenith was denoted by ''?'' or what they called ''Z''. Anyhow, ''A fucking 2000$ for a single shirt!!'' Aether thought, practically screaming internally. He could literally live off that money for an entire month without worrying about getting a job. Seeing Aether staring at the price tag in shock, Selene smiled and patted his back reassuringly. "Don''t worry about the money... as long as you are happy, money doesn''t matter." Suddenly, in Aether''s eyes, Selene looked like an angel. He even rubbed his eyes, but the angelic vision remained, still smiling at him. "My angel..." Aether mumbled, causing Selene to blush deeply. "I-I am not, i-idiot!" [+4000 Affection] [Remaining AP:27225 ] Still, Aether was a little hesitant. It wasn''t about her buying him something; rather, it was the money itself that troubled him. Whose money? Velc''s? If it was, he would rather not ept it. Sensing the reluctance in Aether''s eyes, Selene frowned for a second, then smiled as she understood. "Don''t worry... That''s my hard-earned money," she exined softly. "...." Aether looked at her with a surprised expression. Selene winked at him with a shy smile. ''Ba-Dump'' Aether clutched his heart, feeling it pound in his chest, ''S-She is trying to rizz me... isn''t she?'' he thought, feeling both flustered and endeared by her efforts. But their day wasn''t over yet. After their visit to the clothing store, even Lia picked out some clothes for Aether. Despite his best attempts to stop her, she was insistent, saying she was just repaying a favour she owed him. "If you want to repay me, then call me big brother!" Aether said, a mischievous smile ying on his lips as he teased her. "Hell no, brat!" Lia shot back instantly, not missing a beat. Aether''s lips twitched at her calling him ''brat'' again. He rubbed his fingers together in mock irritation. "I told you not to call me brat," he said, his tone yful yet tinged with mock seriousness. "... Brat!" Lia repeated with a smirk, clearly enjoying the back-and-forth. Aether''s eye twitched in annoyance. Without hesitation, he reached out and pinched her cheeks hard enough that Lia yelped in protest. "If you dare to say those words again..." Aether''s smile was anything but friendly, and Lia gulped, wincing in pain. Selene, who was at the counter paying for their purchases, noticed the sudden closeness between Aether and Lia. Her expression darkened, and she clenched her fists, jealousy surging through her as she watched Aether pinching Lia''s cheeks. Suddenly, Lia flinched when she felt two deadly eyes staring at her. She immediately pushed Aether away and saw Selene talking to the person at the counter. ''M-Maybe it''s my imagination,'' she thought, trying to dismiss the feeling. Chapter 148: What a Pain! Just like before, they arranged for the clothes to be delivered to the Academy. Their outing continued, and since it was lunchtime, they went to a fancy restaurant and ordered some food. Selene watched Aether as he silently ate his meal. She wanted to feed him, but she felt she might be pushing too much for a single day, so she decided to postpone it... She achieved what she wanted so enough for today. While eating, Lia, who sat across from Selene and Aether, nced at Selene. She could see Selene devouring Aether with her eyes alone, and she felt like a third wheel. ''I should have left, but...'' Lia wanted to leave, but Aether had whispered for her toe along, ''It seems he isn''t interested in her... Maybe he doesn''t want to trust nobles again... just like me.'' She felt a sense of camaraderie with Aether and decided to help him when necessary. "Hmm...? This tastes good. Do you want some, Sel?" Aether suddenly asked, surprising both Selene and Lia. Selene felt this was her chance. With a slight blush, she said, "Yes... F-Feed me." Aether nodded and fed her, which made Selene even more delighted. She felt like she was on cloud nine, already lost in thoughts about their future together. But then Aether''s next words brought Selene crashing back to reality. "Do you want some, Lia?" he asked. Lia blinked in surprise and nced at Selene, who now had eyes darker than a void. "I-I-I don--''mmfffff''" she stammered, but Aether cut her off by forcibly feeding her. Lia''s cheeks puffed as she blushed at Aether''s sudden daring action. [+100 Affection] "Ouch!" Aether winced when Selene pinched his thigh hard. She pouted furiously. ''Did I do something wrong?'' Aether wondered. He was genuinely just sharing his food because it tasted good and he knew food always tasted better when shared with friends. He had fed Selene without much thought, and in the same spirit, he fed Lia. That was all! Don''t get him wrong!! Afterwards, Aether was forced to feed Selene, who now had an annoyed expression like a child, and then he also fed Lia, who looked at him with expectant eyes. ''Sigh, what am I? Their mother?'' Aether thought. Suddenly, a conversation from a nearby table caught their attention: "Hey, did you hear about the chosen ones?" one middle-aged man said. "Yeah, I heard there was amotion yesterday..." another replied. ..... ... They were talking about the previous day''s incident with theters and their punishment. But then, the topic shifted. "Did you hear about the old road incident?" one man asked. "Yes, I can''t believe that the cart driver was also involved with those bandits," another answered. "Yeah, we can''t trust most people nowadays." "After that incident, the old road has been blocked, guards were stationed and no one is allowed to use it." "Hmm... Kind of sad for the people who walk. Now they need to take the long route." "And I also heard if not for the Academy''s student riding on the cart, everyone would have died there." "Yeah, Pretty cool!" "And also... I heard a masked man saved Adam''s child when his wife and child were riding on the cart." "Masked man?" someone echoed in surprise. ??ԧ-@ߦ&Ѧӧ֧-?%#ԧ??-- Aether smiled upon hearing that. Seeing his smile while he fed her, Selene was truly delighted. "The masked man not only saved the child in the nick of time, he even escaped from the constant attacks from the Academy''s students... he didn''t even sweat, I heard." "OH!!" someone eximed in amazement. "He must be powerful, isn''t he?" "Hmmm" Aether felt his nose getting bigger and bigger as he continued to listen to them. "And most of all, he actually escaped from that crazy sunss girl." "Hmm? Sunss girl?" someone asked. "Yeah, she''s also an Academy student, but she''s far more powerful than the other students. She even cut the enemy into a million pieces before anyone else realized what happened." "OMG!!" "So you''re saying that the masked man escaped from her?" "Yes, but not only that, he even made her bleed." "Damn!!" "I really wanted to see that!!" Aether''s ego swelled so much that he felt like his nose was growing long enough to break through the roof.... Just a metaphor, of course. However, their next words made him flinch. "What is even crazier is that she is now searching for him. She has already posted notices with the image of a masked figure at all the important ces." "OH! It''s crazy, man... She must be really pissed off then!!" "Hahaha" "That guy must have gotten the attention of a crazy woman!!" Aether suddenly stood up, making Lia and Selene flinch. "Is something wrong?" Selene asked, concerned. Aether didn''t answer. Instead, he asked the people at the other table, "Sorry sir, Do you know where the notice is?" "Well... There," one of them said, pointing to a nearby pole outside. Aether''s eyes widened in horror when he saw the notice. "1,000,000?," he read aloud, the bounty for his capture staring back at him in bold print. Seeing the amount of the bounty, Aether felt a cold shiver run down his spine. A million Zeniths! This was not just a small bounty, it was a fortune. His heart pounded as he realized the extent of the trouble he was in. If they were willing to offer that much money, it meant they were seriously determined to catch him. Selene and Lia exchanged concerned nces as they observed Aether''s abrupt shift in demeanour, "Aether, what''s troubling you?" Selene''s voice trembled with genuine worry. Aether''s response was barely audible, his words stumbling out in a mumble, "N-Nothing..." he managed to utter before hastily finishing his meal and bolting out of the restaurant. A picture of his worn criminal-like mask that he made himself, though no one could see the person behind it except his eyes... "It exactly looks like mine... How is she able to see clearly?" Aether really wondered how in the hell she was able to draw exactly like his structure, even though it would be hard to notice his eyes. "Raven Noir... ah" Aether mumbled. Chapter 149: Pillars of the Academy "Achoo!" Raven Noir sneezed suddenly, the sound echoing slightly in the ancient, dusty corridor. "Are you alright, Lady Raven?" Leon Dragonheart asked, his face etched with deep concern. Raven didn''t respond, simply rubbing her nose and continuing to walk forward. Her silence and the determined look on her face conveyed that she was more annoyed by the interruption than anything else.... Most of all she still wore those sunsses! Leon gave an awkward smile and fell in step behind her, following the rest of the group, casting asional nces in her direction. The Chosen Ones were currently making their way through the underground passages of the academy, guided by the Principal and five other important professors. "It''s been a thousand years since anyonest came down here, so the dust has umted quite a bit..." ric exined his voice muffled by the handkerchief he held over his nose. He handed out additional handkerchiefs to the students, encouraging them to cover their noses as well. As they proceeded, the underground seemed to stretch on endlessly. Despite being underground, the bricks and stones glowed with a mystical light, illuminating the darkness around them in a soft, ethereal glow that made the air itself seem alive with magic. "I can feel a sense of purity here..." Finnian Sunfire remarked, his tone tinged with surprise and a hint of reverence. "Yes, I feel it too," Helena Sunfire agreed, touching the wall and sensing a connection to the ''Mother Root.'' The warmth and gentle energy radiating from the stones felt like aforting embrace. The Principal nodded, acknowledging their observations, "This underground area is a sacred ce, close to the Mother Root. That''s why you feel warmth and gentleness here. It''s a testament to the power and purity that permeates this ce." Curiosity piqued, Helena asked, "What exactly is this ce? And why are we here?" Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, eager to learn more about this mysterious location. ric simply replied, "You will see soon enough" Helena sighed, her enthusiasm slightly dampened by the vague response. Aqualina looked around, her thoughts racing, ''They are going to begin now... ah,'' she mused. She had already heard some things from her mother, so she had an idea of where they were headed and for what purpose. Soon, the Principal stopped before a huge stone door, asrge as the entrance doors of the academy itself. The door was adorned with intricate carvings and symbols that seemed to pulsate with energy. She, along with the five professors, stood before it and turned to face the ten students grouped by their respective empires. The Principal began, "As you already know, you have been chosen by the Arcane herself, correct?" Her voice was steady and authoritative,manding the attention of everyone present. The students nodded in unison, a mixture of pride and apprehension evident on their faces. "Then you are aware that among you, only one will rise to the top and be a Sovereign, correct?" She continued, her gaze piercing and intense. Another round of nods followed, the weight of her words sinking in. "And then what?" the Principal asked, her gaze sweeping across the students, challenging them to think beyond the obvious. They exchanged unsure nces until Jack Sparrow spoke up, his voice steady as if he knew something, "To receive an audience with the Arcane herself." The Principal nodded but then said, "Yes, and.... no." Jack looked surprised, ''no? I thought that was the whole point. Is there something more?'' he wondered, his brow furrowing in confusion. The Principal looked at the others, waiting for another answer, her silence urging them to think deeper. Helena stepped forward, "To receive an audience with the Arcane and... the Mother." Her answer caused several students to frown in confusion. The Principal smiled approvingly. "So, the Saintess knows the truth?" "Yes, the Archpriestess has informed me," Helena replied respectfully, a hint of pride in her voice for having been entrusted with such knowledge. "Oh? She did? That''s quite amusing..." The Principal mused before clearing her throat, "The entire universe believes that the Arcane and the Mother Root are one entity, right?" "Yes" Everyone nodded. Principal continued, "However, in reality, they are separate beings." "What?!" Aria Zephyr eximed, echoing the surprise of the others. The revtion was shocking, undermining a fundamental belief held by everyone. ?-?*&-#Ѧ-?&??-??Ѧ Everyone had always believed that the Arcane and the Mother Root were different forms of the same entity, an unshakable truth that.... now stood challenged. [Author''s Note: if getting confused For Example in our Earth''s Mythology just think Certain Gods took other forms to y/deceive/help others... Somon people in this world believe in only one god who took two forms] "Though it may be shocking, this is the truth, butmon people might not know this because everywhere we believe Arcane was only one God and.... that''s all they need to know" the Principal said sternly, "Anyhow, The Arcane and Mother always had some rivalry... That no one knows for what purpose but that''s not important to us anyway... First, The Arcane chooses those who might be pirs of our worlds. Then, These chosen ones are then put through trials by the Mother.... Those who pass be Sovereigns and receive an audience with both the Mother and the Arcane. And it''s not just an audience... You are granted a wish." "A wish?" Kai inquired, his curiosity piqued and his mind racing with possibilities. "Yes, any wish you desire," the Principal replied with a smile that hinted at the incredible power and responsibility such a gift entailed. The students couldn''t help but look surprised, except for Aqualina, who seemed unsurprised, already aware of this from her own sources. "Any wish? Even bringing back the dead?" Nyx Shadowfall asked softly, her voice trembling slightly with the enormity of the possibility. The Principal just smiled, "Why don''t you find out for yourself?" Even Aqualina''s eyes widened in surprise at this.The Principal''s words suggested.... there was a possibility!! "What''s the point of all this?" Aqualina asked, her eyes calcting and her mind working through the implications. The Principal smiled and pped her hands, "Clever, just like your mother. However, I''m sorry to say this..... but I cannot answer that." Aqualina nodded, understanding that the Principal knew more than she was letting on, ''She knows something...,'' she thought. Seeing an understanding girl unlike her Mother would bitch again until she got what she wanted, Principal smiled, ''I suppose she taught her child better'' she thought. The Principal continued, "All I can say is be prepared for everything. These trials are not as easy as they may seem. And most importantly, do not disclose what happens here to anyone... even those close to you," she warned sternly, her voice carrying the weight of experience and authority. Everyone nodded with serious expressions, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Once you enter the room, many of your questions will be answered. Others will remain unanswered..... until you be a Sovereign," the Principal said, snapping her fingers. The huge doors opened, trembling the ground beneath them and sending a shiver through the air. As the doors opened, a foul stench wafted out, like something had died and rotted there for millennia. The pure energy that Helena and Finnian had felt abruptly stopped. Instead, dark, impure energy emanated from inside, causing Jack Sparrow and Nyx Shadowfall''s eyes to widen in surprise. The Principal smiled cryptically, "Good and Evil are always needed for the world to move forward." Though most thought her words were philosophical, only the Principal knew their true meaning. As they entered, the dark room suddenly lit up, as if anticipating their arrival. The students and professors couldn''t help but marvel at the sight before them, their eyes wide with wonder and awe. "WOW!" Even that word couldn''t capture the magnificence of what they saw. PILLARS!!! Twelve towering pirs stood in a perfect circr formation, each one made of a material that appeared both metallic and intricately detailed. These pirs were colossal, stretching high into the ceiling of the cave, and each was adorned with ornate designs and patterns that gave the impression of ancient and masterful craftsmanship. At the base of these majestic pirsy a wide, circr tform. The ground was bathed in a radiant light that created an ethereal and almost divine atmosphere, casting a warm glow that entuated the gold and metallic tones of the pirs. This illumination brought out the intricate details and highlighted the magnificence of the structure. Everything was Awe.... Except that Stench that came from those pirs. Chapter 150: Money is still The Money "Wee to the Origin Pirs," the Principal announced, her voice echoing through the vast cavern as she gestured towards the twelve majestic pirs. Despite the entire cave being dusty and ancient, these pirs remained pristine, untouched by the passage of time. "Wow!" The students and four professors stared in awe, their eyes wide with curiosity and wonder as they approached the pirs. Tentatively, they reached out to touch them. Though the pirs felt ordinary to the touch, a strange sense of tranquillity washed over them. Aqualina examined the pirs closely, her face etched with concentration. She noticed that each pir bore a distinct and intricate pattern... one resembled a fish, another depicted fire, a third had a spiral like a wormhole, while others featured a hammer, a wave, a mountain, a hand, and various other symbols. She pondered the meaning behind these patterns. ''p'' The Principal pped her hands sharply to regain their attention and instructed, "I want each of you to summon your Arcane Card, one by one... They will guide you" Nodding, the students exchanged nces, hesitating slightly. Aqualina, breaking the silence, stepped forward confidently and summoned her card... "Arcane Card" A bright light emanated from her chest, and a Rainbow Card adorned with five stars materialized before her. The Principal nodded approvingly and motioned for her to wait. The card hovered in front of Aqualina for a few more seconds. Suddenly, the cave began to tremble.... not entirely, but one of the pirs shook visibly. Her card then twitched and drifted toward the trembling pir, hovering before it. "Go and stand there," the Principal instructed. Aqualinaplied, walking over to the pir. Standing before it, she noticed the pir was engraved with a tsunami wave-like pattern. Next, Kai stepped forward, summoning his card. After a few moments, another pir trembled, and Kai moved to stand near it. One by one, each student summoned their card and took their ce by a designated pir. Aqualina observed that Kai stood directly opposite her. It appeared that all the Empire Chosen stood opposite their counterparts. Most likely, one side was for Arcane Queens and the other for Arcane Kings.... leaving only two pairs positioned directly opposite each other. The five professors meticulously documented everything about their respective Chosen Ones and their pirs, ensuring that every detail was recorded. The Principal nodded in satisfaction and nced at ric, who acknowledged her with a nod and took his position like the others. The Principal then addressed them, "Now, push your Arcane Card into the pir and ce your hand on it." Everyone nodded and, with a mix of anticipation and apprehension, slowly pushed their cards. As soon as the cards touched the pirs, they entered seamlessly, like ghosts passing through a wall. The Principal and ric followed suit.... The Principal then dered, "This ends my era as a Sovereign.... Log." The pir before her shone brightly. ric mirrored her actions, saying "Log," causing his pir to shine as well. The Principal smiled warmly at the students and announced, "This marks the beginning of a new era The legacy of the New Arcane Kings and Queens. Now, say ''Log In''" With faces full of enthusiasm and determination, everyone said in unison, """"""""""Log In"""""""""" ''Ssssshhhhhhhhhnnnnggggggg'' __________________________________ Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, "Aether, you look exactly like the person in the poster," Lia said, nodding as shepared the poster to Aether, who was wearing a criminal-like mask. Aether''s lips twitched in annoyance. He quickly pulled off the mask and ced it on Lia''s head. "Now you look exactly like the person in the poster," he retorted. "Hey!" Lia shouted, pulling off the mask and ring at Aether. "But it says the person is male!" "Yeah," Selene agreed, examining the poster and then ncing at the newfound closeness between Lia and Aether. She wondered if Aether had helped Lia previously, exining their sudden close, really close..... anyway, she determined to keep an eye on Lia... Just in case because she was the opposite sex, she might learn Aether''s greatness soon, so better than sorry!! "Sigh,e on, guys. Are you really suggesting we go through with this?" Aether asked, holding up the poster and the criminal mask. "Well..." "...Yeah" Lia and Selene exchanged nces before Lia spoke again, "Come on, Aether, don''t you think it would be a waste to pass up this opportunity? It''s a million... you know, a million Zenith!" Aether looked into Lia''s eyes, which sparkled ''?''. He sighed, facepalming, unable to believe that Lia was serious about this stunt and that Selene supported the idea. "Are you sure you guys are noble?" Aether asked sceptically, raising an eyebrow. Both Lia and Selene avoided his gaze. Aether sighed again, continuing to walk down the street with Lia and Selene trailing behind him. The enormous reward amount on the poster had piqued both Lia''s and Selene''s interest. They initially thought of finding the person depicted, but since the face was hidden, they focused on Aether, who fit the description perfectly. The poster described the individual as a male, 5.8 feet tall, with a lean build, a charming voice, and fierce eyes, and stated that he was needed alive. Both girls looked at Aether with eager expressions. It wasn''t just about the money for them. Seeing Aether''s enthusiasm (Mistook) about the poster, they believed (Mistook) he wanted to earn the reward so that he could buy whatever he wanted instead of really on others and Selene and Lia nodded in understanding about that.... Maybe, just maybe they also wanted some financial relief after their recent expenditures. Aether nced at the reward amount. Truth be told, he was tempted. He wasn''t a saint to ignore such an opportunity. Seeing that substantial amount, he inferred that the other person must be wealthy, and taking a portion wouldn''t be a big deal. However, the real issue was... ''It''s Actually ME!!... I am the one she is searching for'' Aether growling inwardly. "Aether, listen to me. All you need to do is wear that ugly mask, and we''ll handle the rest of that chosen woman!" Lia said with a proud and determined expression. "Yes, since you''ll be acting as bait, you can take 50% while she and I share the remaining 50%," Selene suggested with a smirk. Lia looked surprised but quickly nodded at Selene''s n. In reality, Selene thought, ''I will give him my whole shareter.'' She loved him too much. Simrly, Lia thought, ''I will give him half of my shareter.'' She liked him as a friend. Aether''s mind was clouded with possibilities, "How are we going to do this?" he asked, curiosity oveing his scepticism. Lia and Selene smirked but then frowned... "Looks like you guys aren''t nning to hide anymore," Lia mumbled with a smile, noticing a few shadows peeking from the corners of the empty street. "Hmm?" Aether tilted his head, not understanding what Lia meant. "We are being followed by someone, Ether," Selene said, stepping protectively in front of Aether and scanning the surroundings with a vignt gaze. "Really?" Aether was utterly bbergasted. Chapter 151: Dont underestimate the Girls Part-1 Both Lia and Selene knew the moment they stepped out of the grand entrance of the Academy that they were being followed. They didn''t want to startle Aether, who was blissfully unaware of this. More than anything, they wanted to enjoy the day they had nned together. Without worrying about just one person, they could easily deal with that individual if push came to shove..... However, what they didn''t realize was that as time passed, the one person tailing them multiplied. First, there were two, then three, and now, approximately fifteen shadowy figures were lurking in the background, as they tailed the trio. Aether remainedpletely oblivious, his mind upied with the joys of the moment. When he finally caught wind of the situation, his reaction was one of utter disbelief. "Really?" he eximed, his voice tinged with incredulity. Selene nodded and gestured towards the fifteen hooded figures that now surrounded them. "What about the people?" Aether frowned, his brow furrowing in confusion. He was certain that he had seen many people bustling about the streets just moments ago. "They used some kind of diversion magic to keep the other people away from here," Selene exined with a steady voice. "Sigh..." Aether sighed deeply, a sense of resignation settling over him. He turned to face the hooded figures, his eyes narrowing, "Hello, Dear sir... What do you want?" he asked, his voice firm and direct. The simplicity and straightforwardness of his question caught Lia and Selene by surprise, as well as the group of hooded individuals. "What are you asking?" Selene asked, her face reflecting her surprise, because to her battling was the only way to solve this situation. However, Aether gently pushed her behind him, positioning himself protectively in front of the girls. He repeated his question with unwavering determination, "What do you want?" The hooded group exchanged nces,municating silently among themselves before one of them stepped forward and pointed directly at Selene. "Her?" Aether''s voice rose in surprise as he looked back at Selene. The group nodded in unison, their faces obscured by their hoods. ''What polite kidnappers...'' Aether thought sarcastically. He asked, "Why?" But they remained silent, their intentions unreadable. Instead, they motioned for Aether and Lia to move aside. "The nerve" Lia began tosh out, her temper ring, but Aether motioned for her to stop. Annoyed, she was about to re at him when she noticed the cold, emotionless look in his eyes as he stared down the group... She stumbled back, momentarily taken aback by the intensity. "Thud" Aether caught her just in time before she could fall, awkwardly saying, "Did I scare you?" "N-No," Lia managed to stammer, though she still remembered the fierce, emotionless eyes that had stared down the enemies..... Strangely, she found herself drawn to that intensity. Seeing her trembling face, Aether thought, ''Sigh, it''s always like this...'' He recalled how his ex had always asked him to avoid fights.... Since she got scared of Aether sometimes. Selene''s lips twitched when she noticed Aether''s hand lingering on Lia''s hip. With a swift motion, she pulled Lia away, her expression a mix of dark and irritation. Aether, maintaining his calm demeanour, said, "I am sure she is a student of the Academy, and... you do realize the consequences of your actions, right?" The hooded figures offered no response. Instead, they stepped forward again, motioning for Aether and Lia to move out of their way. "Sigh," Aether sighed deeply, his patience wearing thin, ''I suppose I need to teach them a lesson in a different way.'' He looked at the girls and said, "Why don''t you wait for me" but before he could finish his sentence, Lia interrupted, "Are you looking down on us, Aether?" There was a hint of displeasure in her voice. Aether paused and stared at the two girls, realizing that they were not like the girls in his world who would cry or tremble in fear at the sight of danger. Finally, he facepalmed himself, thinking, ''I forgot this world is different.'' He had instinctively tried to protect them, as he had done with Ste, who was a healer and not a fighter. "Forgive me,dies... You can take them on," Aether said with the air of a professional butler, stepping back to give them space. "Hehe..." "Haha..." Both of them giggled, patting Aether''s shoulder in reassurance before turning to face the group. They cracked their knuckles, ready for battle. "Since talking isn''t working... Let''s finish this the usual way," Lia mumbled, her crimson eyes glowing brightly. The fifteen hooded figures flinched at the sight. ''Did anyone know about her?'' one of the figures whispered. ''No, sir!'' came the hushed reply. ''We don''t know!'' another added, their voices trembling slightly. "What? Are you scared now?" Lia asked with a haughty tone, her confidence unwavering. discover-stories-MVLeMpYr The leader of the hooded figures snorted derisively, "Scared? Hardly." With a swift gesture, he signalled the attack. In an instant, the air was alive with the crackle of magic. Hands extended, the hooded figures unleashed a barrage of elemental assaults.... Fireballs roared through the air, water spears sliced with deadly precision, and jagged stones hurtled towards Lia. Others summoned their Arcane cards, materializing weapons of gleaming steel and shimmering energy. ''BOOM!'' An explosion rocked the ground where Lia had stood, but she was already in motion. With fluid grace, she dodged the attacks, her movements a blur. Her hands glowed with a fiery red aura as she conjured a crimson sword, deflecting a stream of water spears. Selene dashed to the side, narrowly avoiding a fireball that exploded where she had been moments before. She conjured a water ball bristling with spikes and hurled it towards the group. "SPLASH!!" The hooded figures sliced through the water ball, but Selene clicked her tongue in frustration and started throwing even more water balls, each one deadlier than thest. The group sneered, thinking they could easily cut through them again, but this time, "BOOMM!!" The water ball exploded violently, and the fierce spikes tore through their bodies. "Arrrhhh!" "Cough, Cough!!" "FUCK!!" They groaned in agony. ''Slice!'' Lia, With her crimson red sword, Lia cut through their limbs without mercy. Chaos erupted. The figures scattered, desperately trying to avoid the devastating counterattack. Lia moved like a shadow, her movements fluid and deadly. She was a blur of motion, striking down one opponent after another with ruthless efficiency.... Their limbless bodies fell to the ground like discarded toys. ''Blubbb'' ''STUCCK!'' Selene, agile and precise, engaged a group wielding stone projectiles. Her water balls swallowed the stones and shot them back with heavy pressure, making it hard for the group to react to their own attacks. ''Thud'' Each strike found its mark, and the hooded figures fell before her. The leader of the hooded figures watched the girls with mounting horror. ''T-This is...'' He had never imagined that a silver''s aptitude with a level 15 group would not be enough to take down a single girl. ''I-If I had known this, I would have stayed quiet until Master Jack ordered us... Shit!'' He thought, growling in frustration, "I should use the servant as my scapegoat," he decided, and searched for Aether, only to widen his eyes in shock. No, not because Aether had caused the massacre or anything. Rather, Aether had simply knocked out his opponents without much effort and was now staring at the leader from an ufortably close distance... too close! That''s why the leader was shocked. "What''s your name, bud?" Aether asked with a smile, but it was definitely not a friendly smile. "Hehe..." Chapter 152: Dont underestimate the Girls Part-2 Aether, unlike the others, didn''t even use magic. Instead, he simply acted fast... much faster than his opponents could react. "Increase Agility by 2" !~Ding~! [+2 Agility] [Agility: 22] [Remaining AP: 25325] With his enhanced speed, Aether evaded the first mage''s spell, darting to the side just as a sword shed through the space where he had been standing. He closed the distance between himself and his nearest opponent in a heartbeat, his hand a blur as he struck with pinpoint uracy. The hooded figure crumpled to the ground, unconscious before he hit the floor. "He is fas--" One of the hooded figures with a sword tried to shout a warning, but Aether was already upon him. A swift chop to the neck silenced him, and he too copsed into a heap. ''Thud'' The remaining opponents were momentarily paralyzed with shock, their eyes wide as they struggled toprehend Aether''s incredible speed and precision. Aether didn''t give them time to recover. He moved like a shadow, weaving between them, each movement deliberate and efficient. Another hooded figure attempted to jump on Aether to hinder his movements, but just as it was about to sneak up on him, a white whipshed out from Aether''s pocket, striking the figure''s head. The force of the blow sent the assant crashing to the ground with tremendous force. "BAM!" "Nice, Snow," Aether nodded appreciatively. "Hiss~" Snowke''s tail wagged like a dog! Within a few minutes, Aether had knocked down six people and turned to look at the leader, who was horrifyingly observing the massacre Lia and Selene had caused. Aether walked closer and stared at him with nk eyes, "What''s your name, bud?" he asked in a cold, almost detached voice. The leader trembled in fear, and before he could react, Aether caught his neck and lifted him up effortlessly. "I am being nice, you know~" Aether said with a smile that didn''t reach his eyes. Looking at Aether with nk and.... pitiful eyes? ''W-Why he is looking at me pitifully?'' The Leader asked himself with furious eyes as he struggled to escape from Aether''s grasp. Aether always pitied those who crossed his path. He didn''t know why; he just did... That''s All!. That''s why, when Log said if the Ethereal domain gained more power than the other domain, Aether would even forgive his nemesis.... He believed those domains were his true nature. With a swift motion of anger, the leader conjured a water spear in his palm and thrust it towards Aether''s neck. They weren''t supposed to kill anyone; they just needed to kidnap Selene. But the situation had gotten out of hand, and now the leader had no option but to kill Aether and escape. "Skkk" Though Aether was surprised by the sudden attack, he calmly increased his agility. ''Increase Agility'' !~Ding~! [+1 Agility] [Agility: 23] [Remaining AP: 24325] Aether caught the spear with his other hand, blood flowing as the water sent a freezing sensation through his veins. However, that wasn''t the end of it... Aether always wondered if every spell fueled up Arcane energy then what would happen if there was no Arcane energy in the spell. What if he absorbed it?.... He truly wondered. He focused on the water spear on his hand, trying to pull the energy from it.... but initially felt nothing. read-first-at-MVLeMpYr Then, ''Ba-Dump'' His heart skipped a beat all of a sudden. Suddenly, his eyes shone for a second, and his vision turned into a grayscale image as if he had colour deficiency. However, in that grayscale vision, the water spear appeared in vibrant colours. "What is this?" he mumbled. When he focused on the water spear, the vibrant colours disappeared in an instant, and, ''Ssh'' The spear instantly deformed into shapeless water. The leader, who was struggling, had a horrified look on his face. He couldn''tprehend what had just happened. He saw Aether staring at his spear, and the next thing he knew, his energy was drained as if sucked out by a straw. "Surprised?" Aether asked with a haughty tone, though he himself was surprised he did this without any prior knowledge.... He even thought it might be amon thing. "Y-You M--''Cough''" The leader coughed, "Monster..." before finally fainting, his lungs running out of air. "Hehe..." Aether chuckled before pulling down the hood, revealing a brown-haired man. "Have you finished?" Selene asked, her face a mix of surprise and admiration. She saw Aether take them down without getting hurt himself, ''He is getting stronger... SUPER!!!'' she inwardly screamed like a fan. But then her eyes fell on Aether''s blood-dripping hand. Her eyes turned nk. "A-Are you okay?" she asked, taking his hand with trembling fingers. "I-It''s nothing, Sel, I am fin--" "NO! You are not!" Selene shouted at Aether with an angry face. She took a handkerchief and wrapped it around his hand, saying, "I-I shouldn''t have left you alone..." ''....Sigh,'' Aether sighed, seeing the trembling girl who was worrying over a small cut... just like his Ex in his previous life. He patted her head and said, "I am really fine." Selene blinked for a second before jumping into his embrace. Not only that, but she didn''t forget to kick the leader, who rolled a few times before hitting the wall. "Arrhhh!!" Finally, hepletely fainted. Aether''s cheeks turned slightly red when Selene suddenly hugged him. He wanted to push her away, but feeling her trembling shoulders... Aether sighed again and wrapped one arm around her. "!!" Selene blinked for a second before grinning while sniffing him silently. "Ahem!" Lia coughed, but Selene ignored her and clearly did not want to ruin the moment. That couldn''t be said for Aether, so he gently pushed her away. Selene was really dissatisfied as she red at Lia. "What?" Lia asked. "... tsk, Nothing" Selene clicked her tongue. Lia shook her head and looked at Aether, who was staring at the massacre they had caused. He couldn''t help but mutter, "You really cut their limbs and bore a hole... ah." Hearing that, both Selene and Lia blushed in embarrassment. They had been really angry since their happy time(Lia), their date (Sel), was interrupted by some people. Though Aether hesitated to approach those bodies, he wasn''t too disgusted by the sight. ''I am starting to adapt...'' Aether mumbled as his hands trembled a little. Even though he had killed a few people, looking at the limbless bodies, he couldn''t help but feel a little nauseated. Seeing this, Selene held his hand softly, saying, "I am here..." While Lia hesitated for a second before holding his other hand, she gave him friendly advice, "Kill or be killed, Aether... Don''t forget." Aether stared at the bodies before nodding and saying, "Thank you." Then Aether grouped the knocked-out people and asked, "What should we do with them? Should we investigate who was behind them?" Lia shook her head, saying, "They are dead." "What?" Aether had a surprised expression. Even Selene was surprised to hear that. Aether checked their necks for pulses, but to his surprise, there were none. He even checked the leader''s neck, but he was also dead. Aether realized they had killed themselves, but how? "They must have had some kind of spell that bound themselves in case they fainted, causing their hearts to stop functioning or something like that," Lia said with profound knowledge. Selene nodded in understanding, "Yeah, I heard there were spells that could bind the internal organs under certain conditions." ''Hmm... interesting... I''d like to learn that,'' Aether thought. "Since they are dead, it''s better to leave now... otherwise, we''ll have to deal with a lot of pain in the butt," Lia said with a serious face. "Well..." Aether shrugged, seeing this as the better option, and decided to leave the ce. As Aether and the others decided to escape from the situation, they quickly ran away, their footsteps echoing in the empty street. "Haha... It''s fun... haha," chuckled Lia between breaths, herughter filled with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. "Hahaha... It feels like we did something wrong... haha," added Selene, her voice tinged with a hint of guilt. "Don''tugh, you idiots," Aether shouted at the two girls, his tone a mixture of annoyance and concern. Aether shook his head, a wistful smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He couldn''t help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over him as he realized he was experiencing the thrill of youth once again, albeit it was girls rather than boys. "I suppose I''m d I didn''t run away," Aether mumbled to himself, his thoughts drifting to what might have been if he had chosen a different path. If he had run, and if Delphine hadn''t caught him that day, who knows what he might have been doing now? Perhaps he would have be a powerful rogue, much like the characters in the novels he used to read. But then again, there was also the chilling possibility that he might have already met his dead... ''... D-Did I just raise a red g?'' Aether thought but his thoughts were interrupted when, !~Ding~! [~??~I~can~see~your~cute~little~Elephant~??~??~I~really~love~it~to~have~inside~me~????] "WHAT THE...!" Aether''s voice trailed off into a startled exmation as he stumbled and fell to the ground, his heart racing with a mixture of shock and disbelief. ''Thud'' Hearing the dull thud, both Lia and Selene came to an abrupt halt and turned to him, concern etched on their faces. "What happened?" "Did you get hurt?" Immediately, Aether''s heart raced as he instinctively covered his pants, fearing his zipper might be open or something. "N-No, I-It''s f---" Before he could finish his words, ''SSSHHHHHHHHH!!'' ''SSHHHHHHHHH!!'' Two sharp bullets grazed both Lia''s and Selene''s cheeks, narrowly missing their faces by mere inches. If not for their quick reaction in tilting their heads, half their faces might have been punctured by the projectiles. "...." "...." "...." The trio stood frozen, their minds struggling toprehend what had just urred. The bullets that missed their targets sailed through the air, striking poles and walls before erupting into deafening sts: "BOOM!!" "BOOM!!" Chaos erupted as the bustling street was engulfed in panic, with people fleeing in terror. Chapter 153: Dont underestimate the Girls Part-3 A Few Minutes Earlier, A distance longer than where Aether and his group were standing... "Looks like those guys moved on their own to impress their Grace, only to mess up this much..." a ck-haired man mumbled with an amused expression as he stood on the roof of a tall building, overlooking the chaotic scene below. "Though Master predicted this, to think the trio was able to defeat the group... Interesting... Anyhow, I shall finish my duty," he said, positioning a sniper-like gun in his hands, the cold metal glinting under the light sky. "What a mysterious artifact..." he muttered, his eyes narrowing in concentration as he marked his target... Aether. "Should I kill him? He seems more dangerous than the others.... He even interrupted my master''s n to kill Aria Zephyr on his first day... hmm..." The man pondered for a second, his finger hovering over the trigger before deciding, "Nah, I''ll just do what Master told me to. Otherwise, he''ll be pissed off and dismantle me. A fight between two empires... it''s going to be interesting..." He smiled a cold, calcting grin as he aimed at Selene Frostde, injecting his Arcane energy into the gun. A ''Zzzzzznnnggg'' sound erupted from it, then, "BANG!" But he wasn''t done. The man immediately aimed at.... Aurelia Scarlet and fired again, "BANG!" "Haha... That will wipe those smiles off their faces," Jack Sparrow''s Puppet giggled, but his expression turned to disbelief when his bullets missed their targets. "BOOM!" "BOOM!!" "Shit!!" He readied for another sniping attack, but the people running away from the st hindered his line of sight to the trio, making it difficult for him to aim precisely. "Get them out of the way, fucker!!" he mumbled in annoyance. Still, the fleeing people made it hard for him to target Selene and herpanions urately. Left with no choice, he decided to kill everyone in his path, hoping to clear the way. "Hope my master doesn''t dismantle me," he muttered, frustration evident in his voice, and fired again. "BANG!" ''Sssssshhhh!'' The bullet travelled towards its target, ready to destroy anything in its path. However... ''Sshhrrrrr~'' A small blue me hurled towards the sky and, "BOOM!!!" The mes suddenly exploded like fireworks... when the blue mes hit the bullet, it exploded.... causing the self-exploding bullet to detonate prematurely. "BOOM!!" Hearing the explosion from the sky, the people who had been running away turned back in fear, their screams echoing through the streets. "WHAT IS HAPPENING HERE!!" "TERRORIST ATTACK?!!" "WHERE ARE THE GUARDS AND SOLDIERS!!" People shouted in panic, their voices rising in a cacophony of fear. Some tried to shield themselves with small barrier spells, but not everyone had the skill, leaving many with no choice but to run. "FUCK!" Jack Sparrow''s Puppet clicked his tongue, his frustration mounting as he tried to shoot again. However, to his surprise, Aether and the others were already moving with the crowd, blending in with the fleeing masses. He gritted his teeth as his sniper-like gun suddenly disintegrated into dust. "Tsk, looks like I used it beyond its limit!" he mumbled, standing up and surveying the panicked people, "I will kill them..." he dered with determination before disappearing from the roof, his figure vanishing like a shadow. Guards and soldiers arrived at the scene, trying to calm the panicking crowd, their authoritative voices barely managing to pierce through the chaos. "Where the hell have you been?" "What the hell is happening here? In this city?" "Shouldn''t the Academy protect the city?" Panicked people shouted, their fear and anger directed at the guards who were struggling to maintain order. Meanwhile, Aether, running with the group, nced at Lia and Selene, who were holding his hands and running ahead of him, their expressions filled with confusion and... fear. If not for ''Log''menting... if not for him falling down... if not for those two stopping... if not for them tilting their heads at thest moment... He was sure they would have already died by now. His face itched with... Fear! A sense of fear crept into his heart, his face starting to sweat like bullets, his breath bingboured, and his eyes flickering with darkness as if something were corrupting him from within. It was then, "MOMMY!!!" Aether snapped out of it and looked at a child crying while holding a flower, the child''s face riddled with tears and snot as it looked around in panic, its tiny body trembling with fear. ''Crack'' "Where are you!! ''aaww'' ''Drip, Drip'' Scary! ''waaaw''-----" The child cried, scared of everything, and while crying the child heard some cracking sound.... then noticed the wall cracking. Before the child could run, The wall started to fall, "MOMMY!!!!" The child covered its eyes, holding the flower with trembling hands. However, for a long time, nothing happened. As the child slowly opened its eyes, it saw a ck-haired boy holding the wall with trembling hands, his muscles straining under the weight. !~Ding~! [+7 Agility] [Agility: 30] [Remaining AP:17325 ] [Error] [Limit reached ording to the Level] "Ha-ha... Hello, cutie~" Aether said, breathing heavily. Even though he had invested everything into his agility, if he hadn''t pushed himself even more... He was sure the child would have been crushed. The wall was heavy, so he slowly set it down in the corner and looked at the child, who was still staring at him in astonishment, its eyes wide with wonder. "Haha... Are you fine?" Aether calmed his racing heart and smiled at the child, his voice gentle and reassuring. The child snapped out of its daze and, "waaww" Started to cry, its tiny shoulders shaking with sobs. "Oh, shit!" Aether muttered before patting the child''s head, saying, "D-Don''t worry, nothing was going to h--" Aether''s pupils momentarily flickered with pure white, and the next thing he knew, he was in the white-ck realm, the familiar but eeriendscape stretching out before him. And just like before, his Arcane Card hovered in the middle of two intersecting realms, suspended in the air like a delicate bnce between light and dark. Then, ''Drip'' A small, pure white drop fell onto half of the diagonally tilted Arcane card presented on the ck realm, the drop shimmering with an ethereal glow. A small white etching appeared on the Arcane Card, intricate and beautiful. Aether''s eyes widened as he felt a sudden warmth and gentleness coursing through his veins, a sensation that rejuvenated and refreshed him. The next thing he knew, he was back in reality, the strange vision fading. "MOMMY!!" The child cried loudly. Aether didn''t know what to do with the child and was just about to pick it up when, "DARLING!!!" A panicked voice called out. Aether saw a woman walking with a guard, her eyes wide with fear and pain. "MOMMY?" The child stopped crying and looked at the crowd, shouting again, "MOMMY?!" "DARLING!!" Upon seeing her child, the woman ran towards them and hugged the child tightly, tears streaming down her face as she cried with relief. It was then the mother''s eyes fell on the broken wall near them, her heart pounding with fear at what could have happened. "D-Did you get hurt? A-A-Are you al-alright?" She checked her child''s body vigorously, her hands shaking as she inspected every inch. Tears continued to flow from her eyes. Even though she was hurt herself, seeing her child safe brought her immense relief. If anything had happened to her child, she wouldn''t have known how to live her life anymore. "N-No, Prince saved me," the child said, pointing behind them to where Aether had been standing. "..." "B-But there was no one," the mother said, seeing the empty space where her child had pointed. "H-huh?" Aether had already left when he saw the woman hugging her child. He then looked around and saw the guards almost controlling the panicking crowd, their presence providing a semnce of order amidst the chaos. "Where did you run off, idiot?" Lia shouted upon spotting Aether, her voice filled with a mix of relief and frustration. "Did you hurt yourself?" Selene''s eyes turned teary as she looked at him, corners of her eyes were teary. They thought they had lost Aether in the crowd, the fear of losing him evident in their expressions. "Sigh," Aether sighed heavily, the weight of the recent events pressing down on him. He suddenly hugged both of them tightly, his arms encircling their bodies in a desperate embrace. "W-What are you doing?!!" Lia shouted, her face turning a deep shade of red in embarrassment. "W-We are in public!!" Selene was happy to be hugged by Aether, her heart racing with joy. However, noticing his trembling body, Lia and Selene nced at each other, understanding the depth of his fear and relief. They hugged him back, their arms wrapping around himfortingly, and said, ""We are Fine!"" It was then Aether''s heart calmed down, his body finally rxing. The fear that had gripped him loosened its hold, reced by a sense of safety and reassurance. Chapter 154: Sharing and Caring!! Underground, Origin Pirs "Why is it not activating?" The Principal frowned deeply, unable to understand why the pirs, which had once activated with ease, suddenly stopped functioning. The students, clueless about what was happening, stood by nervously, waiting for the Principal to take action. The Principal moved from her position, meticulously inspecting each student to ensure they were performing the activation correctly. After a thorough check and finding no apparent issues, the Principal returned to her position and addressed the students once more, "Say it again." """"""""""Log In"""""""""" ''Ssssshhhhhhh!!!'' Just like before, the pirs abruptly lit up with a burst of energy, only to die down almost instantly. "..." Principal''s frown deepened. She instructed the students to step away from the pirs and await further instructions, her frustration barely concealed. She then called ric over, asking him to inspect the pirs for any signs of damage or malfunction. Meanwhile, the students began murmuring amongst themselves, "It must be because of the old dust," Kai mumbled, ncing at Aqualina for her opinion. Aqualina replied, "I don''t think so..." as she pointed to the spotless surface of the pirs, indicating there wasn''t a single speck of dust on them. Kai rified, "I mean the whole cave. The dust must have caused something to get stuck or blocked...." He was merely specting, grasping at straws for an exnation. "Possible..." Aqualina nodded thoughtfully but couldn''t shake off a different suspicion, ''But looking at the Principal, it seems to be something else...'' She observed the Principal and the professors'' actions intently, trying to discern any clues. MVLeMpYr-only Kai opened his mouth to contribute more to the conversation, but seeing Aqualina''s contemtive expression, he hesitated and held back his thoughts. ''Thud'' Someone nudged him. Turning his head, he saw Leon looking at him with a mischievous glint in his eyes. Leon leaned in and whispered, "I think you should man up and speak freely, otherwise she''ll be the one riding you, not the other way around." Leon''s wink only added to Kai''s embarrassment. Kai''s face turned crimson at the suggestivement ''Riding'', but he quickly gathered himself. Now wasn''t the time for such distractions. Clearing his throat, he whispered back, "At least my girlfriend talks to me..." his toneden with sarcasm. Leon''s eyes twitched in response. He nced over at Raven Noir, who was staring nkly at the wall, seemingly indifferent to the situation around her. Leon sighed and whispered back, "Unlike me, you got a free pass from her parents...." He had been doing everything he could to win Raven''s favour, but she remained distant and detached, unaffected by his efforts. "Hehe," Kai chuckled softly, feeling a surge of pride for his father''s sessful matchmaking. Thinking about ''match''... He still needed to talk with Lia. He needed to mend their strained rtionship; otherwise, he feared losing her..... Thinking about her again, Memories of Lia''s unwavering support and she was always the one to initiate the conservation. He had bought a special gift for her, hoping it would help patch things up and restore their bond. Just as he was lost in these thoughts, Leon''s voice interrupted him, "You know... does your sister have a boyfriend or fianc?" Leon''s question snapped Kai back to reality, and he frowned as he looked at him. Leon, noticing Kai''s reaction, quickly added, "She is kind of cute, you know. I''m just asking. If you don''t want to tell me, that''s fine." Kai sighed deeply. He knew his sister was attractive and that she might draw unwanted attention. That''s why he had even made a fake promise to Timmy so that he would protect her from other bastards when he was not around. But the person before him was the Arcane King, so Timmy might back off. Kai considered his options. He knew Leon was a good guy, friendly with everyone, and most of all... He was from a noble family, so it seemed fine. However, it had only been a day since Kai met Leon, so he decided to observe him further to see if he was truly worthy of his sister. "I''ll tell you.....ter," Kai finally said. Leon''s eyes sparkled with happiness, and he hugged Kai tightly, shouting, "I truly love you, man!!" Hearing that deration, the Principal and Professors flinched, casting nces at the two gays before resuming their work. The students looked at them in disbelief, stepping back cautiously..... Especially Raven, who took a few more steps back. Aqualina wore a look of astonishment, her eyes wide with disbelief. "N-No, it''s not like that!" Kai shouted, his embarrassment evident. "Shit!" Leon realized his mistake, pushing Kai away and saying, "I-It''s boy''s love, you know... brotherly love! Sharing and caring!!" Hearing that, the students were even more shocked, their expressions a mix of confusion and amusement. "You''re not helping, idiot!" Kai shouted back, his face flushed with deep embarrassment. Ignoring Kai and Leon''s situation, the Principal focused on the issue at hand and discussed it with ric. "Should we call the Archpriestess?" ric asked, his brow furrowed in concern. The Principal pondered the suggestion. They had found nothing wrong with the pirs: no cracks, no dust, no other unknown interruptions, nothing..... Yet, somehow, they weren''t activating. ''Calling the Archpriestess... might be a good idea,'' the Principal thought. Just as she was about to make the call, ''Twitch'' Her ears twitched as she sensed something and looked up at the cave''s ceiling. "Is something wrong?" ric asked, noticing her sudden alertness. "Hmm..." The Principal responded thoughtfully, then turned to the two professors and asked them to check outside. Though reluctant, they nodded and left the cave to investigate. "Did something happen?" Delphine asked, seeing her colleagues leave with reluctant looks. "Hmm," the Principal nodded but did not borate. She called the students again, determined to give it one more try before resorting to calling the Archpriestess. Jack Sparrow watched the departing professors with a smirk, ''Did he finish the job already?'' he wondered and nced at Kai, who was approaching the pir once more. ''I wonder how he''s going to react when he finds out his sister was killed by agents from the Umbrionis Void Empire... Hehe...'' Jack chuckled inwardly. He knew his grace had already sent a few people to look for Kai. However, Jack had manipted them into believing that kidnapping Kai''s sister, who was weaker, would be the easiest way to lure their target. He couldn''t let Kai be taken by those agents; otherwise, he knew his grace would kill him without mercy for lying. So, when Kai''s sister was taken, he instructed his puppet to eliminate her. That way, the me would fall squarely on the Empire. He also instructed his puppet to eliminate Lia if possible, because he wanted to pull someone behind Lia. Chapter 155: Good? No, The BEST!! Valysar The city of Valysar, situated beneath the prestigious Academy, had just faced a terrifying assault by unknown terrorists. The once-bustling city was now a scene of destruction and chaos, with the dust beginning to settle as the echoes of the attack lingered in the air. Among the few who dared to move through the rubble and debris, a young boy stood out, hugging two girls tightly in his arms. This sight drew the attention of everyone passing by, who couldn''t help but whisper and stare at the trio. "A-Aether, I-I think we should leave," Lia stammered, her face flushed with embarrassment. The attention they were attracting made her ufortable, and she felt the weight of every gaze upon them. "Y-yeah, we should get out of here," Selene agreed, her voice filled with a mix of shyness and urgency. Despite craving the warmth of Aether''s embrace, she was too shy to enjoy it in public under the watchful eyes of onlookers. She was really shy you know!.... Well, unless She was one who taking advantage. Aether sighed deeply and nodded, reluctantly letting go of the two girls, "Yes, we should leave. This ce is dangerous," he said with a tone that conveyed his deep concern for their safety. Without wasting any time, the three of them began to make their way towards the Academy. As they walked through the city, both Lia and Selene''s faces remained bright red, a testament to their embarrassment. Aether held their hands tightly, pulling them along with a firm grip that spoke volumes about his protective instincts. [+4000 Affection] Selene felt as though she were walking on clouds. She clung to Aether''s hand with both of hers, drawing immensefort and warmth from his touch... Despite her attempts to hide it, her lips continued to tremble from the shock of the bullet that had grazed her cheek. Simrly, Lia couldn''t help but stare at Aether''s hand, her face a deep shade of red. [+100 Affection] ''Does he even know what personal space is?!!'' Lia thought inwardly, but she didn''t push him away. She understood his concern and worry over their safety, and she appreciated his protective nature. Both girls were still reeling from the shock of the sudden gunfire. If it hadn''t been for Aether''s clumsy fall, they were certain their heads would have been blown to pieces, leaving them dead without ever knowing what had happened. The most surprising moment had been when, amidst their frozen terror, Aether had immediately pulled them into his embrace and pointed his hand to the sky, firing a spell randomly. As they didn''t think, the assant would fire again in the midst of the crowd.... If not for Aether''s advance attack they knew everyone here would have blown into pieces. Like Selene, Lia''s lips also trembled in fear. Yet, neither of them showed it outwardly... all because Aether held them dearly. Lia sighed, thinking of how much Aether had done for her. She felt she owed him so much. She couldn''t help but remember the look on Aether''s face when he confronted the kidnappers and even when facing the bullet; there was no fear for his own life, only the fear of losing them. [+200 Affection] Lia blushed slightly before shooing away her unwanted thoughts. Finally, they reached the imposing gates of the Academy. "We arrived!" Aether announced, feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders. His smile returned as he released their hands, "Let''s go inside," he said, his tone lighter now that they were safe. Suddenly, two figures flew out from the Academy, followed by a few groups of figures... cutting through the air with impressive speed. "Must be the professors," Lia mumbled, ncing at the flying figures heading towards Valysar City. She then looked at Aether, who seemed remarkably calm, as if everything was fine now. Lia, harbouring lingering unwanted thoughts, couldn''t help but joke, "You look too relieved. Happy knowing you won''t die now?" Aether smiled and patted Lia''s head, saying sincerely, "No, I''m happy that you guys are fine. Truly If anything happened to you guys... " he didn''t dare to finish his words as he felt he might have broken if something happened to them. "...." Lia, caught off guard by his heartfelt words, immediately averted her eyes, stammering, "I-I am going inside!" She hurriedly walked into the Academy, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. "Hmm?" Aether frowned slightly but then smiled, thinking she must be still in shock. He looked at Selene, who was pouting as if she expected him to pat her as well. "Hehe..." Aether chuckled and gently patted her head. "Heh..." Selene was already on cloud nine, her happiness evident in the sparkle of her eyes. However, something unexpected urred. When Aether gently touched the cheek that the bullet had grazed, she felt a surge of emotions she hadn''t anticipated. ''Need to take her to the infirmary before it leaves any scar...'' Aether thought, his concern for her well-being paramount. He was about to voice this thought when he noticed Selene closing her eyes and leaning towards him, her lips softly pursed in anticipation. When Aether had touched her cheek and gazed at her tenderly, any girl in her position would have thought he was about to kiss her. Selene was no different; she misread his intentions and readied herself for the kiss, throwing caution to the wind and not caring if anyone saw them. ''Hehe...'' Aether gave a wry smile, realizing that he needed to respond to this girl''s pure love, in one way or another.... He needed to answer her feelings, not as Ether, but as Aether. With a tender motion, Aether lowered his head and, "~chu~" -exclusive-content Kissed her forehead gently, "Good?" he asked, searching her face for any sign of disappointment. Aether braced himself, expecting to see a hint of letdown in her expression. However, to his surprise, there wasn''t a single trace of disappointment in Selene''s eyes. Rather, she looked truly happy. Yes, she was beyond happy. Although she might have preferred a kiss on her lips, the kiss on her forehead conveyed Aether''s genuine emotions. She could feel that he was pouring his heart into that kiss. [+4000 Affection] No words could describe her tion. Selene gazed at Aether with tender eyes and said, "Good? No, the BEST!!" She then leaned in and, "~chu~" Kissed his cheek before skipping towards the gate, trying to calm her embarrassed face with a facade of cheerful exuberance. "What are you doing? We need to go to the infirmary before it leaves a scar," Lia, who was waiting near the gate, said upon seeing Selene''s beet-red face and her jubnt movements. Aether rubbed his cheek, shaking his head with a mix of amusement and concern. ''Thud'' He pressed his pant zip tightly. He was aroused, undeniably so. Yup, when Selene kissed him, he was genuinely turned on, and the bulge in his pants was evident. ''What am I? A horny dog!! Calm down, fucker!'' Aether screamed inwardly, walking awkwardly towards the entrance gate. His mind was a swirl of conflicting emotions, his body betraying him in the most inconvenient of ways. ''Thank goodness she didn''t see this; otherwise, I wouldn''t know how to face her.... And damn these teenage hormones, getting wilder just from a kiss...'' He thought, realizing he needed to get his hormones under control before making any further moves on his targets. He took a deep breath, trying to focus on the task at hand. ''Step'' As his first stepnded inside the gate, !~Ding~! [Say: Log In] Aether frowned, thinking, ''What are you up to now?'' "What are you staring at?" Lia asked, standing in front of him with a curious expression. "Hmm... Nothing," Aether shook his head, taking another step forward, but then again, !~Ding~! [Say: Log In] Another frame appeared before his eyes. Aether knew ''Log'' was up to something, but he needed to treat Selene and Lia''s wounds first, so he tried to ignore it. However, !~Ding~! [Say: Log In] "Tsk, what the hell..." he muttered under his breath. Aether ignored the prompt and continued to walk with them, yet the messages persisted, [Say: Log In] [Say: Log In] [Say: Log In] [Say: Log In] [Say: Log In] [Say: Log In] [Say: Log In] .... .... Aether''s vision waspletely obscured by the repeated messages, making it increasingly difficult to see anything beyond them. ''Sigh, I suppose I at least owe it for saving them,'' Aether thought and reluctantly mumbled, "Log In!" [Request: Logging In] [...] [Affrimative] ''Thud'' "Aether!!!" "Ether!!" Lia and Selene screamed in unison as Aether suddenly copsed to the ground like a broken toy. _______ [Author''s Note: Hello, everyone. I noticed someone mentioning the top half mask instead of a full mask. This got me thinking, and I recalled a simr concept in BTTH (though I wondered if he was really hiding his identity or not). It struck me as a good idea. Now, I''m contemting whether I should make this change or not. I would be grateful if you could share your thoughts.] Chapter 156: First Trial Begins... "Hmm..." Aether hummed softly to himself, uncertain of how to respond to his current predicament. The situation before him was strange and unexpected, but he wasn''t entirely shocked. He knew from experience that his Log always managed toplicate things whenever it got bored.... Well, except for that one previous asion where it had actually helped him. But now, "Really?" Aether muttered, his eyes narrowing as he looked at the peculiar pirs and the group of people surrounding them. No, it wasn''t the pirs themselves or even the group that left him at a loss for words. Rather, it was... "The fuck? I''m walking on the ceiling!" Aether eximed in disbelief, realizing he was indeed walking on the ceiling of the cave, much like a ghost in a horror movie. In fact, he looked like a ghost, his entire body appearing as transparent, smoky vapour. [Author''s note: Think of the Past Holders in MHA] "Is this my soul?" Aether wondered aloud. If he had ess to a mirror, he would have liked to check whether he had the soul of his 28-year-old self or that of his teenage years. "We''re attempting this onest time. If it fails, we will have no choice but to wait for the Archpriestess''s arrival," the Principal dered with a serious expression. Hearing the mention of the Archpriestess, Aether flinched involuntarily and looked down... or rather, up! He felt a little dizzy looking up... Everyone nodded, taking their positions, and then chanted in unison, """"""""""Log In"""""""""" ''Sssshhhhhhh!!'' "Holy shit!" Aether eximed, his face disying surprise as the pirs began to light up. ''What is going on?'' he thought, his curiosity growing with each passing moment. The Principal sighed in relief as the process seemed to be working. However, ''ssshhh.....'' The light gradually began to fade, as if it were waiting for something to happen. ''What is it now?'' the Principal thought, gritting her teeth in frustration, unable toprehend what was going wrong this time. Seeing the Principal''s distressed expression, Aether frowned, wondering if his ''Log'' had once again caused some trouble. With a bit of hesitation, he softly mumbled, "Log... In." "SSSHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!" A blinding white light enveloped everyone, and in an instant, the Principal and the remaining Professors were teleported out of the cave. "THUD!" The stone door closed itself with a resounding thud. "Sigh," the Principal exhaled in relief when it finally worked, but then she frowned and asked ric, "Did you hear another voice just now?" "Hmm? No, I didn''t," ric, whose sharp ears seldom missed anything, replied, "Why? Did you hear something, Principal?" MVLeMpYr-reader "...," the Principal remained silent for a moment, then addressed the remaining professors, "You all can leave now. ric and I will bring back the children." Inside the cave, "WHAT IS HAPPENING HERE?!" Finnian shouted as the intense white light blinded his eyes. Everyone else shut their eyes tightly against the brightness, except for Aether, who standing nonchntly on the ceiling, watching the scene unfold with amusement. Slowly, the white light began to dim, and seven rainbow colours pulsed in the middle of the circr arrangement of pirs. With every pulse, the cave''s scenery shifted dramatically, startling even Aether. "SShhh" The red colour pulsed, transforming the surroundings into a bursting volcano. "Fuck!" Aether screamed, realizing the volcano was about to erupt beneath... no, above him. But then, "SShhh" The orange color pulsed, changing the scene into a chaotic war zone, with countless people engaged in fierce battles. "What the hell!" Aether yelled, ducking as an axe hurtled towards his face. Before it could strike him, "SShhh" The yellow colour pulsed, shifting the scene to calm, rocky mountains. "...." With each pulse, the environment changed until it finally settled into a serenendscape filled with lush greenery, towering mountains, and flowing rivers, a stark contrast to the chaos that preceded it. Aether looked down and saw he was standing on a cloud.... upside down. If he were in his physical body, he knew he would have already vomited from the disorientation. "Wow!" Helena Sunfire eximed, her golden eyes sparkling with curiosity. She was just about to move away from the pirs when, "Wee" An ethereal voice echoed through the seemingly endless space. Everyone turned to locate the source of the voice, their eyesnding on a blurry figure whose gender was indeterminable. The figure emanated an ethereal glow, resembling a deity descended from the heavens. Even the voice was neutral and otherworldly. "M-Mother?" Helena and Finnian muttered, their voices tinged with surprise and awe. "I shall exin the details for your future endeavours," the ethereal voice continued, its tone calm and authoritative, making everyone turn serious and attentive. "There will be six trials, each unique and taking ce in different locations. Test your Patience Test your Endurance Test your Strength Test your Weakness Test your Heart''s Nature ..... These trials may or may note... It all depends on your ability toplete the tasks at hand." Everyone nodded in understanding, knowing these were all essential steps to bing a Sovereign. The ethereal voice went on, "Since ''The Beginning'' is nearing, you need to finish these trials as soon as possible and be recognized by your desired weapon." "!!!" Everyone''s eyes widened in surprise and shock, ''The Beginning?'' and ''Recognize?'' they wondered, the terms swirling in their minds. "W-What are you t---" Before Kai could finish his question, The voice continued, "Uponpleting each trial, you will be granted the chance to ask me one question, and I will answer it." Again, their eyes widened in surprise, absorbing this unexpected boon. Ignoring their reactions, the ethereal voice carried on, "Since we have an uninvited guest..." There was a long pause as the blurry figure looked up, its gaze seemingly prating the ceiling. Aether gulped, thinking, ''Did it find out?'' "Your first trial begins... Eeh-zhur.... Find this!" The blurry figure said as an image hovered before it and added, "Since this is sudden, I will give you a hint: This item exists in this world." Everyone frowned at the image and nodded,mitting it to memory... however, "What is it?" Aether tried to see the image, but somehow the view was blocked from him. He couldn''t discern what it was clearly, nor could he hear the details the words felt like differentnguage as if the information was purposefully obscured for him alone. The voice then said, "You must not share this with anyone. Do you understand?" """""""""""Understood"""""""""" Everyone responded in unison. The blurry figure nced up and saw Aether trying his hardest to glimpse the image it showing to others. It giggled softly, "Hehe..." The students were startled by the giggle, a chill running down their spines. ''This is going to be a terrifying trial, isn''t it?'' they couldn''t help but think.Not knowing it was enjoying Aether''s expression. The ethereal voice concluded, "All the best, Chosen Ones, and... Lost One." ''Lost---?'' Before they could ponder further, everyone was pushed out from the cave. "Thud!!" The stone door closed itself once more. "How was it?" the Principal asked with a grin as she watched everyone stumbling, trying to regain their bnce after the disorienting teleportation. "T-The trial has already begun," Leon mumbled, his face alight with eagerness and anticipation. "Already?" The Principal and ric exchanged surprised nces, as it usually started a bitter for them. Chapter 157: Anonymous packages "Oh? You woke up?" the old woman in the infirmary asked when she noticed Aether stirring and opening his eyes. "Y-Yeah," Aether mumbled, his head throbbing with dull pain as he slowly sat up, clutching his temples. The room spun slightly, and he took a moment to steady himself before asking, "What happened?" The old woman exined that two youngdies had brought him in, unconscious. She had informed them that he had merely fainted from fatigue, but they had insisted on using healing potions and had almost caused a ruckus. In the end, she had to throw them out of the infirmary, but not before treating their wounds. Aether chuckled softly, ncing out the window to see the sky already dark. The girls must have returned to their dorms by now. He then thanked the old woman for her care. "Be careful, young man, and take care of those beautiful girlfriends of yours," the old woman remarked with an amused smile, her eyes twinkling with mischief. She vividly remembered the bluish-ck-haired girl''s frantic pacing and the blonde girl''s anxious nail-biting. ''Ah, youth...'' she thought to herself. Aether smiled awkwardly not knowing how to respond, then replied, "They aren''t my girlfriends," before leaving the infirmary. "Not girlfriends, eh?" the old woman murmured to herself as she watched Aether''s back disappear through the door, "Then why do you wear that happy smile? Haha... that''s youth for you!" As he walked towards his dorm, Aether''s thoughts were upied with the day''s events, especially the near-death experience of the two girls. He sighed, trying to shake off those unsettling thoughts. "Help the pure form of beings that need you in their life," Aether mumbled, reflecting on the requirement for his Ethereal Domain. Now it all made sense to him. Children were the purest form of every being, and his presence in their lives meant he had to be the one to save them. Thinking back to the baby he had helped, he realized that even without his intervention, Raven Noir would have saved the baby. "I see..." Aether nodded to himself, pondering where he might find a child who needed only his help, "This is going to be hard now..." His thoughts then drifted to the strange pirs and trials, "Hey, Log, why did you pull me there, and what do you want me to achieve?" he asked, but there was no reply. Aether shrugged. It was pointless to dwell on it. He knew that, more often than not, his Log would mess with him. So why bother thinking too much? He would just continue with his mission. "Beginning, huh?" Aether mumbled, still considering those words as part of his mission. One thing he understood was that he and the chosen ones were somehow entangled together. ''Sigh, what a pain...'' Aether thought as he entered his room, only to be taken aback. MVLeMpYr-your-novel-source "What the heck is this?" Aether eximed, seeing numerous boxes scattered inside the room. "You finally came," Taylor sighed in relief upon seeing Aether. She then exined that two of the boxes were delivered by a Clothingpany, another two were from the Empress, and thest two were anonymous. "Empress?" Aether was surprised. He checked the sender''s details on one of the boxes and saw it was from the Pce. Carefully, he opened it, expecting something dangerous since he had angered her. To his surprise, it contained costly clothes.... really expensive ones, judging by the fabrics. "Hmm?" Then he noticed a small letter inside: / Do your best to survive.... and next time, I will prove who is gonna tremble like a little cat!!! / Seeing the short and terse message, Aether couldn''t help butugh. ''Really? Let''s see...'' he thought, an evil smirk ying on his lips, he was waiting to see her blushing face. He then turned his attention to the two anonymous packages. Aether examined the details but found no sender information. He nced at Taylor, who nodded, reassuring him, "Everything entering the Academy is scanned, so there''s no need to worry." Aether nodded and opened the first package, revealing white clothes... Yeah, just pure white clothes.Everything from innerwear to shoes, all pure white as if he shouldn''t be tainted by anyone. There was also a letter inside: / I miss you... Please be safe! I pray for your safety and I will always protect you wherever you are. / "Ste..." Aether whispered, a gentle smile forming on his face. He could picture her worried expression even without seeing her name. But then, remembering her sister, the Archpriestess, his smile faded, and sweat beaded on his forehead, ''I-I need to deal with her somehow...'' he thought and shrugged. He then looked at the final package. Opening it, he was shocked, "!!" Even Taylor was surprised to see fluffy clothes.... everything was fluffy and girly, though still male attire. It looked like something an overprotective grandmother or Clingy Overprotective Mother would choose. Aether stared at the pink underwear with a cute elephant image on it, his eyes and lips twitching in disbelief. He was about to close the box when he noticed a letter. Sighing, he read it: / I-I h-hope you like it and I attached a few Zenith... Hope you utilize it responsibly and.... I-I love you! / "....." Aether stared nkly at the letter, then saw an envelope attached to it. Opening the envelope, he was stunned. "10,000 Zenith!" Taylor mumbled in surprise, seeing the substantial amount. Aether sighed, uncertain of the sender, ''I love you?Who the fuck are you even?'' He screamed inwardly and most of all, He couldn''t ept such a high amount, especially without knowing the identity of the sender, "Can we trace who sent this?" he asked Taylor, who shook her head in denial. Aether sighed again, unsure of what to do with so many clothes. "Should I arrange them?" Taylor offered. Aether shook his head, "Give me some time to think about this." "Sss~" Snowke peeked out from Aether''s pocket and looked at him worried, as if asking whether he was fine or not. "Hah." Aether smiled a little and patted her head, which seemed to make her happy. [+2000 Affection] Taylor stared at Snowke. She wanted to pet her, but... "HIISSS!!" Snowke''s reaction was swift and fierce, a sharp hiss escaping her tiny form as she rebuffed Taylor''s attempt to touch her head. Taylor''s expression morphed into a pout of disappointment. Aether found amusement in their interaction, a chuckle escaping his lips as he observed their yful exchange. Then, a thought struck him. "Hey, Taylor, could tell me how to use this to increase my level?" he queried, producing a Golden 1-Star Crystal obtained from the Bears as an example. Though he could increase his level through Affection, still he wanted to see how others normally do this. Taylor hesitated before saying, "You are a nk Arcane Card holder, so it''s not possible to increase your level" Chapter 158: Taylor is kind of sexy Part-1 A nk Arcane Card signifies aplete absence of both Talent and Aptitude. In simpler terms, those who were bestowed with nk cards were regarded as failures, or even abandoned by the Arcane Herself. That''s the harsh reality this society believes. "I see... so there''s no point in obtaining these Crystals?" Aether inquired, his voice tinged with curiosity and resignation. "Yes," Taylor confirmed with a nod, delicately picking up one crystal and summoning her Arcane Card. It shimmered into existence, revealing a stunning Gold Arcane Card. "Wow, gold!" Aether eximed, his eyes widening in disbelief. He had heard that gold aptitude, rare and almost epic card-like in games. The idea that a mere maid could possess such a card seemed beyondprehension. Taylor smiled awkwardly, then her face turned serious, "Don''t be too surprised. Look, I have only four stars, which means my maximum level caps at 60. Someone with silver aptitude and a level of 90 could easily beat a shit out of me!" "I see..." Aether nodded, already familiar with these details. His eyes then drifted to the corner of her card, noticing three stars glowing brightly while one remained empty, a hollow star, "So your current level is around 30 to 45, right?" "Yes. The number of empty stars present on the card determines your maximum level, while the number of stars shining indicates your current level, though it''s more of an approximation. My current level is 40," she borated, cing the golden crystal atop her card. "ssshhhhiinnggggg!" The golden crystal crumbled into shimmering particles before being absorbed into the card. "Oh!" Aether''s eyes widened in awe as he watched the magical disy. The way the particles dissolved into the card was truly mesmerizing "Wait! Did you just use my golden crystal to level up?!" Aether''s voice was a mix of disbelief and shock as he realized he had lost his hard-earned crystal so easily. "Tsk, don''t be silly. It''s just a Golden 1-Star Crystal; it''s not even enough to significantly increase my attributes, let alone level up," Taylor replied, her tone slightly annoyed, though inwardly, her lips trembled with suppressedughter. Seeing Aether''s judgmental and deadpan look, Taylor couldn''t hold back any longer. She burst intoughter, "Pffftt... Hahahahaha..." "Haha... What''s so funny about that?" Aether was annoyed, feeling thoroughly duped by this cunning girl. "C''mon, Aether, it''s not like you could use it anyway, right?" Taylor asked, herughter subsiding but her eyes still sparkling with amusement. "Oh? Even so, I could have sold it and made some money, right?" Aether said, his face serious as he thought, ''Also, my Modified Arcane Card might make a difference!'' "Well..." Taylor hesitated not wanting to answer, but when Aether extended his hand and asked, "Money?" "Tsk, don''t be stingy, Aether! It''s just one crystal, you know," Taylor said with an amused smile, trying to sneakily grab the remaining golden crystals. She really wanted to annoy him for touching her chest earlier!! Aether''s eyes widened as he saw her trying to take the crystal, ''That sneaky thief!'' he thought before eximing, "You sneaky little...!" Aether grabbed her hand. Startled by the sudden touch, Taylor jerked her hand, causing Aether to fall on top of her, ''Thud'' ''Thud'' "...." "...." Their faces were mere inches apart, and they stared into each other''s eyes, their breaths mingling in the heated air. Taylor''s cheeks flushed a deep crimson as she felt his warm breath against her skin, her sses were disoriented. ''H-he''s... quite handsome...'' she thought, her heart racing.She swallowed hard, feeling a strange heat spreading through her body. Then, her eyes widened in surprise, ''Arrgh! What am I even thinking?'' ... ''Gulp'' Just as she was about to push him off, Aether gently removed her disoriented sses and stared deeply into her eyes. Taylor suddenly felt all the strength drain from her body, her shyness overwhelming her, making it difficult to even meet his gaze. ... ''Gulp'' Aether couldn''t help but be captivated by glimmering purple eyes, "Your eyes... they''re truly gorgeous," he whispered, his voice low and husky. "!!!" ''Ba-Dump'' Taylor''s heart skipped a beat. She immediately pushed him to the side, her voice trembling with a mix of embarrassment and indignation, "W-what are you doing, y-you womanizer?!" Aether just smiled, seeing her blushing face. She almost looked simr to the Empress, in her flustered state. Seeing his smile, Taylor''s face turned even redder, ''This womanizer!'' she thought, gritting her teeth in frustration. ... ''Gulp'' chapter-hosted-on-MVLeMpYr Both of them frowned, hearing that gulping sound once again. They turned their heads toward the source.... only to see Snowke happily gulping down the Golden 1-Star Crystal. Aether''s face turned horrified, "M-my money..." However, "Stop her, otherwise, she''ll die from eating too much!" Taylor shouted, her voice filled with urgency. But before either of them could move, Snowke swallowed, ... ''Gulp'' And suddenly, "HHHHIIISSSSSSS!!!!!!!" She screamed, her body writhing in pain. The sight was agonizing to watch, her form contorting in distress. "W-what should we do?!" Aether shouted, his heart breaking at the sight of her agony. He felt utterly helpless. Taylor shook her head, saying, "I think... it''s already toot" Before she could finish, "Crack" Snowke''s skin cracked as if she were about to burst. The next second, her body suddenly went still. "S-Snow..." With trembling hands, Aether slowly walked towards her. When he held her motionless body, his eyes became vacant, devoid of hope. Ignoring Aether, Taylor examined Snowke''s body carefully before sighing in relief, "She just went into hibernation due to the overload... don''t worry, she''ll wake up in a day or two." "She might evolve during this time!" Taylor said with reassurance. Hearing that, Aether''s eyes regained their light. He gently ced his ear on her body and heard a faint sound, ''lub..dub...'' His body rxed as he looked at Taylor and, ovee with emotion, suddenly hugged her. Though Taylor was taken aback, feeling his trembling body, she sighed and hugged him back. Her eyes suddenly turned cold and calcting as she muttered inwardly, ''He is weak!'' She already got the info on what happened while she was busy treating Timmy. From what she heard (eavesdropped) from Lia and Selene, it seemed they almost died if not for Aether''s clumsiness. Then, with a nce at Aether, who was now separated from her, his expression softened as he said, "Thank you." She watched as he gently ced Snowke on the empty boxes with utmost care, his movements tender and deliberate. Aether even went a step further, cing his new clothes inside the box, ensuring Snow could stay warm throughout the night. With a weary sigh, he finally decided to retire early, the exhaustion of the day weighing heavily on him. However, ''BANG!'' ''BANG!'' Chapter 159: Taylor is kind of sexy Part-2 ''Bang!'' ''Bang!'' A vision of two headless bodies suddenly appeared, vivid and horrifying. The vision then moved forward, hands trembling with a mix of fear and dread. Just as the hands were about to touch the headless bodies... "Arrhh!!" Aether abruptly woke up from the nightmare, his breathing in heavy, panicked gasps, his eyes darting frantically from side to side as if still searching for the horrors from his dream. "Another nightmare?" Taylor, who was lyingfortably on the top bunk of the bed, couldn''t help but ask. It was the third time that single night Aether had woken up in such a state. "S-Sorry..." Aether responded, his voiceden with exhaustion, his face showing the toll of sleepless nights. Taylor sighed deeply, jumped down from her bunk, and sat beside him on his bed, looking at him with a concern, "Is something bothering you?" she asked, even though she had a pretty good idea of what was troubling him. the-ce-NovelBin Aether shook his head slowly, attempting to dismiss her concern, "I''m fine--" he started to say, but before he could finish, "Just tell me," Taylor insisted, nudging her sses up her nose with a stern expression that showed she wouldn''t be easily swayed. Aether stared at her face for a long moment before sighing deeply, "I... I don''t know... I... I''m just so worried that I might lose those close to me... again." Taylor''s stern expression slowly softened into one of empathy. She said gently, "Lie down." "Hmm?" "Just lie down" Aethery back down on the bed, feeling the mattress creak under his weight. Taylor ced her hand gently on his chest and began to hum softly, "~Hmmm~Hmmm~Hmhhmmhaaa~~AaaaahhhAAA~aaahh~" Aether''s eyes widened in awe as he listened to the melodious sounds emanating from her. Her voice was so soothing and enchanting that he felt as if he might drift off to sleep... Eternally. Seeing his shocked expression, Taylor was amused and said, "Just close your eyes." Aether shook his head, unwilling to miss the melody, ''D-Don''t tell me.... Could it really be her?'' he wondered, his mind entertained some unwanted thoughts. If he could transmigrate..... then there was a possibility, right? It might be her. Aether gulped, feeling a mix of anticipation and hesitation. He mumbled softly, "... T-This night is sparkling, don''t you let it go....." as he waited for her to continue remaining, Taylor looked at him weirdly, not understanding, ''What is he talking about?'' she thought. She nced at the window, seeing nothing sparkling outside. She turned back to him with a pitiful gaze, thinking, ''He might have hit his head somewhere... poor thing.'' Aether''s lips twitched as he noticed her expression. Just as he was about to say something more, she interrupted, "I said close your eyes." Aether nodded obediently and closed his eyes, listening to her soul-soothing melody as he slowly drifted into sweet, peaceful dreams. "~aahh~mmmHHH~aaaa~aa~a~a~a~a~a~a~hmmm~~~~~" Seeing him breathe calmly, Taylor stopped singing and stared at his peaceful, smiling face. He looked so content. She was about to move away, but Aether held her hand tightly, as if he didn''t want her to let go, a slight frown forming on his face even in sleep. "Sigh, it''s like I''m taking care of a child..." she mumbled to herself before lying down beside him on his bed. Since the bed was small, she ended up quite close to him. She stared at his happy, rxed face, sighed, and blushed slightly before turning her head away. ''Come on! I shouldn''t feel anything; it will make it hard to kill him if the Empress orders me! I am just a tool..... Don''t forget your ce! Damn It!!'' Taylor thought to herself, her mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, before finally closing her eyes. The Next Morning, ''Slurp~'' "~Mmm~" "~Ahha~" "~Haaa~" ''Slurp~'' "...." Aether''s ears twitched as seductive sounds trickled into them. Slowly, he fluttered his eyes open, still in a half-awake state, ''W-What''s with that sound?'' he wondered groggily. He subconsciously sucked on something, ''Slurp~'' "~Mmmmhh~" His eyes suddenly snapped wide open when he heard that moaning sound. He looked down at his mouth, only to find himself in a horrifying yet tantalizing situation... He was sucking on Taylor''s left breast through her clothing. The fabric of her nightdress was damp from his drool, clinging to the curve of her breast, revealing the outline of her nipple. ''Gulp'' Aether gulped in terror, realizing he was tightly hugging her body, his face buried in her chest, his lips wrapped around her nipple, ''I-I don''t think I had this kind of problem before...'' he thought, and his mouth unconsciously moved closer to her breast again, savouring the warmth and softness through the fabric. Even more rming, he could see a small, hard protruding point pressing against the wet cloth. ''H-Her nipple, right?'' Aether gulped once again before looking up. He saw that Taylor was still sleeping peacefully, her face serene and untroubled. He remembered what happened the previous night and sighed, a smile creeping onto his face. He was truly grateful for her calming presence, feeling refreshed, his mind calm as river and ready to face any challenge..... Her gentle touch and soothing melody had been a balm to his troubled mind. There was no point in moping about the past. Those two were fine now, so dwelling on it was useless. From here on, he needed to be more careful about his surroundings... He didn''t want to owe his Log anymore. A dangerous glint passed through his eyes. He was definitely going to make those who almost killed his friends pay. He smiled, feeling mentally rejuvenated. ''It must be her melody,'' he thought, feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude towards her. He knew Taylor wasn''t the kind of girl who would sneak into another man''s bed. He had seen her shy expression many times, even during their dance, where she was hesitant to make close contact. There must be some reason for her lying in his bed. He truly believed that! He prided himself on being a true gentleman. He wasn''t going to take advantage of a pure-hearted girl..... He was definitely not a pervert! Yes, he was a gentleman above all gentlemen. Aether smiled with the pride of a true gentleman (Sigma) and was about to move when, "~Aahhh~" ''STOP!!!'' Chapter 160: Taylor is kind of sexy Part-3 "~Aahhh~" ''STOP!!!'' Aether screamed inwardly as he realized his hand had been groping her soft, round butt. The feel of her curves beneath his palm sent a shiver down his spine. His eyes widened as he stared at his hand... or rather at her butt, which was visible due to the hem of her white nightdress being pulled up, revealing hercy purple panties. ''M-Maybe her hem pulled up while she was sleeping,'' Aether reasoned. While it was a possibility that he might have pulled it up, Aether believed, as a gentleman, he wouldn''t do that...pletely forgetting what he had been sucking before. Nevertheless, his hand refused to let go of her soft, squishy butt.The smoothness of her skin against his fingers was intoxicating--- ''COME ON! FUCKER!! YOU ARE GENTLEMAN!!'' Aether used every bit of his brainpower to control his unfaithful right hand and take it off her soft and squishy butt. But.... ''Slip'' His hand slipped into her purple panties, his fingers brushing against the delicatece, ''P-Please stop...I-I am gentle--'' he begged his hand, but it continued, "~Hmmm~" His hand slowly slid into her butt crack and groped it tightly, feeling a sudden clench from Taylor. The warmth and the firmness of her flesh were almost too much to bear. ''Snap'' Thest thread of his sanity finally broke. Even if sanity broke he would still retain his gentl-- ''Fuck off!!'' Aether looked at his hand and thought, ''Gentleman? The fuck!!... I am fucking MAN in the first ce!!! The food is right in front of me and I want to stop myself, the fuck is that!!....'' He looked at her breast, still covered by her nightdress, the fabric barely hiding the enticing curves beneath. Still, He was truly a gentleman and really grateful for her help. However.... That... was different! He realized now... Those things were different even a gentleman should be a man in front of a woman! ''Gulp'' He gulped again, his throat dry from too much anticipation, and his raging teenage hormones only heightened by inhaling her womanly scent, making him even more conscious of her. Her scent was intoxicating, a mix ofvender and something uniquely her own. He looked at her hip curve, which he hadn''t noticed before. But now, seeing her body in a single piece of nightdress, peacefully sleeping beside a man... Surely any man would go insane!! His gaze travelled down her body, taking in every detail, lingering on each curve and contour: Her dishevelled hair, a rich shade of chestnut brown, cascaded in delicate waves around her face.....Aether desired to inhale the intoxicatingly flowery scent of her hair, to bury his face in its softness. Strands fell delicately around her face, framing features that were a captivating blend of beauty and cuteness... Aether felt an overwhelming desire to kiss every inch of her face, to taste the sweetness of her lips. Her long neck, graceful and elegant, transitioned smoothly into her shoulders, leading down to her ample bosom. Usually, this was modestly concealed beneath her ssic maid dress or bandages when she was in disguise.... But now, the sight of it sent a milky smile to Aether''s nose, making him long to suck her breast, to have it under his mercy. The fabric of her outfit, while modest, hinted at the curves beneath, teasingly drawing his eye. Her dress cinched at the waist, entuating her curvy hips..... A-Aether desired to hold her waist with his hands and give a kiss on it. T-Then her plump butt, which was under his predatory gaze... A-Aether''s desires ran wildly, he could not describe it anymore as he himself had little guilty pleasure. His Lust exponentially increasing... ''What the fuck?! D-Did I really not notice her before?.... She looks fucking... Sexy!!!!'' Aether was really taken aback to think he would not even look at this sexy woman before. He gently groped her butt under her purple panties, feeling the soft flesh give under his touch. "~mmm~" His nose moved slowly towards her protruding nipple, nudging it gently. "~aaa~" Aether suddenly clenched his legs when he felt himself getting even harder. Slowly, he parted his lips, his tongue flickering out to tease her protruding nipple through the fabric. "~mmm~" Her moans sent a shiver down his spine. He clenched his teeth, struggling not to let his inner animal take control. Then he parted his lips to... gobble her breast, and "~aahh~" ''Slurp~'' Sucking it eagerly. "~mmmm~mmm~" Even though there was fabric between them, Aether could still feel her protruding nipple as he sucked, ''It''s been so long since I sucked boobs,'' he thought. His teenage hormones were off the charts, his left hand trying its best to restrain him while his right hand massaged her butt. ''What a sinful person I''ve be...'' he thought with a sad face, yet there was not a single bit of regret or guilt in him. discover-stories-NovelBin If push came to shove, he would just point out that she was too defenceless and that he wasn''t a gentleman anymore! Aether''s right hand subconsciously... no, fully consciously, moved downward until it touched something it shouldn''t have, causing, "Arrrhhh! Whhtatt?" Taylor groaned. Taylor''s eyes fluttered open, and with groggy eyes, she saw the bed was empty. She wondered where Aether had gone, but then, "1044" "1045" "1046" Hearing the counting, she turned and saw Aether doing push-ups... very fast! "aaahhh!!" Taylor yawned and asked, "What are you doing?" "1100--" Aether stopped in mid-motion to hide his raging hormones and, without ncing at her, said, "It''s my usual training time!" "Hmm?" Taylor frowned and asked, "But you didn''t do this yesterday?" Aether''s hand almost slipped. He stuttered, "I-I was tired, you know... settling down and all! Ahah," he awkwardly smiled before resuming his training. "2000" "2001" "2002" Taylor frowned even more and asked, "If you reached that count, then why isn''t there a single drop of sweat on your body?" Instead of answering, Aether simply replied, "We have only half an hour before ss!" Taylor''s eyes widened. She shouted at him for not waking her up earlier before running towards the bathroom. ''Thud'' After she entered the bathroom, Aether copsed and sighed, "What have I done...?" Meanwhile, Taylor leaned against the door, her face, ears, and neck turning red as she mumbled, "T-That was almost dangerous..." To be honest, she was already awake... more likely when Aether, in a sleeping state, sucked her boob. She had instantly opened her eyes and was about to beat the shit out of him.... but when she saw he was genuinely sleeping. Calming her urge to kill him, she tried to push him away but... she hesitated, not knowing why. But she hesitated when she saw his lovely and lonely expression... it was as if something invoked her motherly side.so she let him continue, reasoning that the fabric in between made it fine. And After all, she was older than him so she felt he was a child. However, as time passed, Aether became more daring, and she noticed he was even awake yet still acting like a pervert. ''S-Sure, he is definitely a perverted womanizer!!'' Taylor gritted her teeth, and when she looked at her leg, there was white, transparent liquid sliding down her thigh. "Arrrhhh!!!" She groaned in annoyance before stepping into the shower. Chapter 161: Punishment? Principal''s Office Aurelia Scarlet and Selene Frostde stood nervously before the principal, who was simply staring at them without a word. The silence was oppressive, and the tension in the room was palpable. "I-Is something wrong?" Lia asked tentatively, ncing at Delphine, who stood silently to the side, her expression unreadable. No answer came. The room remained dead silent, each second stretching longer than thest. Lia and Selene exchanged puzzled and anxious nces, both wondering why they had been summoned during ss hours. ''Did they find out?'' They wondered. Suddenly, a sound broke the silence, Knock, Knock "Come in," the principal said, her voice a sharp contrast to the quiet. Lia and Selene turned their heads to see Aether entering the room with a hurried, almost frantic expression on his face. Selene sighed in relief, ''It seems he waste today'', she thought. She had really panicked when he didn''t arrive this morning, but now upon seeing him here, she realized... not only she but also Aether and Lia as their eyes widened in understanding. "I am sorry, Principal, I slept a little longer than I intended," Aether said with an awkward smile, trying to lighten the mood. Taylor and Aether hade inte, and one of the servants had informed them that Delphine had ordered Aether toe to the principal''s office. Upon entering, Aether quickly realized this meeting wasn''t about his tardiness but rather... about yesterday''s incident, which had caused quite a stir. Aether looked at Lia and Selene, a surprised expression on his face, "Oh? You guys are here too? What happened?" he asked, feigning ignorance. Lia quickly caught on to his act, "Beats me," she shrugged, still pondering the reason for their summons and trying to appear nonchnt. Selene nodded a momentter, ying along. The principal''s lips twitched slightly as she looked at the trio. Delphine shook her head in disbelief at their pretence. The principal got straight to the point, "Student John from ss D was severely injured yesterday. Even though his disfigured face was healed, he contacted his family, and now... they are demanding answers and rightful action against the responsible party." Hearing this, the trio sighed in relief, looking at each other with faint, relieved smiles. "BAM!!" The principal mmed her hand down on the table when she saw their smiles, her face showing clear irritation, "This is not something tough about!!" """We are sorry""" They said in unison. read-first-on-NovelBin The principal nced at Delphine, who nodded and began to speak, "ording to the report, the victim imed he wanted to have a friendly talk with them, but Aether, who got jealous of his handsome face, hit him and ran away." Selene frowned at this and was about to interrupt when the principal raised her hand to stop her, "Let Delphine finish," she said, and Selene reluctantlyplied. "But ording to witnesses, it seems John grabbed Aether''s shirt first, and Selene was the one who hit him on the table before they both ran away," Delphine continued. "I-I think he was wrong first, so..." Lia mumbled slightly, her voice trailing off. The principal stared at the trio with a stern face, "First of all, it''s not about who is right or wrong." Then she looked at Selene specifically and said, "You hurt a student on the premises, and it happened in the cafeteria where everyone eats peacefully. This is a serious matter." "I heard you also hurt your brother''s servant. We overlooked that since he was a servant, but if your brotherins, we will take strict action.... However, John is a student under our academy''s protection, Ms. Selene Frostde," the principal frowned and red at Selene as she continued, "Do you think it was right to hit a student?" Selene lowered her head, unable to meet the principal''s stern gaze but there was no regret in her eyes, "No, Principal," she mumbled. Then the principal turned her attention to Aether, "And you, who gave you permission to enter the students'' cafeteria?" "Well" Before Aether coulde up with an excuse, the principal cut him off, "Not only that, you also picked a fight with a professor," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument. Aether had nothing to say about this about the secondint. The principal then looked at Lia, "And you..." "I didn''t do anything," Lia said quickly, her face the picture of innocence. The principal nced at Delphine, who nodded. The principal sighed. "I suppose you are out of the problem then." "Heh..." Lia giggled softly, ncing at the other two, who looked at her with betrayed expressions. ''I am sorry, guys... It''s for the greater good!'' Lia thought to herself,as she looked at them with a pitiful expression. The principal was about to give her verdict when, "She is the one who allowed me to enter," Aether pointed at Lia with a serious face and continued, "If not for her misusing her power as a second rank, nothing would have happened." "!!" Lia''s eyes widened, her lips parting in horror. She couldn''t believe what he had just said. Selene nced at Aether, who winked at her. She understood his n and felt amused, so she added, "Yes, Principal, even though I said it was wrong, she forced Aether toe inside," Selene''s eyes turned teary, adding to her act of innocence. Lia was once again shocked by the betrayal. "I see..." The principal nodded and asked Lia directly, "You are the one who allowed him?" "W-Well... Yes, but I did" Before Lia could finish, The principal said sternly, "I suppose you three are all deemed for punishment." "!!" Lia''s mouth was wide open, unable to respond. She nced at Aether and Selene, who were smiling ear to ear, clearly pleased with themselves. ''Let''s enjoy the punishment together!'' Aether''s eyes say that. Simrly, ''Yeah, Best friends forever'' Selene''s eyes say. ''These guys...'' She thought, almost losing hope in the concept of friendship. Just as the principal was about to announce their punishment, suddenly, Knock, Knock "...Come in." John, the victim, entered the room with his face wrapped in bandages, looking quite the spectacle. Everyone looked at his bandages and couldn''t help but think, ''He is overdoing this''because the nurse in the infirmary had already healed him with a powerful healing potion. There was no real need for the bandages... but as the victim, he could do anything he wanted to garner sympathy. John red at Aether before bowing deeply in front of the principal. "I''d like to withdraw myint, Principal." "Hmm? Why?" The principal asked, surprised. "Because I already received an apology from the master of this ugly servant!" John said with a smile as he showed a letter. He never thought Princess Aqualina would personally visit him and offer a hefty amount aspensation for her servant''s actions. Though he loved to show his manly side to beautiful girls, money was a different matter altogether. It had a way of changing priorities. And he knew there was no use in pursuing petty revenge against a pathetic, ugly servant. He would deal with this servantter, in his own way. "..." The principal frowned for a moment before reading the letter.... which was from John''s parents. To her surprise, they also withdrew theint. She sighed inwardly, thinking, ''I suppose her daughter is also a cunning one''then dismissed everyone. They had pointlessly wasted her time. She then focused on yesterday''s more pressing incident: They had found 15 dead bodies, and after a thorough investigation, discovered those individuals belonged to the Umbrionis Void Empire. She had already sent a formal response to the empire, and if they chose to ignore it... she would personally visit them. Causing chaos in her city was absolutely uneptable! Chapter 162: This is better than K-Dramas "Madam Aria" "Yes?" "Why did you bring me here?" Aether asked with a doubtful gaze, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. After nearly escaping punishment, the day had returned to a semnce of normalcy. However, when he visited the Servants'' Cafeteria to have brunch, he noticed the other servants giving him strange looks, and Taylor had disappeared for unknown reasons. He attempted to contact Aqualina, but she seemed preupied with her studies, much like Selene and Lia. With nothing else to do, he decided to roam around the academy, helping a few workers along the way and earning some affection points. Aria Zephyr, who had been skipping sses, caught him performing these good deeds like a responsible boy. She then brought him to arge yground that surrounded the academy and sat under a tree. Aether did not object to her presence; after all, he needed to score some points with her as well. "Hmm? Nothing much... " Aria tilted her head and said, "I saw you were eager to learn new things, so I thought I might help you." "Oh!" Aether was genuinely surprised. He hadn''t expected her to be so attentive toward him. He sat before her, albeit at a little distance, not wanting to make her feel ufortable. Then, with a curious look, Aria asked, "H-How is it going between you and your master?" Aether knew exactly what she was hinting at, so he replied, "After that day, she told me not to approach any of the other chosen ones." Hearing that, Aria looked surprised and a bit worried, "Then what about now? You should have told me this before... She''s going to beat youter!" Aether awkwardly said, "Well, since it''s Madam Aria, I thought it would be alright even if I get a little beating," as he avoided looking directly into her eyes. Seeing his shy expression, Aria couldn''t help but smile as she teased, "You''re really good with your words... Tell me, how many times have you used that line on others?" She expected Aether to be flustered and stutter, but to her surprise, he replied with a serious face, "No, Madam Aria, You are the only one!" [+100 Affection] "..." Aria blinked in surprise before nodding. "You really are good with words, you know." "Is that so? If Madam Aria thinks so, then it must be true," Aether replied with curiosity, hiding his smirk. "Anyway, what do you want to learn first?... I know lots of things... hmm" Aria changed the topic, feeling like she was being led by Aether''s smooth words. "Everything" "Everything? Oh! I see..." Aria nodded in understanding, thinking that since he was a servant, he might not have received a proper education. Aria then started with the basics. She wrote something on a piece of paper and asked Aether to read it. Aether read it without stuttering. "Good," Aria nodded, impressed by his quick reading. She then said, "Now write what I say..." ''What she is even doing?'' Aether thought, but he didn''t say anything. As long as he could spend time with Aria and get closer to her, it was fine. He wrote down what she dictated. However, "What is this?" Aria frowned when she saw Aether''s writing. The letters looked different, almost foreign, and she couldn''t understand the words. Aether looked at his writing and asked, "Is something wrong? Isn''t this what you told me to write?" Aria looked at Aether with a frown before asking him to write his name. Again, she was shocked to see those strange alphabets. ''What happened?'' Aether wondered, feeling nervous under Aria''s scrutinizing gaze. He wondered if his handwriting was so bad that she had trouble recognizing it. Aria, with a mix of serious and shocked expressions, asked, "A-Aether, are you from...." But before she could finish her sentence, "Who told you to cut sses?" A cold voice interrupted, making both of them flinch. They turned to see ric walking toward them with a stone-cold face. Aria frowned and quickly hid the paper, burning it with her magic. ric stood before them and repeated, "Who told you to cut sses?" Aria snorted and replied, "I can do whatever I want." Veins popped on ric''s forehead as he focused on Aether, who was sitting a little too close to his wife for his liking, "Hey, lowlife... Didn''t I tell you not to get close to my wife?" His voice was cold as ice. Aria frowned. "Lowlife? Mr. Professor ric, that is not the right way to address a student during academic hours." "Heh... Student? Who?" ric looked at Aether with an amused expression. However, Aether didn''t get angry; he was more interested in watching the drama unfold, something he had missed in his new life and most of all... ric could only bark! Aria gritted her teeth, then nced at Aether and sighed, saying, "Let''s talkter, Aether," as she hurriedly left the ce. She knew staying there would only cause more problems for Aether. ric snorted and red at Aether and warned him not to get closer to his wife... before catching up with his wife, "Later? What''s that supposed to mean? Didn''t I warn you not to get close to other males?!" Aria halted her steps and red at ric, "What right do you have to order me around, Mr. Professor who wags his tail to the principal?" Hearing that, ric almost grabbed Aria''s throat, but he calmed his anger sensing a few students around them and said, "Aria, she is.... Different, okay? She is the person I fell in love with first!" Aria''s face turned to one of disgust. However, ric didn''t care. He continued, "I do love you, but... she was the first, okay?" He slowly touched her neck as he said, "Next time you insult her... I won''t show mercy, even if it''s you." ''p'' Aria swatted his hand away and said, "Go and lick her feet all you want, but... don''t you dare question me if I will lick anyone!!" She turned and walked away. ric''s face twisted in disgust and anger, ''How dare she say that!!!'' and he was just about to shout at her when his sharp ears picked up the principal''s voice calling him urgently. A gentle smile adorned his face as he shouted to Aria, "You''re lucky for now...", she simply showed her middle finger without turning back. chapter-source-NovelBin ric''s eyes twitched then he looked at Aether, who was still watching them with amusement. Aether even waved his hand at ric, as if mocking him. ''.... I will deal with himter'' ric thought before walking away. "Oh! This is better than K-Dramas..." Aether thought with an amused tone, thoroughly entertained by the unfolding drama. Chapter 163: That place!! "Princess?" "Yes?" "Are you... angry?" "..." "You are really angry, right?" "..." "Sigh, I am sorry, Princess." "..." "I am really sorry, Princess." "... Then?" "Thank you for helping me." "..." "Princess?" "Show me your thanks. Massage my leg," Aqualinamanded, her eyes still fixated on the array of documents and data she had meticulously collected for the First Trial that Mother had assigned to them. ''This jerk!'' Aether raged inwardly, ring at Aqualina, who remained deeply engrossed in her reading. After Aria''s departure, Aether had devoted his time to rigorous physical training, tirelessly runningps, building his muscles, and punching the trees in the yground. Although he could easily enhance his attributes through other means, he knew the importance of maintaining his physical skills; without them, others would wipe his face off the floor. He had noticed a separate training ground, fully equipped with advanced training apparatus, but it was restricted to students only. Thus, he had no other choice but to make do with the yground. His path crossed with Aqualina, who promptly summoned him to her dormitory. Initially, the Dorm Manager had refused to allow Aether, a boy, to enter. However, after Princess Aqualina coaxed and struck a shady deal, the Dorm Manager relented under two strict conditions: Aether was not allowed to wander around the dormitory, and he had to leave before the designated sleeping time. Any repercussions from his actions would fall squarely on Aqualina''s shoulders. And now, "What happened?" Aqualina asked, sitting on the edge of her bed, her eyes still glued to the documents, as she raised her pristine legs. Aether wasn''t simp to fall for her pristine legs because... This morning, he had seen much more than just her legs and even touched something... squishy. The vivid memory of the sensation and sweet smell lingered in his mind. ''Fuck!'' Aether shook off the intrusive thoughts, staring nkly at Aqualina''s face, "I am sorry, Princess, but I cannot." "Hmm? Reason?" she asked, her attention still on the document. Aether, having already concocted an excuse, hid a sly smile behind his sombre expression. "Because those legs belong to Master Kai, and even he hasn''t touched them yet... How can I, an unworthy ve, touch you, even a strand of hair... Princess," he said, his tone tinged with longing. "...." Aqualina paused and finally looked at Aether, who was gazing at her with tender eyes and a longing expression. "Hmph!" Aqualina huffed, thinking, ''If you have a one-sided love, shouldn''t you seize this opportunity? ... What a loser! If he acts like this, no girl will ever fall for him.'' [+500 Affection] ''Tsk, Tsundere!'' Aether thought to himself. "Then massage my shoulder!" Aqualina demanded. ''This annoying girl!'' Aether was annoyed again and was about to give another bullshit excuse, but Aqualina cut him off, "You have massaged the Archpriestess''s shoulders before, and there''s nothing inappropriate about touching a shoulder.... Do it now!" she was really tired of dealing Aether''s mistakes and Mother''s trial. Aether sighed, moving to her bed. He was about to begin the massage when, "Make sure your eyes never look down!" She said with a serious tone. "...." Aether purposefully nced down, not at her cleavage... well, maybe a littlebut more importantly, at the documents she was holding. He noticed a map with a cornerbelled ''Aerionis Zephyra.'' "Are you nning a trip, Princess?" Aether asked when he noticed a few marking ces while massaging her shoulders. "... I told you not to look, didn''t I?" Aqualina mumbled but soon responded, "No, I am searching for a ce where ''IT'' could be." ''''IT''... Is she talking about the trial that was given?'' Aether thought, scrutinizing the map even more closely, noting several marked locations in deep corners of the outskirts. "What is ''IT''?" Aether asked carefully. "...." But Aqualina didn''t answer. Aether sighed. ''I don''t know why I am being dragged into their secret meetings. Does Arcane want me to do something? If so, why hasn''t any mission appeared?'' He wondered. His mission was supposed to be rted to Seduction, but why was he being pulled into this? ''What is Arcane truly hoping for me to do?'' Aether couldn''t help but ponder. Suddenly, Aqualina asked, "How is it going with Aria?" Aether snapped out of his thoughts and said, "I am able to get close to her, but..." "But?" Aether hesitated. Aqualina stopped looking at the documents and lifted her head, only to freeze when she saw him so close. Aether, who had been looking at the documents in her hands, was suddenly surprised to see her face this close. They locked eyes for a moment, he saw her flickering purple eyes, while she saw his mysterious blue eyes.... before Aqualina averted her gaze and asked again, "But?" Aether snapped out of his daze, thinking, ''Both Mother and Daughter really resemble each other...'' He was almost mesmerized by her beauty. He awkwardly said, "I-It''s just that whenever I get close to a woman... my blood boils, my cheeks turn hot, and... I feel something h-hard, don''t know why..." Aqualina''s face contorted in disgust as if she couldn''t believe what she was hearing, and she immediately looked at him... only to be taken aback by his innocent eyes. ''D-Don''t tell me... He doesn''t even know what''s happening to him?!'' Aqualina thought, her disbelief evident. She calmed herself, cheeks tinged with red, and asked, "Y-You... Did you receive any... I mean any kind of... You know..." Aether inwardlyughed at her innocent, shy expression. Despite her struggle to express it, he decided to y along as an innocent boy who knew nothing about the outside world. In truth, he was!!But not in this field! Seeing his expectant, innocent expression, Aqualina grumbled a little before shouting, "Did you receive any sex education?!" she blurted out, her face turning even hotter. She couldn''t believe what she had just said. Aether tilted his head, feigning innocence, and said, "S-Sex? What?" Your "Oh my..." Aqualina facepalmed. She never imagined he was this innocent. ''W-What the hell am I supposed to do now?'' She wondered, ncing at Aether, who was still acting like an innocent, curious boy. She mumbled, "You do know how babies are made, right?" with a little hopeful expression but Aether smashed it with arge hammer saying, with a shy expression, "W-W-When man and woman... k-k-k-iss, B-Baby will be born" as he mimicked his two hands kissing gesture "...." Aqualina had a ''What the fuck?'' Expression and with utter defeated expression, she said, "I suppose I need to take him to that ce." Chapter 164: Escape from this weird Girl ''Thud'' As the door to Aqualina''s room closed behind him, Aether couldn''t help but mumble to himself, "Is she really going to send me to a brothel?" His face was a picture of disbelief and shock. The thought of such an extreme measure left him bbergasted. To be honest, he had hoped for a different oue.... Perhaps Aqualina would treat him for his ''innocence'' by teaching him explicit things (nothing more than theoretical lessons on a board, of course).... or maybe even hugging him or getting close in a more intimate, yet innocent, way. He had never anticipated that she would jump straight to something as extreme as sending him to a brothel. ''Damn man!'' Aether clicked his tongue in annoyance and was just about to leave when, "Aether..." He turned around to see Aria peeking out from her room, her face etched with worry. Aether grinned inwardly, then put on a slightly sad yet happy expression as he walked towards her, "Hello, Madam Aria." However, instead of greeting him back, Aria grabbed him by the arm and pulled him into her room. "...." A golden-haired figure watched this scene silently from a distance. Inside Aria''s room, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The dim lighting cast a warm glow on the soft furnishings, and Aether couldn''t help but feel a surge of heat as he noticed Aria''s appearance. She was wearing a simple, flowing dress instead of the academy''s uniform, which highlighted her natural beauty and made her seem more approachable, yet tantalizingly out of reach. ''Gulp'' She looked really... Hot MILF!! Even though they were alone in the room, Aether was the only one feeling a little hot under the cor. Aria, being centuries old, didn''t have any of those inappropriate thoughts crossing her mind. She motioned for him to sit down on a chair while she sat across from him and asked, "D-Did she hurt you?" Aether knew she was worried about him, so he put on a fake smile and said, "I am fine!" But Aria noticed his forced smile and the word ''fine'' pierced her heart.... She knew it was anything other than fine. Biting her lip, she asked with even more concern, "Tell me the truth, Aether... Please... Think of me as your mother." Hearing that, Aether''s eyes widened in horror, ''Mother? Hell no! We don''t need to enter that territory'' he screamed inwardly, but he maintained his fake smile, "I am really fine, Madam" "Just call me Aria" Aether hesitated a little. Seeing his reluctance, Aria ced her tender hand on Aether''sp and gently said, with a motherly look, "It''s fine Aether. If you are worried about others, then when we are alone, you can call me Aria... there is no status between us." Still, Aether hesitated. Aria''s face turned a little sad, hoping that she and Aether would grow closer. "A-Aria..." Aether finally said, his face shy. [+200 Affection] "Good," Aria nodded with a tender expression, then moved her chair a little closer to him. ''Okay... What the fuck is happening?'' Aether thought, watching as she moved closer. His heart pounded, and he could feel a bead of sweat forming on his forehead. "Now tell me, did she hurt you?" Aria asked again, her gaze warm and inviting. "...." Aether didn''t answer. Aria sighed, thinking, ''He is really loyal to his master...'' and patted his head, "It must be hard..." she said,thinking Aether was being forced by the Viiness Aqualina. She even imagined Aqualina''s haughty smile as she held Aether by the cor and whipped him, like some BDSM scenario. "Yeah, it''s getting hard..." Aether mumbled inwardly as his eyes fell on her slim waist, entuated by her form-fitting dress. The fabric seemed to caress every curve, igniting a fire within him. Shaking his head, he resolved not to let this tantalizing opportunity go to waste. "HIKK!!" A surprised sound echoed in the room. "A-Aether?" Aria''s voice wavered with surprise as Aether enveloped her in a sudden embrace. Just as she was about to push him away, Aether''s touch sent a rush of warmth coursing through her, stirring sensations she hadn''t felt in years, "Let me be... even for a few seconds," he murmured, his breath brushing against her skin. Noticing his trembling body, Aria sighed and pulled him closer, her touch infused with a mix of maternal care. [+200 Affection] Aether noticed that the affection was not increasing. His face was pressed against her abdomen, separated only by the thick fabric of her dress. If he raised his head, his head might touch her bosom, which would be a problem because now was not the time to push her too much. He enjoyed the warmth of her abdomen and, as he did, he heard, "Ba-dump, Ba-dump, Ba-dump...." Aether frowned at the sound of her heart beating faster. ''Why?'' he wondered. The reason was simple: This was Aria''s first time being this close to the opposite gender. Although she was married, she had never allowed ric to touch her.... all because of the Principal. An unspoken problem in the family! Nevertheless, Even though she treated Aether like a child, the mere proximity of his touch ignited a primal response within her. Her pulse quickened, her hands trembled, hoping Aether wouldn''t notice, but unfortunately, "A-Aria... Why is your heart beating faster?" Aether asked with an innocent expression. Aria immediately flinched as if caught off guard and pushed Aether away, quickly changing the topic, "I-it''s almost time for bed... S-so, see youter!" She then hurriedly pushed him out of her room. Thud She locked the door and ced her hand on her chest, still feeling her heart racing, ''W-what is happening to me?'' Suddenly, an image of Aether''s innocent face popped into her mind and then, [+300 Affection] She immediately pped her face and decided to take a shower when she noticed a lingering smell of Aether on her clothes. Meanwhile, Aether, standing outside, smirked, ''Good~ Everything is fine~'' he thought with a happy face. Just as he was about to move, m _v,l_e _mp|y|r chapter "What are you doing here?" Hearing a calm voice, Aether flinched and looked back to see a golden-haired girl, a.k.a., Helena Sunfire. Aether calmed down and said with a stern face, "Hello--" [+1 Affection] His voice trailed off when he saw the notification and looked at Helena, who was still waiting for his answer with her arms folded under her bosom. "My name is Aether----" [+1 Affection] "...." Aether stopped himself and looked around to see if anyone else was there, but there was no one in the corridor except him and Helena. "What happened?" Helena asked, snapping her fingers in front of Aether''s face. "H-Huh? Nothing," Aether answered, feeling awkward as he looked at Helena. "I asked you what you are doing here," she repeated with an impatient expression. "Well, I was..." [+1 Affection] "I was helping..." [+1 Affection] "... Helping Madam Aria since she..." [+1 Affection] "... asked me to arrange her wardrobe." [+1 Affection] "...." Aether had no more words and just wanted to escape from this weird girl. Chapter 165: Some girls really innocent, You know!! "Yes, put it there!" Helenamanded with a hint of amusement in her voice, her finger pointing decisively to a specific spot in the room. "Understood!" Aether replied, nodding as he hoisted the heavy table and moved it to the designated position. [+1 Affection] Why was Aether helping her? The question nagged at the back of his mind. It wasn''t out of goodwill or some newfound sense of duty.... Hell No! It was because Helena had threatened to report to the Principal that he had entered Aria''s room... a situation that spelt trouble not just for him but also for Aqualina. So, he chose toply with her demands, as long as they were within the bounds of reason. Still, he couldn''t help but be perplexed by her actions. Why was she giving him Affection points? And why was she even allowing him, a stranger into her private space? ''Do I know her?'' Aether mused, his thoughts wandering as he methodically arranged the tables and chairs, the mundane task giving him time to ponder. Helena''s gaze was fixed on Aether''s sparkling eyes, a mixture of curiosity and something deeper in her expression. She and Finnian had been tasked by the Archpriestess to keep an eye on this boy. Initially, they were reluctant, perhaps even disdainful of the assignment. But that was before they saw his astonishing defiance.... ignoring his Master''smand and invoking the formidable chains of the Eternal ve, managing to crack them even if only slightly. Such a feat was unheard of, and it was then they realized why the Archpriestess might be interested in him. This was not something any ordinary person could achieve. That''s why they believed the Archpriestess''s interest in Aether had a significant reason behind it. But her peculiar behaviourdancing with him, asking for shoulder massages.... was baffling, really baffling. These acts were borderline sphemous, and yet she seemed unbothered by the sacrilege. Find joy in m _v _le _mpyr reads. The moment when the Archpriestess almost traded Helena for Aether was still fresh in her mind..... Helena had been at a loss for words. She felt devastated, the betrayal cutting deep. The Archpriestess, second only to the Mother God, was ready to give her away to another person. The sense of abandonment was overwhelming, yet Helena didn''t voice her despair. She had unwavering faith in the Archpriestess, who had given her the life she desired. Questioning her was not an option. Everything Archpriestess did was for the greater good! That''s what she believed! So, Helena''s curiosity about Aether grew.... She wanted to understand why the Archpriestess ced him above her. Even if he did the miracle, was it still worth trading herself... She wondered. As she watched him working diligently, even though he was under duress, a pang of guilt hit her. She wanted to spend time with him, to understand him, but he always seemed preupied. When she saw him entering Aria''s room, an idea formed. She could use this as leverage to spend time with him, to learn about him. She just needed to understand why the Archpriestess was so invested in him. "Sigh," Aether exhaled, wiping the sweat off his forehead after cing thest chair. Just as he was about to end this freebour, "What the!!" Aether was taken aback when he turned and found Helena''s face mere inches from his. Her breath was warm against his skin, and the proximity sent an unexpected shiver down his spine. "Hehe.." Helena giggled, her eyes gleaming with mischief, "Sorry if I startled you!" she said, not retreating an inch. She continued to gaze into his eyes with her mesmerizing golden irises. [+1 Affection] Aether sighed again, this time with a mix of exasperation and amusement, "You do know that I am a man, right?" "Hmm? Are you not?" Helena tilted her head, genuinely curious. Aether''s lips twitched at her naive question. It was both frustrating and endearing. "I am, Madam Helena.... 1000% Man!" "Then why did you ask that?" Helena leaned in closer, her curiosity intensifying. ''Does she not understand personal space?'' Aether thought, feeling a mix of annoyance and fascination, "Because you''re a girl and should not be too close to a man." "Hmm? Why is that?" Helena frowned, puzzled. She was always this close to Finnian, ''Come to think of it, Finnian also said the same thing!'' she reflected, now looking at Aether for an answer since Finnian had left her question unanswered. ''What the fuck...!'' Aether muttered inwardly, looking at her innocent yet intense golden eyes. There was a sense of dj vu, though this situation was quite the opposite. Aether couldn''t help but ask, "Do you know how.... babies are made?" he asked just to be sure. He wondered why he even asking this in front of a girl he just met. Helena frowned, the question seeminglying out of nowhere. But she answered with pride and a joyful expression, "Kneel before the Mother, beg before the Mother, and she will grace you with a child." "...." Now it was Aether''s turn to wear a ''What the fuck?'' expression. Helena smirked at Aether''s surprise, giggling, "Heh~he~Don''t tell me you don''t know about this! What are you? A child?! ...hahahaha." Aether''s lip twitched. Who was the child here, he wondered? He never thought he would encounter a full-grown teenage girl so clueless about such things. "Who told you that?" he asked, still bewildered. Helena stopped giggling and replied with pride, "It was the Archpriestess." "...." Aether''s mind went nk. He blinked a few times before asking again, "Who? ...The Archpriestess?" "Yes," Helena nodded with pride. Aether remembered the time when the Archpriestess kissed him, ''N-No way, right?! If we''re talking about that woman, she really knows what she''s doing! There''s no way she was innocent,'' Aether thought, convinced the Archpriestess was teasing this innocent girl. But then something clicked, ''Wait! If we remove the part ''Mother'' and put ''Man'' then... Kneel before the Man, beg before the Man, and He will grace you with a child,'' Aether''s eyes widened in realization as he asked hurriedly, "When did your Archpriestess tell you that?" "Hmm? That was..." Helena pondered for a moment before saying, "When I was eight years old." ''Sigh, thank goodness. The Archpriestess wasn''t innocent at all; she was just being considerate. Also, that damn woman is really good ating up with these phrases,'' Aether thought, looking at Helena, who was staring at him with her captivating golden eyes. "hoooo!!" The Archpriestess, praying before the Mother Root, sneezed as a knowing smile spread across her lips, ''Aether must be thinking about me... hehehe~ I hope you love my gift... and me also!!!'' she thought with a gentle, longing smile before turning serious again and continuing her apology to the Mother for disregarding her orders. Anyway, To be truthful, Aether didn''t want to pursue this girl because his Log hadn''t issued any missions rted to her. But looking into her innocent eyes, Aether knew that if he didn''t make a move now and apply the Admission form, someone else might register, and it would be much harder for him if his Log issued a mission involving herter. Removing the registered person would be a real pain in the ass! ''Prevention is better than cure!'' With that proverb in mind, Aether decided to teach this innocent girl some special lessons. The thought of tainting an innocent girl brought an unknown smirk to Aether''s face as he thought, ''Hehehe---Fuck! I am a gentleman!'' Chapter 166: Kissing the Forehead.... Means love! [Author''s Note: I am excited to announce that I am rewriting my first novel, giving it a fresh and new perspective. I invite you all to give it a read: /book/soulless-transcendent-twisted-love-for-my-yandere-wives_29736272308325905] "Hmm... What are you doing?" Helena asked, her curiosity piqued as Aether cornered her, mming his hand on the wall beside her. The famous Kabedon! "Does your heart beat faster?" Aether inquired with a sly smile, his face close enough that she could feel the warmth of his breath and smell the faint scent of mint. His eyes glinted with mischief. "???" Helena tilted her head, touching her chest as if to verify her feelings, "No, it''s normal." "...." Aether frowned slightly, perplexed by her calm demeanour, "What do you feel now?" "Hmm?... Curious? Caution?" Helena''s expression turned doubtful. She was genuinely intrigued by Aether''s actions but also wary, wondering if he might attack her when she least expected it. Aether raised his eyebrows, not expecting such an answer. Her honesty and innocence disarmed him momentarily. He then asked, "Could I touch your face?" Helena frowned, her instincts kicking in. She had been told by the Archpriestess to never allow anyone, especially the opposite gender, to touch her, "No!" Aether nodded, understanding her reluctance. He didn''t want to push her too far and risk scaring her off. Instead, he stared deeply into her golden eyes, which sparkled with a mixture of curiosity and innocence. His heart pounded, and he found himself captivated by her unwavering gaze. ''Damn!! If Aqualina knew this, she wouldugh her ass off, knowing her opponent was even dumber than her servant,'' Aether thought before saying, "I think your Archpriestess must be wro...." His words trailed off as he noticed Helena''s expression slowly turning nk and fanatical, a look of pure devotion that unnerved him. ''Oh dear!'' Aether sighed, realizing Helena must be one of the Archpriestess''s fanatic devotees. Quickly, he rephrased his statement, "The Archpriestess is really right." "Told you!" Helena''s expression softened, a proud smile spreading across her face. "However... there is another method,you know" Aether continued, hiding his sly smile. His mind raced with thoughts of how to manipte her curiosity further. "Another method?" Helena''s eyes lit up with curiosity, leaning in closer. "Yes," Aether said, pretending to be hesitant, "Though it''s something done only by two people and should be kept private, away from others." "Hmm!! What is it?!!" Helena''s golden eyes swirled with the eagerness of a child about to hear an exciting story, her lips parting slightly in anticipation. "Hmm? It''s hard to exin," Aether said, feigning defeat, "You might hate me for saying it." "Hmm?" Helena pondered. She believed in the Archpriestess''s words, but Aether had captured the Archpriestess''s interest, so he must be special, right? With that thought, she said, "Don''t worry, I won''t hate you!" Aether smiled inwardly while maintaining a contemtive expression, "Really?" "Yes" Aether''s lips widened into a smile as he leaned closer to her ear, whispering gently and seductively, "R.E.A.L.L.Y?" "!!!" Helena flinched at the sound of his words, feeling as if a demon was whispering to her. Her heart skipped a beat, and she could feel a heat rising in her cheeks. ''Gulp'' She swallowed hard, looking at Aether, who had a calm, almost predatory look on his face. A small... very small faint blush crept onto her cheeks, making her look even more vulnerable and innocent. [+10 Affection] Helena meekly nodded. It felt like a powerful rabbit had fallen into the clutches of a cunning fox! Aether''s lips trembled with suppressedughter, but he controlled himself. "It happens only when a boy and girl are in love." "Hmm?" Helena tilted her head again, her golden hair cascading over her shoulder. ''She is cute when she tilts her head,'' Aether thought before continuing, "When a boy and girl fall in love, they want to spend time together..." He began to weave a romantic narrative, his voice was soft and enticing. Helena''s eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and happiness. Though she had heard bits and pieces about ''Love,'' this was the first time someone had exined it so tenderly. ''S-So that is love...?'' She thought,mitting Aether''s words to memory. Her imagination ran wild with visions of love and romance, painting a rosy picture in her mind.... Maiden''s Love image! Aether then asked, "Do you have someone you love?" read more on mvlemp-yr "Hmmm....." She thought for a moment before shaking her head. Though she was close to Finnian, it was more like a brotherly bond, and she didn''t have much contact with other males.... So, no! "Good," Aether nodded with relief. He was grateful that this wasn''t another ''NTR'' situation, as his targets were often engaged or married. He couldn''t help but feel a pang of guilt, but he brushed it aside. Nevertheless, "You haven''t told me another method," Helena reminded him, her curiosity reignited. Yes, Aether had only spoken about normal love life, nothing too serious... just a few romanticedies he had seen in manga. Now for the real deal, to corrupt her mind, Aether needed to lower her guard first so that''s why he told her rom first and then made her listen attentively and now for the corruption time, ''Hehe..'' with cunningugh inwardly. "You see, when a man and woman fall in love, they touch each other''s hands." ''That obvious!'' Helena nodded, having seen people do that. "Then their lips touch each other." Helena frowned slightly, her lips pursing in confusion, ''Yeah, I did see a few doing that... I felt nauseated!'' she thought. "Then their tongue touch each other" Helena frowned deeply, a crease forming between her brows. "Then they show their naked bodies to each other." Helena''s face twisted in disgust at the thought, ''Showing each other''s bodies... yuck, that''s disgusting!'' she thought. "Then they touch each other''s groins." Helena''s face turned horrified, her eyes widening in shock. "Then they suck each other''s groins." Helena looked as if she was about to vomit. The vivid imagery was too much for her. "Then the man''s groin enters the woman''s groin." Helena''s face went pale, her skin almost translucent. "Then the man releases his love inside the woman''s groin." "VAAAWWWWWWW!!!" She.... Literally vomited. She just thought Man peeing inside a woman!! "..." Aether was stunned when she vomited on his clothes, ''Maybe I should have told her more gently...'' he thought, but he knew this was a simple, albeit harsh, reality. He immediately took her to the bathroom, where she continued to vomit as if she had heard something utterly repulsive. He held her hair back gently, his fingers brushing against her soft strands. ''What''s with her?'' Aether wondered as she kept retching, ''Does she really hate it?''. "I-I am f-fine! and.. I-I am sorry...." Helena stammered, her face pale. Her mind was dizzy, but Aether shook his head and picked her up like a princess. Helena, not in the right mind, didn''t realize Aether was touching her. Heid her gently on the bed and said, "Rest, don''t think about unnecessary things," before cleaning up the mess with a calm efficiency that belied the situation. Helena watched him clean her vomit, feeling a surge of guilt. She was the one responsible, but Aether simply said, "It''s fine, it''s my fault to begin with. I shouldn''t have told you that." His voice was soothing, almost tender. He needs to learn a lot of things to understand women first... Helena wanted to argue that he had warned her, but she hadn''t listened, so she was responsible Aether continued cleaning and then washed his shirt before putting it on again. Though it was wet, Aether didn''t mind. He would wash it again in his dorm. He then looked at Helena onest time, saying, "Please rest for a while" as he unconsciously kissed her forehead before walking out of her room. Helena, surprised, touched her forehead where she could still feel the faint wetness of his kiss. It was then that something Aether had said popped into her mind. "People in love show their affection by kissing each other''s foreheads." Suddenly, Helena''s face flushed as she pulled the nket over her head to hide her embarrassment. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she felt a confusing mix of emotions swirling inside her. [+100 Affection] Chapter 167: Love or Lust? "Where have you been?" Taylor asked with a raised eyebrow as she saw Aether entering the room, her tone a mix of curiosity and subtle annoyance. "Kind of busy with the Princess," Aether replied casually, his voice carrying a hint of exhaustion. Without further exnation, he immediately picked up his night clothes and disappeared into the bathroom to change. When Aether emerged, he sat down on the chair with a heavy sigh, his posture rxed. "...." "...." An awkward silence descended upon the room, thick and palpable. Both of them wanted to break the tension, to bridge the gap that had formed, but neither knew how to start. They were both conscious of each other''s presence. ''Sigh, what are we? husband and wife?'' Aether sighed, deciding to act like nothing happened, "Where have you been? I didn''t see you after arriving at the sses." Taylor smiled, appreciating his attempt to change the subject, "Since Ms. Selene didn''t want me with her, I roamed around freely," she said with a casual shrug. "I see..." Aether nodded, another silence threatening to take over. But this time, Taylor was determined to keep the conversation flowing. "So, what have you nned for the contest?" she asked, her eyes lighting up with curiosity and a spark of excitement. Aether looked surprised. "Oh! Come on now, Ms. Delphine is the representative of our Empire, and she needs to report to Her Majesty. As Her Majesty''s right hand, I know everything in and out!" Taylor said with a prideful grin, a yful glint in her eyes. "I see..." Aether nodded in understanding, picking up a ck mask. "I already have an idea for my disguise. I just need to change my voice because I believe..." "Selene would find out, right?" Taylor finished his sentence, a knowing look in her eyes. "Yeah..." Aether nodded, thinking, ''She must have figured out something is going on between Selene and me.'' Taylor nodded, taking the full mask from his hand and scrutinizing it, "It seems the Principal didn''t add another voice function." "Hmm? Functions?" Aether was surprised. "Yes... Give me a few days, and I''ll make it perfect for you!" Taylor said with a professional smile, her confidence shining through. "Super! Then could you ensure the mask doesn''t fall off in any situation, changes my voice to sound haughty and manly, and... most importantly, has a function that makes it appear out of nowhere?" Aether''s eyes sparkled with excitement as he described his vision, his hands gesturing animatedly. "Appear out of nowhere?" Taylor frowned, not quite understanding what he meant. Aether slowly exined all the functions he needed for his future ns, and the awkwardness between them finally settled. They sat closer together, their shoulders almost touching. Taylor''s focus on the mask was intense, and Aether couldn''t help but admire her dedication and the subtle elegance she exuded. After exining everything, Taylor pondered. "Everything is possible except for that morphing function you mentioned... I don''t quite understand." Aether wanted the mask to appear and disappear at will, to avoid carrying it around all the time, especially in tight situations. He described a magical mask that would appear when he waved his hand before his face and disappear the same way. ''It would be cool!'' Aether thought, looking at Taylor with anticipation. "...." Taylor pondered what Aether was asking for. She had never heard of such a thing. She decided to consult with the Empress, "I''m not sure about this, so don''t get your hopes up, okay?" Aether nodded with a smile. He wasn''t going to act like a child. As long as the mask was good, he was fine. He just asked if it was possible. Those weren''t his childhood dreams. Really, they weren''t. Believe him!! Those are not his childhood dreams!! "Then..." Suddenly, Taylor extended her hand with a mischievous glint in her eye. "OH!" Aether eximed, surprised, before shaking her hand for forming a co-operation! "Tsk," Taylor clicked her tongue and swatted his hand, "Money." "... Money?" "Yes," Taylor frowned. "Did you think I would work for free?!" Her eyes were full of disbelief. "...." Aether was stunned, feeling as if he had eaten something bitter. She had approached him first, so he thought she was helping him out of goodwill. Anyone in his position would think the same, so there was nothing wrong with him thinking that! Seeing his stunned expression, Taylor couldn''t help butugh, "Pfftt... hahahaha... Look at your face! Hahaha... as if you ate something disgusting!" Aether was annoyed by herughter, "You little...!" Before Aether could catch her, Taylor moved quickly to the bed, trying to escape. Herughter echoed in the room, infectious and lively, before she escaped to the upper berth. Aether caught her by the hip, his fingers digging into her soft skin and, "Hahaha... S-Sto...hahahahaha...." He tickled her non-stop, "Take that, you little thief!" "Hahaha... I-I am...ahahaha...sssorrrrryyyyyy...ahahahaha" Taylor''s hands went numb as she let go of the climb and fell onto Aether, ''Thud'' He instinctively pushed her to the side so she wouldn''t fall to the ground, their bodies tangled together. "-ha-" "-ha-" Taylor panted heavily, her eyes staring at Aether through her disoriented sses. Her cheeks were flushed, her hair slightly messy, making her look even more endearing. "..." Read today at mvl _emp _y,r. "..." The atmosphere turned silent, the only sound being Taylor''s heavy breathing echoing in the room. Aether, who was now on top of Taylor, couldn''t help but stare at her panting face. It felt strangely erotic. Her lips were slightly parted, her eyes wide and glistening with a mix of surprise and something more. His hands trembled, yet he didn''t move. He hoped Taylor would push him off, but she only stared at him through her disoriented sses, her gaze intense and unwavering. Both of them stared at each other, their breaths slowly synchronizing. Aether leaned down, hoping Taylor would push him off.... Yet again, she only stared at him. There was only an inch between their faces. Taylor nced at his lips and then back at his eyes, while Aether did the same. The air between them felt charged, alive with unspoken words. Aether slowly parted his lips, and seeing that, Taylor also parted hers. Her breath hitched, her eyes fluttering shut and... "~Hmm~" They didn''t know if it was just lust or something else blooming between them. But in that moment, it didn''t matter. But neither of them rejected the other. Their lips locked, and a certain sense of fulfilment blossomed in each other''s minds. Chapter 168: Maid is a just a tool! "~Mmm~" Aether''s lips brushed against hers, soft and lingering like a whisper of a breeze. A gentle current surged through them both. "~Mmm~" Taylor''s fingers found their way to the nape of his neck, threading through his silky, dyed jet-ck hair, tugging him closer with a mix of urgency and tenderness. Each strand slipped through her grasp like liquid midnight, a sensation both thrilling and strange to her. "~mmff~" Aether cupped her cheeks with his hands, his thumbs tracing tender, slow circles on her skin, sending shivers down her spine. He kissed her with a growing intensity yet held back, sensing her inexperience and wanting to savour every moment. His lips moved with controlled passion, deliberately avoiding the plunge of his tongue, making each touch an intimate exploration of uncharted territory. "~mm~" "~hmmm~" Their bodies pressed together in a heated exchange of warmth and need, creating a fervent connection that was both exhrating and overwhelming. Taylor''s breath quickened, her chest rising and falling against his as if she were trying to keep up with the rapid beat of her heart. She was having a hard time reciprocating his kiss, the sensations flooding her being almost too much to handle. To her, this was a new kind of sensation and feeling, one that made her feel alive in a way she had never experienced before. "~ha~" The world around them blurred, leaving only the sensation of their kiss, the pounding of her heart, and the undeniable chemistry that threatened to consume them both entirely. Aether''s kisses deepened, his lips moulding to hers in a dance of desire that spoke of his longing and restraint. He felt her body respond, her initial hesitance giving way to a growing hunger that matched his own. "~mmm~" Each kiss was a question, an invitation, and she answered with fervent curiosity, exploring this new realm of intimacy with him. Taylor''s grip tightened in his hair, pulling him impossibly closer. Her body pressed into his, seeking more of the intoxicating connection that left her breathless. She shivered as his hands left her cheeks, tracing a slow, deliberate path down her neck, over her shoulders, and finally over her breasts, making her heart race even faster--- Bang, Bang The sudden, loud knocking on the door shattered the romantic atmosphere, jolting both of them back to reality. "Grrrr," Aether growled through gritted teeth, reluctantly moving away from her. He approached the door cautiously, his mood visibly darkened. ''Thud'' "You fucking jerk, how dare you go against my lord John?!" A boy, who seemed to be ackey of John, stood there with a few servants, his voice dripping with disdain and arrogance. Veins bulged on Aether''s forehead. He didn''t say anything at first, just stared at them and.... it was enough, ''Thud'' ''Thud'' ''Thud'' ''Thud'' ''Thud'' One by one, they all kneeled down, Aether unconsciously using the same pressure that ric had once used on him though not as powerful as ric, it was enough for these low flies.... a power that demanded respect and obedience. They looked at Aether with expressions of sheer horror. They had underestimated him, thinking he was just another servant. Despite his disy of power at the entrance ceremony, there were always those foolish enough to believe they knew everything and could challenge anyone. Now they lowered their heads in fear, unable to speak or even unable to breathe properly as if their breath was being held by an unknown force. Aether, with a menacing gaze that could pierce through their very souls, said, "I.will.fucking.kill.you.next.time....Go!" as he gradually lowered the pressure on them. But no one moved at first, as if the pressure still lingered around them, paralyzing their bodies with fear. "I said... G.O!" he repeated. They immediately stood up and walked away with trembling legs, their fear palpable in the air. Amidst everyone, Aether noticed Timmy was also there, looking as terrified as the rest. ''That fucker...'' Aether mumbled under his breath before closing the door. He looked at his bed but... there was no one there anymore. Aether sighed heavily and nced at the upper berth. He saw her lying there silently, avoiding his gaze. He then nced down, feeling his raging hormones threatening to burst his pants. He looked to his left hand, then back at the bathroom... "Sigh," he mumbled visibly under his breath, "Hope you are satisfied with my hand." "...." Taylor stared at Aether''s departing back as he headed to the bathroom, a slight blush creeping onto her cheeks. One hourter, Aether emerged from the bathroom feeling slightly refreshed, his expression one of relief. He fell onto his bed with a contented sigh, his mind still reying the earlier moments. "..." "..." Silence descended again, enveloping them both in its quiet embrace. Aether suddenly asked, breaking the silence with his soft, yet probing question, "Have you fallen asleep?" "...." Undeterred by theck of response, Aether continued, his voice filled with a quiet urgency, "I want to know if there was any spell that could be used to halt the inner organs of the human body under certain conditions. Something precise, controlled, and effective." "...." He sighed deeply, he was just about to apologize for what happened earlier when a voice from the upper berth cut through the silence. "Those spells are dangerous and only someone with a level around 20 or 30 could cast them," Taylor''s voice drifted down, calm and informative. Aether smiled to himself, relieved that she wasn''t angry or upset. He nodded in acknowledgement of the information and then asked, "Any kind of shortcuts?" "...." "..." Aether waited patiently for her to reply, but the silence stretched on, feeling almost interminable. Just as he was beginning to consider other options, Taylor suddenly spoke again, "There is one way," "Which is?" "Spell Scrolls" "Spell Scrolls... ah," Aether mumbled. Taylor borated further, providing more detail, "A spell scroll bears the words of a single spell written on a single parchment paper. Once you pour Arcane Energy into the paper, the spell will activate and execute on the spot, making it a powerful tool for those who can afford it." "Oh!" Aether eximed, his voice tinged with genuine surprise, even though he already knew about these details from the games and novels he had read before. He then asked, "So, can you do that? Create these spell scrolls?" ".... It cannot be done by just anyone since it requires a lot of concentration, a high level of intelligence, and most importantly, certain bloodline abilities," Taylor exined, her tone turning more serious, "Only a handful of people can do this. If you want one, you can buy it from a few specialized dealers in the market, but they are rare and expensive." "I see..." Aether nodded thoughtfully, processing the information. ''Seems like I cannot go with the ''sacrificing n'''' he mused internally, realizing the limitations of his current situation. Taylor, sensing his contemtive silence, suddenly asked, "Why do you need that kind of spell?" "Well, for my grand entry" "...." "...." Suddenly, a heavy silence descended between them again. After a few minutes, Aether broke the silence once more, his voice softer, "I... I am sorry." ".... Why?" Taylor asked. "You know what happened earlier," he said, as he added inwardly, ''and this morning as well.'' "..." Taylor stayed silent for a moment, considering her words carefully before saying, "Why are you sorry then?" "Hmm?" "I didn''t push you away and... we both know what happened. Neither of us rejected the other, so there was nothing wrong with it. There''s no need to feel guilty," Taylor said, her voice calm and reassuring. "..... I see..." Aether smiled slightly, reassured by her words. He then asked with a little hesitation, "So?" "Hmm?" "I mean, now what?" "Now what?" "What are we now?" ".... what you mean?" ''This girl!'' Aether frowned, feeling his patience wear thin. He knew she understood exactly what he was asking but was deliberately ying with her words. Aether sighed deeply, deciding to be more direct. "Sigh, I mean what kind of rtionship are we in?" "...." "Taylor?" Aether called out, hoping to draw an answer from her, but there was no reply. He peeked up at the upper berth and saw her lying still, her breathing steady and calm, as if she had already fallen asleep. Join the adventure on m,vlemp _y,r. Aether knew she was pretending, but he chose not to push her. Instead, he leaned in and, ''~chu~'' Gave her a simple peck on the cheek, andid back on his bed. "..." Taylor''s cheeks turned a deep shade of red again, a mix of emotions flooding her mind, ''C-Come on, you are just a tool! You will kill him if the Empress orders you!'' she screamed inwardly, feeling a small tear escape and roll down her cheek. The tear went unnoticed by anyone in the world, except... the Eyes of the Arcane. Chapter 169: Marriage already? Next Morning The situation repeated itself almost identically to the first day. Selene, with an air of deliberate indifference, ignored Taylor, handed her bag to Aether, and hugged his arm tightly. Her touch lingered a moment too long, sending a shiver through Aether. When she saw her brother, her demeanour changed abruptly. She let go of Aether, picked up her bag, andposed herself, masking her earlier intimacy with a cool detachment. However, something different happened. "Hello," Leon''s voice broke through the morning air as he suddenly waved at Selene. She frowned, her eyes narrowing slightly before she forced a smile.... a smile that was professional and cold, as she greeted him back, "Hello, Sir Leon!" "Sir?" Leon''s smile widened, his eyes twinkling mischievously, "There''s no need for formality between us," he said, cing a familiar hand on Kai, who could only muster an awkward smile in response. Selene''s expression darkened for a brief moment, but she quickly masked it with a polite smile and gentle smile then walked away. Seeing her actions, Kai''s frown deepened, worried that his new friend might feel slighted. But when he saw Leon''s flushed expression, he found himself at a loss for words. "Man, your sister''s smile almost made my heart race like a wild horse!" Leon mumbled, touching his chest as if to calm his racing heart. He could still vividly remember her smile, a smile unlike any he had ever seen on a girl before.... captivating, yet so unattainable. He wanted to attain that! Kai shrugged, relieved that Leon was alright. As long as Leon felt fine, everything would be fine. Leon''s interest in Selene intensified as they followed her to ss, his eyes lingering on her every move, each step she took more alluring than thest. ''Should I..... kill him?'' Aether''s thoughts were dark and brooding, his expression nk but his eyes filled with an unsettling intensity. "What are you doing?" Aqualina''s voice snapped Aether out of his thoughts. He followed her, his mind still swirling with unspoken emotions. While Kai attempted to flirt with Aqualina, his words stumbling over themselves, Leon''s attempts to flirt with Selene were more confident, though equally unsessful. Selene''s cold demeanour seemed to only heighten Leon''s determination. Aether watched Leon with a mixture of unknown emotions swirling within him..... His hand, almost as if guided by an unseen force, slowly raised toward Leon''s neck.... Just as he was about to touch it, "What are you doing?" Taylor''s whisper was urgent as he caught Aether''s hand, his grip firm yet gentle. Aether snapped back to reality, looking at his hand with a deep frown, ''W-What did I try to do?'' he thought, though a part of him already knew. He nced at Selene, who continued to ignore Leon with a practised ease. Taking a deep breath, he turned to Taylor and said, "Sorry, I got caught up in the moment." ''Caught up in the moment, you say?'' Taylor thought to himself, his mind racing as he tried to understand Aether''s suddenpse. He nodded slowly, his grip on Aether''s hand tightening for a moment before letting go. After that, Aether walked calmly, his gaze fixed on his hand,''I-I am acting up... again,'' he thought to himself, clenching his fist as if to ground himself in the present. Soon, they arrived at ss, and as usual, everything yed out as it had been before. The first period ended, and but something unusual... Delphine called him personally. ..... ... ''Thud'' Aether looked at the office, which bore a striking resemnce to the Principal''s. It seemed Delphine had her own private cabin within the academy. In truth, it wasn''t just her; the five representative professors of each empire enjoyed this generous privilege, while the lower-ranked professors sharedmon offices. Anyhow, Aether wondered why Delphine had singled him out. His eyes brightened with curiosity, and something naughty... he was about to voice his thoughts when, Delphine''s strict voice cut through his musings, "Don''t you dare say anything explicit here." Her voice was cold, devoid of the warmth she had previously shown, as if her earlier interactions had been nothing but an illusion. However, "Explicit? What are you talking about, Ms. Delphine?" Aether''s frown deepened, his disappointment palpable, "I was about to ask whether you are going to teach me something to prepare for the contest." Then, with a deeper frown, he used her, "Don''t tell me... you are thinking something else?" with teasing eyes. Hearing that, Delphine''s stern facade crumbled like fragile bread, her cheeks turning beet red as she stammered, "W-What are you talking about?! I-I didn''t think anything!" Aether grinned inwardly, pleased to see the old Delphine resurface. He slowly stepped forward, his movements deliberate and sensual, as Delphine unconsciously stepped back, her eyes wide with a mixture of confusion and something else entirely. "Delphine~" Aether called her name, his voice dripping with longing, his eyes sparkled with desire. "!!!" Delphine flinched, her heart racing as she instinctively backed away, wondering why she felt such an overwhelming urge to retreat. As she backed up, her buttocks bumped against something solid. ncing back, she saw it was her desk... Turning her head again, she found Aether''s face inches from hers, his intense gaze locking onto her. "!!!" Delphine flinched again, leaning back against the desk, her breath hitching, "W-What are you doing?" she managed to stammer. Aether gently lifted her, his touch sending electric shocks through her body, and made her sit on the desk. Aether''s eyes softened as he stared at her, but inwardly he thought, ''Damn, I''m never washing this hand again...'' The sensation of her flesh beneath his fingers felt like the softest, most luxurious cushion imaginable. "A-Aether," Delphine stammered, feeling an uncharacteristic girlishness take over her. "Yes~" Aether whispered in her ear, his breath warm and tantalizing. "!!!" Delphine flinched, clenching her fists. Feeling a surge of danger, Aether pulled back slightly, He needed to slow his advance towards her, meeting her eyes as he asked, "What is it, Delphine?" ,em,pyr. "..." Delphine rxed her fists, her annoyance barely masking her confusion, "Formal already?" Aether''s lips curled into a sly smile, "There''s no need for us to be formal," he said, tucking a few stray strands of her silky aqua colour hair behind her ear, his fingers brushing against her skin. Delphine blushed deeply, her heart pounding in her chest, ''W-What''s wrong with this boy?'' "Well, if you want to be formal, then I am fine with that," Aether said, his face adopting a slightly sad, gloomy expression, his eyes reflecting a hint of disappointment. Seeing this, Delphine averted her eyes, her expression turned soft remembering his past closeness, so said, "Well, I don''t mind when we are alone," she muttered. Aether smirked, his eyes lighting up with mischief, "I see... When we are ALONE... ah." Delphine''s face turned pale, realizing she might have said something inappropriate. Before she could take it back, Aether''s expression turned serious, "So?" he asked. Delphine matched his seriousness, handing him an envelope, "Here," she said, her voice steady. "What is it? A love letter?" Aether asked, his curiosity piqued, his expression yful. Delphine''s face turned furious as embarrassment washed over her when she heard him call it a love letter. Her cheeks burned with a deep crimson... However, the embarrassment reached its peak when he uttered the next words. "Maybe... a marriage contract!" "Y-YOU!!!!" [+100 Affection] Delphine was furious, her hands glowing with magical energy, ready to st Aether into oblivion. ''Maybe that''s too much!'' He thought and without waiting for her wrath to manifest, Aether hurriedly left, but not before daringly pinching her nose and whispering his parting words, "You look cute when you''re angry, Delphine~" ''Thud'' He ran away, leaving behind a fuming Delphine. Her bosom rose and fell with her heavy breaths, each exhale filled with frustration and a confusing undercurrent of something more. "That jerk!! I was trying to help him and yet... ggrrrr," she gritted her teeth, slowly calming down. Her thoughts raced back to the moment when Aether had grabbed her waist with such audacity as if he owned her, body and soul. [+100 Affection] She touched her own waist, feeling the gentle warmth left by his hands. The memory of his touch sent a thrilling shiver through her body, making her blush even deeper, ''W-What am I even thinking?!''. [+200 Affection] ''Thud'' "Oh! By the way, what''s this fo...r" Aether''s voice trailed off as he opened the door. His eyes widened when he saw Delphine, her hand lingering on her waist where he had touched before, her expression a mix of confusion and a deep, rosy blush. "W-What!!!!" Delphine''s face turned a furious shade of red, both from embarrassment and the sudden intrusion. Her heart pounded, and she felt a surge of heat rush to her cheeks as she shouted, "GET OUT!!" "BOOM!!" A fiery explosion erupted from her hands, a Fire Magic spell sting the door Aether had just closed. Chapter 170: Cutting Ties Part-1 Aurelia Scarlet''s POV I stared at Professor ric''s lecture, barely able to keep my eyes open as he droned on about magic ruins and circles and some other ancientnguage literature.... His ss was mostly for those chosen by the Arcane. But to me, it was mind-numbingly boring. Even though everyone else was listening attentively, I couldn''t muster the same enthusiasm. I nced at Selene, who sat beside me, diligently taking notes. Not just one, but two sets of notes. ''Hmm? Two notes?'' I frowned and silently asked her why. She replied with a single word, "Ether." Ah... I see. She really loves him... Damn, I never thought she was really into him. I watched her for a moment, feeling a mix of surprise and admiration. Then my eyesnded on Kai, who was sitting with the other guys. He seemed to be fitting in well. Suddenly, our eyes locked, and I immediately turned my head away. ''Tsk,'' I clicked my tongue, realizing my mistake. That brief eye contact would surely make him think I was still longing for him. This was why I avoideding to ss with Selene. I always arrived early to avoid encountering him. To be honest, Though I broke up with him that day, a part of me still wished him happiness. It''s true, my love died that day when he didn''t stand by my side or evene to help. But as I had once loved him... I truly wished for his happiness. That''s all. It''s not like I was the devil who would wait for his downfall. Well, maybe a tiny part of me wished it when I was running down the corridor that time, but after meeting Aether, everything changed. Yeah, I just wish for Kai''s happiness. That''s my final love for him. That''s all. I was moving forward without any regrets. Though my uncle and others were disappointed, I believe that was the right choice. Thinking about Aether..... Suddenly, something popped into my head, more like an image that kept reappearing for the past two days. The image of Aether''s heartfelt relief when he patted my head! "!!!" I suddenly flinched as dizziness washed over me, and my cheeks turned a little hot, ''H-He is a good friend...'' I thought. I blinked a few times before ncing at Selene, who was still taking two sets of notes. "Hey, Sel," I called her quietly. "Yes?" "Y-You know, it will be tough to do this for every ss... Why don''t I help you?" I suggested, picking up one of her notebooks. "....There is no--" Before she could object, I told her, "It will be hard to write everything twice. Let me help you... as a friend, I also worried about him, you know!" I said with a serious face. Selene hesitated before her expression suddenly turned dark and void as she asked indifferently, "Are you in love with MY Ether?" She was too straight!! My body involuntarily flinched at her intense gaze. I-I couldn''t help but stammer, "W-What are you talking about? I am doing this as a friend. He helped me, so I thought I could help him as well," I said very seriously. Selene stared at me with a nk expression before smiling and nodding. ''Sigh!'' I felt relieved, but then, "HE IS MINE!" she dangerously whispered in my ear. "!!!" "Y-Yeah... I know...." I gulped, my throat dry with fear. Seriously, what''s with her? I-I was seriously doing this as a friend... that''s all!! Suddenly, "Are you guys listening?" Professor ric frowned at our side. We immediately nodded, and then he continued, "Since we have little time before the period ends, I shall ask you guys.... Have you heard anyone talking about being recognized by your desired weapon?" he asked. ''Recognized?'' I wondered what he was talking about. Some nodded... Well, mostly the Chosens while the rest of us were clueless. Then he continued, "You see, when you pull the mother root during your baptism, the root instantly changes into something you desire, right?" ''Yes,'' I nodded, as did everyone else. Then he continued, "Even though you got your desired weapon, you have yet to be recognized by it... It''s like you bought your desired candy; it is yours, but you cannot eat it. Still, you are the only person to hold the candy." I... I didn''t understand what he was talking about. Then he smirked, saying, "I know not many of you get it, but that''s what makes it difficult because no one knows how to be recognized by their own desired weapon... Even I am still unable to be recognized by my own weapon." Hearing that, I was shocked. Who would have thought that a previous Arcane King couldn''t get recognized by his own weapon? Suddenly Thalia, who was the only enthusiastic person, asked, "Does it make any difference?" Professor ric nodded and said, "Yes, a big difference. The moment you are recognized by your weapon, it will be ten times stronger than before." "Ten times!!!" Everyone was surprised and shocked to hear that. ''T-That means if I get recognized by my weapon, it will be even more powerful... damn!!'' I screamed inwardly, my eyes sparkling with curiosity and energy. Soon, his period was over, and everyone sighed in relief.... His ss was always strict and he always had a face as if his wife was snatched by someone... arrrh! That annoying face! Just as Selene and I decided to move out and get some fresh air, Kai appeared before us..... No, more like he appeared before me instead of asking him, I looked at Selene, who was blocked by Leon. "H-Hello?" Leon called her. story by m|v_l,e,m,p,y,r With a professional smile, Selene asked directly, "What do you want, Sir Leon?" Leon flinched before ncing at Kai, who shook his head with a wry face and interrupted, saying, "Let''s go for lunch." Selene stared at her brother for a long time before nodding, I knew she wasn''t a child to require support so I decided to part ways with them. However, "Y-You too, L-Lia," he called me. ''Ggrrrrr,'' I gritted my teeth inwardly, understanding why this was happening. Well, I was the one who had looked at him first, and avoiding him any longer would only lead to more misunderstandings. So I decided to end this today. Chapter 171: Cutting Ties Part-2 Aurelia Scarlet''s POV ''.....'' I am not sure how to respond to our current predicament. The tension hanging in the air is almost palpable, and I can''t help but feel a knot forming in my stomach. I, Selene, and..... Aqualina sat together on one side of the table while Kai and Leon upied the opposite side. We waited in strained silence for the food to be served to us. Being from the Elite ss afforded us certain privileges, such as not having to stand in line and wait for our food like the others. It was a smallfort, given the current situation. I was taken aback when Aqualina decided to tag along with us. Kai had reluctantly agreed to her joining our group. An awkward silence had ensued since then. To be honest, my initial anger towards Aqualina had faded. Iter realized that what I told her that day was harsh and unreasonable. Any sane person would react violently if someone interrupted their engagement day and challenged them to a duel over who was going to be his first. Sigh... So, I was not really angry at her anymore. only found at NovelBin _e-mp|y,r However, I was furious about one thing! The memory of her impaling me against the wall still burned in my mind. It was a total disgrace, not only for me but also for my family. That humiliation was something I couldn''t forgive easily, and since then, I have harboured a desire for revenge. Sensing the awkwardness, Aqualina suddenly spoke up, breaking the silence, "Come on now, there''s no need to be so serious... feel free to speak," she said with a disarming smile. Then she turned to me and extended her hand for a handshake, "Hello, it''s been a long time since we saw each other." "Yes..." I forced a smile, trying to mask my true feelings, and gave her a handshake. "Oh! You guys knew each other even before the Academy?" Leon interjected, his eyes wide with curiosity. Aqualina nodded, "Yes, though we didn''t spend much time together. Just a few hours, really..." She looked at me, her gaze steady and unwavering, "Let''s get to know each other very well hereafter." Hearing that, my lips twitched in annoyance. Her empty smile only served to irritate me further. Before I could formte a response, Kai shouted in happiness, "That would be a good idea!" Both Aqualina''s and my eyes twitched as we shared a mutual understanding of Kai''s obliviousness. We could already see what he was imagining, but neither of us said anything. As the food arrived, everyone started to eat. The tension eased slightly as the focus shifted to the meal. Selene, however, was being interrogated by Leon, with Kai eagerly assisting him. ''It seems Leon is interested in her, and Kai is helping his friend... sigh, I can see what he is nning,'' I sighed inwardly. I wanted to intervene, but I knew better than to interfere in what could be considered a family matter. Unless Selene asked for my help, I would stay out of it. However, "Mr. Leon," Aqualina called out, her voice icy and authoritative, "It seems like you guys are trying to force her to speak... don''t you think that''s unsightly for a nobleman like you? Especially you, Kai. Can''t you see your sister is ufortable?" Her words cut through the air like a knife. Both Leon and Kai flinched, exchanging guilty nces before nodding in agreement. They decided to take a step back and approach the situation more cautiously. Selene nced at Aqualina, Aqualina just smiled at her and returned to eating her remaining food, her demeanour calm andposed. ''I wonder why she helped her...'' Soon, everyone finished lunch. However, Kai hesitated to move, as if he were waiting for something. The anticipation in his eyes made me uneasy. Aqualina sighed and said, "We will be leaving." She then called Selene and Leon, who obediently followed her, leaving Kai and me alone. ''She is really considerate... ah,'' I thought, somewhat surprised by Aqualina''s actions. I had expected her to be bitchy, especially with Kaiing after me, but it seemed she genuinely considered his feelings. Maybe she wasn''t so bad after all. "Lia..." Kai called out to me, his voice tinged with a mix of hesitation and hope. "Yes?" I replied, my tone devoid of emotion. Kai frowned for a second before continuing, "How are you? It''s been a long time since west saw each other... You know, it feels like we''re back to when we were seven years old..." He started to reminisce, digging up the past with a nostalgic yet cautious air. I sighed inwardly. I knew my past well enough; there was no need for him to recount it now. But I chose to stay silent, letting him finish. His words floated around me, recounting joyful memories that now felt tainted. After he finished recounting our shared history, he ced a small box before me. ''Hmm?'' I frowned, eyeing the box suspiciously. Then he opened it there was a ring in it and... "I know I wasn''t there when you needed me, and I was really worried. I couldn''t do anything..." He continued, his voice filled with regret, but my mind went nk at the words ''I wasn''t there when you needed me.'' ''W-What is he talking about? He wasn''t there?...'' "YOU WERE FUCKING THERE, YOU BASTARD!!" I shouted, something snapping inside me. I had nned to handle this calmly and collectedly, but his words unleashed a flood of pent-up anger I could no longer contain. Others in the dining hall were startled but wisely chose to mind their own business. "L-Lia..." Kai stammered, clearly taken aback. He had expected a different reaction, perhaps one where I threw myself into his arms after receiving the gift. Instead, my anger shocked him. He reached out to touch my hand, likely in an attempt to calm me down, but it only made things worse. "Don''t you dare touch me!!!" I hissed, my voice furious yet controlled. I didn''t want to make a scene, but my restraint was slipping. Kai gulped, his confidence faltering. "Lia, please calm down and believe--" But I cut him off, my voice seething, "You were fucking there when I was stabbed against the wall..." Kai lowered his head, the weight of his guilt evident. He had no choice but to ept my words in silence. I gritted my teeth, seeing him sitting there in his guilt-ridden silence. "Kai, you know how much I loved you before..." I began, my voice shaking with the effort to contain my emotions, "When we got into a fight, I was always the one who apologized first, the one who mended our rtionship. Have you ever apologized for your mistakes? It was always me who came after you!" Kai''s eyes lowered for a moment before he said, "D-Didn''t Ie now?" His voice was serious, almost defensive. I... I was really taken aback when he said that. ''Is he for real?'' I thought, incredulous. I asked him the only question that mattered at that moment, "Did you even apologize to me now?" The truth hit me hard. Even now, he hadn''t apologized. He had merely recollected past memories and expressed his concerns. Nothing more. ''Why did I even love him?'' I wondered, my heart heavy with disillusionment. The man standing before me was a stranger, one who didn''t understand the depth of my pain or the magnitude of his mistakes. Now, more than ever, I questioned the love I had once felt for him. Chapter 172: Cutting Ties Part-3 Kai Frostde''s POV I knew..... she came to this academy with the intention of winning me back. I actually enjoyed it when I saw her avoiding me as if she were ying a strategic game of push and pull. What''s more, she even wore the same old hair tie that my mother picked for her and asked me to give her so that means... she was still loving me, right? It made me chuckle silently at her cute act, and I waited patiently for her to make the first move, to speak with me. But it''s been three long days, and she hasn''t approached me. A sense of unease settled in my chest, prompting me to confront her. I wanted to mend our fractured rtionship. ''W-Why is she acting so differently now?'' That''s what I thought when I saw the furious expression on her face. I had seen her angry before, but this was different, more intense as if she were truly seething with rage. Yes, it''s true that she was the one who always mended our rtionship whenever we fought over trivial things, but... "It''s not like I didn''t want to apologize. Rather, before I could even acknowledge my mistake, you woulde and say sorry..." I folded my arms in frustration, my voice tinged with defensiveness, "You were just faster, that''s all." "ggrrrr," Lia gritted her teeth, her eyes zing with fury, "OH!! I see... So I was just faster than you." "Yes," I nodded with a serious face, trying to maintain myposure. If she had been slower, I would have been the one to apologize. It was a matter of timing, nothing more!! |empyr. "Then what about now?" She asked, catching me off guard. Her question pierced through my defences, I replied sternly, "I was--" Before I could finish, she interjected, "I was about to do it, isn''t that right?" "...Yes," I nodded again, feeling cornered. Her mocking expression irked me even more. I wondered where she had gotten this attitude. She wasn''t like this before... or had she been hiding it all along? I pondered before saying sternly, "Let me tell you this. When you were impaled, it was MY ve who helped you... So theoretically, I helped you" Yes, if I thought logically, it was my ve who assisted her, so indirectly, I was the one who supported her even in that dire situation. Then I added, "Even more You never allowed me to kiss, Why is that?" It is something that I always had in my mind. She must not have expected me to confront her with this logic. "Kai, are you fucking serious? I told you we need to wait before marriage" She asked, making me frown. Her tone and respect were diminishing with every passing moment, and it was starting to get under my skin. "Is that so?" I mocked her, "Come on, don''t act like an idiot, If you love someone, you need to reciprocate the feelings.... and it''s just a kiss but never did that.... you are thinking too much!! It''s not like we fuck each other" Yes, that''s what annoyed me more, she always avoided getting into that topic.It''s just a kiss and yet she was overreacting. "!!!!" Lia could only grit her teeth in anger as if she wanted to say something but she couldn''t. I folded my arms thinking I won over the argument and said, "Let''s make it clear. If not for my intervention, Aqualina was dead set on killing you! You should be grateful for that!" I said with a serious face, holding out the ring as if it were a peace offering, "Here, this is my apology gift." Again, Instead of being happy and grateful.....she wore a disgusted expression. ''Why is she disgusted? Didn''t I apologize now?'' I screamed inwardly, ncing at the ring, which cost around 10,000?. It wasn''t an easy amount; I had begged my father to buy this... but this girl. "You know what... I should have gifted this 10,000? to Aqualina. She would have been over the moon to have this gift," I said, trying to make her jealous, but again, it didn''t work as it always did. "Then give that shit to her..." She spat, her disgust only growing. "....." I clenched my teeth, frustration boiling within me. I knew she was angry about that day, but she shouldn''t have taken it this far. As I was about tosh out, I saw her teary eyes, and I was frozen. My heart wrenched in pain. "L-Lia, let''s calm down--" I was about to say, trying to calm her, but, "I am calm, Kai... No, Mr. Kai," she spoke as if I were a stranger to her now. My heart tore in pain, "L-Lia, please! Let''s talk about this! We can be together forever, just like you always wished." "...I am sorry, Mr. Kai, but we cannot be together... not anymore!" Lia said with tears streaming down her face, standing up. An unknown fear crept into my heart as if I were losing something vital.... I said, desperately, "I-I will ask Aqualina, and I am sure she will let us marry first!" However, Lia didn''t listen and just said, "No need. Our rtionship ends here... You can go on your path, and I will choose mine!" She said and left. "W-Wait!! Lia!!!" I shouted after her, but she didn''t even turn around and disappeared from sight. Others in the cafeteria looked at me weirdly, their whispers filling the air. Feeling their stares, I stood up and left the ce, my heart heavy with despair. Just as I was about to follow Lia, "Don''t, Kai." Suddenly, Aqualina called out to me, her voice firm and unyielding. "P-Princess..." I stammered, caught off guard. "She needs her some space," Aqualina said with a serious face, her eyes conveying understanding. "...." I knew that... I sighed, looking at the princess, grateful for her presence. Not only her but also my dear sister and my best friend, who were looking at me worriedly. My lips trembled, but I didn''t want to show my weak side to the princess, so I bit my lips and asked, "W-Why are you guys here?" My sister, Selene, just came to my side and hugged me, whispering, "It''s okay, big brother." ''Drip, Drip'' Tears started to pour out from my eyes as my friend and Aqualina patted my back, offering silentfort. "You should have waited a little, Kai," Aqualina suddenly said, breaking the silence. "Princess?" I frowned, not understanding. "You forced everything, and... your ego is high," Aqualina said with a straight face, her words cutting through me. "!!" I flinched, ''Ego?'' I wondered what she was talking about. "When ites to the matter of love, you shouldn''t have that much ego," Aqualina said as if she were a master of it and continued, "Anyhow, you cannot change the past. Just wait for her to settle down." "Yes, then you should start anew," Leon added with a smile, trying to lift my spirits. Both Aqualina and Selene stared at Leon before shaking their heads in unison. "It''s broken beyond repair." "Yeah" Both of them mumbled as they looked in the direction where Lia had walked out. _____________________ Aurelia Scarlet''s POV Meanwhile, with teary and trembling eyes, I decided to return to my dorm. I wasn''t in the mood to continue attending lectures. I needed a deep and long rest. M-My chest feels heavy as if it was turning into an unbreakable stone... Just as I was walking to my door, I noticed a person''s broad shoulders... ''Those shoulders...'' I thought as I hurriedly walked toward them. I-I knew those shoulders. They were the ones who hadforted me when I was in turmoil, and they appeared yet again when I was going through this. "Aether!" I said, hugging Aether''s back, my tears soaking into his shirt. Chapter 173: I don’t like a... Big brother Third Person''s POV After narrowly escaping from death with Delphine, Aether ventured out of the Academy and roamed around Valysar city. He hoped to find some eye-catching items as Taylor had suggested or even some shady goods for his uing contest. To his surprise, there was none to be found..... Yeah, The city was exceptionally clean. Aether felt a wave of frustration wash over him. He never imagined that this city could be so pure, without even a hint of a ck market. ''Must be because of the Academy''s influence...'' Aether thought, ncing at the money he received after selling his remaining Golden 1-Star Arcane Crystals. Given that the Golden Crystal was high grade, it fetched around 1000?, with lower grades yielding lower values. Being skilled in bargaining, Aether managed to secure about 1100? for the crystal, bringing his personal assets to 3300?, excluding the anonymous amount he had received and... ''Delphine...'' Aether murmured as he looked at the envelope she gave him, which contained around 10,000?. So his real assets were approximately 23,300?! ''Looks like she''s also concerned about my well-being... ah,'' Aether grinned, then smirked, thinking, ''So this is what it means to have a sugar mommy?'' He wondered. If so, he wouldn''t mind acquiring a few more. Suddenly turning serious, Aether mumbled, ''So that anonymous package was not sent by Delphine...'' He entertained the thought that Delphine might be the one who had secretly sent him the money, considering her status in the Academy and her desire to maintain their rtionship secretly. Seems like someone else... but could it be? He re-entered the Academy, intending to check in with Aqualina and Kai. Kai had asked him to buy some gifts for Princess Aqualina, indicating his desire to deepen their rtionship, ''Looks like our boy is doing his best~'' Aether giggled. As a determined NTR rogue, he couldn''t allow that to happen, so he deliberately chose the worst gifts. ''I cannot believe even this world has that kind of thing.... I guess, men anywhere are always perverts!'' He mused. Aether also selected a few gifts for Selene, Lia, and Taylor, who had helped him immensely. Of course, these were bought with his hard-earned 3300?. As he walked back, lost in thought, he was suddenly jolted by a... ''Thud'' "Aether!" He was surprised when someone hugged him from behind and called his name. "Lia?" Aether nced back and felt her trembling shoulders and the dampness of her tears on his shirt. Without hesitation, he picked up her piggy bag and walked towards an empty ground. [+100 Affection] Lia didn''t say anything, just hugged him tightly as if terrified to let go. Sitting under a tree, Aether gently asked, "What happened?" His voice was soft and tender, filled with concern. Lia hesitated, unsure whether to share her ordeal. But Aether, who noticed her actions finally understood and with a knowing smile, asked, "Did you finally settle things with him?" Lia was taken aback, "H-How did you know?" Aether just smiled, understanding that no one could settle years of love without confronting the person. Lia smiled wryly, acknowledging that Aether could always see through her. Aether wiped her remaining tears and said, "Now you look better." [+100 Affection] She immediately looked away..... They then spent some time together, talking about the amusing events Aether encountered while exploring the city and how he bargained with a salesman like a professional. The sky slowly started to turn darker. ,em,pyr. Lia''s face brightened, her usual self finally starting to emerge. She noticed arge cover beside Aether and curiously asked about it. Aether replied without hesitation, exining that it contained gifts for various people. Lia nodded in understanding and chose not to ask more about the gifts that Kai had requested for Aqualina. Aether sighed in relief, feeling the tension ease from his shoulders. He had been a little worried that she might want to check the gifts, but once he mentioned they were for Aqualina, she let it go without further questions. However, "OH!! Did you bring me a gift too?" Lia asked eagerly, her eyes lighting up with excitement when he mentioned he had something for her as a token of thanks. Seeing her curiosity, Aether quickly set her expectations, "Let me tell you this, the gift isn''t costly, so please don''t expect a noble-level gift.... Just lower your standards to my level, Okay?" Lia''s lips curved up at his awkwardness. He seemed genuinely worried that she might find his giftcking, and she mumbled softly, "I don''t care how much it costs as long as you bought it with your own money and chose it, especially for me..." "Of course, it''s my money..." Aether mumbled before taking out the gift from the package. Aether might not have known this, since Lia hadn''t mentioned what had happened with Kai, but when he spoke of the gift for her, something inside Lia''s heart cracked, like a stone splitting suddenly. And even more so when she saw the gift. Her gaze instantly softened and teary as Aether tried to exin why he bought this small gift that wasn''t even worth 10?. "You always have that same old hair tie on your ponytail, so I thought of buying you a new one... So... here. I hope you like it," Aether said awkwardly. He wanted to buy something fancier, but he didn''t like those colours. This was the only cheap one with a colour he found cute and vibrant, so he bought it. ''Hope she likes it...'' Aether thought anxiously, his mind racing with doubts. Lia stared at the hair tie with its cute carvings. Her eyes softened, and small tears appeared at the corners. She immediately turned and asked Aether to put it on for her, her voice trembling slightly. "Are you sure?" Aether wondered, taken aback by her request. "Come on, do it! Don''t act like a child" "Who are you calling a child, brat? I''m your big bro!" Aether retorted, feigning indignation as he removed her old hair tie and put the new one on her blonde, silky hair, which smelled so good! "How is it?" Lia asked, her voice tinged with a mix of excitement and nervousness as she turned to show off her ponytail. The new hair tie was a striking contrast against her long, flowing blonde hair, which shimmered like strands of pure gold in the orange sky. The red tie, adorned with a small, intricately carved bat and delicate bat carvings, stood out vividly, adding a yful yet elegant touch to her look. The rich, crimson hue of the hair tie perfectlyplemented her crimson eyes, which sparkled with an almost otherworldly brightness. "You are too cute!! Little girl!!" Aether shouted, which made Lia blush for a second, her cheeks turning a rosy pink. [+100 Affection] "Give your big bro a hug!" Aether said, opening his arms wide, his grin widening. "Boo!! Who''s my big brother?!!" Lia teased, but after a moment''s hesitation, she stepped forward and gave him a hug, burying her face in his chest. Aether smiled and said, "You are really a strong girl!" Hearing that, Lia suddenly clutched him tightly, as if afraid to let go. They stayed embraced for a few seconds, finding sce in his presence, before separating reluctantly. "Here," Aether said, handing back her old hair tie. Lia took the tie hesitantly and, ''Sshhhh'' Burned it with her magic, the mes flickering briefly before consuming the tiepletely. "Hmm? You could have kept that since it''s not worn out that much," Aether said sceptically. He thought she might have just burned it because she got a new one. "Nah, I am not suitable to wear that anymore," Lia said with a cryptic smile. "???" Aether was puzzled but then, "~Chu~" Lia kissed his cheek, her face blushing as she said, "I don''t like a... ''Big brother''" and then ran off, leaving Aether stunned. "Huh? She doesn''t like me? What the hell? Didn''t I help her now!!" Aether couldn''t understand what she meant or what he had caused. [+200 Affection] "..." Aether blinked for a second and then nodded, ''I suppose she didn''t hate me then,'' he thought. After that, he visited Aqualina. She examined the gifts without much reaction, her eyes cold, "Tell him to meet me tomorrow morning!!" Her voice was cold as ice, and her expression was indifferent. ''He fucked up!'' Aether thought with hidden a sly smile. Chapter 174: Worst Gifts? The Very Next Morning, Kai felt a surge of happiness when he heard that Princess Aqualina had called for him. ''I suppose the surprise gift worked really well,'' he thought with a smile. His mind wandered to thoughts of rewarding his ve, Aether..... Well, not exactly a reward in the traditional sense, since Aether was a ve, and technically, Kai was not obligated to give him anything beyond the essentials: clothes, food, and shelter. And since the Academy provided free clothes, free food, and free shelter, Aether didn''t have to worry about those basic needs. Yet, Kai wished to show his appreciation in some way. When he arrived at the designated meeting spot, he was taken aback to see Aqualina already there. She held a package and waited for him calmly. ''Wow, Aether really worked hard!'' Kai thought, inwardly delighted by his ve''s efficiency. "Hmm~," Kai nodded happily as he approached her, "Hello, A-Aqualina. Did I make you wait?" His heart bubbled with joy as he stopped calling her ''Princess''. Aqualina didn''t respond immediately. Instead, she stared at Kai with a nk expression before finally smiling and asking, "Did you choose this for me?" "Yes," Kai answered without hesitation. There was no way he would admit that his ve had selected the gifts since he was busy selecting team members for the contest. No way! Such an admission wouldpletely ruin his image in her heart. Aqualina''s smile froze, and her voice turned cold, "Are you sure?" "...Y-Yes. Is it not to your liking?" Kai hesitated, sensing her displeasure and wondering why she seemed angry. "Liking?" Aqualina''s face showed a mix of surprise and disdain, "You thought I would like those disgusting things?!" "D-Digusting?" Kai was taken aback, genuinely shocked by her reaction. Veins popped on Aqualina''s forehead as she bit her trembling lips in an effort to control her anger, "Kai," she said, her voice low and dangerous. "Y-Yes?" "I understand that it''s hard for a man to control his hormones when he has a gorgeous fiance..." Her tone carried a hint of narcissism, but... It was a FACT. She continued with a nk, indifferent expression, "Next time you pull a stunt like this, there won''t be a stick left for you to stick." She punctuated her words by making a scissoring gesture with her fingers. Kai immediately covered his crotch, instinctively protecting himself. Aqualina gave him a deadly look before throwing the package at his face and walking away. She thought to herself, ''Tsk, all men are like that'' She clicked her tongue in disgust and annoyance, recalling how Aether had innocently given her the gift without knowing its contents. He had seemed genuinely shocked by what he found inside, asking if she actually wore such things with an innocent expression that made it impossible to shout at him. Remembering how her face had turned red with shame when he asked with such innocence, she couldn''t help but feel a twinge of empathy for him. "Well, not all men, I guess..." She shrugged to herself. She realized she needed to take Aether to a brothel to familiarize him with a woman''s body. Otherwise, it would be hard for him to concentrate on seduction, and there might be a change.... his instincts might take over, leading to something irreversible. As these thoughts upied her mind, she left Kai standing there, still in shock from the unexpected turn of events. "W-What happened?" he muttered, hurriedly checking the gifts. His face instantly turned crimson with embarrassment when he saw ckce panties, a G-string, a Y-back micro thong, a transparent bra, nipple patches, andst but not least, crotchless sexy purple panties. In truth, these weren''t bad gifts.... They were quite good (For Men of course), but they were more suited for a married couple or lovers who already knew each other well. For Kai and Aqualina, who weren''t particrly close, it was the worst surprise gift a fianc could have hoped for. It was supposed to be a surprise gift for Aqualina yet.... He was also surprised! It was at this moment he knew... His ve fucked him!! Kai''s face turned bright red with a mix of shame and... excitement? He clutched the package tightly as if he would use itter. But for now, "EETTTTHHHHHEEERRRRRR!!!!!" His screams echoed in the empty courtyard, a mix of frustration and humiliation. Meanwhile, "Yaaaahhh!" Aether yawned loudly, rubbing his ear as he looked in the mirror with a tired face while brushing his teeth. Since Princess Aqualina had informed him that she didn''t need him today, Aether decided to focus on levelling up. ording to Delphine, others were working hard for the uing contest, with some even reaching around level 10 since arriving at the Academy. "That''s fast..." Aether mumbled to himself, looking at his log after allocating his points. !~Ding~! [You have Levelled up!!] [Level: 4] !~Ding~! [Congrattions on Levelling up] [Reward: 10000 Affection Points] / Name: Aether Sex: Male Race: ##### Level: 4 Title: The Lost One, ve [Eternal Contract to ########], The Only Holder of Ether and Past-less, Future-less Entity. Attributes: Strength: 33 Agility: 35 Intelligence: 40 Magic Affinity: 32 Charm: 31 Compatibility: 90% Survival rate: 10.5% Affection Points: 00138 (1000 Affection Points = 1 *any Attributes) Seduction:1/10 / The gap between level 4 and level 10 was significant. Aether realized he needed to gain more Affection Points quickly. Why not use the Arcane Crystal then? As Taylor had mentioned, a nk Arcane Card couldn''t level up so did his. His Modified Arcane Card also didn''t work. That''s why he ended up selling the Crystal rather than using it to increase his level. He tried toin to the ''Log'' for being uncooperative bitchy, but as usual, it didn''t respond. Currently, there were only a handful of people who could provide him with high affection points, such as Snowke, Selene, Ste, and the Archpriestess. Snowke was sleeping peacefully after almost giving him a heart attack earlier. Selene was in ss, and he didn''t know where Ste was. As for the Archpriestess... he''d rather avoid encountering her at the moment. "Sigh... even Delphine is busy teaching sses. What should I do now?" Aether wondered aloud. He considered doing physical work to increase his stats, but it would take too long, and the contest was starting in just a few days. Aether had no choice but to feed the animals to earn some points. Just as he was about to leave the academy, [+100 Affection] "Hmm?!" Aether frowned, looking around cautiously. "Excuse me?" A voice called from behind him. Aether turned around and saw Finnian and Helena standing together. [+100 Affection] Seeing Finnian, Aether''s immediate thought was, ''Shit!!'' Chapter 175: As long as you kill Her "Hello, Sir Finnian and Madam Helena," Aether greeted with a wave, his hand moving awkwardly through the air. He cast a quick nce at Helena, who stood nervously behind Finnian as if she were afraid of him. ''Did she tell him everything?'' Aether thought to himself. He then said, "Is there anything you need from this humble servant?" Finnian, with his piercing golden eyes, stared intently at Aether before speaking, "I heard you entered a woman''s dormitory." "Yes, Princess Aqualina summoned me, and the Dorm Manager allowed me in after some earnest pleading from the princess," Aether replied, maintaining a stern and serious expression on his face. Finnian continued to scrutinize Aether for a few more moments before pulling Helena forward. She had been hiding behind him, her cheeks tinged with a faint red hue, "Go on," he prompted her. Helena blushed slightly and looked at Aether, her voice soft as she said, "Thank you for your help before." Finnian then added, "I heard she threatened you to help her. She felt guilty about it, so she asked me toe along with her." "I see," Aether nodded, inwardly sighing with relief. He then looked at Helena, ''At least she apologized for her actions'' and began with a smile, "I''m d to see that you are fee" But before he could finish, Finnian stepped in front of Helena and said, "We are leaving now. The interval is over." Finnian turned and pulled Helena along with him as they walked away. Helena nced back at Aether, a look of something in her eyes made Aether gulp in fear before they disappeared from sight. [+100 Affection] "What was that all about?" Aether mumbled to himself, shrugging off the encounter. He decided to stick to his n for the day, focusing on his tasks. He gathered a few items and set out to feed the animals he found around the city. "Take it!" he said cheerfully, handing out food to various creatures. [+10 Affection] [+10 Affection] [+10 Affection] [+10 Affection] [+100 Affection] [+100 Affection] [+100 Affection] [+200 Affection] [+100 Affection] ..... ... [+500 Affection] After a full day of feeding animals, Aether had amassed a significant number of affection points. Some of the points even came from his innate charm, which seemed to attract the animals to him. ''Lick!'' [+500 Affection] A deer licked his face before returning to its family, adding to Aether''s collection of affection points. "Well, that''s quite a nice ie," Aether thought as he reviewed his affection points, feeling a sense of satisfaction. [Remaining AP: 30,338] Although his money was depleted, making him feel like a beggar again (not really, since he still had 20,000?), he was truly happy to have earned so much in a single day. Previously, he could only gather around 10 affection points at a time, but today, everyone seemed to be showering him with more and more affection. "It must be the charm," Aether mused. He felt a bit uneasy, knowing that increasing his charm might be dangerous, but he needed to level up, so it was necessary. ''It''s kind of an annoying rule that I need to increase every attribute in order to level up..'' Aether grumbled as he looked at his log and allocated his points, determined to improve his abilities. !~Ding~! [You have Levelled up!!] [Level: 5] !~Ding~! [Congrattions on Levelling up] [Reward: 10000 Affection Points] / Attributes: Strength: 40 Agility: 40 Intelligence: 40 Magic Affinity: 40 Charm: 40 Affection Points: 11,338 / He could feel his body bing more powerful, and he started to gain a deeper understanding of controlling Arcane energy. With focused intent, ''ssshh'' A small ice cube formed in his hand, and he examined it with curiosity. "Cool!" Aether eximed, amused by his newfound ability. He licked the ice cube to see if it was edible and found it harmless. With a happy and content smile, he put the ice cube in his mouth and headed back to the Academy, thinking about the few days left before the contest. He knew he needed to level up to at least Seven or eight to avoid serious trouble. "Sigh, lots of things need to be done," Aethermented. Despite the hard work ahead, he felt a sense of joy and aliveness, relishing the challenges before him. [+10 Affection] A female small birdnded on his shoulder, chirping happily. "Chirp, chirp," it sounded so cute.... Aether smiled and reached out to touch it when, ''Chrippp!!!'' Another male bird swooped down, ring at Aether as if he were stealing his mate. "..." Aether blinked in confusion, ncing at the female bird on his shoulder, who turned her head away as if dissatisfied with her mate. ''Chrrrippp!! Chrip, Chrip!'' == "Bastard, how dare you steal my wife!!" ''Chrrrrrrppp, Chrip, Chrip'' == ''My dearrades, this is the man who has been stealing our wives'' love,'' The male bird furiously chirped, rallying other birds around. "Chirp?" == "Really?" "Chirp? Chirp!" = "Did you finally find him? The human male that stole my sweetheart''s heart?" More birds arrived, joining themotion where they were being NTRed by a human male, their chirping growing louder and more frantic. ''Chrrrrrrppp, Chrip, Chrip'' ''Chrrrrrrppp?'' They seemed to be having a heated discussion before ring at Aether with deadly eyes. "..." Aether was bewildered by the situation. Though he didn''t understand their words, he knew they were angry. Their expressions mirrored those of ric when his wife merely spoke with Aether. "FUCK!" Aether ran immediately as the birds, ''CCCHHRRRPPPPP!!!'' == ''ATTTTAACCCCCKKK'' People watched in amazement as a boy was chased by a flock of birds. They were taken aback, knowing birds usually didn''t attack unless provoked. They assumed Aether must have done something to anger them. Thud! Aether slipped into an alley and crouched down, waiting for the birds to pass. ''SSSSSSHHHHHHH!'' ''Chrrrrrrppp, Chrip, Chrip...'' Aether sighed in relief as he saw the group of angry birds flying past, their chirps fading into the distance. "Sigh," Aether sighed again, just about to make a run for it when he heard something. "What!!! Are you sure about it?" "Hmm?....." Aether flinched at the sudden exmation. He peeked around the corner cautiously, curiosity piqued. "Isn''t that the wolf guy?" Aether mumbled when he saw Kaelen Darkfang, the one who had led Monster Bears towards Aria during the entrance ceremony. "Don''t shout!" another voice hissed, sounding urgent and secretive. Aether frowned, curious about the conversation. He tried to listen, but they had lowered their voices. His curiosity got the better of him, and he slowly, quietly crawled closer to them, his movements painstakingly slow and deliberate. It was very slow... like a Sloth! This was one of Aether''s best moves to escape from school in his old dayscrawling down from the ss while teachers were busy teaching. Anyhow, Finally, close enough to hear, Aether hid behind a wall and strained to catch their words as he saw a hoodie figure along with Kaelen. "Sigh, I hope you keep your end of the bargain," Kaelen said, taking something from the hooded figure with a wary expression. "As long as you kill her, I will do what is necessary to elimi" The voice abruptly stopped, cutting off mid-sentence. ''Crack'' ''Tsk'' Aether clicked his tongue when tried to get closer he was stepped on a broken ss. "What happened?" Kaelen asked, frowning deeply. "Someone is here," the hooded figure whispered. Kaelen''s eyes widened in surprise. Chapter 176: Snaped [Author''s Note: I am excited to announce that I am rewriting my first novel, giving it a fresh and new perspective. I invite you all to give it a read: /book/soulless-transcendent-twisted-love-for-my-yandere-wives_29736272308325905] Both Kaelen Darkfang and the hooded figure frowned and looked around, scanning their surroundings with intense suspicion. Aether held his breath as he crouched behind the wall, hoping fervently that they wouldn''t discover his hiding ce. The tension in the air was palpable, and he could almost hear his own heartbeat echoing in his ears. Kaelen, who had partially transformed with his long wolf ears, picked up on a sound that made him pause... "Ba-Dump, Ba-Dump, Ba-Dump..." Kaelen''s eyes widened in surprise as he pinpointed the source of the sound. He motioned for the hooded figure to remain silent, and very slowly, with deliberate caution, began to move toward the origin of the frantic heartbeat, each step measured and precise. Aether''s mind raced through a myriad of possibilities. He knew he had inadvertently overheard something, and he suspected that Kaelen and hispanion might kill him to ensure his silence. He had no choice but to prepare himself for a confrontation... However, ''Sshhhh!'' Suddenly, Kaelen shouted, "He''s running!" when he spotted a ck-suited figure leaping into action and darting away with remarkable speed... almost like a ninja. Kaelen instantly transformed into a wolf and gave chase. Aether wasn''t entirely sure what had just transpired but allowed himself a moment of relief. However, he quickly noticed that the hooded figure hadn''t followed Kaelen. Instead, it was intently focused on the direction Kaelen had initially moved. ''Fuck!'' Aether cursed inwardly. He immediately shifted from his crawling position to a crouch, determined to surprise his enemy because he had no other viable option. The hooded figure moved slowly in Aether''s direction, its steps careful and deliberate. It was just about to peek around the wall when ''Chrip!'' A female bird suddenly flew out from the side wall, startling the hooded figure. "Tsk, just a bird!" the hooded figure muttered in annoyance before deciding to follow Kaelen. Aether sighed in immense relief. It looked like the same female bird that had sat on his shoulder before. Now, it hovered in front of him as if to reassure him. [+500 Affection] Aether felt an overwhelming urge to hug the cute little bird and was just about to do so when ''CCCRRRRRHHHHHPPPPPP!!!'' == ''FOUND HIM, GUYS!!!'' "Fuck!" Aether cursed again, instantly taking off and running from the horde of angry birds that had been looking for him. ..... ... Aether finally stumbled into his dorm, his body covered in small pecking bruises and his clothes stained with bird droppings. "I''m gonna roast those bastards next time!" Aether gritted his teeth in frustration, pulling feathers from his ruffled hair with an exasperated expression. ''Ssshh!'' He then took a long, hot bath, the water pouring out from a device that was run by Arcane energy... just like a heater in his old world, soothing his bruised skin. As he bathed, he mulled over what Kaelen and the hooded figure had said. "Kill her... huh?" Aether mumbled to himself as the water dripped from his hair. He wasn''t entirely sure what Kaelen was nning, but it seemed like he was intent on killing someone, possibly one of the Arcane Queens. Looking at his mission tab, Aether deduced that it was either Aqualina or Aria. "This is going to be tough," Aether sighed, realizing he needed to keep a close watch on Kaelen. After his bath, Aether returned to his bed. He noticed that the upper berth was still empty and wondered where Taylor had gone. It was almost night, and she should have been back by now. Meanwhile, "-Huff-huff-huff-" the ck-suited figure panted heavily, trying to catch its breath while hiding behind arge tree. "Did you see anyone?" Kaelen asked with a frown, sniffing the air as if trying to catch a scent. "No, I couldn''t sense that person... It seems he is either exceptionally good at hiding or has already escaped," the hooded figure mumbled, surveying the dense forest with a scrutinizing gaze. They had followed the ck figure from the alley and were now standing on the outskirts of the city, where the forest spread out ominously. "What should we do?" Kaelen asked, reverting to his human form with a frustrated expression. The hooded figure stared into the dark forest, its eyes narrowing. "It''s already night. Even if we search inside, there are monsters lurking. It''s better to leave now." Kaelen frowned deeply but eventually nodded in agreement, trusting the hooded figure''s judgment. Once they had disappeared into the shadows, the ck-suited figure sighed in relief and removed its mask, revealing a young woman with chestnut-brown hair and striking purple eyes..... Taylor sighed again, this time with profound relief. Taylor had been following Aether all day, albeit covertly. She wondered why he had such an affinity for animals, but she found it endearing as he enjoyed himself, seemingly carefree and oblivious to the world''s troubles. This was a new side of him she had never witnessed before, and it almost made her heart skip a beat. Deciding not to write a report on his activities, Taylor chose to leave him be. However, whether by bad luck or some curse, Aether stumbled upon the secret while fleeing from the birds. Though she found it amusing when Aether was chased by the angry birds, her demeanour became serious when he encountered Kaelen and the other person. ording to her intelligence, Kaelen was around Level 12, making it difficult for Aether to defeat him. The other person remained a mystery, but her instincts warned her that the hooded figure was lethally dangerous. Determined to help Aether, Taylor intervened..... It wasn''t her job, nor was shepelled to, but when Aether was about to be discovered, her legs moved on their own ord. Since then, she had been on the run from the group, eventually entering the dense forest. Taylor examined her wounds, wincing as she recalled how close she hade to being caught by the hooded figure. She wore back her mask, ensuring her tight ck suit covered herpletely. Cautiously, she looked around to make sure no one was watching before stepping out from behind the trees. She kept a vignt eye on her surroundings, deciding to run back to the academy. However, ''Crack'' "Found you." The hooded figure appeared out of nowhere, its hand closing around Taylor''s throat. "Grggg!" Taylor struggled desperately to escape its iron grip. "I waited for Kaelen to leave so we could have a personal chat," the hooded figure said calmly, tightening its hold on Taylor''s throat. "Tell me who sent you, and I''ll make it quick," the hooded figure said, its tone menacing. "gggrrrrr cough...." Taylor remained silent, struggling to breathe as she fought against the relentless grip. "Sigh, I guess there''s no point in talking then," the hooded figure murmured before tightening its grip even more. Snap Chapter 177: Coward! Snap The hooded figure frowned, realizing the sound wasn''t Taylor''s neck snapping, but rather... the crack of wood. "Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr" A growling sound. The hooded figure turned, spotting a monstrous gori-like creature with a golden 5-star Arcane crystal embedded in its chest. The beast''s eyes gleamed with predatory hunger, muscles tensed as it prepared to attack. Seizing the moment, Taylor twisted her body with remarkable agility, grabbing the hooded figure''s hand and twisting it with all her might. The grip loosened just enough for her to slip free, moving like a slippery eel escaping a fisherman''s grasp. "Cough, Cough!!" Taylor gasped, her lungs finally filling with air. Her breaths were ragged, but she didn''t waste time. She quickly threw a bag of blood at the hooded figure. ''Stter'' "Tsk," the hooded figure muttered, smelling the blood, "Lured the monster by spreading the other monster''s blood... not bad," it mused, impressed despite the situation. Indeed, Taylor had strategically spread the blood around the trees, knowing that the nocturnal monsters would be drawn to the scent. It was a calcted risk, one that was paying off now. "Take care," Taylor mumbled, her voice barely audible as she melted into the shadows. The hooded figure sighed, turning to face the gori monster, which was now closing in with an intense, predatory gaze. The beast let out a deafening roar, its massive hands swinging down in an attempt to crush its prey. "BOOOMMM!!!" .... .... Inside the Academy Thud "Taylor?" Aether, deep in thought about his strategy for the contest, looked up as the door opened. "Y-Yes," Taylor answered, entering the room with a male attire. She removed her disguise and walked towards her bed, but Aether stopped her. Taylor frowned, not in the mood for chit-chat, "A-Aether, I nee" "What happened?" he asked, his voice almost felt emotionless. Taylor''s frown deepened. She wondered why he was so perceptive. She had treated her wounds meticulously beforeing here. "What are you talking about?" Taylor asked, feigning ignorance. Aether didn''t respond with words. Instead, he gently traced his finger over the reddened mark on her neck. "Shhh," Taylor hissed at the burning sensation, ''Shit! I forgot about this!'', she had overlooked one ring detail... the full-grown hand mark on her neck. She saw the concern in Aether''s eyes, a pained expression she hadn''t expected. Taylor was taken aback; no one had ever shown such expression for her before. She was just a tool! Taylor smiled weakly, "It''s fin" "Nothing is fine," Aether interrupted, scooping her up like a princess and gently cing her on his lower berth. "W-Wait!!" Taylor''s face turned red as she saw him applying ointment to her neck. "I-I am fine!" she protested, but Aether ignored her. "Take rest," he said firmly. Taylor, surprised by Aether''s sudden attentiveness, felt her heart skip a beat. She was really fine although she needed a simple rest but still, she was fine. Yet, Her cheeks warmed as she realized she wasn''t used to such kindness. After ensuring she wasfortable, Aether asked again, "What happened?" "Well..." Taylor hesitated, unsure what to say. She couldn''t tell him she was gathering information about him. Seeing his concerned and pained eyes, she decided to lie, "I... I was attacked by John''s servant." "John? Who?" Aether asked, frowning. Taylor was surprised he had forgotten about them so quickly. She exined that John, wounded by Selene, had indirectly ordered his servant to harm Aether. "Ah... I see..." Aether nodded, recalling the group of servants who had knocked on his door. "So?" "...." "Come on, Tell me... Please" ".... Since I was living with you, John''s servant cornered me and asked me to harm you and promised me that they would provide me with arge sum of money," Taylor said. It wasn''t entirely a lie; it had truly happened, and she was using that truth now to cover up the night''s events. Aether nodded, a smile ying on his lips, "You didn''t agree, so they hurt you?" "...." Taylor remained silent. It wasn''t true that they had physically harmed her, but they had certainly warned her for not cooperating. Understanding her silence, Aether nodded again and changed the topic, "You know, I brought a gift for you~" Though Taylor already knew about the gift, she feigned surprise, "What is it?" Seeing her genuinely curious and happy face, Aether chuckled, "Rest now like a good girl, I''ll show you tomorrow." Taylor slightly pouted at his chuckle but nodded, feeling the exhaustion settling in. She was really tired! Aether gently patted her stomach as if she were a child. Soon, Taylor drifted off to sleep, her breath finally calming down. Aether watched her for a moment, then leaned down and kissed her forehead. He pulled a nket over her and quietly left the room, closing the door with a soft click. Click "...." Taylor immediately opened her eyes and stared at the door for a moment. She gently rubbed her forehead, feeling a mix of guilt and warmth. She knew she had lied to him, but she had no other choice. With a slight blush, she prayed for John''s servant, hoping he would be spared from Aether''s wrath. Meanwhile, Knock, Knock Thud "Yawn... Who is it at this hour?" A boy asked, opening the door with half-groggy eyes. "Hello, Mr. Whatever," came an indifferent voice. The boy''s eyes widened when he saw Aether standing before him. The next thing he knew... "AARHHH--mmfffffffff!!!" A sudden cry echoed before it was quickly silenced. Next Morning, Aqualina looked at the Principal, who was ring at Aether, who in turn was staring at the trembling, broken boy behind John. John gave Aether a dead re, his eyes filled with fury. Delphine sighed in the corner, not knowing how to respond to Aether''s audacious act. "What? It''s not like it''s my fault!" Aether shrugged. He was used to this scene, having been called into the Principal''s office many times for his antics in his previous life. "Aether!" Aqualina red at him, silencing him. Aether shrugged again and chose to remain quiet. "What do you want now?" Aqualina asked John directly. The Principal and Delphine were surprised to see Aqualina negotiating so assertively. John, though happy to get more from Princess, now decided to act tough so that he could increase the amount more, "Princess Aqualina, I hope you understand that my servant was really" Before he could finish, Aqualina showed him some papers. "Your servant has been harassing my servant ever since you agreed to withdraw theint. Not only that, my servant has been ghosted in the Dormitory and Servant''s Cafeteria.Everyone treats him like a gue and some even provoking him calling him ''Princess''s Lackey''..... Should I ask who is responsible for this?" Her voice was cold as ice. "...." John was bbergasted, gulping as he looked at the Principal, who wore a frown, "P-Princess, why don''t we talk alone" "A few nights ago, your servant, along with others, tried to harm my servant. What does that mean?" Aqualina asked, her tone unforgiving. "...." John waspletely taken aback. He had thought she was just a pushy princess just like before, but now he realized... She was a tiger who only hid once. The next time he yed, he would be at her mercy. Aqualina was not just a treasured princess. She was the daughter of Empress Marisandra Naiadia, a very dangerous and cunning woman. There was no way her kin would be pushovers! John''s mind raced as he tried to think of a way out, "Princess Aqualina, I assure you, this is a misunderstanding. My servant acted independently, and I had no knowledge of his actions." His servant had a horrified expression. Chapter 178: Preparing for the Contest Part-1 Aqualina Naiadia would never let others trample on her, so it was impossible she wasn''t aware of what was happening to her servant; she had heard everything from Taylor in great detail. Thus, she knew her servant was being ghosted and was being looked down upon, but she didn''t take action immediately. She was waiting for Aether toin, toe to her with his grievances, to speak up and reveal his troubles. She wanted to hear from him directly about what was happening so she could take action, but to her surprise, Aether wasn''t like others. He remained silent and ignored everyone, carrying on as if he didn''t care, as if the slights and insults meant nothing to him. There was a calm and indifferent gaze in his eyes, suggesting he had already endured everything. This resilience made her proud, knowing her servant was stronger and moreposed than others. Yet, it also annoyed her. Why hadn''t hee to her for help? Didn''t he trust her enough? But now, "Princess, how did you know all this?" Aether asked with wide, curious eyes, looking at her like a peeking bird, his innocence shining through. Aqualina hurriedly walked into the corridor. After dealing with John, the Principal had warned both John and Aether not to cause any more ruckus. She had turned a blind eye to the situation since John withdrew hisint again, but if Aether hurt anyone else on campus, both he and Aqualina would face severe consequences. But now was not the point because, "Princess, you really know what was happening around... ah," Aether mumbled in a surprised tone, then added innocently, "Are you, by any chance... worried about me?" Before he could finish, Aqualina halted her steps, her cheeks turning red. She red at him and snapped, "Don''t you dare imagine anything stupid!" before quickly walking away. She was getting annoyed by her servant. Feeling a sudden silence, Aqualina nced back at Aether, who wore a sad expression. His usually bright eyes were now downcast. "M-Maybe a little," she mumbled quietly, almost inaudibly. [+500 Affection] Aether smirked inwardly as a smile returned to his face. He followed her happily, then asked with a little curiosity, "Princess... are you... are you wearing Master Kai''s gifts?" Aqualina''s face turned bright red as she red at Aether and said, "Don''t ever speak about that disgusting thing again, or I will throw you to the monsters!!" Aether''s lips trembled as if he mightugh at any moment. Controlling his emotions, he maintained his innocent act, "Disgusting? Then why did Master Kai gift you that?" "Gggrrrr," Aqualina couldn''t evensh out at him seeing his innocent face. She grumbled in anger. She never thought a being innocent could make her this angry, but as calm and mature, sheposed herself and said, "Those are for filthy men''s desires, useless worthless desires... You better not be like him and should not think about that... ever in your life, got it?" Though she calmed, her cheeks remained beet red. ''Come on!! Aether!!! Control yourself!!'' Aether told himself inwardly, managing to maintain hisposure before nodding innocently and saying, "If the princess says so, I will.." and stopped teasing her. [+500 Affection] Soon, Aqualina arrived at a bench in the training area where a few students stood waiting for her, their expressions eager and respectful. "Princess!!" The group suddenly bowed their heads in unison. "Good. So, you all decided to take my offer?" Aqualina asked, her gaze sweeping over the five individuals before her. "Yes," they chorused in unison, their faces lit with determination. She started to discuss a few things with them, outlining the n and their roles. Aether listened to the group intently, understanding they were her teammates for the uing contest. After dealing with them, the students left with smiles, clearly motivated. "What are you doing, princess?" Aether asked. Aqualina then told him the details. After hearing Aether ask, "Those were the members of your team, ah... What about me? Did you forget your own servant?" Aqualina sighed, seeing his puppy eyes, and said, "Servants are not allowed to participate in the contest, only other students." "Tsk" "D-Did you just clicked your tongue?" Aqualina frowned. "No" Aether frowned and asked, "But I heard a few servants saying they were eager to enter the contest... though I wondered what they were talking about?" Hearing that, Aqualina nodded, "Those were attendants." "Attendants?" "Simply put, attendants aremoner students in the academy who don''t have much hope for their future. They choose top-ranked students or nobles to be their attendants, hoping to win their favour before they be unreachable," Aqualina exined patiently. "I see..." Aether nodded in understanding. He thought his life was hard, but to think those guys not only worked as servants but also needed to maintain their academics. It was a sobering realization. As a servant, Aether needed to pick her up from the dorm, prepare for her sses, know her timetable, guide her to the next ss, collect notes from the professors, buy the materials she wanted, safeguard her from other students, do menial tasks for her, make sure she ate every time, and finally leave her in the dorm... What a pain! ''To think attendants not only do this but also take care of themselves... sigh,'' Aether inwardly sighed, feeling exhausted just thinking about it. "Aqualina!" Kai suddenly shouted as he hurriedly approached, his voice cutting through the air. "Hmm?" Aqualina frowned, not just because of seeing him... maybe a little, but more importantly because he was surrounded by five beautiful girls, their presence almost suffocating. ''Aether had no words when he saw beautiful girls and only thought, ''Damn, He already built his harem!!'' "Have you prepared your team?" Kai asked as he stood before Aqualina, his eyes gleaming with confidence. "Yes.... You?" she asked with a slight pause. "Me too... See, these girls are so eager to fight for me," Kai said with a proud face, looking at the girls with a sense of ownership. "Y-Yes, we are ready to fight for Sir Kai," one girl dered, her voice filled with unwavering determination. "I-I am ready to even sacrifice myself," another girl added, her voice trembling with emotion. "I will help him however necessary," said a third, her eyes shining with fervour. "I can do anything for Sir Kai," the fourth girl chimed in, her voice filled with resolve. "Yes!!" the fifth girl eximed, her face glowing with adoration. Aqualina''s lips twitched as she saw their obvious sparkling eyes, ''Is he serious?'' she thought, then asked, "So, you just chose them because they asked? Are they even talented enough for the contest?" """""Of course we are!""""" the five girls said in unison, their voices harmonizing in a strange, almost eerie way. Aqualina''s lips twitched even more as she nced at Kai with an annoyed expression. Kai smiled, misinterpreting Aqualina''s annoyance as jealousy. He couldn''t be happier that his friend Leon gave him this advice to make Aqualina jealous, hoping she would forget the past incident. "Pfff---" Aether immediately covered his mouth he couldn''t believe those girls fanning over him. Kai then red at Aether, who simply averted his gaze and whistled nonchntly. Aether had already apologized when Kaiined, saying he asked the shopkeepers what made girls'' hearts flutter, and they packed those weird gifts. "Grrrrr," Kai gritted his teeth, frustration bubbling up inside him. He should have at least checked the gift. He knew it was his mistake to ask an illiterate ve to buy gifts, and now he was the one who suffered. Anyhow, "We shall fight, Aqualina!!The loser has to do whatever the winner says!" Kai said with a confident smile, his eyes zing with determination. "Oh? Okay then," Aqualina nodded, her gaze flicking over to the fierce eyes of the girls who stood behind Kai. Chapter 179: Preparing for the Contest Part-2 During the lunch break, Inside Delphine''s office, "Have you prepared for everything?" Delphine asked, her voice a mixture of authority and concern, echoing through the room. "... Yes, More or less" Aether answered, though his eyes were fixated on the strange ice wall she had created between them. The cold barrier shimmered, He couldn''t help but ask, "D-Delphine, what is this?" Delphine didn''t answer immediately. She had created a half-ice wall to separate herself from Aether, a deliberate move to maintain a boundary. "Here," Delphine said, tossing a small scroll towards him. He caught it effortlessly and unrolled it, finding intricate and mysterious symbols inscribed on it. Delphine then exined, "Once you pour arcane energy into this spell scroll, you will be immediately teleported to the farthest safe distance. If you find yourself unable to handle a fight or are severely wounded, you can always escape. I know you don''t have knowledge like others and you might not even gather one g but it''s fine... I pretty sure the Principal just want to see your hard work nothing more... There is no point in winning if you lose your life. Life is more important than some fleeting victory, got it?Even if you cannot enter, I will teach you secretly whenever possible" She spoke with a stern and serious face, but when she saw his gentle smile, her heart fluttered unexpectedly, sending a warm sensation through her chest. [+200 Affection] "W-What?" she asked, her voice betraying a hint of vulnerability. "... Delphine really worried about me... ah?.... Super! So you wouldn''t mind even if I lose the game?" Aether asked, his smile broadening, his eyes twinkling with genuine happiness. "W-Well, I would be a little sad, but as long as you''re alive, nothing else matters," Delphine admitted, her voice softening. "Though I love to have a secret lesson.... I am not gonna fall fail, I promise you!!" Aether said with a serious face. "... Hmph, Better be!" [+200 Affection] "However, I want something to motivate me," Aether said with a sly smile. "S-Something?" Delphine''s face turned red. "Yeah, something only you can motivate me..." Aether''s smile grew even more, his eyes locking onto hers. He reached out and touched the ice wall before him. Within seconds, the ice crumbled into the water, as if something had drained its energy, the cold barrier melting away under his touch. Ssh Delphine was astonished. ''He''s growing stronger so quickly...'' she thought, her heart beating faster. "S-Stop!" shemanded, her voice tinged with desperation. He stepped closer, his hand reaching out to touch her cheek. The contact sent a shiver down her spine, a mix of coolness and warmth spreading through her skin, causing her to gasp softly. "Delphine," he said softly, his voiceced with an intimate undertone. "Y-Yes?" she responded her voice barely above a whisper, her heart pounding in her chest. "I would be happy if you gave me a kiss but I think you won''t so..." Aether mumbled, his eyes tender and filled with a deep, smouldering intensity. Then, leaning in, he kissed her cheek gently. "~chu~" The touch of his lips was both electrifying and soothing, igniting a fire within her that she couldn''t quiteprehend. [+300 Affection] "!!!" Delphine froze like a statue, her mind spinning, her body tingling from the unexpected kiss. "You look beautiful when you''re flustered...." Aether muttered, Though he wanted to kiss her lips, he held back, knowing she was shy despite her outward demeanour. ''So, baby steps,'' Aether thought, but he couldn''t resist.... As a man, he pinched her lips lightly with his fingers, feeling their softness, and kissed his own fingers, his gaze never leaving hers, "You taste sweet~" he murmured, his voice a low, seductive whisper. Sensing her rising aura of anger and confusion, Aether immediately took off, escaping from her presence before she could react. Thud Delphine fell to the floor, her face beet red. All she could hear was her racing heart, and the blood pounding in her ears. "T-That brat!!!" she gritted her teeth, a mix of anger and lingering desire coursing through her. She couldn''t believe she had let him take advantage of her again. ''Why am I like this?!'' she screamed inwardly. She had never let a man touch her face, much less kiss her, and here she was, flustered and out of sorts because of a teenage boy. Her heart still beat wildly, a tumultuous mix of emotions swirling inside her. "Shit!! This is all because of that damn ''Image''!!" she shouted in frustration, her voice echoing in the now empty office. Suddenly, she felt a wet sensation. Looking down, she saw water flowing across the floor, remnants of the ice wall Aether had melted. She was truly surprised that he had managed to melt her ice in mere seconds. But then... "Hmm?" She frowned, staring at the water with growing confusion and shock. ''T-There was no a-arcane energy...'' she realized. He hadn''t used arcane energy to form heat to melt it.... rather he sucked it! _____________________________________ Meanwhile, Inside the Pce of the Aquaris Naiadae Empire, "That''s all about yesterday''s incident, Your Majesty," Taylor reported, kneeling before Empress Marisandra Naiadia. The Empress, reclining on her luxurious bed with a bored expression, nced at the reports. "So Kaelen was trying to kill someone with the help of an unidentified person... ah," she mumbled, disinterested in the affairs of others as long as her daughter remained unharmed. She then threw a small box at her maid, who swiftly caught it. The Empress instructed, "That was really challenging for our Royal Magicians and craftsmen to create. Make sure Aether takes care of it and tell him he needs to pay for that..." A smirk yed on her lips before her eyes fell on Taylor''s ears, noticing the small purple stud earring, ''That was new...'' Empress thought. "...." The Empress silently stared at her maid. Taylor nced at the Empress, wondering why she was being scrutinized so intently. The Empress parted her lips to say something but shook her head and said, "I heard you asked for a spell scroll from the Royal Magician.... Personally" "Y-Yes... B-But I paid him the full amount from my savings," Taylor hurriedly exined. "It''s not about whether you paid him or not...." The Empress''s eyes red up, exerting a pressure that weighed heavily on Taylor, "You hid it from me. Why is that?" "I-I... I...." Taylor clenched her teeth, struggling to withstand the pressure. "This is the first time you''ve hidden something from me. Why is that.... Fallen Princess?" The Empress pressed harder, her gaze cold and unyielding. "I-I am s-sorry... I-I wasn''t trying to hide," Taylor managed to say, her voice strained under the weight of the Empress''s scrutiny. The Empress''s cold eyes suddenly softened as she released the pressure and asked, "Then why?" "I... I don''t know," Taylor said, shaking her head. "Don''t know?" The Empress frowned and moved to sit beside Taylor. Though Taylor hesitated, she eventually sat beside the Empress. The Empress softly asked, patting her head, "Tell me... Who gave you this?" Taylor hesitated before answering, "I-it was from Aether." "I see...." The Empress nodded, noticing a small blush on Taylor''s cheek. It was more than enough for the Empress to understand what was happening, "Is your heart racing whenever he is with you?" ".... Y-Yes," Taylor admitted, her blush deepening. "....Oh dear..." The Empress closed her eyes, remembering a cheeky brat, before sighing. Her expression then turned icy cold as she said, "Don''t forget, you have to kill whoever I point to... that might include him in the future." "...." Taylor flinched, taking a moment before nodding seriously and saying, "Yes, I am always Her Majesty''s tool." "... Good" Chapter 180: Beginning of the Contest Soon, Taylor returned to her dorm. "What are you doing?" Taylor asked when she saw Aether sitting at the table, engrossed in some notes. "Well, reading a few things," Aether mumbled, ncing at notes written by Selene and Lia. Seeing their hard work just for him made his heart flutter with happiness. Today, he had been receiving so much to make him happy. Taylor nodded, removed her disguise, and stood behind Aether, looking at the notes as one hand wrapped around his shoulder, "There are lots of things written on it," she said. "..." Aether nced at her sudden closeness and replied, "Yeah, they were working hard for me." ".... " Taylor paused before saying, "As a friend, right?" She tucked her hair behind her ear, revealing the small, cute purple stud earring.... A gift from Aether. Aether stared at her ear, noticing how well it matched her purple eyes, and mumbled, "... M-Maybe." "Hmmm," Taylor nodded and said, "I also worked hard," cing a small wooden box and a spell scroll on the table. Though Aether wanted to see what was inside, he felt something off about Taylor... she was unusually clingy. "So?" She then slowly turned to face him, a small blush on her cheeks and a longing in her eyes as if she were scared of losing something. Aether closed the book, wanting to ask what had happened. Before he could move, Taylor kissed him, her lips pressing firmly against his. "~hmm~" Though Aether was surprised, he immediately reciprocated, pulling her onto hisp as their kiss deepened. Taylor''s hands moved to the back of his head, her fingers threading through his hair as she pulled him closer.She pressed her body against his, feeling the heat of his skin through their clothes. Her lips were soft and insistent, parting slightly as she sought more intimacy. ''~ssrr~'' ''~mm~'' She then bit his lips gently, sucking on them with a hunger. Aether raised his eyebrows, surprised by her boldness, ''What happened?'' he wondered but continued to suck her upper lip and lower lip exchanging. The room filled with the sounds of their passionate exchange. "~aahff~" As their kiss continued, Aether''s hand moved up her back, tracing the line of her spine, feeling the slight shiver that ran through her. He loved the way she responded to him, the way she seemed to melt into his touch. It was intoxicating, a heady mix of sweetness and heat that made him want to never let go. "~mmff~" Taylor could feel something getting hard under her butt, she unconsciously pressed her butt on hisp tightly. "~ha~" "~ha~" After a minute, they finally separated, both panting heavily. Taylor, hoping to see a turned-on expression on his face, instead saw only concern. She then took his hand and ced it on her ample chest, making Aether flinch, but he didn''t pull away. "I-I don''t know why, but when you''re with me, my heart always races," Taylor said with a gentle smile, "I never felt this before... Everything is new to me. I am supposed to be a tool, and yet... I... I... I don''t know... Please make me forget everything." "...." Aether remained silent, he could feeling her racing heart and he was an idiot to not understand what she was telling him. "~hmm~" Aether suddenly kissed her lips again, his hand gently fondling her breast. The softness of her curves, the heat radiating from her body, was driving him wild. "~Mmmfff~" Taylor moaned louder this time, her body arching into his touch, her guardpletely lowered. The sensation of his hand on her breast, coupled with the deep, sensual kiss, sent waves of pleasure through her. She felt herself getting lost in the moment, her thoughts scattered, her only focus on the man holding her so tenderly yet passionately. Thud Aether gave her a sudden chop on her neck, knocking her out. She fell unconscious on his shoulder. Aether then picked her up and gentlyid her on his bed, staring at her peaceful face. "Sigh..." Aether sighed.As much as he wanted to continue, he wasn''t scum to take advantage of her while she was in unknown emotional turmoil. Though he didn''t know what had happened, he knew all Taylor needed was a simple, long rest. Seeing her frowning face, Aether held her hand tightly, which made her rx, a small smile forming on her lips. "... What are you? A child?" Aether smiled back.Though he was going to be a scum soon due to his mission he need to seduce others but still... he was a somewhat good guy in his heart. _________ Next Day, The Day of the Capture the g Contest "Everyone''s really hyped up... ah," the Principal mumbled as she observed the students, all brimming withpetitive energy. They were gathered in the stadium. As the Principal nced at the chosen ones standing with their teams, she nodded at ric, who stepped forward and announced, "As you already know the details of the contest, let me reiterate them for rity: This contest is called Capture the g. Your objective is to capture the opponent''s g while protecting your own. The victors will be determined and ranked based on the number of gs they capture. The students apanying the chosen ones shall receive a one-rank boost by default, regardless of whether their team wins or loses. If their team wins, they will receive a three-rank boost from their current rank. However, if their team loses... there are no direct penalties for you since the team leader will bear the consequences." Hearing this, the students were ted. Even a single rank boost could significantly enhance their chances of securing a prestigious position in a noble or even a royal household, ''Yah!!'' they were screaming inwardly. Suddenly, the professors handed each student a small red crystal embedded in a crystal golden badge, instructing them to attach it to the upper sleeve of their uniforms. "Oh!" The students were surprised when the crystal golden badge automatically attached itself to their sleeves and could not be removed afterwards. ric continued, "If your body reaches its limits or you suffer a critical injury, you will be immediately teleported to the healing department and eliminated from the contest. Now, pour your arcane energy into the badge!" As the students followed his instructions, the red crystals glowed brightly before settling down. Soon after, the professors distributed detailed maps to the team leaders. The Principal suddenly snapped her fingers, causing the entire stadium to tremble as its surroundings transformed into a vast, endless field with a white sky, filled with trees, rivers, and mountains, creating an entirely.... new world. That''s the power of this Academy it could literally create anything upon Sovereign''s wish. ric then continued, "You will all be teleported to a base located farthest from each other, and you will be given a map detailing the locations of other bases. The contest duration is ten hours. Once the horn sounds, you must stop immediately, even if you are in the middle of a battle, and return to this stadium.... Here!!" For those who do not wish to continue the contest, you may return here to end your participation. You will still be ranked based on the number of gs you capture, so there is no need to wait for the full ten hours. Is everyone clear?" "YES!!!!!" the students shouted in unison, their voices echoing across the transformedndscape. ric nodded and looked up at the sky, where a huge hologram appeared. He said, "Look at that image; it will disy your team''s live ranking in the contest." Everyone turned their heads and saw the enormous hologram in the sky. But they soon, Frowned... The chosen ones frowned, as did the professors, while the Principal smirked because: / Raven Noir : 100 Points Kaelen Darkfang: 200 Points Aria Zephyr: 300 Points Jack Sparrow: 400 Points Leon Dragonheart: 500 Points Helena Sunfire: 600 Points Kai Frostde: 700 Points Finnian Sunfire: 800 Points Nyx Shadowfall: 900 Points Aqualina Naiadia: 1000 Points Ashara Nightfire: 1100 Points Aurelia Scarlet: 1200 Points Thalia Crimsonw: 1300 Points / There were three extra members! Chapter 181: Capture the Flag: Part-1 "What is the meaning of this?!" one student shouted, his voice echoing with shock and disbelief. "Is it some error in the system?" another student yelled, equally bewildered. The Principal, wearing a smirk, stepped forward and addressed the crowd with a calm demeanour, "It''s a contest, of course. You should expect twists and turns... even you might have hidden twists" she said, her eyes gleaming with amusement. ric and the other professors frowned, clearly not informed about this sudden development, "Principal, can I know the reason for this sudden change?" ric asked, his voice filled with doubt, echoing the sentiments of the other professors representing their respective empires. "Y-Yes, I''d like to know why the sudden change?" "And what''s with those points?" "Why are our chosen ones ranked lower than the top contenders?" Everyone demanded answers, except for Delphine, who merely rubbed the bridge of her nose with a sigh and remained silent. Ever since the Principal announced the contest, these representative professors had been helping their corresponding chosen ones to ensure they could outperform the others and secure the top positions. They did not anticipate a sudden change that might disrupt their meticulous ns and teaching strategies. The Principal gave a stern and cold gaze at the questioning professors, making them flinch and step back. "I know what I am doing, and I don''t need to inform everyone of every detail. These are not children; they are chosen ones and must be ready for anything," she dered, her voice leaving no room for argument. The professors could only growl and curse her inwardly, their frustration palpable. The Principal then turned to the students and said, "Let''s wee a few more contenders." Soon, the top three students entered the contest with their own teams. "S-Selene?" Kai mumbled in surprise upon seeing his sister in Lia''s team. He had asked her before, but she had imed she wasn''t interested, so he didn''t expect her to be here. "Hello, big brother. Let''s y the sweet game," Selene giggled, but her expression froze when, "Yeah, let''s y the sweet game," Leon chimed in with a happy smile, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "...Yeah," Selene just nodded and didn''t say anything more. Kai nced at Lia, "H-Hello." "..." Lia didn''t respond, focusing intently on the Principal, her expression unreadable. Kai awkwardly smiled, and when his eyes fell on her different red hair tie, he felt a knot form in his stomach, a sense of unease settling over him. "I''m gonna beat the crap out of these chosen ones and win this contest to prove to everyone that you are just nobodies!" Thalia Crimsonw shouted, asserting her presence with authority and confidence. Everyone frowned and red at Thalia, but she just scoffed, "I''m just stating the truth!" "Hello everyone, I hope we have a friendly match," Ashara Nightfire said with a smile that nearly captivated many of the men present, including Leon and Kai, who were momentarily mesmerized by her enchanting voice. "That damn subus!!" Helena muttered under her breath, frowning as she saw Ashara using her powers to enchant the men around her. p A loud p snapped everyone back to attention, and they turned to the Principal, who said, "Now that everyone has arrived, I would like to announce a few changes to the match." "P-Principal?" ric stuttered, his surprise evident as he saw the Principal altering everything without consulting anyone else. "Do you have a problem, Professor ric?" the Principal asked sternly, her gaze sharp. "N-No, Principal," ric stepped back, which was noticed by Aria, who clicked her tongue in disgust at his meekness. The Principal continued, "The rules aren''t drastically different, except that it''s not just about the number of gs you collect. It''s also about the gs that have more points," she exined, snapping her fingers. A small g appeared and hovered before each team, each g''s colour matching the team leader''s hair colour. "I''ve allotted points based on your worthbined with your team members'' entrance test ranks. For instance, Raven Noir, who didn''t have any members, starts with 100 points. Thalia Crimsonw, who scored the highest in the entrance test, and her team''s worth, is 1300 points." Hearing this, the chosen ones'' faces crumbled. Had they known the points were based on team members, they would have selected high-rankers. The contest had suddenly be tougher; they not only needed to collect gs but also target higher-point teams. "And once a team loses their g or the team leader is eliminated, the entire team fails. That''s all, children. Those are the changes and..." She motioned her hand upwards as if beckoning. ''Trrrrr'' The ground trembled, and a small podium rose from the ground. "I will personally take the winner''s team leader as my disciple and team members will be taught by the representative professors of the respective Empires" the Principal announced, her voice carrying an air of authority. Hearing this, the professors'' and students'' eyes widened in shock. They never expected the Principal, who was a Sovereign, to personally teach anyone and even more being taught by the representative professors... that''s a whole lot of advantage in their life!! Now, there was no way they would lose. Seeing the fire of determination in the students'' eyes, the Principal nodded and said, "Now, let the game begin!" Snap Instantly, a huge magic circle appeared under the students, and then, ''ssssshhhh'' They disappeared, leaving only the professors and Principal in the stadium. Delphine immediately moved back out of the stadium and saw Aether standing with a backpack, his eyes filled with excitement. "Are you ready?" Delphine asked, her voice soft yet firm. "Yes," Aether nodded, his face lighting up with eagerness. "Good..." Delphine nodded and.... she touched his face gently, and said with a worried expression, "You need to be careful, okay? Unlike others, you cannot have that crystal badge. So, if you feel you can''t handle the situation or get hurt, you must use what I gave you, okay?" Aether smiled warmly, thinking, ''Look at her, worrying about me so much...'' He was about to pinch her nose affectionately when, "Enough with the lovey-dovey stuff," the Principal appeared behind them, her presencemanding. "!!!" Delphine instantly flinched, putting distance between herself and Aether, a small blush spreading across her cheeks. The Principal sighed, handed Aether a map, and said, "Since the crystal badge requires your information, you cannot have it." Aether nodded in understanding. "Okay, then let''s see what you can do," the Principal said as she snapped her fingers, causing Aether to disappear. The Principal looked at Delphine and asked, "What the hell happened to you? Did you really fall for him?" "N-no... of course.. Not!" Delphine just shook her head, though a small blush appeared on her cheeks. Seeing her reluctance to tell the truth, the Principal sighed and then walked to the monitoring room, where the other professors were watching the students'' performance. The Principal sat in the centre chair and looked at the live footage. ''Let''s see what you can do... Mister who is Favored by Arcane,'' she thought, a hint of anticipation in her eyes. Chapter 182: Capture the Flag: Part-2 "Hmm..." Aether frowned deeply as he scrutinized the map, noting the strategic locations of each base. They were scattered far apart, some even nestled in the treacherous mountains. He then nced at his ''Log'', / Name: Aether Sex: Male Race: ##### Level: 6 Title: The Lost One, ve [Eternal Contract to ########], The Only Holder of Ether and Past-less, Future-less Entity. Attributes: Strength: 50 Agility: 60 Intelligence: 60 Magic Affinity: 50 Charm: 50 Compatibility: 90% Survival rate: 10.5% Affection Points: 11890 (1000 Affection Points = 1 *any Attributes) Seduction:1/10 / Just yesterday, In his desperation to grow stronger, he even resorted to using Delphine''s money to boost his level. Although he knew his level was notparable to that of others, he felt he had no alternative. Aether then shifted his gaze to his mission tab, / Mission: Save and Seduce Aqualina Naiadia Mission: Save and Seduce Aria Zephyr / The words on the screen began to blink in vibrant green, signalling that something imminent was about to happen to the targets of his missions. One perplexing issue that lingered in Aether''s mind was understanding how Aqualina and Aria could be in mortal danger despite being under the vignt surveince of the principal and other professors. Aether shrugged off his doubts, convincing himself, ''Regardless, I must fulfil my mission.'' He reached into his backpack and pulled out a well-worn hoodie. As he slipped it on, he called out softly, "Masssttrrrr~" A delicate cute white snake, adorned with a golden crystal on its forehead, which held a single shining golden star, peeked out from the folds of his hoodie. "Hehe..." Aether couldn''t help but chuckle at her endearing call. When she had first awakened that morning and started to speak, he had nearly had a heart attack from the shock. Later, he had consulted Taylor, who had been equally astonished. She exined that while some monsters are capable of speech upon evolving, it was an exceedingly rare urrence, happening in about 0.1% of cases. She even praised Aether, noting that a monster speaking usually indicates a profound bond and a strong desire tomunicate with its master. "Are you ready? Today is our day to shine!" Aether dered proudly, gently rubbing her soft chin. "Masssttrrrr~" [+3000 Affection] Snowke purred contentedly, almost like a cat. Her response brought a warm smile to Aether''s face. Although thrilled to hear her speak, he noted that she could only manage the word ''Master'' for now. ''It looks like it will take some time for her to talk fluently,'' Aether mused. He nodded to Snowke, who promptly returned to her full, impressive size. Her appearance had not changed much, except for the golden crystal and her silky, soft skin, which now gleamed even more beautifully. Aether climbed onto her broad back, settling infortably. "Let''s go..." "Masstttrrrrr~" With a hiss, Snowke began to slither forward, her movements smooth and rapid. ''Trrrrrrrrrrrr'' In the Monitoring Room, "P-Principal, we have an intruder!" One of the professors eximed, eyes wide as he noticed arge white snake moving swiftly on the surveince screens. On its back, a hooded figure rode. Hearing the alert, ric frowned deeply and turned to the live footage. His hand instinctively reached for the control panel, ready to issue amand to neutralize the intruder who dared to trespass. However, before he could act, the principal''s calm voice intervened. "No need... I am the one who allowed it," the principal said, her tone indifferent and steady. Everyone in the room let out a collective sigh, exchanging weary nces. Once again, their principal had taken unteral action without consulting any of them. They were now left to wonder about the identity and capabilities of this mysterious individual. Considering it was the principal who had permitted the intrusion, they thought that person might be powerful! ric, who had been silent, finally spoke up with a furrowed brow, "Principal, I know you have the authority to do as you wish, but at least you could have informed me since I am second inmand after you..." ".... Well..." The principal merely shrugged, offering no further exnation. Her eyes were fixed on the image of the snake that Aether was riding, ''To think that beast has grown so much in such a short amount of time... exactly what has he been feeding her?'' she wondered, a hint of curiosity flickering in her usually stoic expression. ric''s eyes twitched with frustration, but he sighed, resigning himself to the principal''s unpredictable ways. That unpredictability was part of what he admired about her since the day they first met. Meanwhile, Snowke arrived at their first destination and silently hid behind the dense bushes, providing a perfect vantage point. Aether and Snowke watched intently as the scene unfolded before them. "Nyx... what is the meaning of this?" Jack Sparrow''s voice wasden with suspicion as he confronted Nyx and her team, who had just arrived at their base. "Hmm? Of course, we came to see what our Empire''s Arcane King is capable of..." Nyx replied with a creepy smile, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Tsk," Jack clicked his tongue in annoyance. He couldn''t believe she woulde directly at him instead of targeting others. He added, "Nyx, I know you''re eager to fight me, but you should know when and where. Now is not the time to y around." Nyx''s smile grew even more sinister as she said, "Nope, now is the perfect time to y around," and she hurled a kunai-like weapon at Jack, who dodged it just in time. ''Shit! Looks like I need to eliminate her before moving forward with my n,'' Jack thought, signalling his teammates to prepare for battle. Aether, observing from his hidden spot, nodded to Snowke. They quietly retreated from the scene, moving toward their next destination. Upon arrival, "Hello, Miss Ashara Nightfire," Helena Sunfire greeted, her voice resonating with authority as she faced a girl with an ash-coloured body. "Hello, Miss Helena Sunfire... I am very honoured to fight you," Ashara responded, a look of genuine happiness on her face. She had anticipated that she would be the one searching for her enemies, considering others often underestimated her due to her race as a subus, which was typically weaker inbat. Helena nodded and said, "Though I prefer to fight opponents far stronger than you, I cannot tolerate when you use your powers to capture and taint Men''s hearts. It is uneptable. As a Saintess, it is my duty to correct your path. Even if you are born with dark energy, I believe everyone is equal. Prepare to face the consequences of your actions." She bowed slightly, and a small golden fireball materialized in her hand. Ashara was taken aback, surprised by Helena''s words. She had expected disdain and disgust from the Saintess, who was known for her purity. ''Looks like not everyone is the same,'' Ashara thought, feeling a blush creep onto her cheeks. "I-it''s not like I do this on purpose... It''s my power, and I can''t always control it. I''m sorry," she stammered, her innocence almost captivating everyone present. Even Aether felt himself drawn to her charm, and if not for Snowke pping his face, he might have walked towards her. "I am sorry!" Aether said awkwardly to Snowke, who just turned her head and pouted in displeasure. Helena snapped her fingers, breaking the spell of mesmerization that had fallen over everyone. She nodded, saying, "I understand now. So let''s wait until you can control your power," as she turned to leave. Both Ashara and Helena''s team members were shocked by her decision. "W-Wait! Where are you going? Fight me!" Ashara called out in desperation. "Hmm? You said you didn''t do it on purpose, so there is no reason for me to fight you," Helena replied, turning away again. Ashara started to panic. It was the first time someone had taken her seriously, and now that person was leaving, "W-What about my g? Don''t you want it? I have high points, you know... If you win against me, you might be the first," she pleaded, her voice almost breaking. Helena suddenly flinched, as if remembering something important, "Oh! I almost forgot that. Let''s fight then!" she eximed, readying herself once more. Everyone facepalmed, including Helena''s team members, at her clumsy actions. Even Snowke shook her head, bemused by Helena''s naivety. ''... She is way more naive than I thought,'' Aether mumbled in shock before quietly leaving the ce. Chapter 183: Capture the Flag: Part-3 In the tense silence of the base, Kai''s anger red, "What is the meaning of this, Leon?" he demanded through gritted teeth, ring at Leon Dragonheart and his team. Leon smirked, a glint of mischief in his eyes, "Don''t you understand, my friend?" He snapped his fingers, and numerous bubbles appeared, surrounding Kai and his team. "I want to see what my friend is capable of!" he dered before the bubbles exploded. Kai and his team barely avoided the st, thanks to Kai''s quick reflexes, pushing everyone down to the ground just in time. ''Grrrr,'' Kai growled internally, recognizing his friend''s challenge. He had hoped to face Aqualina to win his bet, but now he was forced into an unexpected confrontation. As he nced at Leon''s team, filled with attractive girls, he fumed, ''If he is a yboy, there is no way I am handing my sister to him!'' Determined to protect his sister and uphold his pride, Kai prepared to fight. Meanwhile, Aether and Snowke quietly slipped away from the scene, heading towards their next destination: Aqualina''s base. Upon arrival, Aether noted the peaceful atmosphere. Aqualina had established a small camp on a cliff, her team members strategically positioned around it. Assessing the situation, Aether asked Snowke to hide inside his pocket and approached the camp with a steady stride. The appearance of a hooded figure immediately put everyone on alert. Themotion drew Aqualina out of the camp, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Who might you be?" she demanded. Aether uttered a single word, "Gifts." Aqualina''s eyes widened in recognition and surprise. She gestured for him to enter. Inside the modest camp, Aqualina scrutinized the hooded figure with intense curiosity. "Hello, Princess," Aether greeted as he removed his hoodie. Aqualina sighed in exasperation, "What the hell are you doing here? And how did you even get inside?" Aether gave an awkward smile, "There''s no way I would let the Princess face danger alone, so..." "So?" Aqualina pressed, sensing a headacheing on. "I pissed off the Principal, and she threw me in here just like before," Aether admitted. Aqualina froze momentarily, then grabbed his cor and shouted, "Are you an idiot? She clearly told you not to cause any trouble, and now you''ve angered her again. This time she might expel you from the academy... arrrhhh!" she groaned in frustration. Aether smiled reassuringly, "It''s fine, Princess... as long as you''re safe." Aqualina released him, sighing deeply. Looking at his innocent face, she sighed again, feeling both exasperated and touched. [+500 Affection] Aether knelt on one knee and said, "Your servant is here, Princess... I am ready to do anything for you!" [+500 Affection] Aqualina sighed once more before sitting down, her gaze fixed on Aether''s gentle smile. "Really! Why are you so... handful?!" she mumbled, but a small smile yed on her lips. "Anything for the Princess!" Aether replied earnestly, his expression unwaveringly serious. "..." A small red hue appeared on Aqualina''s cheeks before she coughed and said, "There is no need for you to do anything..." When she saw his happy expression turning sad, Aqualina sighed inwardly and added, "Though I do need you to carry out the mission." She tossed a small handbook at Aether. "It has almost every detail about the Arcane Queens," she said with a smile. Aether opened the book and began flipping through the pages with a puzzled expression. "Hmm, what happened?" Aqualina asked, noticing his frown. "Well... there is nothing about you, Princess," Aether replied with an innocent face. "...." Aqualina''s lips twitched. Instead of addressing his obvious question, she said, "Your first target will be Aria Zephyr since you''ve already made contact with her. She knows you, so she should be an easier target." Aqualina''s eye twitched when she saw his gloomy expression, ''Is this guy really into me that much?!'' she thought. She knew there was no way Aether''s love would evere to fruition, not even in a million years, considering he was a ve and she was a royal princess. Their love would never be acknowledged in this world. She felt a pang of pity for Aether. Even if, by some miracle, she fell for him, their rtionship would never see the light of day, especially with her mother, the Empress, never allowing her to marry a ve. Aqualina sighed and said, "ording to my calctions, Aria is most likely to be confronted by Kaelen while others..." She continued to inform Aether about the current situation and potential conflicts. Aether was amazed at the uracy of the information. Most of the predictions were spot on, except for the unexpected battle between Nyx and Jack. It was astonishing to see how a teenage girl could predict so much with such precision..... Aether was genuinely shocked. Seeing his expression of astonishment, Aqualina asked with an amused look, "What?" "Well, you are really... a princess!" Aether said with a serious face.Not just in name but also in how she carries herself.She was a Princess to the core! "..." Aqualina smiled at his genuinepliment, a rarity in her life where everyone around her only saw her as a tool to be used... Except her mother! Aether, driven by an unconscious impulse, patted her head gently, "You''re really working hard to protect your mother..." he began, only able to imagine the weight of the Empress''s expectations on her shoulders and how Aqualina was doing everything to ensure her mother''s safety and happiness. "!!!" Aqualina flinched at his touch, her eyes widening as she stared at him. She swatted his hand away and said with an emotionless voice, "Do your mission." Aether snapped back to reality and screamed inwardly, ''Fuck!'' He couldn''t believe he had just done that. Just as he was about to apologize, Aqualina, with a serious and emotionless tone,manded, "G.E.T. O.U.T!" ''Shit!'' Aether sighed, quickly wearing his hoodie back. As he was about to leave, a notification popped up, [+600 Affection] !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 11% ] "Tsundere~" Aether mumbled with a smile before exiting the camp. Meanwhile, Aqualina touched her forehead, a small red hue still visible on her cheeks. "...." She didn''t say anything or even think much; she just touched her forehead for a long moment until, "PRINCESS!!" Hearing the urgent call, Aqualina snapped back to attention and stepped out of the camp to see Aurelia Scarlet approaching. "Hehe... I knew you woulde here," Aqualina said with a smile. "Well, we have an old bnce that needs settling, right?" Lia said with a smirk. "Yeah..." Aqualina nodded and nced at Selene, who stood beside Aurelia, "You seem to be enjoying this more than anyone, Selene?" "Hmm... Of course. Do you think I''d let you get away with snatching Ether from me?" Selene replied with a stern face, clearly holding a grudge against Aqualina for taking the opportunity to make Aether her servant. "Sigh... Even though I''ve helped you many times," Aqualina said, shaking her head. "Well, that''s what a sister-inw is supposed to do, right?" Selene said with a smirk. "..." Aqualina simply smiled and shook her head, thinking that Selene was still acting like a child. She then turned serious and said, "Well, if you win, I will let you have him." Selene''s eyes sparkled with determination, and without hesitation, she made her first move, breaking the formation. "W-Wait!!" Lia shouted in rm as Selene charged forward. Aqualina smirked, pleased that her n had worked. Selene was incredibly intelligent and dangerous, but the only way to make her unstable was by using Aether as bait. Chapter 184: Capture the Flag: Part-4 Aerioniz Zephyra Empire It was renowned for its lush greenery, a vibrant oasis unlike any other empire. This world nketed in dense forests and teeming with diverse nt life, was a living testament to nature''s splendor. The empire was predominantly inhabited by a fascinating group of beings:.. Elves, fairies, Dryads, Harpies, and other demi-humans like wolves, rabbits, foxes, etc. Their lives intertwined with the natural world, creating a harmonious and magical existence. Aria Zephyr Aria Zephyr was a royal woman of unparalleled grace, born into the prestigious High Elves tribe. This tribe governed the entire Aerioniz Zephyra Empire, and Aria, with her elegance, kindness, and cultured demeanour, embodied its ideals. Her deepest desire was a life filled with love and happiness, surrounded by the natural beauty she cherished. Above all, she found joy in hunting, a passion that connected her to thend. She dreamed of a peaceful life with her parents, helping her tribe thrive and prosper. Her heart was pure, her intentions noble. However, Destiny had other ns... ric, a man from the Wood Elf tribe chosen by the Arcane, ascended to be the Arcane King. During this tumultuous time, the Darkfang tribe sought to usurp power. To protect her people, Aria Zephyr was thrust into a political marriage, a pawn in a dangerous game of power and survival. Despite her extraordinary aptitude for the rare Golden Arcane Card, people believed the Arcane King was more powerful. She had no choice but to marry ric. As a royal, she had enjoyed a life of privilege, and now it was time to repay her debt. She epted her fate with a heavy heart, hoping to build a new life with her husband. She thought she could adapt, find contentment, and create a new path with her partner. However... "I am sorry, but I am in love with another woman. I want her to be my Empress," ric dered coldly on their wedding day, his words echoing in the grand hall. Not just to her, but in front of everyone. It was a big p for not only her but also the High Elf tribe. Aria, destined to be the Empress of Aerioniz Zephyra, saw her dreams shatter. Now she wasn''t an Empress but rather.... She was merely the Queen of the High Elf tribe, and even this title was given for appearances'' sake and the High Elf tribe''s constant insisting.... That''s All! Otherwise, she would have been reduced to a concubine, a role unfit for her noble birth. Her heart broke into a million pieces. She was broken.... It wasn''t the change in title that devastated her but ric''s tant disinterest and the humiliation of his public rejection. They had no physical rtionship, and when she didn''t bear a child, others scorned her with vile names. Yet, they never med ric; he was beyond reproach as the Emperor. And even more, he didn''t even rify anything with others as if he didn''t care in the first ce! Her attempts to confront him were futile. She knew any misstep could lead to the downfall of her tribe. She could only cry in her parents'' embrace, feeling utterly powerless. While ric immersed himself in his Arcane King duties, Aria secretly gathered her forces, seeking noble support. She refused to remain a victim. As time passed, the woman ric desired didn''t even look at him, bing a sovereign and rejecting him as a weakling. Then, ric began to show some affection towards Aria though he still loved that woman, but it was toote.... Aria now ignored him. Aria had hardened her heart. She refused to be his constion prize. She wasn''t his side chick and wasn''t interested in opening her heart and legs whenever he wanted. When she finally decided to use her newfound support to dissolve their marriage, ric reacted with force, imprisoning her within his pce. "How dare you leave me!!!" This marked the beginning of her deep-seated hatred for him. Isted from her parents, she was cut off from anyone who dared to care for her. Whenever ric tried to force her, she mentioned the Sovereign''s name, and ric would immediately stop. That made him keep his sanity as well as her purity! As time passed, One fateful day, as she gazed longingly at the sky, "It''s been hundreds of years since I saw the outside world..." Aria murmured wistfully in the empty pce garden, a ce devoid of any other souls. Despite her desire to escape, a powerful barrier kept her confined. She looked at the garden, filled with a breathtaking variety of flowers unseen in the outside world. These flowers were her only sce. "Will I stay here for eternity...?" she whispered sorrowfully. She longed to see her parents, to experience the world beyond, to embrace a new life. Yet, shecked the strength to break free. ''Drip'' Tears began to fall, "I-I... I am scared... M-Mom..." she sobbed, her voice quivering with fear and desperation. The Arcane, who had silently witnessed her suffering,Finally granted her blessing. "ssssshhhhhh" Aria felt a sudden warmth in her chest as her Golden Arcane Card appeared, "W-What''s happening?" she gasped, and then, "SSHHHHH!!!" A powerful beam of light descended from the sky, striking the card. When the light faded, Aria saw that her card had transformed into a Rainbow Arcane Card, and her level had reset. Aria''s eyes widened in shock.... No, not because she was surprised, but because she was horrified. "I-I got cursed!!" Aria mumbled in fear. For Aria, being chosen by the Arcane was nothing but a curse... a curse that had gued her from the beginning. And now, it was back, attached to her once again. She was paralyzed by shock and terror. ric had no choice but to break the barrier and let Aria go. From that day onwards, she vowed never to use that cursed object again. She swore she would take her revenge with her own two hands. Now, "-Huff-Huff-Hufff-" Aria panted heavily as she faced a menacing wolf. "Aria, stop being an idiot! If you don''t use your Arcane card, you will die!" the werewolf snarled, itsrge, dangerous teeth glistening with saliva. "L-Let''s see..." Aria murmured, gripping the two small knife-like weapons in her hands tightly, her heart pounding with fear and determination. Chapter 185: Capture the Heart: Part-1 Inside the monitor room, the tension was palpable. "Why would they even leave the base and confront the enemy directly? What''s the point of this contest then?" the Principal mused aloud, a hint of amusement in her voice as she watched the chaos unfolding on the screens. "Well...." ric struggled to find the words, his confusion mirrored by another professor who was equally at a loss. The current matchups on the battlefield were as follows: Aqualina Naiadia Vs Aurelia Scarlet Nyx Shadowfall Vs Jack Sparrow Helena Sunfire Vs Ashara Nightfire Aria Zephyr Vs Kaelen Darkfang Thalia Crimsonw Vs Finnian Sunfire Leon Dragonheart Vs Kai Frostde Raven Noir "If they''re going to fight like this, I would have just chosen a straightforward duel," the Principal sighed heavily, her disappointment evident. She had hoped to witness disys of cunning strategy, powerful attacks, alliances forming and breaking, even betrayals..... She wanted to see everything. Instead, these students were ying it safe and boring. The most frustrating of all was Raven Noir. "That girl... what does she even want?" the Principal asked, her finger pointing to Raven Noir, who was perched atop a mountain, sleeping peacefully. Yes, she was sleeping, not even the slightest for the contest. Everyone around the Principal awkwardly scratched their heads.Even they had a hard time on Raven Noir who had barely spoken a few words like ''Hmm'' or ''Okay''. "Arrrh...." the Principal growled in frustration, deciding to leave, but suddenly, ''Ssssrrrrrrrrzzzzzz'' One of the video feeds went nk, the screen flickering into darkness. "Who is it?" the Principal asked, her interest suddenly piqued. "I-It was the fight between Aria and Kaelen, Principal," a professor replied nervously. "Hmm..." the Principal nodded thoughtfully. "Should we check that?" Delphine asked, concern etched on her face. "No need. It''s not like they will die," the Principal waved her hand dismissively, instructing the team to reconnect the feed, which would take some time. ''Looks like at least someone nned everything...'' the Principal thought, a hint of amusement creeping back into her expression as she waited for the signal to return. Meanwhile, in the midst of the chaos, "It seems like I arrived just in time..." Aether mumbled, hiding a little way from the group. He observed Kaelen''s team, which had already obliterated Aria''s team, and now Kaelen and his other wolf teammates were ring menacingly at Aria. "Look at her.... even in this dire situation, she looks strong and shows no hint of fear. I suppose being trapped by a yandere made her forget what fear is..." Aether thought, marvelling at her resilience. He was genuinely shocked when he read her report. If he were in her situation, he wasn''t sure how he would keep his sanity for even one day, let alone endure years of istion. He knew what he needed to do. ncing at the mission tab that blinked slowly, indicating that she was not in imminent danger, he assessed the situation. ''I cannot handle them all at once...'' Aether mumbled, picking up some small stones and carefully aiming towards the wolves'' noses. He was about to shoot when, "Masssttrrrr~" "Hmm? Do you want to have fun too?" Aether asked, noticing Snowke, who was nestled in his pocket, looking at him with sparkling, eager eyes. "Masstttrrr~" "Okay then!" Aether nodded, a smile tugging at his lips. He tossed six stones into the air. In a matter of seconds, Snowke leapt into action. With the agility of a master gymnast and the precision of a seasoned marksman, she used her tail to bat the stones, each one hitting its target with pinpoint uracy. "grfff!" "ORR!!" "FRRRR!!" "WOFFF!" "Nnnnggg!!!" The stones struck the wolves'' noses, making each one tremble in pain. All except Kaelen, who remained unaffected, merely snorting and frowning in Aether''s direction, his eyes filled with cold and rage. "Who is it?" Kaelen growled, his expression darkening as he ordered hisckeys to investigate. One of the wolves, his face twisted in fury, cautiously approached the bush from which the stone had initially been thrown. As he entered the underbrush, he saw... nothing, except for a small snake looking up at him. Seeing the seemingly harmless and adorable creature, the wolf sighed in relief, "What a cute sna---NOfffff----" His eyes widened in horror as he noticed the golden crystal on the snake''s head. Before he could shout, Snowke transformed, rapidly growing in size and wrapping her tail around him. Within seconds, the wolf''s ribs were crushed, almost entirely broken, if not for the crystal badge on his leg that shattered and enveloped him in a protective barrier before disappearing. It all happened in the blink of an eye. ''Gulp'' Aether swallowed hard, witnessing Snowke''s terrifying power. He realized he needed to keep up with her growth, or he might find himself crushed under her strength. "Did you find anything?" Kaelen shouted, noticing the sudden silence. Frowning, hemanded anotherckey to check. Just like before, the bush rustled slightly before falling still again. Suspicion grew among the wolves. Kaelen''s expression turned serious as he slowly walked away, instructing the others to keep an eye on Aria, who was still trying to fight back. Kaelen and another wolf approached the bush but found no one... not even their fallen teammate. "Someone is here," Kaelen mumbled, about to warn the others when... "...." There was no one! Kaelen''s face contorted with rage, "WHO DAREEEEE!! WHOOFFFFFFFFFF!!!" He howled in fury. Only he and one other wolf remained. Meanwhile, "Run, run, run..." Aether mumbled to himself, sprinting as fast as he could with Aria slung over his shoulder. Aether nced to his side, seeing Snowke in her small form hurriedly following him after finishing off the remaining wolves. She quickly jumped into his pocket. Though he wanted to utilize Snowke''s abilities further, he decided it was better to keep her hidden for now. Aria took a moment to react. All she saw was a hooded figure suddenly appearing before her, scooping her up, and fleeing before the other two wolves could react. "H-Hey!!" Aria shouted, starting to wriggle free when, "It''s me, Aria" Recognizing the soft voice she knew so well, she flinched, "A-Aether?" "Yep, yours truly," Aether answered at her and continued to run. [+400 Affection] Seeing him, Aria was even more shocked, "H-How did you even get in?" "I just pissed off the Principal, and she threw me in!" Hearing that, Aria smiled wryly, about to stop him when, "WOOVVVVVVVV!!!!" The howling sound echoed behind them. Aether ran even faster, ''Tsk, I need to move quicker,'' he thought, pushing himself to his limits. The two wolves followed the scent of Aria''s blood which was bleeding from her wounds. Chapter 186: Capture the Heart: Part-2 "Let''s stay here for the time being," Aether said, his breathsing out in ragged gasps. He had been running non-stop for almost an hour, desperately searching for a ce to hide until he finally stumbled upon a cave nestled near the roaring waterfalls. Aira, leaning wearily against the cave wall, couldn''t help but voice her concern, "I-I must be heavy..." she stammered, her voice tinged with worry. "Yeah-- I mean, no!" Aether almost blurted out the truth, catching himself just in time. Even a feather can start to feel heavy after being held for a long period, so he wasn''t entirely wrong. Aira puffed her cheeks in mock indignation at his hurtful truth, but then she smiled softly and said, "Thank you." Aether merely nodded, his eyes scanning her wounded body with growing panic, "W-We need to heal your injuries... Did you bring any healing potions?" Aira gave him an awkward smile and shook her head. Aether''s lips twitched in frustration as he nced at his backpack. He did have a high-grade healing potion, one that he had bought using Delphine''s money. He had intended to save it for himself in case his n failed, but looking at Aira''s wound... ''It looks severe... Wait a minute!'' "Why haven''t you teleported back to the healing department?" Aether asked, frowning as he examined her crystal badge. The crystal looked dull and lifeless, unlike the others that were still shining brightly. ''Don''t tell me Kaelen used some kind of artifact?'' Aether thought, suspicion creeping into his mind. "I don''t know. After eliminating my teammates, he used some crystal ball and shattered it, and instantly my crystal badge died," Aira exined, trying to move her body but wincing in pain. Seeing her pained expression, Aether quickly took out the medicines he had created using his knowledge. As a penniless boy, he had learned to use anything necessary for his survival. "Show me the wounds," Aether demanded, his tone serious and urgent. Aira flinched as she looked at the green mixture in his hand. Just by looking at it, she knew it was medicine, ''He must have learned this from Aqualina...'' she thought as she extended her wounded hands towards him. Aether slowly and gently applied the mixture to her hand, then asked if there were any other injuries. Aira hesitated before removing her boots and showing her slender legs. Aether carefully applied the medicine to the big bite marks on her legs. Aira stared at him, her mind racing with confusion. Even now, she couldn''t understand why this boy always had a concerned look on his face whenever he looked at her. "Anywhere else?" Aether asked, his voice gentle. "No," Aira replied. However, when Aether''s eyes fell on the wall where she had been leaning, he noticed a blood mark. His eyes widened, and he asked with a stern face, "Are you sure?" Aira realized his gaze was on her back. Blushing slightly, she said, "I-It''s fine." She couldn''t possibly remove her armour and show her back to a boy. "Aria," Aether said softly, his tone filled with genuine concern. Feeling the sincerity in his voice, Aira''s heart melted. She then said, "Turn around." Aether nodded and obediently turned around. "Don''t you dare turn back!" Aira warned, her voice serious. "Of course not!" Aether replied, his tone earnest. Aira smiled to herself and slowly removed her ck armour. As she slid off her ck inner cloth, her face turned bright red. She couldn''t believe she was showing her body to a boy that not even her rightful husband had seen. He controlled his every hormone until the rustling sound died. "N-Now..." Aira mumbled, her voice barely audible. Aether turned around, though loved to see her sexy curvy back, His eyes fell on the deep, three nail-carved marks on her back. ''A-Aria...'' He mumbled inwardly feeling a clench in his heart. His hands trembled as he gently touched her wounds, unable toprehend how she had managed to fight through such severe injuries. His heart almost tempted him to use the healing potion he had, but his rational mind reminded him that he might need itter. Aira nced back, her face flushed with embarrassment. Her heart was beating wildly, but when she saw the pained look on Aether''s face, she felt an inexplicable emotion. She wondered why this boy cared so deeply about her. It had only been a week since she became friends with Aether, and yet, why did he care so much for her? She couldn''t help but wonder. [+600 Affection] When Aether''s medicine-covered hand touched her wound, she suddenly felt a cooling sensation and hissed softly. "I-Is it painful?" Aether asked hesitantly. He now felt a little guilty for waiting instead of helping her sooner. "I-I am fine..." Aira answered. ".... I am sorry," Aether mumbled. As much as he knew he was trying to seduce her over, there was a part of him that felt genuine guilt for seeing her in pain like this. "... Why?" "I don''t know... I just felt like I had to say it," Aether replied, his voice filled with sincerity. Aira didn''t fully understand. She thought he was worried about her wounds, which was entirely wrong, she called this upon herself. More importantly, he was the one who had helped her in the first ce, so she wondered why he was even apologizing. After applying the medicine and wrapping her wounds with a bandage, Aira put her dress back on and looked at Aether, who was now asking for answers about why Kaelen was after her. Aira sighed and sat beside him, their shoulders almost touching. "There are two prominent tribes in this Empire. One is the High Elf tribe, and the other is the Werewolf tribe called Darkfang. They have been constantly fighting for control over the Empire. Of course, there is nothing unusual about lusting for power... It''s amon thing for anyone. Ever since ric married me, the princess of the High Elf tribe, we gained the upper hand. But now, things have changed. The Darkfang tribe has a chance to rise again in the Empire, and the only obstacle standing in their way is me... another Chosen One," Aira finished with an awkward smile. Aether nodded in understanding. ''So, the person helping Kaelen must want the Darkfang tribe to rise,'' he thought. "And then?" he asked. "Hmm?" "I mean, what are you going to do about them?" he rified. Aira pondered for a second before her head slowly leaned on his shoulder. Though Aether was surprised, he didn''t move away. "I.... I really don''t know," Aira mumbled, her voice filled with hesitation and.... fear. Aether stared at her expression and finally pieced together the remaining parts of the puzzle that had been bugging him for a long time. To put it simply, she was traumatized! Chapter 187: Capture the Heart: Part-3 Aria Zephyr, A Sweet woman! When Aether first saw her in a life-threatening situation, he was truly puzzled. The scene before him was both shocking and mesmerizing, something he had never anticipated. He couldn''t quite grasp what was happening or how to react. What kind of expression did she have when she faced the bear monsters? It was a look of.... excitement and thrill!!! Unlike anything he had ever seen before. Her eyes sparkled with wild, untamed energy, and there was a slight curve to her lips that spoke of exhration. Yes, it was the face of thrill. Even though she felt a profound sense of hopelessness, she was clearly excited. The contrast between her dire circumstances and her vibrant expression was striking, almost surreal. It was very subtle, but Aether was able to recognize it. Even now, when Kaelen and his team cornered her, there was a subtle emotional thrill that ran through her body, as if a hunter were hiding behind her struggling facade. It was as if she was savouring the tension, the adrenaline, the sheer intensity of the moment. ''Looks like being held captive and alone made her weak and hide her true self,'' Aether mumbled to himself, his voice barely audible. He slowly leaned his head on hers, which was already resting on his shoulder. By now, they looked like a coupleforting each other, finding sce in each other''s presence amidst the chaos surrounding them. [+700 Affection] Even Aria blushed, but she did not push him away.... She thought it was just a head resting on hers, so it was fine. She rationalized it in her mind, telling herself that this small act did not constitute a betrayal. She wasn''t cheating on ric! Even if ric didn''t care for the marriage, Aria, as a woman who believed that marriage was sacred, would not allow her feelings to be swayed so easily. Aether nced at his mission; it was still blinking slowly... "You know..." Aether began, his tone shifting as he started his game... This was a game where lies and truth would mix, blending into aplex web of deception and honesty. The only game he was forced to y. Seduction Game! Before he could pull her out from her cage and bring out the hunger, he needed to make sure she heard his name in her heart. He needed to create a deep,sting impression. A name she would always remember! "Hmm?" Aria responded, her curiosity piqued. "My master actually... was the one who asked me to anger the Principal, just like before," Aether confessed, his voice carrying a mix of regret and obligation. Aria simply listened to him, her expression attentive and patient. He continued, "Then she ordered me to steal the gs." Aria wasn''t surprised, as she knew more or less about Viiness Aqualina, so she softly asked, "So, you came here to steal my g?" "No, I came here because I... I truly don''t know," Aether admitted, his voice softening, "But I do know that my gut feelings told me that I needed to see my Aria," he mumbled softly. "!!" Aria''s eyes widened when she heard the word ''my,'' and her heart skipped a beat. The possessiveness in his words caught her off guard. [+700 Affection] "I...I don''t know what this feeling is but..." Aether touched his heart as if trying to physically grasp the emotions swirling within him, "When I saw you hurt... i-it almost tore my heart... At that moment, all I wanted was to protect you, nothing more." Aether''s body trembled, and his vulnerabilityy bare. Aria immediately looked and asked, "A-Aether, w-what are you talking about?" She knew what Aether was trying to imply; she wasn''t an idiot in that department. His words were clear, but their implications were staggering. Aether had an unexinable expression, "I... I don''t know... Aria..." and looked at his trembling hand, "When I saw your wound... my hands trembled in fear of... losing... losing something important..." Aether said as he looked at Aria''s face, who in return had her eyes widened. She was seeing a side of him she had never seen before. This time, Aether was really truthful.... When he saw her wound, he couldn''t control his inexplicable emotions. It was as if something deep within him had been awakened, but he didn''t want to acknowledge it. He was scum... He shouldn''t feel that! ''No... What''s happening? Did I show too much care for him to think like that?'' Aria wondered, her mind racing. She looked at his trembling face, which winced in inner pain, struggling to understand his own emotions. "Aether, I am a married woman, and you are---" "Yeah... I am just a servant. I shouldn''t have this feeling for anyone other than my master, and yet.... What is this feeling, Aria?" Aether interrupted, his voice filled with both innocence and fear. Aria held her breath in shock, not knowing how to respond. Aether suddenly smiled, saying, "And even more, my heart beats faster whenever I see you smiling, and when you smile at me... My heart skips a beat... Sometimes I am even over the moon when you touch me... Why am I feeling this? Aria, do you have these feelings? Am I suffering from a serious illness? I want to protect you, I want to pamper you, and even... hehe... be pampered by you... I want to give you something, and I don''t know what it is...." "...." "Aria?" he called out, his voice gentle yet pleading. ".... I-It... It''s called Love"she finally whispered, her voice barely audible. [+800 Affection] "Love, huh?" Aether repeated, a gentle smile forming on his lips, that struck her heart even more! Aria, as the older person, needed to talk to him correctly. She knew what Aether was feeling, but she also understood that these feelings were likely a result of the care and attention she had shown him. There was nothing more to it, she told herself. "Aether I think you--" "It must be disgusting to be loved by a servant, right?" Aether interrupted, his voice tinged with self-loathing. "Huh? No, that''s not what I mean---" Aria tried to rify, but he cut her off again. "I.. I am sorry, Aria--- Queen Aria. Please forgive this mundane servant for his unforgivable sins... A servant loving a royal... even I feel disgusted to hear it. I am pretty sure you must be too... I am truly sorry!" Aether interrupted again, his voice filled with anguish. [+800 Affection] Aria''s face turned shocked and pained when he called her by her title, adding a barrier between them. "Aether, just listen---" she began, but he was already standing up. "It''s fine, Queen Aria..." Aether said with a broken smile, "I will hold them off; you can run away." His words were resolute as if he had already made up his mind. [+900 Affection] "A-Aether, just listen to my words first---" Aria tried once more, her desperation growing. Yet again, Aether interrupted, "It''s fine, Queen Aria.... As long as you are alive," he said, smiling gently, "I am very happy... though tell my master that I am sorry for not obeying her order." He said those romantic and tragic parting words as if a soldier going to war with no return, his expression both noble and heart-wrenching. "W-Wait!!" Aria shouted, her voice echoing through the cave. She wanted to follow him, to rush after Aether and stop him, yet.... something held her back. It was as if an invisible forcepelled her to stay, urging her to make a crucial decision. If she followed him now without rity, it might only shatter his heart further. ''W-What should I do!!'' Aria screamed internally, her thoughts in turmoil. She was a married woman, bound by the vows she had taken before the gods and her people. She must reject him outright, SHE MUST!!! she told herself..... Yet, when she saw his sad, almost heartbreaking smile, she felt her heart being pierced by thousands of needles, each one more painful than thest. "N-No.. P-Please..." She screamed, trying to convince herself not to betray her sacred marriage. She must not let her heart waver, must not let it belong to anyone else. And yet, "Ba-Dump" He was always there when she was alone and suffered!! Her heart felt heavy all of a sudden as if weighed down by the immense conflict within her. To be honest, she had never been interested in bing a sovereign or in the trappings of power..... She wasn''t interested in other men either. But when she first made contact with Aether, a boy..... no, a man of small presence, she felt something entirely different. It was as if she was living a different life, one filled with possibilities she had long forgotten. She smiled after hundreds of years, and not just the fake smile she used with her family tofort them. This was a genuine smile, one that reached her eyes and warmed her heart. Whenever she looked at Aether, a genuine smile always appeared on her face, unbidden and sincere. And she truly liked spending time with him. Those moments were precious, filled withughter and a sense of ease she hadn''t felt in centuries. Sometimes she wondered whether Aqualina was using Aether as bait for her, a pawn in arger, more devious game. But those thoughts vanished whenever she saw... His genuine smile! His genuine shyness! His genuine blushing whenever she was near him! His genuine eyes, which seemed to stare only at her, not at her title or her body, but directly into her soul! His genuine concern! His genuine.... love!! "As long as you are alive, I am very happy." "As long as you are alive, I am very happy." "As long as you are alive, I am very happy." .... .... Those words still echoed around her, reverberating through her mind and heart as if they were inscribed upon her very soul. It was as if her heart was echoing them to ensure she realized her love for him..... Or maybe, Aether was the one who had ingeniously used the echo principle within the cave to amplify his words, making them resonate even more deeply within her. He bing more of scum now!! Aether nced at her, his eyes catching the sight of her clenching her heart. He nodded in satisfaction, seeing the effect of his words. Then, he stopped the echo, deciding it was time to pull the hunter now as he hurriedly looked for his baits, he looked at his mission tab which started to pulse even more faster.... The time hade for the finale for Aria''s heart! meanwhile, ''So, this is love...ah,'' Aria mumbled to herself, her voice barely a whisper. She touched her heart, still feeling the impact of those words. They had struck a chord deep within her, awakening feelings she had long suppressed or forgotten. [+900 Affection] [+1000 Affection] !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 12%] However, What Aether didn''t know was that he had forgotten the crucial information or rather he slid it without care.... she was a woman who had lived for hundreds of years, enduring the loneliness and istion that came with such a long life. She had longed for genuine love, a love that was pure and true. So, If a hundred years dam were to break, it should pour out everything, all the emotions and desires pent up over centuries, right? [+1000 Affection] [+2000 Affection] [+2000 Affection] [+3000 Affection] [+3000 Affection] [+3000 Affection] [+4000 Affection] [+4000 Affection] [+4000 Affection] [+4000 Affection] !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 11.9%] [Remaining AP: 53,890] And that''s what happened. The floodgates opened, and her feelings for him poured out uncontrobly. Chapter 188: Capture the Heart: Part-4 "What the fuck is happening?" Aether''s horrified expression deepened as he saw his survival rate suddenly decrease after increasing. Even worse, "What the heck happened to her?" he thought, his mind racing with concern and confusion. He was absolutely sure he hadn''t pushed her too hard, and yet... something had clearly gone very wrong. Aether shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. Right now, he needed to focus on the immediate threat: the two werewolves that were growling at him with deadly intent. "Who are you?" Kaelen, now back in his human form, red at the hooded figure standing before him with an intensity that could pierce steel. "I''m the protector of Queen Aria!" Aether dered in a hoarse, but resolute voice. "Hmm? That''s new... I haven''t heard about this," Kaelen mumbled quietly to himself before speaking louder, "Well, whatever! Since you seem to know what''s happening... I''ll give you a chance to run away." Despite his words, Kaelen had no intention of letting this mysterious figure go. If the Sovereign discovered his failure, Kaelen knew he would be executed without a moment''s hesitation. Aether replied in the same hoarse voice, "Come on, man, no one would believe that old,me-ass words!.... Or is it that your dog''s brain isn''t working?" There was a hint of mocking amusement in Aether''s tone that was impossible to miss. Kaelen''s lips twitched in annoyance, "Looks like you wish to die along with your Queen," he said, ncing at his remaining teammate, who was still in wolf form. The werewolf red at Aether before leaping off to search for Aria, but "Nah, Bad Doggy!!" "NINNGGGG!" Aether appeared in a sh before the werewolf, delivering a powerful punch to its nose. The creature fell to the ground, screaming like a wounded animal, before Crystal''s magic broke down and teleported it away to safety. Kaelen''s eyes widened in surprise and rm, "I suppose you must be stronger," he mumbled. Kaelen''s tribe had many strong warriors, but the contest rules only allowed students to participate. Therefore, he had selected the best students avable from his tribe. Meanwhile... ''What the...?'' Aether was slightly bbergasted as he looked at his own fist, ''D-Did I be OP?'' He realized he needed to control his newfound strength carefully; otherwise, he might mistakenly eliminate Kaelen before he intended to. Kaelen suddenly let out a deep, menacing growl that reverberated through the air. His body tensed, muscles bulging with raw power as long, silky ck hair erupted from his skin. His eyes burned with a feral intensity, and his teeth elongated into razor-sharp fangs, poised to tear into Aether. In a sh, his clothing disintegrated, leaving only a crystal badge gleaming ominously on what was now a monstrous hand... or perhaps it was his leg. "WOW!!" Aether eximed in happiness. This was his first time witnessing a werewolf transformation up close, and he couldn''t help but be thrilled. He thought excitedly, ''It''s Morphin'' Time!'' ''Fuck... It would be so cool if I could do that while saying ''It''s Morphin'' Time!'' Aether''s eyes sparkled like a child''s as his childhood dreams momentarily resurfaced. "WWAARRRRR!!!" With a blood-curdling war cry, Kaelen leapt at Aether, his eyes zing with murderous intent. He knew he had no time to wastethe effect of the Artifact would soon wear off, and the signal would reconnect. Before that happened, he needed to finish off both this hooded figure and Aria. Kaelen''s jaws snapped shut, but Aether vanished with blinding speed, reappearing several feet away in an instant. Kaelen growled in frustration, then increased his own speed, determined to catch his prey. This time, he was almost close enough to bite Aether''s neck. "Damn, he is faster!" Aether mumbled under his breath. Realizing he couldn''t keep dodging forever, he decided to fight back. As Kaelen lunged again, Aether pointed a finger and unleashed a burst of small red mes. BOOM! "WWWUUFFF!!" Kaelen howled in pain and surprise as the mes hit him. He hadn''t expected Aether to use fire, assuming that as Aria''s Protector, Aether would rely on conventional weapons. Kaelen shook his head, clearing the smoke from his eyes, and red at Aether with renewed fury. ''Good...'' Aether thought, observing that his low-quality mes had only singed Kaelen''s fur. Though he wanted to stand his ground and fight, now wasn''t the right time to engage in a prolonged battle. Kaelen resumed his relentless assault with even more ferocity, while Aether focused on dodging andnding a few well-ced, strategic blows. "Sswwhh!!" Kaelen''s sharp ws tore through Aether''s hoodie, raking across his chest and leaving painful, bloody wounds. Aether grimaced, feeling the sting of the fresh injuries. He allowed Kaelen tond a few more hits, carefully orchestrating his movements to appear weaker than he was. He needed to project the image of a valiant, but struggling, hero. Kaelen sensed victory and pressed harder, his attacks growing more ferocious. He lunged forward, snapping his jaws, but Aether sidestepped at thest moment but Kaelen''s teeth scratched Aether''s shoulder. "Is that all you''ve got, Protector?" Kaelen taunted, his voice a guttural growl. Aether looked down at his battered and bruised body, ''I think it''s enough...'' he thought to himself before saying aloud, "If you want to kill my Aria, then... it''s over my dead body!" His voice was filled with determination and an unmistakable love. "W-What are you talking about?'' Kaelen frowned, not understanding where it wasing! However, [+4000 Affection] "STOP!!!" ''She finally came!'' Aether smirked as he nced at Aria, who was now standing behind him with an indifferent expression. Kaelen suddenly stepped back, ''W-What was that?'' he wondered, feeling a strange chill. "W-What are you doing here?" Aether asked, his voice filled with a heartbroken sound. Aria looked at Aether''s battered body, biting her lip so hard that blood seeped from it, "W-Why?" she mumbled, her voice trembling with emotion. Even though she knew why he was doing this, she hated seeing him suffer for her. Aether, with pained steps, walked towards her and gently pushed her back, "G-Go!! Run away!!" "I won''t!!" She shouted back, catching his hands and staring into his eyes, tears welling up. Aether panicked, "W-Why are you doing this?" he asked, his voice filled with pain and desperation. Aria only stared at his wounds, seeing how much he must be struggling to fight Kaelen and possibly others. Her heart ached, knowing he was more worried about her safety than his own. She even wondered whether this man''s love was far greater than hers! [+4000 Affection] Kaelen, who was watching this unfold, couldn''t believe what he was seeing. His eyes widened in surprise and shock. "OH!! The Queen is having an affair" "!!!!" Kaelen flinched and jumped back several feet when he saw two predatory blue eyes staring at him nkly. ''W-What is this? Who is she?'' he screamed inwardly, feeling a primal fear. It felt as though he was standing before a Hunter, a predator far more dangerous than himself! Aria then looked at Aether before saying, "Let''s talk after I finish hunting." "W-Wait!" Aether shouted, but Aria ignored him. She turned her fierce gaze to Kaelen, who was now trembling, "Come at me, Doggy," shemanded, her voice icy and unwavering. Chapter 189: Capture the Heart: Part-5 Whew Aether whistled softly as he stood in the corner, watching Aria fight against the werewolf with just her sword. The once fearsome creature was now trembling in front of her. ''Looks like she''s really good at fighting, but...'' Aether noticed that although she had a determined expression, it wasn''t the face of a true hunter, ''She needs a little more push.'' It wasn''t like it was his mission to push her to reveal her true potential... It was rather Aether''s personal desire to see her unleash her full strength. To be honest, he kind of liked her hunting expression; it was both exciting and thrilling for him to see her like that.... Her blue eyes shone brightly when she was in hunt mode... It''s beautiful truly!! He just wanted to see her more, to watch her break free from any constraints. ''Ting!'' Aria blocked Kaelen''s sharp ws and pushed him back, swinging her de as she nearly sliced through his skin. "Grrrrr!!" Kaelen growled in anger, ring at Aria with bloodlust. Aria, with a haughty smile, fought him fiercely. She never felt more alive than when she was in the midst of battle. It was as if she was reliving her past self, a warrior who thrived inbat. Her smile grew wider whenever the blood of her prey sttered. The veins in her body pulsed with adrenaline as her heart beat wildly. ''W-What the...?'' She was shocked to feel this sensation. ''W-Why am I happy?'' she wondered but didn''t stop. She dodged Kaelen''s fangs, which were about to pierce her body, and mmed his mouth with the hilt of her sword. Kaelen winced in pain, horrified to see a woman who was starting to hurt him without even using her Arcane Card..... He groaned in anger. He could not let this chance slip away. If he lost now, he might never get another opportunity. He wanted his second-tier tribe to be the rulers, determined not to let this slip away! "Arcane!" he mumbled, his voice barely audible. In an instant, a shimmering rainbow-coloured card materialized before him. The card turned into particles that swirled around him, quickly enveloping his legs and mouth. ''ssssshhh!'' His nails lengthened grotesquely, bing razor-sharp talons that glinted menacingly under the dim light. His fangs followed suit, growing longer and sharper until they resembled the deadly teeth of a sabre-toothed tiger more than those of a werewolf. His eyes glowed with a feral intensity, betraying the monstrous power within. From his elongated fangs and nails, a thick, purplish-ck liquid began to ooze. The viscous substance dripped slowly, leaving dark stains wherever it touched. This was his desired weapon. Though Aether had a surprised expression, Aria did not. She simply motioned for him toe at her. "HHOOOOOOOO!!!" He howled as he mmed his foot to the ground, causing it to tremble. A piece of the ground was pulled up and shot towards her. Aria snorted before cutting through the stones, but then suddenly, Kaelen appeared and shed with his ws. Aria blocked just in time, but then... ''Crack'' Her sword cracked slightly, and she immediately stepped back. However, Kaelen didn''t give her a chance to recover, continuing his assault while Aria blocked his relentless attacks. ''She''s still not using her Arcane Card...'' Aether frowned, seeing Aria backing down as Kaelen seemed to turn the tables. Aether wanted to intervene but knew this wasn''t the right time. Kaelen frowned, seeing her still able to block his attacks... Feeling his time running out, he resorted to verbal attacks. "Do you think your husband would let this slide?!" he sneered. Aria stumbled a little. Seeing her reaction, Kaelen continued his verbal assault. "He will make you pay for cheating on him!" ''Ting'' "He will make your tribe pay for your sins!" ''Tingg'' ''Crack'' "You are going to be caged in the pce again!!" "Tanggg'' ''Crack'' "And most of all... you will be alone!" ''Crack'' ''Chrrkk'' Thud Kaelen''s nails broke through her sword and pierced her shoulder, mming her against a nearby tree. Aria suddenly felt a paralyzing fear... the fear of being alone and caged! Her hunting and happy expression crumbled as her breath hitched. "A-Alone..." she mumbled in fear, and just as the fear threatened to overtake her again, BOOOM!! Suddenly, Kaelen was hit by an orange me, sending him flying. "SHE IS NOT ALONE!!" Aether intervened, shouting at Kaelen as he appeared before Aria. His voice rang out with unwavering determination. Aria''s eyes flinched before she looked at Aether, who spoke with a gentle yet resolute voice, "She is not alone... not anymore. If she is caged, I will break it! If she is a sinner, then I will bear it! And... Most of all, she is the most faithful woman I have ever seen!! I am here for her!!" Most of his words genuinely came from his heart. Aether had never seen a woman as faithful as Aria, who had remained devoted to her husband for over a hundred years, except in the novels he read. "Don''t you dare sully her with your filthy words!" Aether said, his face darkening with anger. He was furious at Kaelen''s insults. Aria was totally taken aback before tears dripped from her eyes. Kaelen growled, "I''ll kill you, bastard!!" he shouted as he leapt at Aether, the hooded figure kept interfering! "My Aria is a born hunter..." Aether mumbled before ncing at Aria. ''Ssshhh'' A gentle breeze slightly lifted his hoody. Aria could see the tenderness in his eyes, even if it was just for a brief moment. With that tender look, he said, "A Hunter should Hunt, Not Prey!" Aether stepped forward to save the damsel in distress. This time, Aether took Kaelen seriously, knowing that if he didn''t, he would get seriously injured. He maxed out his strength and magic affinity. His mes changed into a brilliant yellow colour. "Come at me, Doggy" "Don''t call me Doggy!!!" Kaelen roared in response, his anger fueling his attack. With a primal snarl, he lunged forward, his ws extended like gleaming daggers aimed at Aether''s throat. Aether caught the w mid-air, and the liquid oozing from Kaelen''s nails evaporated before it even touched Aether''s skin. Aether smiled while Kaelen frowned. "Now it''s time to tame the doggy," Aether said with a smirk as he began his counterattack. They exchanged blows, Aether dodging every attack andnding powerful punches on Kaelen''s werewolf body. Kaelen''s fur burned to a crisp under Aether''s fiery blows. ''He is different than before...'' Kaelen thought, struggling to keep up. As the fight continued, Aether found himself enjoying the battle. Notifications flooded his vision, but he ignored them, needing to focus on the fight. Just as he was about to end this game and move on to the next, "Trrrrrr" Suddenly, the ground trembled, followed by a bright light that enveloped the entire area. "Hmm? " W-What the?" Both of them stopped and looked toward the source, only to see Aria standing in the middle of the light. She looked like a divine angel as her hair fluttered in heavy air! And most of all, "What the fuck, bro!!" Aether screamed, feeling a deadly fear wash over him. "I don''t know, bro!!" Kaelen also screamed in fear, his wolf instincts telling him to run as far as possible from the... Hunter. For a fraction of a second, Aether and Kaelen became unlikely bros before Kaelen ran away. The next thing Aether saw was a simple arrow passing by him before hitting Kaelen, and then, BOOOMMMMM!!! The explosion rocked the area, sending shockwaves through the ground as the light intensified. Chapter 190: Aria Zephyrs Heart Captured! A minute earlier, When Aria mmed into the thick trunks of the trees, she lowered her head, feeling a mixture of frustration and sorrow. ''Why?'' She wondered aloud, not about Aether, but about herself. The question gnawed at her mind, demanding an answer. She questioned why she always held back, why she never gave her all in any situation. If she used her Arcane Card, she knew without a doubt she could defeat Kaelen. She had the power within her grasp, yet something always restrained her, holding her back like invisible chains... something she feared more than anything else. No, it wasn''t ric... well, maybe a little. Maybe she feared being alone again, lost in the vast emptiness of the pce where silence echoed through the halls like a haunting melody! Maybe she feared the what would happen to her tribe! But more importantly, she feared using... the Arcane Card! Yes, she was terrified of Arcane; that thing had irrevocably changed her life! That thing that ruined her life! Not just once but twice!! She was petrified at the thought of using it!! That''s why she was determined never to use Arcane. Yet, "If she is caged, I will break it!" When she heard those words, something inside her cracked, like a dam about to burst under the pressure. "If she is a sinner, then I will bear it!" Her hand trembled uncontrobly! "And... Most of all, she is the most faithful woman I have ever seen!!" Tears began to drip from her eyes, cascading down her cheeks. "I am here for her!!" Her eyes, filled with a mixture of disbelief and pain, stared nkly at Aether''s back. His words resonated deeply within her. "A Hunter should Hunt, Not Prey!" "...." She was rendered speechless, her eyes only focused on the gentle, smiling man who refused to give up on her, even in his dire situation. His unwavering support shook her to her core. "Hah...hahahah..." She chuckled to herself, a sound tinged with self-loathing and a touch of irony. It was almost amusing that she, who was older and supposedly wiser, should have been the one to support him. Instead, the situation had reversed, and now he was the one supporting her, giving her strength. ''What kind of woman have I be?'' she thought to herself, the question piercing her heart. ''Did I really let a man who wasn''t even stronger than me... protect me?'' She then remembered the times she spent hunting, the thrill of the chase, a gentle smile adorning her face as she reminisced. But then, the vision shifted to a dark ce... the loneliness of the pce, echoing her istion. ''Did I really stay silent, knowing that useless man had trapped me?'' She bit her lip hard, drawing blood, as she clenched her fist so tightly her knuckles turned white. ''... How did I be this weak?'' She thought with a horrified expression, her eyesnding on the man who was fighting for her sake... just for her, not for anyone else. This man, despite being a servant, kept standing back up, no matter how many times he was beaten by his master, no matter how many times others looked down on him, no matter how close to death he came, he stood back up with an unwavering determination. ''Ba-dump'' [+4000 Affection] Her heart skipped a beat as she watched his struggle, the fire in his eyes, and even more when she saw his smiling expression, as if he found joy in fighting against the odds. ''H-He is just like me...'' She mumbled in an amused tone, then looked at her hand and realized it was itching to hunt, to fight, to reim her lost strength. [+5000 Affection] "Haaa..." She let out a deep sigh, a mixture of relief and resolve, before facepalming herself and said with a light smirk, "I cannot show this ugly side to the man who showed me who I really am." Her blue eyes shone brilliantly, reflecting a newfound determination, as she muttered, "Ar...cane!" Her chest glowed, radiating a mystical aura, and a rainbow card materialized before her, dispersing into shimmering particles. These particles coalesced into a green-colored recurve bow, crafted from the Mother Root itself. The bow hovered before her, exuding an ethereal, almost otherworldly glow. Aria smiled as she grasped the bow. It was her first time beholding her desired weapon since her card had transformed into a Rainbow one. She reminisced about the past with her partner, her eyes softening with nostalgia. But then, a sudden realization struck her, ''Crack'' Her grip tightened, almost cracking the bow. Aria spoke with an emotionless voice, "You are weak... The past me was really weak!!" Annoyance surged through her as she realized her desired weapon was too fragile for her to wield effectively. She then murmured to her weapon, her voice devoid of emotion, "A hunter should hunt, not prey!" The bow trembled in response, and a ck, transparent screen materialized before her eyes: [Desired Weapon recognized its Master''s Wish] [Aria Zephyr shall be epted by the Desired Weapon] [Request: Modification] [....] [Affirmative] [Initiating Origin Weapon] One of the pirs, etched with an arrow mark in the underground chamber, suddenly brightened and pulsed with energy! The Principal''s eyes widened in surprise as she sensed the tremor of power within the academy. ''What the...? Someone already got the recognition?'' She shouted at others to reconnect the footage faster, her smile growing with happiness and curiosity. Aria''s recurve bow dissolved into particles and began to reshape itself. First, it formed a prototype of a longbow, "Ugly!" She instantly rejected it. The bow then transformed into a tbow, but again she dismissed it.... after few more attempts... Finally, it took the shape of a Compound Bow. Aria''s eyes sparkled with curiosity. Sensing its Master''s desire, the prototype Compound Bow began to glow. The transformationpleted, revealing a dark, ckish bow with gleaming bluish camwheels that shimmered like enchanted sapphires, and a fine silver-white bowstring that sparkled as if woven from moonlight. "A Hunter should hunt, not prey!" These words were now etched in glowing runes on its sleek, ck body, pulsing with an inner light. With a smile of satisfaction, she grasped the bow. Instantly, her body was encased in elegant, hunting armor, intricately designed with mystical runes and glowing softly in the dim light. The armor was a perfect blend of protection and mobility, crafted from dark, enchanted leather and adorned with silver ents that matched her new weapon. She smiled softly, gently touching the string and flicking it, ''Diiiinnnnngggg!'' The sound resonated, a melody she had missed for an eternity. She then focused on Kaelen and drew the bowstring. The camwheels whirred with a hiss, rotating at high speed like the wheels of a finely-tuned chariot, and a sharp, luminous arrow materialized out of thin air, its tip crackling with arcane energy. "Wow!" Aria murmured, truly taken aback by the power and beauty of her new weapon. With a single smirk, she released the bowstring. The camwheels spun even faster, propelling the arrow forward with a burst of energy. ''SSsssshhhhhh!'' BOOOMMMM!!! Aria clicked her tongue when she saw the crystal badge broken and saved Kaelen just before arrow even hit him, ''Looks like it understood my attack would kill him'' she thought with smirk, she then looked at Aether who was staring at her motionlessly. Her face suddenly blushed. Her armor and weapon disappeared with a soft glow, and she stood there, her expression a mixture of shyness and gratitude. Her ears twitched up and down, and her legs shifted nervously as if she were a maiden in love. Meanwhile, Aether nkly stared at his notification, !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 16.9%] !~Ding~! [Congrattion for Completing the Mission: Save and Seduce Aria Zephyr] !~Ding~! [Reward: 100,000 Affection Points] !~Ding~! [Reward: Skill: Freedom] Chapter 191: She is freaking cute!!! !~Ding~! [Skill: Freedom] [Effect: Activating this skill removes the ve Mark for two days. During this period, you are immune tomands from others. You are free to act ording to your own will without any restrictions.] [Additional Benefits: While the skill is active, gain a 20% increase in physical strength, agility, and Magic Affinity. Your senses are heightened, granting enhanced perception and awareness. You also gain temporary immunity to status effects such as paralysis, fear, and charm.] [Limitations: You remain bound by the Eternal Contract to ########. Once activated, the skill cannot be deactivated and will only end when the time limit is reached. The skill''s duration cannot be extended by any means.] [Cooldown Time: 7 days] !~Ding~! [You finally took the first step, Darling~ ?? I am so proud of you ?? As a reward for your efforts, here are my three sizes: 44~34~46 ?? ~Sexy~ right? ?? Got hard for me? ?? ~ I ~ LOVE ~YOU ~ ??] Aether''s lips twitched with a mix of irritation and disbelief.He wished to see her, not for her curvy body or teasing words, but to punch her face for all the trouble she had caused. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he turned his attention to Aria, who stood hesitatingly, her shyness evident in her hesitant steps towards him. Aether removed his hood, revealing his face, and looked at Aria with a surprised expression. "What was th" he began, but before he could finish his question, Aria rushed forward and hugged him tightly, cutting off his words. Aether flinched at the unexpected contact, but then he sighed, realizing that this embrace signified that he had finally entered this woman''s heart. With a gentle expression softening his features, he wrapped his arms around her, returning the hug. The surrounding world seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them in an intimate bubble of warmth and understanding. They stood like this for what felt like an eternity, but was really just a minute. Aria, her long ears twitching with emotion, eventually pulled away and stared at his face. ''OMG!!! HE IS HANDSOME!!'' she screamed inwardly. Outwardly, however, she maintained aposed demeanour, exuding a motherly aura as she touched his face gently, her fingers tracing the lines of his jaw. [+5000 Affection] [+5000 Affection] [+5000 Affection] [+5000 Affection] Aether gulped inwardly, sensing a creeping dread. Although her eyes looked lovely and filled with affection, there was something deep and unsettling within them, something that reminded him of Selene. ''L-Let''s not push her anymore!'' Aether warned himself, realizing it was dangerous to raise her affection further. Yet, despite his caution, his eyes fell on her shoulder, noticing the wound inflicted by Kaelen''s poisonous nails. "W-We need to heal you!" Aether shouted, his voice tinged with urgency as he reached for his healing potion. However, Aria smiled softly and took a small bottle from her pouch. Aether flinched, staring at the small bottle in her hand. ''T-That''s a healing potion...'' he realized. He then looked at Aria, who awkwardly averted her gaze, her cheeks tinged with embarrassment, "I-I just realized I had this in my pouch!" she stammered, offering ame excuse that even a child wouldn''t believe. Aether sighed deeply and said, "Drink it fir" but before he could finish his sentence, Aria had already poured the potion into his mouth, ensuring he drank it first. "Slowly, slowly..." she whispered, her voice tender as she rubbed Aether''s throat, her eyes filled with affectionate care, like a mother tending to her child. After gulping down the potion, Aether felt his wounds close up rapidly, the healing magic working its wonders. Aria watched with relief flooding her heart, seeing the immediate effect. "W-What the hell! You need to heal first, not me, you idiot!" Aether shouted. Hearing him call her an idiot made her blush even more. She knew he didn''t mean it harshly; it was his way of showing he cared more about her well-being than his own. She felt a warm connection growing between them, a bond that was bing stronger with each passing moment. ''Who is the idiot? You are the idiot... Falling for an olddy like me!'' she mumbled to herself, the words too shy to be spoken aloud. She then took another healing potion from her pouch and drank it, watching as the wounds on her body closed and healed. It was technically against the rules to use healing potions duringbat, but with the crystal badge not working, she felt it would be fine. Technically, it wasn''t her fault! After drinking the healing potion, Aria saw Aether looking at her with a nk expression. "W-What?" she stammered, her voice tinged with a mix of vulnerability and defiance. She knew why he was looking at her like that, but she refused to acknowledge it, feeling a flush of warmth spread across her cheeks. ".... Nothing," Aether answered. He sighed, ''Well, all''s well that ends well,'' he thought, attempting to move past the awkwardness, "Queen Ar" "Aria" "Hmm?" "It''s A~R~I~A~ Please" She insisted, her voice taking on a sweet, almost pleading tone as her eyes widened adorably, a stark contrast to her previous haughty demeanour. ''Come on, man! She is freaking cute!!!'' Aether screamed inwardly, battling the urge to reach out and hold her. Out loud, he said, "Aria." Aria nodded in satisfaction, her heart skipping a beat as she gazed at him with newfound admiration. She wanted to hold him, pamper him, feed him to chubby, buy him everything he wanted, and most of all kiss him passionately and touch his.... her imagination running wild with desires she had kept buried for so long. [+5000 Affection] [+5000 Affection] [+5000 Affection] Aether gulped, his heart racing as he tried to break the spell of her enchanting gaze, "Now, what should we do?" he asked, pointing to the spot where Kaelen had disappeared, a g now hovering in his ce. Aria snapped out of her reverie, her eyes focusing on the g before turning back to Aether. "You can take it." "H-Huh? What do you mean? You''re the one who defeated" Aria ced a delicate finger on his lips, her touch sending shivers down his spine, "Your Master will hurt you if you don''t bring any gs. You can take mine too." She raised her other hand, and suddenly a g materialized in her palm, shimmering with a soft glow. Seeing this, Aether understood her concern, but he couldn''t bear to let Aria lose after seeing her worried expression. He gently closed her fingers around the g and said, "I cannot..." "Aether, listen to me--" "I want you to win" [+6000 Affection] ''Fuck!! Let''s stop! No more!!'' Aether screamed inwardly, feeling overwhelmed by the escting affection. Aria simply smiled, a mix of tenderness and resolve in her eyes, "I cannot fight anymore..." Her body ached from using her origin weapon.... which was now far stronger than her, and she needed rest, It really took a toll on her body. Seeing Aether''s sudden frown, Aria sighed deeply and said, "Okay then, you can take Kaelen''s g, and I will return to the stadium with my g." Aether nodded in relief, but their eyes remained locked, a maic pull drawing them closer. Their gazes lingered on each other''s lips, the tension palpable. "I am going to divorce ric," Aria mumbled. She knew it would bring countless problems and put her tribe in danger, but looking at Aether, she felt a surge of courage, "I will soon be a free bird..." She blushed, her cheeks turning a deep shade of crimson, "A single bird... waiting for another bird..." Aether''s face lit up with amusement, but curiosity gleamed in his eyes, "Another bird, huh? Must be someone of your status, I supp" Aria ced her finger on his lips again, this time letting it linger seductively. Her touch was electric, sending a jolt of desire through him. She smiled cheekily and said, "I am Aria Zephyr, not a Queen or any royal bullshit... This time, I will choose my partner. Whoever it is, it will be my decision." "OH!" Aether raised his eyebrows, taken aback by the fierce determination in Aria''s eyes, as if she were ready to face any challenge. "Good," Aether replied warmly, his smile radiating genuine affection, which again triggered: [+7000 Affection] Aether flinched, quickly mping his mouth shut. Aria continued to rub his lips tenderly, her fingers lingering with unspoken promises. She wanted to bite those lips, to im them, but she restrained herself. Despite her desires, she was still an old-fashioned woman who believed in tradition. First, she needed to sever her ties with that wretched being! "Next, I''ll give you an answer... an answer just for you," Aria whispered seductively in his ear before walking away. Her hips swayed provocatively, each step a silent invitation, though her face burned with a blush as she hurriedly ran away. "Damn!!" Aether gritted his teeth, feeling his blood surge with an intensity he had never experienced before. Chapter 192: Capture the Flag: Part-5 When Aether was trying his utmost best to seduce Aria, others... "Sweet!" Helena smiled brightly as she looked at the ash-coloured g fluttering gently in the wind. Helena had managed to defeat Ashara with just simple holy power, which was sufficiently potent to hurt Ashara, who possessed dark power. Though it wasn''t an easy feat by any means, since Helena''s team members, especially the males, were easily hypnotized and mesmerized by Ashara''s subus power and ended up hurting themselves. In mere seconds, Helena''s team was reduced by half, a significant and devastating loss. Helena then turned her gaze to Ashara''s team members, who were slowly disappearing as their team leader was defeated. To be perfectly honest, if not for Helena''s holy power, Ashara might very well have emerged victorious. Nevertheless, Helena grabbed the g, and then suddenly, the g flickered before changing into a resplendent golden colour. In the sky, the hologram suddenly changed, updating Helena''s score to 1700 points and cing her above Thalia Crimsonw in the rankings. On to the next location... "Grrrrr!!" Jack Sparrow gritted his teeth in frustration as he looked at the ck g tinged with a hint of purple hovering ominously before him. He had managed to secure a victory against Nyx, though it had been far from easy. He himself had suffered greatly against her formidable dark powers, and the victory came at the high cost of losing many of his team members. Now, his team was down to only one member who was barely able to move. ''Tsk, that bitch is getting stronger and stronger...'' Jack growled under his breath before looking at the remaining team member, "Let''s move... we cannot afford to dy any longer." He touched the g, which soon changed into a deep, dark ck. In the hologram, Jack Sparrow''s points increased to 1300, cing him on equal footing with Thalia. He then noticed Kaelen''s position, still below Aria''s, and thought, ''Hope you keep your end of the deal...'' before hurriedly moving towards his next target with determination. On to the next location... "Pathetic!!" Thalia shouted with disdain as she looked at Finnian, who was holding his battered body together with great difficulty. He couldn''t believe that Thalia was able to counter-attack him no matter what method he used against her. ''S-She is stronger than I anticipated....'' he thought, his insides feelingpletely misced and battered. Her attacks were far stronger than what she had initially shown. "W-What level are you?" he asked with a voice full of pain and desperation. He really needed to know and hoped she was far above him; otherwise, he wouldn''t be able to show his face to Helena or.... the Archpriestess ever again. Thalia smirked as she replied, "You... just thought I must be at a higher level, right? But too bad, I am just at Level 10, the same as the others!" She showed her Golden Arcane Card, where only one star shone brightly, indicating her level was around 10 to 15. Finnian''s face turned grim, as if he had just eaten something vile and disgusting. "Hahaha... look at that face... damn! That''s why I despise these weaklings who think they''re superior just because they were chosen," Thalia muttered with contempt before grabbing Finnian''s throat and lifting him up effortlessly. "You know, even Chosen ones can be killed if someone weak really puts their heart and soul into it...." She smirked and added, "There is still a living example walking around... and yet each one of you guys didn''t even bother to put me in your sight, looking down on me just because I wasn''t a chosen one.... Man, that''s really hurtful and pisses me off!!" "Ccrrggrrrrr!!" Finnian struggled desperately to escape from her iron grasp. His team had already beenpletely eliminated by her team, so only Finnian was left now, utterly alone. "Let me tell you this... I will defeat you all, even if Arcane doesn''t recognize me... I will defeat the previous sovereign as well as the future pathetic sovereign and prove to the entire world that sovereigns are nothing but bored toys for Arcane!" The crystal badge shattered and warped Finnian, causing him to disappear and leaving behind a dark brown-coloured g. Thalia had emerged victorious against Finnian, and she smiled as she looked at her team. Although they had defeated Finnian''s team members, her own team had lost one member, and several others were wounded. She sighed, knowing that in the next battle, she would likely be the one fighting. She then grabbed the g, which instantly transformed into an onyx-ck colour. The hologram in the sky updated, increasing Thalia Crimsonw''s points to 2100 and cing her at the top once again. "Hehe..." she giggled softly to herself. On to the next location... "Huff-Huff-Huff," Aqualina Naiadia panted heavily as she looked at Aurelia Scarlet and Selene, both of whom had numerous cuts on their bodies. "I-I suppose even two Golden Aptitude fighters were not enough to defeat you," Lia muttered with a pained face as she looked at Aqualina. "S-She is incredibly strong..." Selene mumbled, ncing around at the others who had already been defeated in her team. Aqualina had only lost two people, and now they were surrounded. Aqualina took a long, steadying breath before saying, "I never thought you would be this strong," pointing at Lia, who simply shrugged. To be honest, thest time Aqualina attacked her, it was a surprise attack, and Lia was not in the right mood, which allowed Aqualina to take her by surprise. If not, Lia might have given Aqualina a tough fight. "Though you are not strong enough..." Aqualina muttered in an amused tone as two long, thin white swords appeared in her hands. She instructed her team members to take care of Selene while she focused on Lia. Selene gritted her teeth; she wanted to use her weapon but knew she wasn''t ready to wield its full power. She could only use her magic to attack the others. Ting Aqualina and Lia fought skillfully, their des shing with sparks flying. However, Lia was a single-handed swordsman, while Aqualina wielded dual swords, making it difficult for Lia to concentrate on both of her opponent''s weapons. As the fight escted, Selene was eventually defeated, though she managed to take down two of Aqualina''s team members with her. "Shit!!" Lia gritted her teeth. She could not handle fighting two opponents simultaneously. She had used every bit of her power and had no choice but to retreat, "Let''s settle our scoreter..." Just as Aqualina was about to strike her, ''Puffff!'' Lia''s body suddenly burst into a red mist before transforming into a bat and flying away. "Tsk, I sometimes forget she is a blood-sucking vampire!" Aqualina gritted her teeth before stumbling down. "P-Princess!" The remaining team member panicked. "It''s fine..." Aqualina said, her body having taken a significant toll from fighting two Golden Aptitude Rankers, ''I need to train more...'' she mumbled, and just then, Thud Thest team member suddenly fell down and disappeared into particles. Aqualina''s eyes widened as she turned around to see Jack Sparrow and another figure appear. ''Tsk, it''s getting tough now...'' she thought and stood up as she ready to face the next opponent! Chapter 193: Capture the Flag: Part-6 "Thank goodness she didn''t get eliminated..." Jack sighed in relief when he saw that Aqualina was still in the game. "Hello, Princess Aqualina... I hope you are doing fine," Jack said with an amused smile. Aqualina''s lips twitched as she replied, "Yeah, just like you, I am doing fine," as she nced at his battered body and his injured, remaining teammate. Her eyes sparkled with a mix of sarcasm and determination. Jack''s own smile faded, and his lips twitched in annoyance. "Then shall we see who is truly fine?" "Yeah..." Aqualina''s eyes glittered with anticipation as two thin white swords materialized in her hands, ready for the impending fight. Meanwhile, in the control room... "Principal, the connection has been reestablished," a professor announced, relief evident in their voice. The Principal, her curiosity piqued, looked intently at the devastated area on the monitor where there was now nothing but a in field. "What happened here?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern and intrigue. "Principal, it seems Aria Zephyr has retired from the contest, and Kaelen has been eliminated," Delphine mumbled, her eyes fixed on the screen as she watched Aria walking toward the stadium, her expression unreadable. Though ric frowned as he noticed something wrong with his wife. "Hmm?" The Principal frowned, clicking her tongue in frustration, "Try to focus on the hooded one!" she ordered sharply. She would question Aria for detailster, but for now, her priority was understanding the actions of Aether. "What the....?" "What happened?" The Principal''s frown deepened as she squinted at the monitor. She saw a hooded figure running at an insane speed. ''...Has he gotten even stronger?'' The Principal had a bbergasted expression. Her eyesnded on Delphine, expecting her to be proud and happy. However... Delphine looked terrified! her fear palpable. The Principal''s frown turned into a look of deep frown. She didn''t understand Delphine''s sudden fear. ''Did she see something?'' she wondered, her mind racing with possibilities before refocusing her attention on Aether. Just then, her eyes twitched, "Sigh, it looks like we have a visitor..." she mumbled, ncing back toward the entrance of the control room. "Haha... There''s no need to be on guard. I''m just here to see what the others are doing," a feminine voice echoed through the room, smooth and confident. Meanwhile, elsewhere on the battlefield... "FUCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKK!!!!" Aether screamed, his voice filled with a mix of fear and exhration as he ran faster than ever before. Upon obtaining the Freedom Skill, he had used it without hesitation. The next thing he knew, his ve mark pulsed before disappearing, and the feeling of being wrapped in chains suddenly cracked and vanished. It was a moment of profound liberation. It was then that he felt truly free, as if he were soaring through the open air after years of imprisonment... It was just a figure of speech.... he wasn''t sure how that actually felt, but he imagined it might be simr, the feeling of boundless freedom. The next thing he did was increase his level. The current status of his log was: / Name: Aether Sex: Male Race: ##### Level: 9 Title: The Lost One, ve [Eternal Contract to ########], The Only Holder of Ether and Past-less, Future-less Entity. Skill: Freedom (Active) Attributes: Strength: 80 Agility: 80 Intelligence: 80 Magic Affinity: 80 Charm: 80 Compatibility: 90% Survival rate: 16.9% Affection Points: 132,890 (1000 Affection Points = 1 *any Attributes) Seduction:2/10 / After increasing his level by three times, Aether felt his body overwhelmed by the sudden surge in power. He tried to increase his speed further, pushing his limits, but then, !~Ding~! [Warning: Any more increase in attributes will most likely break your body permanently and might not be healed... Do you wish to continue?] "Hell no!!" Aether shouted. ''Looks like I need to increase my attributes gradually rather than altogether,'' Aether mumbled to himself. He then looked at the mission tab, which was blinking a little faster, indicating something significant. "Fuck!" Aether cursed before running faster. He had clearly ordered Snowke to stay down until his n seeded. No matter what happens, she should stay put. He knew exactly what kind of n he had in store for Aqualina. A girl who was high and mighty... He needed to break that first! Upon arriving at the scene, he noticed Jack Sparrow fighting against Aqualina Naiadia. "Is he also trying to kill her?" Aether mumbled to himself as he watched the scene unfold. "You certainly live up to your name, Aqualina," Jack mumbled, ncing at his own body covered in numerous cuts and bruises. "Huff-Huff... Thank you, then..." Aqualina replied, panting heavily. The relentless string of battles was clearly taking a toll on her body. She wiped the sweat from her brow, her determination undimmed despite her exhaustion. Aqualina stared at Jack, who had yet to use his weapon. He still had the advantage, and what''s more, there was no information about his desired weapon. It was hard for Aqualina to prepare for any counterattack. And then there was also his teammate who had disappeared during their fight, leaving Aqualina really on her wits. ''Tsk, if I knew this would happen, I would have kept Aether with me,'' she thought, gritting her teeth. ''At least I hope he manages to seduce her...'' Just as she was about to resume her attack, "aaaaahhhhh!" With a fierce battle cry, someone appeared behind her, poised to pierce her body with a lethal strike. "Nope!" Aether suddenly materialized before Aqualina, delivering a powerful punch to the assant''s gut and mming him to the ground. Jack''s teammate finally disappeared in a burst of particles. "!!!" Jack raised his eyebrows in shock. [+500 Affection] Aqualina sighed and mumbled in relief, "Took you long enough." "Sorry, I encountered something on the way," Aether said in a coarse voice. Hearing his tone, Aqualina smiled knowingly. She appreciated his effort to keep his identity hidden. "What is this?" Jack frowned, his confusion evident as he stared at the hooded figure. ''Is that Kaelen? Did he already finish his mission?'' he wondered, his thoughts racing. He looked up at the hologram in the sky, his eyes widening in shock when he saw Kaelen''s name struck out andbelled as eliminated. His surprise deepened when he saw that Aria had retired from the contest. ''FUCK THAT BASTARD!!'' Jack screamed inwardly, ''I knew this would happen. That fucker only knows how to talk!'' He gritted his teeth in frustration, ncing back and forth between Aqualina and the hooded figure. He wasn''t sure who it was, but there was no way he would let his chance to eliminate the Arcane Queen slip away. He understood that his teammate had done what was needed, so there was no need to prolong the fight any longer. "I don''t know who you are, but two against one... I am out!" Jack Sparrow said with a defeated smile before turning on his heel to run away. "H-Huh! Wait!!" Aether was shocked to see Jack running away. He was about to follow him and pull him into his n, but Aqualina stepped in and stopped him, saying, "Let him go... I need to rest and recover my energy!" ''No!! My bait!! Shit! What should I do now...?'' Aether mumbled as he looked at his mission tab, which was blinking even faster. ''So he wasn''t the one then?'' he wondered. He now pondered who was truly nning to kill Aqualina! Meanwhile, Jack, who was fleeing the scene, crushed a golden crystal in his hand. The crystal''s power instantly blocked the live footage, cutting off any surveince. He then mumbled, "Arcane," as his chest glowed, and a rainbow-coloured card appeared in his hand. With a swift motion, he threw the card in the direction of Aether and Aqualina. The card instantly transformed into a humanoid figure, which dered, "Heheh... it''s my time to shine, Master." Suddenly, Aether and Aqualina were enveloped in a ck dome! Chapter 194: Capture the Heart: Part-6 When Jack engaged inbat with Aqualina to buy some time, his teammate, following Jack''s meticulous orders, discreetly manoeuvred through the area. He carefully ced an artifact in a location, ensuring it was hidden from sight. Afterpleting this crucial task, the teammate returned to Jack, signalling that everything was set and ready. Then, with a calcted move, Jack utilized his puppet to end Aqualina''s life. But why would hee here if he was nning to use the puppets in the end? The answer was simple yet chilling: fear. Yes, fear... but Not of Aqualina herself, but of someone far more formidable.... the person who had raised and trained her. This person was none other than Empress Marisandra Naiadia. Jack''s n was executed with precision. He had to make sure no one suspected his true intentions. Thest time, he had been caught by the Principal''s watchful eyes, so he needed to devise a wless strategy. A n so perfect that no one, not even the Empress, would doubt him. First, he had to ensure a convincing confrontation with Aqualina. He needed to appear genuinely scared, making it seem like he was fleeing from her. Although he hadn''t anticipated the intervention of an unknown ally aiding her, this unexpected twist only served to bolster the narrative that he was running away because he couldn''t stand against them. This ruse would make him the least likely suspect in everyone''s eyes. Now, Jack''s focus was on returning to the stadium. He needed to be there so that even if the Empress decided to get involved, she wouldn''t suspect him immediately. Meanwhile... "What''s happening?" the Principal asked with a deep frown, noticing once again that the video footage had been cut off. She was beginning to suspect that Aether might be responsible for this interference, as he was present both times the footage was disrupted. She nced at Delphine, wondering if she might be secretly aiding him. However, upon seeing Delphine''s genuine concern, the Principal frowned deeper, thinking, ''Is someone else behind this?'' She then turned to the person seated beside her and asked, "What do you think about this situation?" A stunning woman with purple hair and small, sweet lips responded coldly, "If anything happens to my daughter... I will kill everyone there," as a frigid chill permeated the air around her. The Principal sighed, attempting to offer some reassurance with a smile, "Don''t worry. With our advanced technology, there is no way they could die there." "They better not!" Back at the doom... Aether nced up at the sky, which suddenly turned ck for a moment before returning to its normal state. He felt a wave of dizziness wash over him, and he noticed that Aqualina appeared simrly affected. She mumbled in a horrified voice, "T-There is no arcane energy..." "Hmm?" Aether frowned, attempting to conjure fire, but only a weak spark appeared as if something were cut off! "What''s going on---" "What do we have here?" Suddenly, several figures materialized out of nowhere. Aether and Aqualina frowned, staring at the 25 people who had appeared out of thin air and were now looking directly at them. "Who are you?" Aether demanded, his voice filled with suspicion. However, the neers paid no heed to his question. They began conversing among themselves. "What''s this ce? I thought we were in the hotel room a few minutes ago." "I don''t know. The client only instructed us to kill anyone we see." "So, it''s two of them?" "Looks like it." The 25 individuals smirked at Aether and Aqualina, their intentions clear. These neers were bandits who had struck a lucrative deal the previous day with a mysterious hooded figure. They didn''t care who the client was, as they had already received a substantial advance payment. When they arrived at the designated hotel and walked through the door, they were bewildered to find themselves in an entirely different ce, as if they had stepped through a magical portal. Initially shocked, they rxed upon seeing the same hooded figure who had hired them. The hooded person pointed them in the direction of Aether and Aqualina. "Wait, is that hooded figure on our side or what?" someone asked, frowning. Seeing Aether''s hooded figure, everyone else frowned and wondered whether he was supposed to be an ally or a target. Aether nced at the group, sensing they weren''t particrly strong. He could easily overpower them if he had ess to his Arcane powers, but now both he and Aqualina were reduced to mere humans. "What the hell? I can''t use my magic!" someone shouted within the group. Hearing this, everyone tried to use their own magic, but to no avail. Their frustration grew, and they turned towards Aether for answers, but before they could speak... "Where are they?" Both Aether and Aqualina had vanished from sight. At that moment, another hooded figure appearedit was none other than Jack Sparrow''s puppet. Recognizing the hooded figure, the bandits shouted and demanded an exnation for theck of arcane energy. However, their questions were cut short. ''Sclk!'' The puppet killed one of the bandits with a swift motion, speaking with murderous intent, "Go and kill the two of them, or you won''t live to see the next day." "WHA--" ''Sclk!'' Thud'' "Go... Now!!" Immediately, the 23 bandits scattered, frantically searching for Aether and Aqualina. As they dispersed, the puppet clicked its tongue in irritation, thinking, ''I don''t understand why Master takes such painstaking steps... The situation was already in our favour. I could kill them without needing these worthless scum!'' Even the puppet couldn''tprehend why Jack Sparrow went to such lengths just to kill a girl. However, for Jack Sparrow, it was all part of a wless n to avoid suspicion. No matter how one looked at the situation if Aqualina died, it would appear to be the work of the bandits who had entered the arena. But how did ite to this? That''s where Kaelen fit into his n. To Jack, Kaelen was merely a pawn. When a pawn fulfilled his role, even if he failed, Jack decided to eliminate him. This is why Jack''s remaining teammate was from Kaelen''s tribe, making Kaelen the prime suspect when he disappeared while up to something and even more Kaelen''s failed attempt against Aria who would surely tell the truth... so, Yeah, Kaelen was fucked up! And why would Jack need to block the arcane energy? Because Aqualina Naiadia was the daughter of Empress Marisandra Naiadia, a woman who had built her power from nothing. Jack needed to handle Aqualina carefully and break her spirit. Everything went ording to his n. While the bandits were set to kill Aqualina, the Empress would likely kill Kaelen. It was a perfect scenario: killing two birds with one stone. ... However, ''FUCK, YEAH!!'' Aether screamed inwardly as he gently held Aqualina''s hip. Aqualina, wincing in pain, ced her hand on Aether and they walked inside a hidden cave beneath a cliff, near Aqualina''s base. "P-Princess, are you okay?" Aether asked, his face showing concern. "I-I am fine..." Aqualina sighed as she sat down. The cave was a concealed with stone she sceured before just in case she couldn''t handle the fights, providing them temporary safety. "I feel so weak, Aether," Aqualina mumbled. The absence of arcane energy had made her body feel heavy and lethargic. "I-Is that so..." Aether muttered, his voice pained, but inwardly he rejoiced, ''Whoever you are... thank you... really thank you. You created a perfect scenario for me to seduce her... Otherwise, I would have had to follow my hazardous n.'' Aether felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude towards the unknown orchestrator of these events, for giving him this golden opportunity. If Jack knew his biggest n which he worked his ass off.... was merely used to seduce a girl.... He might attempt suicide! Chapter 195: Capture the Heart: Part-7 "P-Princess? Don''t you have any healing potions?" Aether asked, his voice tinged with concern. He knew that someone as cunning as her would likely be well-prepared for such situations. However, Aqualina shook her head slowly. "I have some, but they won''t work," she said, reaching into her pouch and pulling out a small bottle. She showed it to Aether, the liquid inside appearing dull and lifeless. The liquid had lost its usual luminous quality, now resembling ordinary water rather than the potent potion it once was. She exined, "As you know, these healing potions aren''t perfect and have many side effects. They require Arcane energy to be effective, so without it, they''re just... useless." Her voice trailed off, her frustration and helplessness evident. Aether nodded in understanding. He set down his backpack and rummaged through it, eventually pulling out his own bottle. It too looked like mere water. ''Tsk, now this is a pain in the ass...'' he thought. "Hmm? Looks like you brought one?" Aqualina asked, her curiosity momentarily distracting her from the pain. "Of course, I brought it for you just in case anything happened," Aether said with a wry smile and pained expression as ced inside his again thinking, ''Well, now it''s useless for me....'' [+600 Affection] "I... see..." Aqualina mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper, before drinking the healing potion she had. Though it wasn''t as potent as it should have been, it still managed to heal some of her light bruises and reduce the pain in her body. The recent battles with Golden Aptitude Rankers and an Arcane King had taken a far heavier toll on her than she had anticipated. ''Looks like I have a lot to learn...'' she thought, her expression reflecting both pain and a hint of humility. Her haughtiness slightly... slightly reduced! in the face of her current vulnerability. "What should we do? Who are they, and why are they after us?" Aether asked. Aqualina sighed deeply and mumbled, "I wish I knew..." She couldn''t understand how their attackers had managed to cut off the arcane energy around them. The fact that these figures had suddenly appeared and evaded the Principal''s surveince meant someone powerful and cunning was targeting them. ''But who?'' she pondered, her mind racing through possible suspects. She recalled herst encounter with Jack, frowning as she considered the possibility that he had set this trap. But after thinking it through, she shook her head. Others might have taken advantage of Jack since he was thest person she had fought. It was natural to suspect him, but he had run away, and she had seen his retirement on the hologram, so he might not be the culprit after all. She began to consider who else might hold enmity towards her. She hadn''t had many significant encounters with others except for Kai, Leon, Helena, Lia, Aria, and Selene. Lia and Selene were out of the question, while Aria, despite their unfriendly encounters, was with Aether. She nced at Aether, who wore a worried expression, his concern for her evident. "Did you... seed in your mission?" she asked, her voice steady despite her pain. Aether flinched and hesitated to answer, his eyes darting away from hers. "Come on, I don''t have time for games," she pressed, her annoyance clear in her tone. "...." Aether hesitated for a moment longer before finally nodding, his reluctance in. "... I see. Good, you did your job," she said, noticing a small blush creeping up on Aether''s cheeks, which made her frown slightly as her heart skipped a beat. She shrugged it off, deciding to remove Aria from her list of suspects, leaving only Kai, Leon, and Helena. She wasn''t entirely sure about Kai. It wasn''t that she didn''t trust himabout 70%but she frowned at the thought of Kai''s father, who was eager for power and might attempt something nefarious. As for Leon, she had some lingering doubts, and Helena... she knew that as a Saintess, Helena wouldn''t resort to such underhanded techniques. Aqualina groaned in frustration, feeling a headacheing on as she tried to piece everything together. The situation was moreplicated than she had initially thought. "I wonder if it could be Kaelen," Aether mumbled, pointing to Aqualina''s dull crystal badge, identical to Aria''s. Aqualina frowned, recalling a warning message from her mother, advising her to be cautious around Kaelen. She remembered that thest person she saw with Jack belonged to Kaelen''s tribe. As Aether recounted his part of the story, everything began to make sense to her. "That... dog," Aqualina gritted her teeth, "He was ying with everyone!" Suddenly, Aqualina began to cough violently. "Cough, cough!" "P-princess?" Aether immediately stood up and tried to wipe her blood, but Aqualina red at him, causing him to step back. Aether simply stared as she used her own kerchief to wipe her blood, "Let''s wait here... for now, we cannot face twenty-five fully grown opponents. Even if we manage to kill them, we can''t be sure what other ns they have. It''s better to hide until the time is up. Once the Principal knows I didn''t return, she wille for us. So, let''s wait..." Aether bit his lip, looking at her battered body.....Aqualina smiled gently and said, "I am fine, you don''t need to worry." "I-if the princess says so..." Aether replied, his lips trembling. [+600 Affection] Filling the sudden silence, Aqualina asked what he did to make Aria fall for him. Aether pulled some romanticized tale from a novel he had read, about a gant hero saving a damsel in distress. No way in hell would he tell her the truth! "I see..." Aqualina nodded in surprise. She never thought he would do something so courageous. ''He might have a talent for that...'' she thought, nodding in understanding. But then Aether''s next words made her heart skip a beat. "I imagined Miss Aria being Princess Aqualina, and the next thing I knew, my legs were moving to help her." "..." Aqualina froze for a second before nodding, avoiding his gaze,''Me... ah..'' she didn''t understand why, but she felt slightly relieved... just slightly. "You know, Princess, when I thought of you cornered by the wolf, my blood boiled with anger. I almost revealed myself to everyone!" "I-is that so..." she mumbled, a slight red hue appearing on her cheeks, ''He is really into me... ah,'' she thought. [+700 Affection] "Yes, just knowing someone was trying so hard to harm you... I wanted to kill them!!!" Aether shouted. Seeing his furious and determined expression, Aqualina''s heart skipped again. ''H-He would even go as far as killing... for me,'' she thought, feeling a mix of emotions. [+700 Affection] "That''s why, as soon as I finished the mission, I immediately returned to you." Aether looked into Aqualina''s shining purple eyes and said gently, "I was really worried, you know..... I really don''t know what I would have done if something had happened to you while I was away." "..." Aqualina lowered her eyes, feeling a little shy in the face of his determined and genuine expression. ''W-What''s wrong with him!!'' she wondered, her emotions in turmoil. [+800 Affection] "Princess..." Aether called her gently, his tone reminiscent of her mother''s warm affection, which only deepened her conflicted feelings. "Y-yes?" she responded, her voice trembling slightly. "... I think...." "Y-You think?" Aqualina''s eyes turned vignt, ''I-Is he going to confess now? W-What should I do? Should I reject him bluntly? But...'' she bit her lip, feeling torn, ''B-But I need him for my ns... What should I do? Should I just ept it for now and tell him the truthter? But that would be more painful... Argh...'' Aqualina found herself at a crossroads with two difficult choices: either ept him for now to continue her ns by manipting him, or reject him instantly, though she wasn''t sure if he would still obey her orders. Controlling him would be much harder if she rejected him outright. "I think... I have fallen for Miss Aria," "H-Huh?" Aether threw a curveball, smirking inwardly at the unexpected twist. Chapter 196: Capture the Heart: Part-8 Aqualina Naiadia''s POV ''H-Huh? What did he just say?'' I waspletely taken aback, not understanding what I had just heard. It felt surreal, almost like a dream. I thought my ears were ying tricks on me. Maybe it was my dizzy mind or the overwhelming exhaustion taking over, but I must have misheard him. I was sure about it! "W-What did you just say?" I asked carefully, my voice trembling, wondering why my heart suddenly tightened as if I subconsciously hoped it was all just my imagination. Yet, "I... I think... I fell for Aria Zephyr," he said with a lovely, sincere expression that I had always believed was reserved solely for me. But now, it was directed at someone else. "..." My eyes stared nkly at his shy expression. The expression that I thought was meant only for me was now meant for s-someone else. My chest felt like it was constricting painfully... I-I lowered my eyes, unable to meet his gaze. I wasn''t sure what to say to him as my chest suddenly felt unbearably heavy, ''I-Isn''t he supposed to be a Tsundere? Why is he speaking his emotions so straightforwardly to me? Is that what it means to be a Tsundere? And... he called her by name?'' I didn''t understand why I was even bothered by this..... I mean, I had calcted that he might fall for someone in the Arcane Queens group. I had even prepared a n for him to have a good life with the woman he eventually fell for, but... I-I thought it would take a long time, and yet... W-What''s this feeling? I should be happy for him, right? And yet... "I see..." I mumbled, my voice barely above a whisper. I felt my eyelids grow heavy. Maybe I was just too tired, too overwhelmed by the day''s events. My eyes subconsciously fell on his face... [+800 Affection] His smile, which had always been so beautiful andforting to me, now seemed broken, as if he had given up on something precious. "...A-Aether..." I called him softly. I didn''t know why, but I felt I should keep talking to stay upied until others arrived. Otherwise... I felt something might happen to my heart, something I couldn''t quite understand. "Yes..." Hearing his broken voice, I bit my lips tightly so they wouldn''t tremble. Thest thing I wanted was to show him how much this affected me. "H-How did you fall for her?" I asked.... surprised to hear myself ask that question. It wasn''t something I had nned to ask, yet the words slipped out naturally, almost involuntarily. I nced at his face, and once again, he wore that gentle, lovely expression as if he had truly fallen for her. It was a look of genuine affection that tore at my heart. I-I bit my lips tightly, trying to hold back the turmoil of emotions swirling inside me. ''What did that bitch do?!'' I screamed inwardly, wondering why I was even bothered by this so intensely. "Aria is gentle..." he said with a warm smile, recalling moments with Aria that were obviously cherished memories. ''G-Gentle?'' Something struck my heart as if something sharp had pierced it, leaving a painful sting. I-I have always been gentle with him, right? I thought to myself and slowly remembered our first encounter... ''....Yeah, I didn''t even acknowledge him to begin with...'' I thought, realizing that unlike me, his encounter with Aria had been pleasant. Even though she was a Queen, she spoke to him as an equal. There was no indifference in her expression. Unlike me, she was sweet and always gentle with Aether. And even more... One time, they were sitting under a tree, and she taught him something while Aether happily... I mean, I literally saw his genuine emotions as if he was enjoying spending time with her. That was something that struck my heart that day! "Aria is cute... Hehe..." He giggled like an idiot in love, his eyes shining with affection. ''Hehe...'' I mocked him inwardly, mimicking hisugh as I clenched my teeth. I-I think I am also cute!! I wanted to shout at him but decided to keep my mouth shut, feeling a mix of frustration and sadness. "Aria said she loves me so much that she wouldn''t mind giving up her title," Aether said with happiness as if he was looking at a goddess. "..." I frowned deeply. ''Is that bitch serious? She''s ready to give up her title just for a servant...? Come on, bitch, I will not fucking believe this. And... this idiot, did he fall for her lie?'' I mumbled inwardly. I really think that bitch must be trying to use my Aether... Wait, My? I frowned at my choice of words and shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. I looked at Aether, who still had a lovestruck expression, and my eyes twitched with irritation and an unrecognized pang of jealousy. ''D-Did that bitch seduce him?'' I frowned, a deep crease forming between my brows. There had to be a possibility, right? Who knows, she might be a cunning maniptor hiding behind her soft facade... No, she must be a cunning bitch trying to take advantage of him and use him against me!! That''s it!! I knew it!! A sly smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I said to Aether, "I-I think she might be lying to get you back..." Aether frowned at me. It was the first time I had ever seen him frown at me... My heart suddenly ached, but I continued. I needed to tell him the truth, otherwise, he might be swayed by that cunning bitch. "Listen to me, Aether, I think she''s trying to y with your emotions and use you agai" "Princess," he interrupted with an emotionless voice that made me flinch. He continued, "I am well aware that others might try to use me but... Aria, she is not!!" He said this with a firm expression as if she had be more important than me. I felt a surge of annoyance seeing my servant siding with her. I bit my lips and clenched my fists. An intense mix of annoyance... anger..... and hatred slowly started to flood my heart. "Oh! I see... What makes you think so?" I asked back, a hint of displeasure evident in my voice. His face suddenly turned gentle as if he remembered something good. ''Grrrrrr,'' I gritted my teeth subconsciously. He then said with a shy expression... ''Come on!! Don''t be shy every time, bastard!!'' I screamed inwardly but outwardly I calmly waited for his answer so that I could rectify him and set him on the straight path. Yet, "S-She kissed me," he stammered, covering his face like a girl in shyness. "W-What?" I asked, my tone breaking. Aether continued, his shyness apparent, "T-Then she hugged me and said, ''I am going to divorce ric and I will be a single bird... w-waiting for another bird." He shyly circled the sand with his fingers. "!!!" I couldn''t believe she was divorcing ric, the Arcane King!! ''Is she fucking serious!!!'' I screamed inwardly. ''Is she really going to divorce an Arcane King... just for a servant!!'' I thought, ncing at Aether, who was touching his lips as if he was remembering a kiss he had with her. ''Grrrr,'' an unknown anger surged within me. I really wanted to vent my feelings on someone. "But then... I remembered that... Princess," he said, looking at me softly and gently, just like before, making my heart skip a beat. He continued, "I told her I cannot leave my princess alone now... she needs my help, she wants to build a peaceful life for herself and her mother... and I want to be part of it... I really want to support my princess''s dream!!" I forgot to breathe for a moment. Something was rising..... in my heart. I could feel it as my cheeks turned hot... [+800 Affection] [+900 Affection] [+1000 Affection] [+1000 Affection] Chapter 197: Capture the Heart: Part-9 Aqualina Naiadia''s POV [+800 Affection] [+900 Affection] [+1000 Affection] [+1000 Affection] I-I felt something inexplicable surging into my heart... as if... as if... I.... I.... No, NO!! Then his gentle voice reached me, breaking through the turmoil. His words were like a soothing balm to my wounded spirit, "You don''t need to worry, Princess... Even if I were to marry another, a part of my heart will always be there for you." [+2000 Affection] A whirlwind of emotions surged within me, a conflicting mix of feelings that shouldn''t exist for a ve... For heaven''s sake... HE IS A SLAVE!!!! I-I must distance myself, gather my thoughts, and take a deep, steadying breath. Just as I moved to leave, Aether''s concerned voice stopped me short. "Are you alright, Princess? Can I get you something? Here, I''ve packed some water," he said, offering me a bottle with such care that my heart ached even more. Meeting his worried gaze, I sensed his concern was solely for me. ONLY ME!! Not wanting to push him further, my mind was in disarray, unsure of my own feelings. My thoughts were a tangled mess, a storm of confusion and longing. I didn''t want to push him too much as I felt pushing him... might be... I-I don''t know what I was even thinking now. I just took the bottle and drank. My parched and dry throat was instantly refreshed, and a sigh of relief was released from my mouth as I continued to drink. The corner of my eyes looked at Aether subconsciously, my heart pounding with every nce. "..." Aether looked at me as if I was precious... the tenderness in his eyes made me feel like I was over the moon, but then I remembered that tenderness now belonged to someone else. Just remembering it made me clench the water bottle, causing the water to pour out more and gag my throat. "Cough, Cough" Aether suddenly came to my side, his face full of concern. He was about to pat my head, but then he stopped with an awkward expression before taking his handkerchief and giving it to me, waiting patiently for me to calm down. ''Why?'' I shouted inwardly. Didn''t he pat me before? Why did he hesitate now?! Was it because of that bitch?! ... or because I shouted at him that time! My heart grew heavier, thinking about the past... Yeah, I always treated him as below me. That must be why he felt happy that Aria treated him equally. I-I suppose I could treat him equally hereafter and make sure... a part of his heart was still for me. ''A part... only a part, huh?'' I thought, wiping the water from my lips. My heart pounded with a mixture of hope and dread as I turned to Aether, my voice barely a whisper, "Did you... give up on something?" I didn''t know why I asked, but I needed to know... D-Did he really give up on me? The thought of it sent a shiver down my spine, my heart pounding in fear, dreading his answer. Aether''s expression turned pained, his voice hoarse and trembling as he replied, "I had no choice..." "N-No choice?" I repeated, though my heart was racing uncontrobly, each beat echoing like a drum in my ears. "Yeah... that ''something'' I cannot reach. No matter how much I tried, I could not reach it.... No, maybe that''s my fate... heh," he let out a painful chuckle, his eyes clouded with sorrow. "A ve should not touch ''something'' that was above his status... I am merely a ve," he said, raising his hand as if to touch me but halting midway, his smile gentle yet broken. The sight of his halted gesture, the way his hand trembled, made my chest tighten painfully. It... It''s breaking my heart! [+2000 Affection] I swallowed, my throat dry and tired, feeling a lump form. My voice was shaky as I asked, "W-What about Aria? If she truly loves you... What will you do if she knows you are a ve?" Aether lowered his head, his lips trembling, "I-I will try my best to make her happy... even if it means lying to her." "Do you think it''s a wise choice? What will you do once she knows the truth, that she has been deceived by a ve ordered by Master?" I asked, hope ring within me that he might throw her. My fingers dug into the fabric of my dress, knuckles turning white as I waited for his answer. Aether simply smiled, a bittersweet expression that made my heart ache even more, "I will give her my life." It might have been a simple statement, but when I saw his smile, I knew he didn''t care for his life. He was ready to sacrifice everything for her, even if it was based on a lie. Something inside me snapped, the torrent of emotions overwhelming me. "What the hell!!!" I grabbed his cor and shouted, desperation and anger mingling in my voice, "You will die for her!! This body belongs to me... Only me!! YOU WILL DIE FOR ME, NOT FOR HER, YOU SLAVE!!!" I didn''t know what came over me, but I needed to remind him who his master was. My vision blurred with tears of frustration, my chest heaving with the intensity of my emotions. And yet, "I know, Princess, but... I truly love Aria. She has already suffered a lot in her life. If she wanted my life for causing her more pain... I am ready to give it to her. I cannot see her shed tears because of me," he said with a resolute expression, his eyes reflecting a depth of feeling that tore at my heart. "Grrr," I visibly clenched my teeth, my body trembling with suppressed rage and sorrow. I red at him, "But you are MINE!!" "Yes, I am ready to die for you, Princess," he said with a gentle smile, the softness in his eyes cutting me deeper than any harsh words could. "I AM BEING SERIOUS!!" I shouted, enraged by his gentle smile and the knowledge that he had fallen for another woman. My fists tightened, nails digging into my palms. "You are ready to die for me and for her too?" I asked, my voice cracking under the weight of my emotions. Aether nodded with a smile, a calm eptance that made my blood boil. If he truly loved her, he wouldn''t be so willing to die... He was clearly lying! "Tsk, then die for me NOW!" I demanded, wanting to see what kind of excuse he would give... but, "Understood," he said with a trembling yet determined expression, his eyes unwavering. "H-Huh?" My hands loosened their grip on his cor, shock coursing through me. He stood up and walked out of the cave, each step heavy with resolve... Chapter 198: Capture the Heart: Part-10 Aqualina Naiadia''s POV "Understood," he said with a little trembling but determined expression, his eyes locking onto mine with a mix of fear and resolve. [+2000 Affection] "H-Huh?" My hands that grabbed his cor loosened up, the intensity of the moment causing my heart to race even faster. H-He''s serious or... bullshitting again? He stood up and walked out of the cave, his footsteps echoing off the damp walls. I didn''t understand whether he was an idiot or not. I was just about to stop him when, "Wait--" "Oh! I forgot I need to go chu chu!!" He suddenly said, covering his crotch in an urgent manner. Without another word, he immediately walked back into the cave, grabbing his bag along the way. ''Chu, chu?'' I had a weird expression, my brow furrowing in confusion. ''D-Did he get scared of dying?'' I thought to myself with an amused expression. Even though my emotions had been a roller coaster, seeing him act like a child brought me a strange sense of relief and happiness. The tension in my chest eased slightly, and a small smile tugged at the corners of my lips. ''I suppose he has not changed,'' I thought. To be honest, I was a little worried that his innocent actions might disappear after getting hugged and kissed by another woman. "GGGRRRRRR!!!" Just remembering someone touched his lips made my blood boil in anger, almost a spark appeared as I gritted my teeth. My nails dug into my palms, and my breath came out in ragged gasps. Suddenly, "Come out!!" "SSssss~" My face turned bright red hearing that echoing sound, ''W-What the hell is he doing deep inside the cave? Does he not know the echo sound carries everywhere?!'' I screamed inwardly, covering my ears immediately. The embarrassment washed over me in waves, and I wanted to sink into the ground. ''That idiot!'' I screamed silently as my cheeks turned hot. I lowered my head in embarrassment, ''I-I cannot believe this! This bastard is urinating while I am still here!! This illiterate bastard!!'' My mind raced with conflicting emotions, a mix of anger and an odd affection for his naive nature. T-This is why I said he was an innocent idiot who would easily be swayed!! After a little time, I slowly moved my ears, thinking he must have finished his job. However, "HISSSSSS~~" ''... He must have been holding back a lot,'' I thought, lowering my red face and covering my ears even more tightly! Each second felt like an eternity, my ears straining to block out the mortifying sound. After a second, I suddenly felt my dizziness disappear as if I was rejuvenated, but then I felt dizzy again. The shifting sensations left me unsteady, and I blinked rapidly to clear my vision. ''What just happened?'' I frowned, confusion mingling with the lingering embarrassment. Just then, Aether came out with free hands, his expression sheepish. "Princess..." He had an embarrassed face before saying, "I am sorry." His cheeks were tinged with a faint pink, and he avoided my gaze. I snorted, thinking at least he knew what he did. Then, as he stepped forward to leave, I caught the hem of his shirt. "Hmm?" He frowned, turning back to look at me. "I-I was just ying with you... that''s all!" I said, my voice trembling slightly as I looked into his blue eyes that shone with determination. The intensity of his gaze made my heart skip a beat. He blinked for a second before saying, "Is that so..." He smiled in relief, which made me doubt whether he was worried about her or me. So I asked in a teasing tone, "You must be happy that you didn''t die before meeting your A-Aria." "Yeah." Aether''s innocent truthful answer suddenly ached my heart, but then, "but more IMPORTANTLY... I really didn''t want to die before I saw Princess''s happiness." His words were sincere, his eyes reflecting a depth of emotion that made my chest tighten. [+3000 Affection] "I-I see... Oh... Yes..." I mumbled, averting my eyes from his warm gaze, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. ''H-He still loves me more than her...'' I thought as my heart slightly calmed down when I realized how he pressed the particr word that made my heart flutter in happiness. The realization brought a warmth that spread through my body, easing the ache of jealousy. Jealousy? I... I sighed as I clearly understood what was happening to my heart... I think... I think... I lo-- "I found a narrow path under the small cliff!!" Someone''s voice echoed, alerting both Aether and me. ''Tsk, They found us already,'' I gritted my teeth, my mind racing to assess our situation. It''s not that I was scared of a few weaklings or not... it''s more like my body was already battered, and even more... I nced at Aether, who was wincing in pain. The sight of his difort made my heart clench with worry. ''The remnants of hisst battle must still be hurting him,'' I thought. Even though he had a healing potion, he didn''t use it on himself... H-He was keeping it for my sake, but now even it was useless. I... I.... ''Ba-dump'' [+3000 Affection] A-Anyhow, If we had ess to Arcane energy, we might have stood a chance, but... as of now, we were doomed. I couldn''t believe there would be one day I would feel helpless against a group of thugs... The humiliation stung deeply, and I clenched my fists in frustration. I gritted my teeth in anger. I, Princess of Aquarius Naiadia, Daughter of Marisandra Naiadia, would be in this pathetic situation. The realization of my current state was like a p to the face, and I felt a surge of determination to fight back. M-My mother would be so disappointed if she saw me like this. The thought of her disapproval stung more than any physical wound. If we fought together, we might be able to defeat a few, but 25 enemies... It would be incredibly difficult, and even more so because we couldn''t be certain others weren''t lurking somewhere, ready to ambush us at any moment. Even if by some miracle Aether sacrificed himself for me, granting me a chance to escape... I... I nced at Aether''s concerned face, his eyes reflecting a mix of determination and worry. I-I... No... H-He''s just a ve, and I need to clear my mind!! My life was more important than his--- "Princess," Aether suddenly called out, his voice cutting through my thoughts with an urgency that startled me. His gaze was firm, unwavering as he spoke, "You can hide here. I will take care of them." "NO!" I instantly protested, ring at Aether with intensity, "I will not hide from some thugs. My name is Aqualina Naiadia, and the sole princes--" ''p'' M-My body froze as Aether''s palm connected with my cheek. Shock and anger coursed through me, leaving me momentarily speechless. Chapter 199: Capture the Heart: Part-11 Aqualina Naiadia''s POV ''p'' M-My body froze as Aether''s palm connected with my cheek. Shock and anger coursed through me, leaving me momentarily speechless. ''Drip'' I couldn''tprehend what had just happened, and before I could react, a single tear rolled down Aether''s cheek. His voice, normally warm and reassuring, now carried a tone of stern resolve as he said, "You stay here!! Got it!!" His words were sharp. My head subconsciously nodded in response. "G-Good," Aether managed a faint smile, though his eyes were filled with tears and regret. He reached out as if to touch my reddened cheek, but hesitated, his hand trembling. "I... I... ahem..." His voice faltered, his smile strained and pained. "Punish me after... Princess, I am here for you, so don''t worry!" He moved closer as if to embrace me, but I instinctively flinched and stepped back involuntarily, unable toprehend theplexity of emotions swirling within me. "..." Aether simply smiled, a fragile expression etched on his face. His lips trembled slightly, and after a few hesitant nods, he turned away, walking toward the narrow entrance... "P-Please tell Aria that I truly loved her... even if it was just an act." ''Drip'' With onest tear sliding down his cheek, he exited and covered the narrow entrance with a huge stone, sealing me inside the dark confines of our hiding ce. "H-hey..." I called out into the oppressive darkness, my voice trembling as I stepped forward with a body that felt like it was shaking uncontrobly... "A-Aether?" But no answer came. As I walked closer to the stone, the muffled sounds of fighting reached my ears, sending chills down my spine... "Kill him!!!" Slck! "Bastard!! Where is that girl with you!!" Slck! "Look at me, boy. Tell me where she is, and I will let you live." "N-No!" I mumbled in fear. "Please don''t hurt him," I shouted desperately as I punched the stone, but it didn''t move. "I won''t!" "KILL HIM!!!" "S-Stop it!" I cried out, punching again as blood began to flow freely from my hand... "Hahahaha....." "Look at the loser!!!" Slck! "FUUFF HHHAAAAA!" "A-Aether,e to me!!!" I shouted, my voice growing hoarse as I punched and punched and... punched... M-My knuckles were broken, but I didn''t care. I kept punching the stone until it finally started to crack under the relentless force of my desperation. "Boy, don''t you want to have a taste of that beautiful girl?... We''ll let you have her first. Just tell us where she is." "I''d rather kill myself than hurt her again!" Slck! "P-Please s-stop it!!!" I screamed, my voice raw with anguish. "Come on, boy. This is yourst chance... tell me where she is." "Fuck off!" Slck! "....." Then everything was silent... an empty, eerie silence that made my heart feel like it was being hollowed out. My breath quickened in fear, and I panted heavily, "Come on, Aqua!!" I shouted at myself, my chest/sr plexus beginning to glow slightly before I summoned every ounce of my power to break the stone. Crack Thuddddddddd The stones crumbled, but my heart pounded even harder as I hurriedly exited the cave, my senses overwhelmed by the sight before me... a bloodbath. The air was thick with the metallic scent of blood. In the midst of the carnage, I saw... I saw... "AAEEETTTHHHHEEEEERRRRRRRR!!!" I screamed, my voice echoing in the deste silence. I-I saw a motionless body! I pushed myself forward, my vision blurred with tears and finally saw his body. His hoodie waspletely shredded, his body covered in numerous cuts, and there were even a few fingers missing. Blood flowed from his many wounds and from his forehead, tainting his once-white happy face. He must have been in unimaginable pain and... yet there was a small, peaceful smile on his lips as if he had seeded in protecting me. Thud My legs gave way, and I copsed to my knees before him, the weight of my despair pulling me down. ''Drip, Drip'' Tears poured from my eyes, unbidden and unstoppable. "A-Aether?" I called out, my voice breaking, but there was no response. With a terrified expression, I moved my trembling hand towards his nose, hoping against hope that there might be some sign of life... "NNOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!" My scream echoed across the now eerily silent ce, a raw and primal expression of my anguish. I hugged his dead body tightly, refusing to ept the unbearable reality before me. N-No!! This had to be a nightmare. He must be ying with me... I thought desperately as I softly patted him and called his name warmly, "A-Aether, wake up. Y-Your princess is here... You''re making her c-cry... p-please... w-wake up..." My voice cracked with pain and desperation, each word soaked in the fear of losing him. "...." There was no response from him, only an oppressive, dead silence that felt like it was crushing my soul. Drip My tears dripped onto his face. In my mind, I imagined if he were awake, he would have already wiped my tears away, saying, ''Don''t cry, princess. I am here!'' The memory of hisforting words and the warmth they used to bring now felt like a cruel mockery of my current despair. "I-I want to hear that... Please, p-please wake up.... I won''t ever order you around again... please, just please stay by my side... I want you to be with me.... p-please," I pleaded, my voice breaking as I rubbed my tear-streaked eyes against his still, lifeless ones. The coldness of his skin sent shivers through me, amplifying my grief. "...." Holding his lifeless body, I hugged him tightly, trying to pour all my love and desperation into the embrace, "H-Here! You wanted to hug me before, right?" "I-I am hugging you, so wake up!" "..." "Wake up!" "...." "WAKE UP, BASTARD!!" "....." "AAAAAAAhhhhh!!!" I screamed in pain as I clutched his motionless body even tighter, crying uncontrobly onto his chest. My entire body shook with the intensity of my sobs, each tear feeling like it was carving a path of agony through my heart. [+4000 Affection] "I... I... love you too, please...''sob'' I... ''sob''... I realized now... Please ''sob'' wake up... ''sob'' Wake up," I cried in his stone-cold embrace. The weight of my unspoken feelings crushed me, the regret of not having expressed them sooner bing an unbearable burden. W-What did I do to deserve this.... The question looped endlessly in my mind, a tormenting echo of my guilt and sorrow. Please... M-Mother... I''m... so scared... As Iy crying on his chest, I faintly heard something... It was so faint that I almost dismissed it as a figment of my desperate imagination. "Ba...... Dump......... Ba....................Du" My eyes widened in shock and disbelief. Could it be? Was it possible? I strained to hear it again, my heart pounding in my chest as I held my breath, waiting for any sign of life. The faint thump of a heartbeat, barely audible, resonated through the silence. It was weak, but unmistakable. Chapter 200: Capture the Heart: Part-12 Third Person''s POV A few minutes earlier, After meticulously blocking the narrow cave entrance, Aether stepped out, his face a portrait of shock and disbelief. "OH MY FUCKING GOOODDDDD!!!!" he screamed, albeit quietly. He couldn''t believe he had actually pped the haughty princess straight across her face. If the Empress ever found out about this incident, he was certain that not even his remains would be left to tell the tale. Such an act against someone of her status was unthinkable and punishable by the severest means. Aether sighed with a proudful expression then, he gazed down at his hands, which bore a few snowke bite marks. A pained expression crossed his face. She had been truly resistant to the idea of staying away from him, but Aether had no choice. He had forced her, pushing her into his backpack and sternly ordering her to stay there until he returned. ''Now for the final part... I''m betting everything on you, princess....'' Aether thought, his eyes fixed on the stone that blocked the cave entrance. He knew this n might break her spirit, but it was the only viable option he could think of, "I will really die if you don''t step up," he muttered to himself, hoping his gamble would pay off. He nced down at his chest, where he had secured the condition spell scroll, ''Thank goodness I activated this earlier,'' he thought, feeling a slight sense of relief before he began walking towards the group of bandits that had gathered nearby. "Hmm? It seems someone has decided to give up," one of the bandits remarked, a smug expression spreading across his face. However, Aether stared at the group with a cold, indifferent expression, "How were you able to enter?" he asked, hoping that some fool would blurt out the information he needed..... But the bandits merely smiled, their expressions shifting from amusement to deadly determination, ready to kill Aether without a second thought. ''Looks like these bandits aren''t idiots after all...'' Aether thought, shrugging internally. He couldn''t afford to care less about the situation; once the Principal was aware of everything, she would take care of it. There was no point in him dwelling on the current predicament. Facing the group, Aether smirked, his confidence unwavering. "Ahhhh!!" With a war cry, one of the bandits lunged towards Aether, sword in hand, his face set in a determined expression, intent on taking Aether''s life without mercy. Shhh In one fluid motion, Aether swiftly shifted to the side, knocking the bandit''s wrist, grabbing the weapon, and... Ckk Stabbing the enemy in the neck with his own weapon. It all happened in a matter of seconds, leaving the other bandits momentarily stunned, struggling toprehend what had just transpired. With eyes as cold as ice, Aether looked at the remaining bandits, "That''s all?" His tone wasced with arrogance, daring them to challenge him further. There was no mercy in his eyes! Yes, he was still reluctant to kill others, but these were his enemies who wouldn''t hesitate to kill him if given the chance. There was no way in hell he would let that go... He had already witnessed the chaos and hade perilously close to losing two of his friends. He needed to be decisive; otherwise, he would find himself at the mercy of his foes. There was no point in pondering who was right or wrong! He wanted to live, and if anybody stood in his path and tried to im his life, then Aether had no choice but to steel his heart and do what was necessary. "I will ask you onest time... How did you get here?" Aether''s indifferent voice sent chills down their spines as he pushed the dead body aside. "H-he is stronger than we thought..." one of the bandits mumbled, his voice trembling with disbelief and fear. "G-group up!!" another shouted, panic spreading through the group as they scrambled to form a united front against Aether. They all converged on Aether, believing theirbined strength would surely overpower him. Little did they know, Aether loved to have battle royals far more than in one-on-one duels. "Hehe..." With an uncanny smile, he stomped on the ground. Before they could fully surround him, Aether caught his first target and mmed him to the ground with a bone-crushing force. Aether''s hood fluttered, revealing his emotionless face, "I hate it when weaklings like you act big," he said coldly. Still, his blood-covered hands trembled slightly from the adrenaline coursing through his veins. But soon, his hands steadied as he remembered that these people were here to kill him and Aqualina. There was no need for him to feel guilty about what he had to do. The air soon became thick with the scent of blood, and within a matter of minutes, only a few of the bandits were left alive. Seeing their brothers fall one by one, the remaining bandits couldn''t help but re at Aether with immense hatred. Their eyes burned with fury as they shouted with pure, unrestrained anger. "Kill him!!!" Slck! Yet, Aether swiftly killed the bandit before the enemy''s weapon could even reach him. ''Drip'' Aether felt the Umbra Domain increased within him, ''I suppose they must hold a deep hatred for me,'' he thought with an amused expression, ncing at the lifeless bodies strewn around him. He shook his head with a pitiful expression and then turned his attention to the remaining two-- "Wait! Two?" Aether''s eyes widened in surprise as he looked at his own body, which remained top-notch and perfect without a single scratch. ''Fuck!!'' Aether screamed internally. This was not part of his n! Caught up in the heat of the moment, he had totally forgotten the purpose of the fight. Aether then shouted in a voice slightly different, gruff, more like a thug. "Bastard!! Where is that girl with you!!" Slck! He mmed his head into one of the bandits'' heads, knocking him to the ground. "Look at me, boy. Tell me where she is, and I will let you live," Aether demanded, continuing his act. "I won''t!" he answered in his normal voice, switching back to his true self. The remaining two bandits looked at Aether with horrified expressions, unable toprehend what he was doing. Seeing their bbergasted expressions, Aether quietly stammered, "M-my body suddenly felt dizzy," mimicking an idiot''s mannerisms. Seeing an opportunity to save their lives, the two bandits shouted, "KILL HIM!!!" Theyunched an attack on Aether, hoping to overwhelm him. "Hahahaha....." Aetherughed maniacally, adding to their confusion. "Look at the loser!!!" one taunted. Slck! "FUUFF HHHAAAAA!" another screamed as Aether headbutted him, his words cut off by the impact. "Boy, don''t you want to have a taste of that beautiful girl?... We''ll let you have her first. Just tell us where she is." Aether mimicked their cruel intentions as he headbutted another bandit, who finally died from the impact. "I''d rather kill myself than hurt her again!" Aether responded in his normal voice, his resolve unwavering. Slck! "Come on, boy. This is yourst chance... tell me where she is," Aether continued his act, pressing for information. "Fuck off!" the bandit spat back, his defiance short-lived as Aether struck him down. Slck! Aether stared at the dead bodies around him, wincing in pain. He had lost a few fingers, and his body bore numerous cuts. His eyes then moved to the stone that was about to crack. "Now... It all depends on you, Aqualina..." Aether mumbled before tearing off the spell scroll from his chest. ''Thud.'' He fell to the ground like a broken toy. Chapter 201: Capture the Heart: Part-13 Spell Scroll: Condition Type This spell was unique and unlike any other; it activated under certain predefined conditions. Once Aether tore the scroll, it cast a condition upon him that caused his lungs to cease moving. That was all! The rest was up to Aqualina. If she didn''t care for Aether, he would die... But if she did, she would need to perform CPR as soon as possible. CPR? Just for that? Yes. Up until now, Aether had never been allowed to touch her without explicit permission. He wanted her to touch him....willingly. He wanted her to touch a ve''s lips. He wanted the haughty and arrogant princess to touch his lips! As the princess of the Empire, she would not do this for a mere ve..... But what if the ve became more than just a ve to her.... a friend, apanion, a trustworthy man.. a crush... a love? Then what would she do? Leave him to protect her purity, or embrace him fully? And the answer was clear.... [+5000 Affection] "Ba... Dump, Ba... Dump, Ba... Dump" "Cough, Cough" Aether slowly opened his eyes, his vision blurry at first. But then he saw her..... a beautiful purple-haired girl looking at him with a tenderness that made his heartache. It was as if he were her entire world! ''S-Sess...'' Aether thought, relief and triumph washing over him as his lips curled up into a smile. Seeing Aether''s smile, Aqualina, her face soft and tender, leaned closer and asked, "What are you smiling at, idiot?" "Y-you look beautiful even in afterlicough, cough," Aether managed to say between real coughs, his body still weak from the ordeal. He had almost died for her! "N-no need to talk now! And this is not Afterlife!! We are still in the academy... You are still with me!" Aqualina said with a serious voice, her hands gently rubbing his throat with a concern she had never shown before. The sight of her worried expression was both touching and surprising. ''Look at that... Now she has really changed...'' Aether thought, inwardly amused. His hand travelled towards her face but halted just as he was about to retract it when Aqualina leaned her face into his gentle touch. ''Got the puppy!'' Aether''s expression softened with surprise as he gently rubbed her teary eyes, "Did you cry?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine concern and a pained expression. He truly felt pained..... He knew he had pushed this girl too much for his own goals. In the end, he was also a human who wanted love from others, and seeing her in pain caused him distress. It was a conflicting feeling! "No..." Aqualina replied, but her lips trembled. She could still vividly remember his motionless body, the haunting images almost like a relentless nightmare..... But there was no way she would show her weak self before the man who had almost sacrificed everything for her. Seeing her maintain her pride, Aether smiled. He was really d he hadn''t broken her spirit too much. He still liked that untouchable attitude and was relieved to see she was doing great..... Her strength and resilience were part of what made her so captivating to him.... just like her mother. "You are bleeding..." Aether said, shocked to see her broken, bleeding hand. He immediately lifted his body and took her hand, examining it with a shocked face, "What happened?" He was sure he had ced a weak stone. But in truth, she wasn''t in great shape to begin with, and he had miscalcted her physical state. "It''s fine..." Aqualina said warmly, seeing him still worried about her rather than himself. She couldn''t ask for a better man than this. She touched his hands gently and said, "Let''s go... We need to treat you." Aether nodded and nced at his list of notifications, !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 19.4% ] !~Ding~! [Congrattions on Completing the Mission: Seduce Aqualina Naiadia] !~Ding~! [Reward: 50,000 Affection Points] Aether frowned and looked at his mission tab. The word ''Save'' was blinking faster than ever, urging him to take action..... .....sssssss Chkk Aqualina''s eyes widened in shock when she saw Aether''s shoulder pierced by a sharp, bullet-like object. Blood began to seep from the wound, staining his clothes. Aether gritted his teeth in pain before ring back, trying to locate the perpetrator. However, before he could pinpoint the source, another attack came. .....ssssss Aether clicked his tongue in frustration, immediately moving Aqualina to the side while dodging the iing bullets.... He could hear the distinct whistling sound of more bullets slicing through the air. .....ssssss .....ssssss .....ssssss Thanks to his heightened senses and his Freedom Skill, Aether was able to sense his surroundings. Without it, he would never have detected the first bullet in time. He quickly hid behind a cluster of trees, scanning the area with heightened alertness. Suddenly, "Arrrhh!!" Aether groaned in pain when Aqualina touched his wounded shoulder. "A-Aethe" she began, but before she could finish, another bullet whizzed past, almost piercing her head. Aether immediately pulled her down, saving her from a fatal blow. Gritting his teeth, Aether realized having Aqualina by his side was only a drawback in this situation. He quickly pulled out the spell scroll that Delphine had given him, ''I never thought I would be using this!'' he thought before cing it on Aqualina. "I am sorry," he said, and within seconds, she vanished. The spell scroll worked even though there was no Arcane energy around them but Neither Aqualina nor Aether cared about it. Aqualina suddenly found herself standing somewhere far away..... alone, "W-What happened?" Aqualina frowned, not understanding what had just transpired. She couldn''t see Aether anywhere. A sense of dread passed through her heart. ''D-Did he....'' Meanwhile, "Tsk, due to theck of Arcane presence, the bullets aren''t even sting anymore," a hooded figure mumbled, focusing its sniping gun on the tree and shooting another bullet. ''To think that ve would interrupt my master''s n again... Sigh, I have no choice but to handle the situation myself,'' the hooded figure thought, loading another bullet and taking aim. "If not for that damn ve, she would hav" "Would have?" The hooded figure froze upon hearing Aether''s voice and just as it began to turn around, Aether kicked it hard. "Motherfucker!!" Aether shouted, and before the hooded figure could collect its thoughts, Aether delivered an uppercut followed by a punch to the stomach. Thud Bam There was no mercy as Aether continued to assault the hooded figure relentlessly. "You are the one who almost killed my friends and now... you even went for Aqualina?" Aether demanded as he pulled off the hood, revealing the face beneath. Aether''s eyes widened in shock as he mumbled, "Jack... Sparrow?" Jack Sparrow''s puppet chuckled before saying, "Yes, yours truly, JacPUFFFF!" "Fuck off!" Aether, even more enraged, punched Jack with all his might. He wasn''t sure how this man was even alive, but now was not the time for chit-chat. He needed to settle the old score. Jack was bbergasted by Aether''s relentless attack. ''H-he has grown a lot...'' he thought as he tried to shield his face. However, Aether continued to focus his attacks on Jack''s face, which was irritating him immensely. Grabbing Jack''s hair, Aether demanded, "Why did youe after Selene and Lia?" Aether knew Jack was involved in some cult called Arcane Hunter, soing after Aqualina made sense. But why target Selene and Lia, who had no connection to the Arcane? Jack, his face bloodied, smiled. "You really are amusing, ve... You could ask me anything you want but... " Then his expression turned haughty as he said, ".... I didn''te here alone." .....ssssssss. Cchkkkkk. Chapter 202: Capture the Heart: Part-14 Aether responded just in the nick of time, narrowly avoiding a fatal injury as the bullet that had been aimed at his heart merely grazed his underarm, leaving a burning sensation but no significant harm. "Oi, oi, oi... Let me in on the fun, man, J2," came a haughty and confident voice from behind. Hearing the voice, Aether turned, his eyes widening in surprise, and saw... another Jack Sparrow, identical to the first. "???" Aether was momentarily stunned, a wave of confusion washing over him. This briefpse was enough for the Jack Sparrow he had been holding to escape his grip. Aether frowned deeply, rubbing his eyes in disbelief to ensure he wasn''t seeing things. But there they were, two Jack Sparrows standing before him. "Took you long enough, J1," said the Jack Sparrow who had just escaped from Aether, wiping the blood from his face with a smirk. "I was searching for Aqualina, but it seems she was nowhere inside the Doom, J2," J1 replied with a defeated look, resting a sniper-like gun casually on his shoulder. "What?... There''s no way she could escape!! She must be hiding somewhere...." J2 nced at Aether, who was staring at them with a mix of disbelief and frustration. "Maybe he hid her somewhere." "Possible, but...." J1 still looked doubtful, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. "Anyway, finish him off. We don''t have time to y around," J2 said with a tone of seriousness, readying himself for another confrontation. "Yeah," J1 agreed, his demeanor also turning serious as he prepared for battle. "Are you guys twins?" Aether asked, his voice tinged with curiosity and disbelief as he scrutinized them. There was no discernible difference between the two, as if they were perfect clones. "Twins?" J1 and J2 exchanged amused nces before sneering and saying in unison, "Why don''t you find out?" They thenunched themselves at Aether, initiating the fight. Thud. Thud. Aether instantly blocked two kicksing at him from opposite directions. ''Now isn''t the time to think,'' Aether thought, focusing entirely on the fight as he counterattacked. J2 and J1 moved with perfect synchronization, their coordinated attacks making it difficult for Aether to gain the upper hand. This was the first time he had encountered opponents who were so perfectly in sync; there wasn''t a single misstepeverything was precise and calcted. And even more... BAM. While attacking, J1 used his sniper weapon to take shots at Aether, adding an extrayer of difficulty for Aether to manage. Though Aether was able to fend them off without showing any mercy, he countered every attack they made with a smile on his face, his confidence unwavering. Swift kick... Block it with his palm. Knockout punch... Swiftly changing its trajectory. Bullet... Dodging at thest possible second. "Damn it!" J1 frowned, frustration etched on his face as he saw Aether handling their attacks with apparent ease. J1 and J2 grew increasingly frustrated, especially seeing Aether enjoying the fight, looking at them with an almost pitiful expression. "Fuck this ve!!" J2 screamed, and theyunched aplexbo attack on Aether. J1 went for a jump attack while J2 aimed a sneaky kick at Aether''s leg. Tack. Aether, who was focused on J1, was caught off guard by J2''s kick and was about to fall. J1 smirked, poised to deliver a finishing blow, when Aether, mid-air, caught J1''s hand with his leg, twisting it and mming J1 into the crouching J2. Thud. Thud. "Arrrhhh!" J1 and J2 groaned in pain as they hit the ground, while Aether looked down at them haughtily and said, "You guys are really weak." He couldn''t believe these were the same twins who had managed to knock him outst time. ''Twins... maybe triplets?'' Aether thought, recalling he had killed one previously. "Th-..." J1 spat, his voice shaky with pain and frustration, "W-We are far from finished, ve." Aether frowned, preparing to finish one of them off, when... ...ssssssss. Aether''s eyes widened in rm, ''What the...?'' He was just about to dodge. ...sssssss. Chkk. ...sssssss. Cckkk. Two more bullets appeared from different directions, each one piercing his stomach and hand with precision. "Look at that, bastards. J1 and J2 are really weak." "Hmm... They were taken down by a ve." "Pathetic." Three new voices came from different directions, adding to Aether''s growing shock. "What in the...?" Aether was stunned to see even more Jack Sparrows emerging from the shadows. "Haha.... Look at his shocked face, J4," J3 said with augh, clearly enjoying Aether''s bewilderment. "Well, seeing five Jack Sparrows might be too much for a ve like him," J5 said with a wicked grin, his eyes glinting with malice. "Hey, J1... I couldn''t find Aqualina anywhere... Please hurry up. We need to finish our mission before the Doom goes back," J4 said with annoyance, clearly eager toplete their task. "..." Aether now frowned, realizing that each one of them had a sniper gun. ''What are they?'' he wondered. Before he could fullyprehend the situation, the five of them immediately attacked Aether in unison. PUFFF! In a matter of seconds, two punchesnded on his face, an uppercut to his chin, a blow to his stomach, and a kick to his back, sending Aether flying until he crashed into a tree. "Cough." Aether coughed up blood, his vision blurring slightly as he looked at the quintuplets, who were gazing at him with smug, haughty smiles. "Sure, he''s quite a handful for a ve." "Yeah, never thought he would be a problem for us." "Let''s finish him, guys. We need to kill her." "Yeah, yeah... Don''t be bitchy." "Haha... A ve that ruined our n... damn, it was a straight p to our face." Aether gritted his teeth. These quintuplets were unnervingly coordinated, moving as if they were a single entity. Now, even Aether doubted they were human to begin with. There was no way, even with skill, that people could be so perfectly synchronized without error. Suddenly, something hard and metallic hit Aether''s back. He smiled, stood up, dusted off his clothes, and looked at the quintuplets, then began stomping towards them. The quintuplets grinned and, just like before,unched a coordinatedbo attack on Aether. Again, he was kicked down. "Anyst wish, ve?" J3 asked, amused, as he pointed his gun at Aether''s head. Aether coughed and red at J3. As they assumed it was over, the others lowered their guard. Just then, J4 noticed that J2 didn''t have a sniper, unlike the rest. "Hey, where''s your artifact" BAM!! Everyone flinched as J3''s headless body fell to the ground, Aether holding a sniper with its long nozzle broken in half. He had taken it, hidden it behind his back, and then used it. Aether, with indifferent eyes, looked at the fallen J3, who suddenly transformed into a mechanical puppet before disintegrating into dust. ''Hmm... so they''re not human... ah,'' Aether thought. Then he stood tall and said haughtily, "Four more to go!" Meanwhile... "N-No, no, no, no, no, no..." Mumbling frantically, Aqualina hurriedly ran towards her base. After sensing the Arcane energy, she drank a potion, healing herself fully, and then ran with everything she had. Yet, her heart hadn''t healed. Her heart was still racing, and her expression was pale as if she were sickall because of Aether, who had sacrificed himself for her once again. [+5000 Affection] ''Drip.'' Tears rolled down her cheeks. She was sure if Aether hadn''t pushed her down, she would have died. She would have permanently left this world... left her mother... and the person she had finally fallen in love with. ''Please, Aether! Please be safe!'' Aqualina screamed inwardly. Thud! "OUCH!" Something blocked her from moving forward. Aqualina frowned and touched something that felt like a barrier keeping everything out. "This must be the barrier..." Aqualina mumbled before trying to break it, but... Damp. Damp. No matter what attack she used, the barrier didn''t even scratch. "What the hell is going on?!" she screamed, looking at her two desired weapons, which weren''t even denting the barrier. A thin pair of silver swords, nothing more. She loved dual-wielding, nothing more... She just wanted dual-wielding swords. Biting her lip, she tried to search for Aether. Since the barrier was visible, she walked around to get a view of him. ''Come on,e on....'' As she moved around, she finally noticed him. "AETHER!!" she shouted when she saw Aether fighting against three people who looked identical. "What the... Who are they?" she wondered, but that wasn''t the important question. She could see Aether had the upper hand, even though he was fighting against three people. [+5000 Affection] She sighed in relief, seeing nothing had happened to Aether. However, she noticed he was struggling against them. As much as she wanted to enter and tear those bastards apart, she could only clench her fists in frustration. But then, "AARRRHHHHH!!!" Chapter 203: Capture the Heart: Part-15 "AARRRHHHHH!!!" Hearing that blood-curdling scream, Aqualina was jolted out of her thoughts. She turned her attention to the chaotic fight unfolding before her eyes and saw J1 gripping Aether''s torn fingers with a malevolent grin. A wave of excruciating pain washed over Aether''s body, causing him to convulse. However, this torture wasn''t sufficient for his assants. J5 seized Aether''s wounded shoulder with a vice-like grip and mmed his fist into the raw injury, eliciting another agonized cry from Aether. Aqualina''s face twisted in shock and horror, "Y-YOU COWARDS!!" she screamed, her voice breaking as she poured all her anger and fear into the cry. Meanwhile, "Bastards!" Aether mumbled through gritted teeth as he bit his lip hard enough to draw blood, trying to stifle his screams. After killing two of the puppets, the remaining trio seemed momentarily taken aback, their confidence shaken. Despite the relentless assault, Aether continued to rise, his determination burning brighter with each fall. This indomitable spirit left his trio with no choice but to target his existing wounds in an attempt to break him. "What? It''s not like we were fighting fair and square to begin with," J1 muttered, almost to himself, as he rubbed Aether''s mangled fingers. A shiver ran down Aether''s spine, causing him to stumble back in agony. "Arhh--" Aether bit his lip even harder, forcing himself to stop screaming. "Look at this ve... he''s really different from the others," J5 observed, almost in awe, as he delivered another brutal punch to Aether''s broken shoulder, amplifying the pain. "Just kill him already," J4 demanded with irritation, his patience wearing thin, as he viciously kicked Aether in the face. Due to the overwhelming pain, Aether''s responses were slow and uncoordinated. Still, BAM! In a desperate and powerful move, he managed to st J4''s head, killing him in the nick of time. "Damn you, bastard!" J1 screamed furiously as he stomped on Aether''s hand with all his might. Aether finally loosened his grip on the gun, and both J1 and J5 stomped on him mercilessly, treating him like a mere insect. "Cough, Cough!" They concentrated their attacks on the spots where bullets had pierced Aether''s flesh, making the already unbearable pain even more intense. Meanwhile, "N-No... STOP!!!!" Aqualina cried out, her voice filled with desperation and helplessness, as she watched Aether being trampled by the others. Her nails almost dug through the barrier as she wed at it in frustration. Her heart ached with a pain she had never felt before, seeing Aether endure such suffering for her sake. "I... I want power... Arcane... I want power," she mumbled in a deadly, determined voice. Her eyes turned ice cold, mirroring the emotionless gaze of her mother. She watched with steely resolve as Aether was mercilessly beaten. She longed to protect the man who was willing to sacrifice everything for her..... There was no way she would let this man die in her ce. No matter the consequences, she epted this man, a ve, into her heart. She would not turn back on her decision. If she did, she wouldn''t be Aqualina, the daughter of Marisandra Naiadia. [+5000 Affection] "I-I want to protect him... I love him... I won''t let him suffer for me... Arcane... give me power," she whispered fervently as she dug her nails into her palms, drawing blood. .... Yet nothing happened, Aqualina let out a dry, hollowugh. "Haha... I see..." Realizing that no one was going toe to her aid, she looked at her pristine white hands and nced at Aether''s broken fingers, bullet holes, and bloody hand. "Man... You are really making me fall for you deeply," Aqualina mumbled with an indifferent expression, though her eyes burned with a fierce dark expression. [+6000 Affection] She balled her fists and punched the barrier, not just with physical force but by channelling her Arcane energy into the blow, sting it against the barrier. BOOM! The skin on Aqualina''s hand peeled away, blood dripping from the raw, exposed flesh, yet she punched the barrier again without a moment''s hesitation. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! ..... ... J1 and J5 frowned when they noticed a slight tremor at the barrier. They stopped hurting Aether and looked back, flinching in fear. They saw a purple-haired girl mming the barrier with an indifferent expression. Her hand sted with energy every time it touched the wall, staining it with blood. She resembled a horrifying zombie, relentless and waiting to break through. "What the fuck?!" J1 shouted while J5 stood petrified with fear. Aether, seizing the brief respite, backed off slightly. He was shocked to see Aqualina and thought inwardly, ''What the hell are you doing here?'' He had been hoping she would contact the principal for help. Meanwhile, "Not enough, not enough, not enough..." Aqualina mumbled as she continued to st the barrier. Her eyes were locked onto J1 and J5, imagining tearing them apart. The pain in her hand was excruciating, but she didn''t care. Her beloved was suffering far more, so she ignored the stinging agony. "I WANT MORE POWER!!!" she screamed. BOOM!! Her hands werepletely broken, yet her spirit remained unyielding. She was determined to protect Aether. "I will protect you now... I am not weak...." she mumbled with a determined expression. Suddenly, a ck panel appeared before her eyes: [Desired Weapon recognized its Master''s Wish] [Aqualina Naiadia shall be epted by the Desired Weapon] [Request: Modification] [....] [Affirmative] [Initiating Origin Weapon] One of the pirs, etched with a tsunami-like wave mark in the underground chamber, suddenly brightened and pulsed with energy! Her Rainbow Arcane Card appeared before her, shimmering with an array of vibrant colours. It transformed into two silver swords. These swords, though sharp and deadly, looked ordinary with simple hilts and unadorned des. The surface was clean and polished. Yet, She looked as if it was a filthy weakling. Then, as if reacting to her disdain, the weapons began to tremble and change. The ordinary silver surface rippled, taking on a deep, oceanic blue hue that seemed to move and swirl like the sea. The swords elongated and thinned, bing more elegant and deadly. Intricate carvings of marine creatures... sharks, octopuses, and mythical sea serpents....began to emerge along the des, glowing softly with a mysterious light. The hilts vanished, reced by razor-sharp edges on both sides, giving the swords an even more menacing appearance. Aqualina gripped the end, but instead of feeling pain, she felt a warm and gentle sensation, as if the weapon was a living entity that epted herpletely. She smiled with satisfaction. Her hair fluttered as her body lifted from the ground, surrounded by a soft, blue aura. sssssnnnnggggg Behind her, ten more ocean-blue thin swords appeared, hovering in the air. They were even more intricate, their surfaces etched with delicate patterns of waves and sea creatures. They gleamed with an otherworldly light, making her look like a sun goddess as she gazed down at J1 and J5 with an indifferent expression. "Pay for your sins..." she mumbled as the ten swords behind her shot towards the barrier and pierced it like butter. Everyone was shocked to see her weapon piercing it and breaking the barrier! The ten swords began to multiply, first doubling to twenty, then doubling again to forty, and then again to eighty. The process elerated exponentially until there were 163,840 swords and even continue to increased. ssssnnngggssssnnnggggsnnsnssngggg They moved in unison, like a perfectly coordinated tsunami wave, their collective force and speed destroying everything in their path with the sheer power and relentlessness of a natural disaster. The swords shimmered with an eerie, oceanic glow, slicing through the air with a whisper that built into a deafening roar, like a storm at sea. "K-KILL HIM!!" J1 shouted. They wanted to at least kill Aether before escaping from this girl. However, J5 didn''t care and decided to run away. J1 was bbergasted. He knew if they died, their consciousness would die too, and the next puppet would have no memories of this. He understood why J5 was scared. However, J1''s determination to kill Aether burned brighter than his fear... He could not let this cockroach slide! Just as he was about to turn back towards Aether, Aqualina, with an almost casual flick of her wrist, threw one of her swords. The weapon flew with unerring uracy, piercing J1''s neck and pinning him to the ground. Blood spurted from the wound as his eyes widened in shock and horror. Aether waspletely taken aback when he saw Aqualina''s disy of power. He had never seen her like this before. The tsunami of swords didn''t stop; it continued to surge forward, a relentless tide of destruction. "Princess! Stop!" he shouted in rm as the waves of swords approached him. To his amazement, the swords parted and flowed around him, as if recognizing him as untouchable. The sight was both awe-inspiring and terrifying. Aether could see the ocean-blue swords moving with fluid grace, like schools of fish in the water. The way they surrounded him, protecting him while destroying everything else, left him in a state of wonder. The entire battlefield was demolished, every tree, nt, stone.... and obstacle reduced to rubble, just like the aftermath of a real tsunami. "NOOOO!!!" J5''s scream was cut short as numerous swords pierced his body. He fell, lifeless, his body riddled with gaping wounds. Aqualina smiled with cold satisfaction before turning to look in a particr direction. Her eyes narrowed as she spotted J6, who had been watching the scene unfold from his hiding ce. With a swift, decisive motion, she threw her remaining sword. It sliced through the air and pierced J6, nailing him to the wall. ''Fuck! She is stronger than before... Master is going to be pissed off,'' were J6''s final thoughts as his vision faded to ck. Chapter 204: Capture the flag: Bromance In the control room, an almost palpable silence fell as the video footage reconnected to Aqualina''s base. The scene before them was one of absolute devastation...trees were uprooted, nts were smashed, and rocks shattered into dust. The once vibrantndscape nowy in ruins. Amidst the destion, Aqualina hugged Aether in her arms, her tears mingling with the blood and dirt on his battered form. "Him?" ric''s brow furrowed in confusion and disbelief at the sight of Aether. He was certain Aether''s name wasn''t on the list. His gaze darted to the Principal, wondering if the hooded figure had been Aether all along. ''Tsk,'' the Principal clicked her tongue in frustration, irritated that Aether had blown his cover. Yet, a deeper worry gnawed at her, ''What happened?'' she pondered, her mind racing with unanswered questions. Meanwhile, Aether noticed Aqualina''s crystal shining brightly, signifying the reconnection. He realized his identity was now exposed, but he didn''t care. He had gained something good from his bitchy ''Log.'' "A-Aether, just hold on..." Before Aqualina could finish her sentence, the crystal shattered, enveloping her in a protective light before teleporting her to the infirmary, leaving behind only a purple g as a symbol of her distress. Aether sighed deeply, feeling a pang of guilt and concern. He knew how much Aqualina worried about him. ncing at his battered body, he took a deep breath and slowly rose to his feet, wincing at the pain. He began to make his way towards the cave, each step a reminder of the toll the battle had taken on him. He opened his backpack, his heart heavy with anticipation, and was greeted by a familiar voice. "Massttteerrr~" Snowke leapt into his arms, the small creature''s worry evident in its eyes. "Haha..." Aether managed a weak smile, gently patting Snowke. [+3000 Affection] He retrieved a glowing healing potion from his pack and drank it, feeling a soothing warmth spread through his body. Slowly, his wounds began to heal, and within minutes, he was restored to perfect condition. Snowke, overjoyed, licked his face with renewed affection, its happiness infectious. [+3000 Affection] [+3000 Affection] Cradling Snowke, Aether nced at his Log, a triumphant smirk ying on his lips. / Name: Aether Sex: Male Race: ##### Level: 9 Title: The Lost One, ve [Eternal Contract to ########], The Only Holder of Ether and Past-less, Future-less Entity. Skill: Freedom (Active), Clone Attributes: Strength: 81 Agility: 83 Intelligence: 80 Magic Affinity: 80 Charm: 80 Compatibility: 90% Survival rate: 19.4%% Affection Points: 287,290 (1000 Affection Points = 1 *any Attributes) Seduction:3/10 / Those increases in strength and agility from pushing his body to its limits filled him with satisfaction. With determination, hemanded, "Increase my level" !~Ding~! [You have Levelled up!!] [Level: 10] "Increase my level" !~Ding~! [You have Levelled up!!] [Level: 11] "Increase my level" !~Ding~! [You have Levelled up!!] [Level: 12] !~Ding~! [Congrattions on Levelling up] [Reward: 30,000 Affection Points] !~Ding~! / Name: Aether Sex: Male Race: ##### Level: 12 Title: The Lost One, ve [Eternal Contract to ########], The Only Holder of Ether and Past-less, Future-less Entity. Skill: Freedom (Active), Clone Attributes: Strength: 110 Agility: 110 Intelligence: 110 Magic Affinity: 110 Charm: 110 Compatibility: 90% Survival rate: 21.9% Affection Points: 171,290 (1000 Affection Points = 1 *any Attributes) Seduction:3/10 / Sssssss Aether exhaled a hot breath, his blue eyes glowing with newfound power. He felt unstoppable, confident he could now defeat all five puppets without breaking a sweat. Focusing on the Clone Skill, a reward for saving Aqualina Naiadia, he pressed it. The skill details appeared before him, [Skill: Clone] [Effect: You can create a single clone of yourself, identical in you current appearance and possessing a fraction of your Attributes.] [Clone Capabilities: The clone has 50% of your physical strength, agility, and Magic Affinity with 0% charm and intelligence. It can perform basicbat manoeuvres, cast simple spells, and followplexmands. The clone shares your knowledge and skills but cannot activate unique Skills] [Limitations: Due to your current level, you are limited to one clone at a time. The clonests for a maximum of 6 hours or until it is destroyed.] [Additional Benefits: The clone can be used for reconnaissance, distraction, or doubling your efforts in battle and tasks. The clone''s actions are synchronized with your intent, providing seamless cooperation. Even Sovereign won''t be able to notice a difference.] [Cooldown Time: 12 hours] Aether''s heart raced with excitement, ''Man, I literally have broken abilities now,'' he thought, a thrill coursing through him. He mumbled, "Activate Clone." A mist formed before him, and Snowke, initially alert, calmed down after receiving a reassuring pat. The creature watched the mist with curiosity. Soon, a ck-haired boy wearing torn clothes identical to Aether''s emerged, his face expressionless. "Oh..." Aether''s eyes widened in astonishment, and Snowke looked back and forth between the two Aethers, equally surprised. "Hello," Aether waved, but the clone remained still. "Say hello," Aether frowned andmanded, and the clone obediently replied, "Hello" Same as Aether''s voice. "Hmm..." Aether nodded, scrutinizing the clone. He ordered it to move, and it did so without any reaction. He punched the clone''s face, surprised to see it didn''t feel pain, remaining stoically expressionless. "Good," Aether nodded with satisfaction. He then proceeded to beat the clone to a pulp to ensure it appeared as injured as he had been. He ordered it to walk out of the cave, grab the g, and head straight to the stadium. The clone nodded and left the cave. Aether smiled as he looked at his backpack, his anticipation growing. "It''s about time for the introduction of..." He donned a ck ring with golden lining, changed into a shier attire, and pulled on a hoodie. Meanwhile, Delphine saw Aether emerge from the cave, take the g, and walk towards the stadium. She sighed deeply, her heart aching at the sight of his battered body. She thought he had finally given up. ''That''s good... as long as he is fine!'' She thought and waited for the principal and the empress who went to see the Aqualina. The Principal, who had been investigating Aqualina, arrived at the control room with a deadly serious expression, ''Someone infiltrated using advanced Magi-tech... ah,'' she groaned in anger. She then looked at Aether walking with just two gs and sighed, knowing what had happened. She wouldn''t me Aether. "What happened, Principal?" ric asked curiously, mirroring the room''s sentiment. But the Principal didn''t respond, instructing them to focus on the remaining students. However, None noticed the hooded figure quietly emerging from the cave after Aether left. .... .. "Huff-huff-huff... Damn it, man! You are strong!" Leon mumbled, lying on the ground and ncing at Kai, who was also panting heavily beside him. After their intense and gruelling fight, only Leon and Kai remained standing from their team, both exhausted and battered. "Ha-ha, I-I could say the same thing to you!" Kai mumbled, amazed that their fierce battle had ended in a draw. Seeing no one else from his side, Kai knew it would be challenging to defeat Aqualina alone, so he proposed, "W-Why don''t you help me defeat Aqualina?" Leon smirked, aware of the bet between Kai and Aqualina. "What''s in it for me?" he asked, his tone yful yet serious. Kai''s lips twitched, knowing exactly what Leon wanted. With a grumbled expression, he said, "I''ll arrange a date for you with Selene." Leon''s lips curled into a wider smile as he shouted, "Deal!" Kai sighed, relieved. With Leon''s help, they might actually stand a chance against Aqualina. But then, "Eliminated?" Kai mumbled when he saw the hologram in the sky, his eyes widening in surprise and shock. Even Leon was stunned into silence. Kai gritted his teeth, frustration boiling inside him. Someone had defeated Aqualina before he could. Suddenly, a shadow blocked their view, "Hello, guys~ Doing bromance?" Chapter 205: Capture the flag: A quite Satisfaction. In the control room, Principal and the others stared intently at the screen, their frowns deepening as they saw a hooded figure appear. Their eyes darted to Aether, who was still walking toward the stadium. ''What in the...?'' They had assumed it was Aether all along, but this new development left them puzzled. The mystery of the hooded figure''s identity gnawed at their minds, and the atmosphere grew tense with uncertainty. ''What''s going on?'' The Principal''s frown deepened, her mind racing, ''Is he the one causing all this chaos?'' she wondered, sensing something off. But she didn''t interfere.... She resolved to keep a close watch on the proceedings, ready to intervene immediately if the signal cut out again. The safety of her students was paramount, and she would not tolerate any more threats. Meanwhile, Both Leon and Kai stared at the hooded figure standing before them. The air around them seemed to thicken with tension as they struggled toprehend what was happening. "W-Who are you?" Kai asked, frowning in confusion and suspicion, his voice trembling slightly. The hooded figure, Aether, remained silent, his gaze fixed on Kai with an intensity that sent shivers down Kai''s spine. BAM! Without warning, he delivered a powerful punch to Kai''s cheek, almost breaking his jaw and sending him flying several meters. The sheer force of the blow left Kai disoriented, his world spinning. Thud Leon''s eyes widened in shock. He couldn''t believe what had just happened and, even more, he hadn''t even seen Aether''s attack until itnded. His heart pounded in his chest, ''He is strong'' a mixture of fear and rage bubbling within him. "Bastard!" Leon shouted, preparing to use his bubble attack. But before he could act, Aether appeared before him in a blur of motion and grabbed him by the neck, lifting him off the ground effortlessly. Aether stared into the eyes of the blue-haired boy who was always trying to flirt with Selene. His grip tightened, nearly snapping Leon''s neck if not for Kai, who attacked from behind in a desperate attempt to save his friend. Aether swiftly dodged and delivered a vicious kick to..... Leon''s groin with full force, making Leon''s face contort in horror and agony. The pain was excruciating, and Leon''s scream echoed through the forest. "AAARRRRRHHHH!!!" Leon''s body collided with Kai''s, sending them both flying again. Theynded in a heap, groaning in pain. "Arrrrhhh!!!" Leon screamed in agony, tears streaming down his cheeks as he clutched his crotch, his entire body trembling. Kai''s face mirrored the horror as he red at Aether and shouted, "Are you even a man? You coward!!" His fury was palpable, his voice shaking with rage and disbelief. Attacking a man''s manhood was a cowardly act, only for the lowest of the low! "I''ll teach you, bastard!!" Kai shouted, standing up and reaching for his sword. But before he could even draw it, Aether appeared before him and, p A loud p echoed through the area, reverberating off the trees. "What the" p! "Y-You fucke" p!! "I-I will kill" p!!! "Arrrhhh" p!!!! "arr" p!!!!! "...Ple" p!!!!!! "...." Kai''s cheeks swelled, turning red as tears streamed from his eyes. He couldn''t believe he was being pped repeatedly by someone he didn''t even know. Even his father had never hurt him like this!!! Each p felt like a thunderp against his skin, leaving him more humiliated and enraged. ''T-This fucker!! You will pay for this!!'' Kai screamed inwardly but kept his rage contained, his pride barely holding him together. "Smile," Aethermanded, though his voice sounded different, neutral, devoid of any emotion. Kai frowned, his mind struggling to process themand, "Smi" p! "He... hehe..." Kai forced a smile through his tears, his face a mask of pain and humiliation. Aether nodded in satisfaction but then annoyed, "Good, but your smile is shit just like your face." "YOU--" SLAP!!!!!!!! After taking enough critical hits, Kai finally disappeared, leaving behind a ckish-blue g. Aether then focused on Leon, who was still clutching his groin while cursing Aether. His face was twisted in pain, his body trembling. "You motherfucker!! Your death won''t be easy!! Your balls will burn in hell" Leon suddenly flinched as Aether turned his attention to him. Leon backed away, traumatized by Aether''s ruthless disy of power. His fear was palpable, his body trembling uncontrobly. "Don''t talk to my woman," Aether said in a deadly serious tone, his voice low and menacing.... still neutral though! Leon wasn''t sure what Aether was talking about. He had spoken to many women, so he nodded without hesitation, desperate to avoid more pain. "Good," Aether nodded, turning to leave. His movements were fluid and purposeful, like a predator leaving its prey. ''H-Huh? That''s all?'' Leon was sure this guy would eliminate him, but it seemed his target had been Kai. Relief washed over him! Leon sighed, vowing internally to find this asshole and break his balls just like his own had been broken once he was healed. His anger simmered beneath the surface, mingling with his pain. but it was short-lived, "Oh? I forgot something," Aether said, turning back, making Leon flinch in terror. "W-What you forgAARRRRRRRHHHHHHHH!!!!!!" Leon''s words were cut short as Aether crushed his already broken groin. The pain was unbearable, and Leon''s scream was blood-curdling. Soon, Leon disappeared, leaving behind a shining blue g. Aether felt a deep sense of satisfaction, ''So this is freedom... ah,'' he thought, feeling a pang of sadness knowing he could only enjoy this feeling for two days before returning to normal. The taste of freedom was bittersweet, a reminder of his temporary reprieve. He shook off the thoughts and moved towards his clone, his mind focused on the task at hand. Jack Sparrow, walking slowly after retiring from the game and cursing inwardly, felt his puppets die one by one, ''Damn it, I failed again! Fuck this!!'' he screamed internally, his frustration mounting. He had no idea what had happened since all his puppets had been destroyed. Just as he was about to run towards the stadium to investigate, he spotted something unusual. "Aether?" Jack frowned, seeing the battered body of Aether hurrying towards the stadium. The sight was unexpected, and it filled him with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. Aether''s clone said nothing, walking past Jack and doing exactly as his master hadmanded, his movements mechanical and purposeful. Jack noticed the two gs in Aether''s hands. ''Don''t tell me this bastard was here all along!'' Jack screamed internally, finally understanding why his n had failed. Seeing Kaelen and Aqualina''s gs, he fully grasped the situation. ''This wretched ve!'' Jack gritted his teeth. Aether had always been the one to ruin his ns. His anger boiled over, his mind racing with thoughts of ending him. ''Should I kill him?'' Jack considered but shook his head, knowing he was being watched. However, seeing the two gs, Jack decided to teach this ve a lesson before taking the gs. There were no rules against a retired yer taking gs from someone who was not even in the game..... a ck sheep! Jack smiled, deciding to make an example of Aether. He punched Aether''s back, causing him to fall immediately, his body hitting the ground with a.. Thud "What are you doing here?" Jack demanded, punching Aether''s face with a smug expression. Seeing Aether not fighting back, Jack continued to hit him, making Delphine and the Principal frown. Though there was no rule, still Jack attacking Aether who was already battered couldn''t help but frown. Just then, "What do we have here?" an amused voice interrupted the scene. Jack flinched and turned around to see a hooded figure before him, the amusement in the voice sending chills down his spine. "What the...?" Jack was taken aback, his mind reeling, ''Just what the heck is going on?!'' he screamed inwardly while the original Aether thought, ''I can take from retired people, right?'' His face was amused as if seeing a sheep walking into his trap. Chapter 206: End of the Contest.... Mysterious figure! "Who... is... that?" Those were the final thoughts of Jack Sparrow as his crystal badge shattered and encased him in a shimmering aura before disappearing, leaving behind two ominous ck gs fluttering in the air. "Hmm? Isn''t he pretty weak?" Aether thought, a smirk ying on his lips. Since Aether bore no particr enmity towards Jack, he decided to finish him off with two powerful punches, each reverberating with a sickening crunch, followed by a swift, forceful kick to the stomach that sent Jack sprawling. "Well, whatever..." Aether shrugged nonchntly and nced at the hologram where Jack Sparrow''s name was stillbelled as retired.... except his points were reduced to zero. Aether chuckled inwardly, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction, before turning to his clone, who was trembling visibly in fear. ''Hmm, he''s acting well,'' Aether thought, pleased with the performance. He then spoke in a casual, almost prideful tone, "You look different from the others... I don''t mean to say you''re handsome or anything... Though You are the most handsome one I ever saw... anywho it''s just that you didn''t wear those crystal badges like the rest. Why?" In the control room, Delphine and the Principal heard that and couldn''t help but twitch their lips, their thoughts aligning in unison, ''It''s definitely him!'' The Principal then frowned, puzzled about how Aether had managed to acquire a rare and costly clone spell. ''Did the Empress help him?'' she wondered, casting a nce at the Empress seated beside her, now empty as she was with her daughter. "I-I begged the Principal to let me in to save the Princess," the clone stammered, his body quivering. "You begged that old ha ahem, Principal, and she let you in... What the hell? She must be so bored that she''s doing whatever she wants..." Aether said, shaking his head with a pitiful expression directed at the clone. Veins bulged on the Principal''s forehead, ''It seems I need to teach him a lesson... really!'' "Anyhow, give that to me," Aether demanded. The clone shook his head defiantly. "Tsk, I''m telling you, be a good boy... I don''t want to break your handsome, beautiful face," Aether''s tone turned icy and narcissistic. When the clone continued to refuse, Aether''s patience wore thin, "I suppose you leave me no choice then!" In a sh, he appeared before the clone, delivering a gut-wrenching punch that made the clone copse with a pained gasp. Puffff! The clone fainted, his eyes rolling back as he lost consciousness. Aether nodded in satisfaction, appreciating that his clone was following the n perfectly. He took the remaining two gs from the clone and walked away without a backward nce at the pitiful figure crumpled on the ground. ..... ... As Aether left the scene, a ck bat flying towards the stadium noticed a figure below. "Hmm? Who is that?" it wondered as it felt familiar for some reason, frowning before swooping down to investigate. "AETHER!" The bat transformed mid-air into a stunning blonde-haired girl. Landing gracefully beside the unconscious clone, she asked in a horrified tone, "W-What are you doing here?" Seeing the clone''s faint breath and battered body, her expression darkened. Her heart trembled with anger, and her eyes turned a fiery red. "I''m going to pay back whoever did this," she vowed, her voice trembling with rage. Gently, she picked up the clone in a princess carry, her movements tender despite her fury...[A/N: With Tokyo Ghoul''s Background Music] The clone remained motionless,plying silently with his master''s orders not to move an inch! Meanwhile, !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 21.8%] "Huh?" Aether frowned, seeing his survival rate decreasing inexplicably. He shrugged it off, noting it was just a minor drop, and refocused on the ongoing battle. "You are strong... Saintess," Thalia said, her voice strained as she held her wounded body, blood seeping from numerous cuts. "Y-You too..." Helena panted heavily. Though she bore no visible injuries, her body was at its limit after the prolonged fight. Her breathing wasboured, sweat pouring down her face as she steadied herself. Surveying the devastated surroundings, they realized they were the only ones left standing; all their team members had already been eliminated. "Why don''t we finish this with a single attack?" Thalia proposed, her face set with determination. "Okay then!" Helena nodded, mustering everyst bit of her power. She conjured a massive globe of energy, glowing brighter than the sun, its light blinding and intense. Thalia smirked, readying herself to unleash her full strength and cut the globe in half. "Come On!" "Here you go!" But then, ssssssshhhhhhh An icy sound echoed around them, making both women flinch as the temperature plummeted abruptly, their breath visible in the freezing air. Both frowned, eyes darting around warily. Thalia shouted, "Who is it?" "...." No one answered, the only response the biting cold that intensified with each passing second. "Coward!" Thalia sneered, trying to provoke the unseen enemy. "Show yourself!" "Coward? Who?" Hearing a neutral, almost bored tone, both Thalia and Helena flinched, turning to face the direction where a hooded figure emerged from the shadows. "Of course you, who else hides their face?" Thalia snorted, readying herself for battle. She could sense the figure''s strength, a power that surpassed her own. Helena frowned, sensing the potent aura but noting the absence of malice or killing intent. The figure''s presence was disconcertingly calm. "Hmm..." Aether nodded, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "Being a coward is better than being a warrior." "Huh?" Thalia frowned, taken aback. Aether continued, his tone mocking, "At the end of the day... cowards are the ones who see the dawn, not the powerful warriors." Thalia''s eyes zed with anger, feeling insulted, ''How dare he say cowards are better!!'' she thought furiously. "Warriors are the ones who sacrifice their lives for the dawn, you coward!!" Thalia sneered, about to lunge at him and crush his beliefs, but "Wait... something''s wrong," Helena said, her voice urgent, sensing an eerie calmness settling over the battlefield. "What do you mean" "HISSSS!!!" BOOOOOOOOMMMMMMM!!!! A humongous white snake burst from the ground, its massive tail crushing both women.... Just before their bodies could be obliterated, their crystal badges shattered, and they disappeared, leaving behind two gs each. If not for their legs being frozen they would able to escape with a 10% possibility, but they were totally focused on him, not the surroundings so they paid the price! "Hehe... small fry!" Aether nodded in satisfaction, patting the head of Snowke, the giant snake. "Massstteerrrr~" "Good girl," Aether praised her. [+3000 Affection] Surveying the remaining gs, Aether''s smirk widened with satisfaction. He nced at the hologram disying the current standings: Raven Noir: 100 Points (Retired) Kaelen Darkfang (Eliminated) Aria Zephyr: 300 Points (Retired) Jack Sparrow: 0 Points (Retired) Leon Dragonheart (Eliminated) Helena Sunfire (Eliminated) Kai Frostde (Eliminated) Finnian Sunfire (Eliminated) Nyx Shadowfall (Eliminated) Aqualina Naiadia (Eliminated) Ashara Nightfire (Eliminated) Aurelia Scarlet: 1200 Points (Retired) Thalia Crimsonw (Eliminated) "Look at that, I really got ten... ah... must be my luck," Aether giggled, draping himself over Snowke''s massive body, "It''s time to end the contest!" Snowke hissed in agreement, slithering towards the stadium at high speed, her scales glistening in the cold light of the bright sky! Chapter 207: Heheh.... A Villain! "Please at least tell us now, Principal," ric demanded, his face etched with seriousness and determination. The contest had finally reached its dramatic conclusion, and a palpable tension filled the air as everyone was desperate to uncover the identity of the hooded figure and the mystery surrounding Aether''s sudden appearance in the game. The Principal, striding purposefully through the grand corridor leading to the stadium, responded without breaking her stride. Her voice, calm yet authoritative, carried over her shoulder, "As that servant mentioned, ''He begged me'' so incessantly that I got annoyed and threw him into the mix." Though it felt a bit unreasonable, still as everyone knew how their Principal had a short temper.... it wasn''t surprising to hear that but still, one thing hadn''t been answered... "And?" ric pressed, his curiosity burning with impatience. "... You will see who he is soon enough," the Principal replied, a sly smile curling her lips. Her thoughts, ''Favored by Arcane... You have more tricks up your sleeve than you show, boy. You''ve certainly caught my attention.'' ric and the other professors exchanged frustrated nces, their growls of anger barely contained. The oue had been unexpected; only three chosen ones had emerged victorious, and one of them hadn''t even fought from the beginning, leaving a bitter taste in their mouths. As they arrived at the expansive stadium, they saw the teams who had been treated and healed standing near the small, stepped podium. The Principal cast a sweeping gaze over the assembled students and leaders. Everyone was present except for Aqualina, who was recovering from serious internal injuries. "Who is that? Who was that coward?" Thalia shouted, her voice cutting through the murmur of the crowd. She red at the other teams, convinced that the mysterious figure must havee from within their ranks. The idea that an outsider could have infiltrated seemed impossible to her. "Tsk, it''s not us," Jack retorted, his expression a mix of annoyance and curiosity. He turned to the Principal, voicing what everyone was thinking, "Who is that? Why the sudden change? We didn''t even get a warning about it." "Yes, Principal! How is that fair?" Leon added, his voice edged with desperation. The need to identify his attacker showed his futureless life..... he felt his soul and future depended! "How dare that bastard p me? Even my father never did that!" Kai shouted, his fury undiminished. Though his face had healed, the memory of the stinging blow lingered painfully. Many of the others stood in confusion, having never seen the hooded figure that had caused such chaos. Hearing the barrage of questions, the Principal''s gentle smile vanished, reced by a stern look of disappointment. Her voice, now cold and sharp, echoed through the stadium, "Who? Why do you care when you''re losers?" The words hit them like a p, stinging their pride. She continued, her tone unwavering, "You have the nerve to ask after losing so pathetically to a single person who didn''t even use a spell.... You''ve all disappointed me deeply." Heads lowered in shame, yet a simmering belief remained among them that the mysterious figure had appeared out of nowhere and eliminated them when they were at their weakest. Observing their rebellious faces, the Principal''s expression turned into a smirk, "Oh! Don''t you dare think he took advantage of you!" "What? He really took advant---" Before theint could be finished, the Principal interrupted, "Kai and Leon, you were defeated because you underestimated a solo enemy, weren''t you?" Kai and Leon''s heads dropped even lower. The Principal''s words cut deep because they were true. When Aether had appeared, despite their initial shock, they had arrogantly believed they could easily win. The general knowledge was that in a 2 vs. 1 scenario, the duo always had the upper hand, right? That''s what they had thought! And lost pathetically! The Principal then turned her gaze to Jack, her eyes piercing, "You have the nerve to attack a weaker opponent after retiring, and ran away like a coward, and still ask who defeated you... Pathetic!" "Arrgh," Jack growled through gritted teeth, his anger boiling. He wanted nothing more than to tear apart both the Principal and the person who had punched him. The Principal''s attention then shifted to Thalia and Helena, "You two weren''t even aware of your surroundings.... When did your legs be frozen? Hmm? Truly disappointing," she said, her eyes lingering on Thalia for a few more intense seconds. Thalia bit her trembling lips, the weight of her failure pressing down on her. Helena, on the other hand, sighed and shrugged. She wasn''t particrly sad, having been aware of her surroundings, though realizing it was toote to make a difference. Annoyed, the Principal raised her voice as she looked at everyone, "You have the nerve to question, you useless bastards! I asked you to y ''Capture the g,'' not ''Team Battle.'' All you did was abandon your base and attack others. What the fuck is wrong with you? Don''t you have any brains? Not one of you realized the true nature of the game. Instead, you brawled like mindless monkeys!" Her anger was almost tangible, the disappointment in her voice clear. She was truly furious, seeing them fight without using tactics or intellect. As her words sank in, everyone lowered their heads, understanding the depth of her anger and the reason behind it. Delphine, ever the calming presence, patted the Principal''s shoulder. Taking a deep breath, the Principal looked at the children, her expression softening slightly. She smiled, though her eyes still held a hint of her earlier sternness, "Well, you are still in your growing phase, so take this as a lesson." The students nodded with newfound determination, realizing that the Principal''s harsh words were meant to guide them, not to belittle them... Though not everyone! Seeing their resolve, the Principal nodded approvingly, thinking, ''At least they have grown a little.'' She pped her hands, and a hologram flickered to life above the podium. "Now, these are your new ranks!" She announced, pointing to the hologram disy: 14. Ashara Nightfire 13. Nyx Shadowfall 12. Finnian Sunfire 11. Kaelen Darkfang 10. Aqualina Naiadia 09. Kai Frostde 08. Leon Dragonheart 07. Jack Sparrow 06. Helena Sunfire 05. Thalia Crimsonw 04. Raven Noir 03. Aria Zephyr 02. Aurelia Scarlet 01. ______________ Seeing the updated rank list, the Chosen Ones felt as though they had swallowed something incredibly bitter. They wanted to protest, to say something in their defence, but the fear of angering the Principal further kept their mouths tightly shut. The Principal addressed the three g holders, "Though I was disappointed that no one managed to capture others'' gs... sigh, Anyhow, Congrattions... Aurelia Scarlet, Aria Zephyr, and Raven Noir." The trio bowed deeply with respect. Now, everyone looked up at the Principal, their eyes wide with eagerness, awaiting the announcement of the first-ce winner. Suddenly, a breathtakingly beautiful woman with flowing purple hair materialized beside the Principal, causing a collective gasp of shock and awe to ripple through the crowd. "Empress Marisandra Naiadia?" gasped the students in unison. Those from the Aquaris Naiadae Empire immediately knelt, shouting, "Hail Empress Marisandra Naiadia!" in reverent unison, while the rest of the students and faculty bowed respectfully. The Empress bestowed a gracious smile upon them and said, "There is no need for such formalities here. You are students, and I am merely a visitor... now, rise, my people." The Aquaris students nodded eagerly, clearly thrilled to be in the presence of their revered Empress. Thalia, in particr, seemed utterly entranced, her eyes wide and sparkling with admiration, as if she were gazing upon her greatest idol. "Is everything concluded?" the Empress inquired, her voice soft yetmanding, as her gaze swept gently across the crowd, searching for a particr individual. "Yes, everything is finished, except he hasn''t arrived yet," the Principal replied, a hint of annoyance creeping into her voice, ''What''s taking him so long?'' she thought, her patience wearing thin. The Empress nodded thoughtfully, her eyes shifting to the hologram disying the contest results. As she scanned the final tally, her eyes widened in astonishment, ''Damn, that boy really did capture 10 gs... I wonder how much he''s grown now,'' she mused, her lips curling into an intrigued and excited smile. As the minutes ticked by, the anticipation in the air grew palpable. Half an hour passed, and the students began to fidget restlessly, their impatience mounting with each passing second. "Where is he?" the Principal muttered under her breath, clicking her tongue in irritation. The Empress''s brow furrowed in confusion, puzzled by the dy. Her gazended on her maid, who stood quietly behind her, a peculiar smile ying on her lips as she watched the clock in the hologram with unusual interest. Sensing that something was amiss, the Empress leaned closer and whispered softly, "Do you know something?" The maid flinched, hesitating for a moment before replying, "I-I didn''t mean to hide" "It''s fine," the Empress reassured her, her expression softening with understanding. The maid''s smile broadened, her eyes twinkling with excitement and curiosity as she recounted, "He said... ''Everyone waits for heroes... yet viins... Heheh... viins make everyone wait''" she mimicked Aether''s haughty dialogue, her voice dripping with the same arrogant confidence as she pointed to the hologram showing that the 10-hour time period was about to end in just a few minutes. The Empress was taken aback, watching her maid mimic Aether with surprising uracy. ''Shit! He''s corrupting her!'' she thought, both amused and slightly concerned by the influence Aether seemed to have. At that precise moment, a faint noise echoed through the stadium, "Trrrrrr." "Heheh... a viin indeed," the Empress remarked, her expression one of amused curiosity as she noticed a figure appearing in the distance. The anticipation in the stadium grew to a fever pitch as all eyes turned towards the slowly emerging silhouette. Chapter 208: Name is.... Under the overcast sky, the surroundingsy eerily silent... except for the ground trembling! Trrrrrr A lone figure appeared at the edge, shrouded in a dark hoodie that concealed his features. As he began his descent towards the stadium, a palpable tension filled the air. "Who is it?" everyone wondered, their voices hushed with a mix of curiosity and dread. But then, their eyes widened in shock and fear when they saw a huge white snake following the hooded figure. Its scales glistened menacingly, reflecting the dim light in eerie patterns. Its slithering movement caused the ground to tremble violently, demolishing nearby trees and nts with its long, powerful tail. The earth seemed to shudder under the weight of its presence as if nature itself was recoiling in fear. ''Gulp'' Students gulped audibly when they saw the golden crystal embedded in its forehead, shimmering with an unsettling glow. ''FUCK!!!'' they screamed inwardly, convinced they would be crushed by the monstrous tail. Panic set in as they stepped back in fear, while the leaders frowned, their minds racing to assess the situation. "Hehe..." A giggling sound echoed in the stadium. It was none other than the Empress''s Maid, who was trying her best to control herughter, her eyes sparkling with amusement at the unfolding scene. "YOU BASTARD!!" Thalia shouted, her voice filled with rage and desperation, as she hurled a fireball towards the hooded figure. She was still seething over her loss, convinced that his sneaky attack had cost her the rank she had worked so hard to achieve. Delphine was about to intervene, but the Principal shook her head, her eyes narrowing as she decided to let the hooded figure handle the situation. BOOMM!! The fireball exploded with a deafening roar, sending dust and debris into the air, obscuring everyone''s vision. But amidst the chaos... Step, Step... They heard footsteps. As the dust settled, the figure emerged, still walking with a calm, almost nonchnt air, his hoodie slowly burning away in the fire. Yet, Step, Step... With each step he took, an invisible force seemed to ripple outward, the ground almost trembling in response to his presence. Thalia gritted her teeth, her frustration mounting as she realized her attack hadn''t even scratched him. sssshhhh The hoodie began to disintegrate, burning away, revealing the figure beneath. The dark hoodie gave way to an immacte, ck trench coat that billowed around him like the wings of a harbinger of doom. The coat''s fabric seemed to absorb the light, creating an aura of imprable darkness. Every detail of his attire was meticulously crafted, from the sharp cut of his suit to the intricate patterns on his tie.... Every line was sharp and precise, exuding an aura of deadly elegance. A single, brilliantly blue flower pinned to hispel stood out, its delicate petals a stark contrast to his otherwise dark and imposing presence. It seemed to pulsate with an inner light, drawing the eye irresistibly. The inner lining of his coat glowed with an eerie blue luminescence, flickering like ghostly blue mists with every movement. It was as if he carried the essence of the underworld within him. As he walked further, the air around him shimmered with potent energy. A chilling aura was emitted, causing the temperature to drop sharply. The very atmosphere seemed to conspire to amplify his presence, casting a pall over the stadium that suffocated all joy and light. His hands, casually tucked into his pockets, conveyed an effortless dominance, a silent promise of his overwhelming strength. His demeanour was one of absolute confidence as if he were a predator surveying his prey (Image). His once-hidden face now came into view, framed by striking, icy white hair that seemed to glow faintly, casting an otherworldly light around him. His features were sharp and angr, a mask of cold beauty. However... there was the mask that hid his upper face! The mask was deep ck, adorned with delicate, swirling patterns of gold that caught the light in mesmerizing ways. It extended to cover his cheekbones, tapering into elegant points that entuated the aristocratic angles of his face. The eye holes were particrly striking, outlined with fine golden filigree that enhanced the sharpness of his gaze. Within these openings, his eyesor rather somethingglowed with an intense, icy blue light. It looked like a whirlpool of the blue ocean that pulled you to the deep end (Image). Step As he stepped into the stadium, thends that the Principal created suddenly disappeared, vanishing as it returned normal stadium. Silence reigned as he came to a halt. The air was thick with tension, and everyone started to feel the temperature lowering further, the cold seeping into their bones. The snake, now ring at everyone with a predatory intensity, added to the suffocating fear that gripped the crowd. The students stood their ground only because of the Principal; otherwise, they would have already fled in terror. However, there was one reaction that captured the women''s hearts, ''He is fucking cool!'' they screamed inwardly, their fear giving way to admiration and infatuation. [+10 Affection] [+10 Affection] [+10 Affection] [+10 Affection] .... .. Aether''s lips curled into a sinister smile as he stepped forward. Step Ssssshhhhh As soon as he stepped, thend suddenly turned to ice... pure ice! The ground beneath him crystallized into a smooth, reflective surface, mirroring his dark form. But it didn''t end there. With each step, the ground trembled, ice spreading outwards, forming a path that seemed to herald his approach. Those standing near the podium suddenly stepped back, feeling their legs might get frozen, the chill reaching up and biting at their skin. There were no words, only the sound of his steps reverberating through the silent stadium. Aether halted before the stepped podium. Though there were stairs, he smirked. With a single, decisive stomp on the ground, an ice staircase formed instantly, gleaming with an otherworldly light. "OH!" The Empress and Principal were surprised by his rebellious and fine control of Arcane energy. Taylor, meanwhile, had a proud face, wanting to scream that those clothes were her choice! Delphine was blushing even more when she looked at him. ''H-He looks different!''... He was not the boy who teased but rather a man shrouded in mysteries! Step "!!!!!!!" When he stepped on the first stair, those of lower levels suddenly kneeled as if immense pressure was weighing them down, their bodies buckling under the strain. "What the?" Others frowned, their expressions filled with confusion and fear. The Principal smirked upon seeing this, her eyes gleaming with intrigue. Step "!!!!!" Step "W-What...." Step With each step, students slowly kneeled, unable to withstand the crushing pressure. Upon reaching the podium, everyone kneeled except the team leaders, who were struggling to remain standing, their bodies shaking with effort. Snowke stood behind him! "HIIIISSSSS~" Aether''s lips curled up as he said, "Good." A shiver ran down their spines when they heard his icy, emotionless voice with a hint of arrogance. This was his true voice when he was 28 years old, using a voice changer embedded in the mask.... So, basically, it was his voice with the old one. Even the Professors frowned, feeling a sense of unease that they couldn''t quite ce. "Good? YOU BASTARD!!" Leon gritted his teeth as he withstood the pressure and red at Aether. "I WILL KILL YOU!!" His manhood was deeply wounded, and there was no way he would let this slide, even with the Principal watching. However, before he could move, Thalia moved first. She appeared before Aether, catching his neck in a vice-like grip, her eyes zing with fury. "You are just a coward who ys dirty tricks!" "Pfft... Hahahahahaha..." Hisugh sent shivers down their spines, echoing through the stadium. "Coward." In an instant, Aether broke Thalia''s hand with a sickening snap and mmed her to the ground with such force that she couldn''t even react. BAM! Aether gripped her neck, his face a mere centimetre away from hers, "Heh...Hehehe... Hehehehehehehehe." An uncanny smile that made Kai flinch in fear as if he recognized this smile from a nightmare. He shook his thoughts, remembering seeing Aether lying in the infirmary, helpless and weak. Everyone stepped back, sensing something deeply wrong about this man. The Empress watched with an amused expression, while Taylor looked on with a fangirl-like adoration. "Hehehehe----" Suddenly Aether stopped and looked into Thalia''s eyes, speaking in an eerie, bone-chilling tone, "Hmm.... In love and war..... all''s fair, cutie pie~" With a swift, brutal motion, he raised her and kicked her in the stomach, his clothes fluttering in a chilling dance. PUFFF!! BOOM!!! Thalia was sent crashing into the wall, her insides feeling mangled and broken. She tried to stand up, but the Principal''s stern nce made her lower her head in submission. Everyone gulped, their thoughts unified in a single, daunting realization, ''He is strong!'' Their admiration was tinged with a deep sense of unease, knowing that such power was both awe-inspiring and terrifying. Then, with a casual flick of his hand, Aether summoned ten different coloured gs, leaving the onlookers in utter shock once again. "Name is...." Aether announced as he swept his hand through the air. The gs merged, transforming into a single, pure white g attached to a long pole. With a dramatic flourish, he stabbed the gpole into the podium, causing a ripple of ice to spread outward. BAM! sssssshhhh!! The white g fluttered in the air, even though there was no breeze to move it. ~Ding~Dong~Ding~Dong~ The timer on the hologram finally reached its limit, indicating the end of the ten-hour period. "Victor!" Aether''s voice echoed through the silent arena as the hologram changed to disy the results: 1. Victor: 7500 Points ''Gasp'' Everyone gasped in unison, their shock palpable as they stared at the points disyed. !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 26.8%] "VICTOR!!" Jack shouted in fury. With a wicked smile, he said, "Goodbye," as ck mes erupted from his hands and shot toward Victor. The Principal''s lips twitched, ready to intervene and put an end to this pointless conflict when, sssssshhhh...hhh...h... The mes vanished before they could even touch Victor as if something had siphoned them away. Jack''s eyes widened in disbelief, ''A-Arcane energy?'' Not only Jack, but everyone else had a horrifying expression on their faces. Even the Empress and the Principal were shocked, ''He sucked the Arcane energy!'' !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 31.8%] Chapter 209: A abnormal Monster appeared! Everyone had been dismissed for the day, but the students still couldn''t shake the lingering thought of Victor''s ability to siphon Arcane energy. The one thought that dominated their minds was, ''A monster!'' Victor was immediately whisked away by Delphine to a secluded area. "What happened?" Aether asked Delphine as he removed his mask. He thought everything was going ording to n, so why the sudden change? Why had his survival rate increased so dramatically in just a few minutes? Delphine hesitated, sensing that something was seriously amiss. Aether tried to lighten the mood, teasing her, "So, how was my acting? Did your heart flutter?" Delphine forced a smile and said, "You did a good job," though there was an unmistakable tension behind her words. Even more troubling for Aether, ''There weren''t any affection points... what happened?'' he pondered, feeling a growing unease. Meanwhile... "Principal, what is the meaning of this? Who is that thing?" ric shouted, his voice echoing with frustration and fear. He desperately wanted to understand who Victor really was and how a being in their world could possess the unprecedented ability to absorb Arcane energy. Until now, there had been no records of anyone capable of such a feat! The Principal remained silent, not responding to ric or any of the other professors who were following her toward the underground punishment chamber, where Aether was being taken. This chamber was a ce designed for those betraying the Academy and also served as a severe punishment for students who didn''t obey the rules. "There is nothing wrong here, and I was the one who found him. So... return to your positions," the Principal''s words were as cold as ice. ric and the others frowned but eventually sighed and returned to their posts, their curiosity and concern unassuaged. As the Principal arrived at the chamber, the Empress stood there, waiting for her with a stern expression. "He is from my Empire, so of course, I need to know the details," the Empress demanded. The Principal sighed and nodded, leading the Empress inside. Turning to Delphine, the Principal asked, "Did you know about this?" Delphine flinched, lowering her head, "I-I thought it was a mistake" "There are no mistakes!" the Principal shouted, her voice causing the chamber to vibrate. She then red at Delphine and ordered her to wait outside. Delphine reluctantly nodded, casting a worried nce at Aether before leaving. The Empress nced at her maid, who nodded in understanding. She bit her lip and walked out, hoping nothing terrible would happen to Aether. Soon, the dark chamber held only Aether, the Empress, and the Principal. "Boy," the Principal called. "Yes?" Aether answered, seeing the serious faces before him. He knew this was no time for games, ''What did I do?'' he wondered. "Tell me everything. How are you able to absorb Arcane energy?" Aether shrugged and exined how he could do that. After hearing his exnation, both the Empress and the Principal exchanged worried nces before sighing deeply. "What happened?" Aether asked, clearly understanding that something serious was unfolding just because he had absorbed Arcane energy. The Principal then said, "Simply put, you are a ticking bomb." "Pardon?" Aether couldn''t believe what he was hearing. The Empress stepped in to borate, her tone grave and measured, "What she means is that even though Arcane energy permeates everything as a fundamental fuel, each source carries a unique signature. For instance, when I absorb Arcane energy from the surroundings, it bes my raw material." She demonstrated by holding out her hand, from which a small whirlpool of shimmering Arcane energy swirled, drawing from the ambient surroundings. "Then," she continued, her voice taking on an authoritative edge, "I transform it into my own unique signaturea product that bears only my mark." Her other hand emitted a faint purple mist, which gradually morphed into a delicate blue water bubble, "Once I''ve used it for my desired output, that specific form of Arcane energy cannot be absorbed by anyone else." Still confused, Aether frowned. "So?" If he was able to absorb means he might be special or... "Is there any rule not to absorb the Arcane from others?" Aether asked cautiously. The Principal exined, "It''s not about rules... it''s about a ''thing''....." She pointed to Aether and added, "....that can absorb Arcane energy. This is the first instance we''ve encountered of someone being able to do so directly from others." Aether finally nodded in understanding. ''So they''re worried about the unknownme,'' he thought, a sardonic smirk curling his lips as he considered the irony of his situation. "Every first has its ce, right? Nothing is truly impossible." The Empress and the Principal exchanged sceptical nces before the Empress spoke again, her voice tinged with caution. "Yes, but your circumstances are different." "How so?" The Empress proceeded to exin, her words measured and precise, "You absorbed Arcane energy from others. The question is, where does it go once it''s inside you?" "..." Aether remained silent, thinking. The Empress continued, her tone unwavering, "No being can store Arcane energy within their body indefinitely" Aether ventured a guess, "It might be going back to the surroundings like a reverse process of sorts..." Then the Principal stepped forward, taking something simr to a scanner from her dimensional space, "This device can detect the quality and quantity of Arcane energy," she exined, positioning it carefully over Aether and scanning him from head to toe. Beep... Beep.... Beep..... As the scanner approached his heart... Beep... BeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeep The Principal and the Empress exchanged a nce, their faces darkening at the sight of the red danger light shing ominously. "W-What is it?" Aether realized something shit was about to happen. The Empress sighed heavily, her expression grave. "As she said... you''re a ticking bomb. The Arcane energy stored within you is poised to erupt at any moment." "What?" Aether''s face was filled with horror. "If not for your strong body, you might have already exploded!" the Empress said with a dangerously delighted tone, making Aether gulp in fear..... She seemed to be enjoying this. The Principal then stepped in, saying, "If someone punctured your body, you would explode into pieces." "OMG!!!" The Principal''s lips trembled, trying to suppress herughter. She couldn''t believe this was the same guy who had made others piss themselves in fear. [+10 Affection] [+100 Affection] Aether''s lips suddenly twitched as he looked at the women, who had sad faces as if they had given up. "You''re messing with me, right?" "Pfffhttt!!! Hahaha" "hahahahaha" "...." Aether''s eyes twitched. He would make sure to make both of them pay for this! "A-At any rate..." the Principal finally managed topose herself, wiping a tear from her eye as she spoke. "You still pose a significant danger." "What do you mean?" "The moment you die, the Arcane energy within you will unleash its destructive force, potentially obliterating not just this Academy.... but perhaps even this entire empire." "Say What!!!!!" Chapter 210: Empress is Making her Move! Never in Aether''s wildest dreams did he think he would be a living bomb. "To think, what I had been doing was slowly killing myself... ah," Aether mused with a wry expression. "That''s why you need to be careful, and since everyone saw what you did, I''m pretty sure the whole student body already knows by now," the Principal said, her serious face was evident. "Sigh, Anyhow, we will deal with your situationter..... Now, what happened exactly to Aria and Aqualina?" the Principal asked with a prating gaze, and Aether nodded, knowing this question was inevitable. He exined everything, though he carefully omitted the part where he tried to seduce them. There was no way he would confess! "I see..." The Empress''s eyes flickered with dark, dangerous intent, "To think that boy is just a puppet...." "Someone able to infiltrate the academy... They must have used an advanced artifact simr to the one in that incident a week ago..." The Principal''s thoughtful expression deepened before she nodded decisively then she looked at Aether and said, "As of now, you will be staying with me." "Huh?" Aether frowned, confusion mingling with an unexpected surge of anticipation. The idea of living with the Principal was both thrilling and intimidating. "I mean Victor," the Principal rified with a grin, "Victor is under my protection as my disciple, so he will be living with me." Aether gulped, seeing the spark of enthusiasm in her eyes, ''Did I awaken something inside her?'' he wondered, feeling a strange mixture of fear and excitement. He quickly dressed and followed her out of the chamber. Delphine and Taylor sighed in relief, their faces lighting up as they saw Aether was unharmed. As they walked, ric and the other professors observed but didn''t intervene. It was clear the Principal was acting on her own authority. The Empress departed to check on her daughter, with Taylor, while Delphine returned to her work. Soon, Aether was led to the Principal''s house. It was grand, with a huge hall, luxurious kitchen, plush sofas, and elegant bedrooms. Nestled within the academy, it provided constant protection. "What about Aether... I mean the servant situation? I could not possibly live here, right?" Aether asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty. The Principal had a thoughtful expression as she sat on the sofa, Aether decided to sit beside he-- "Sit over there!" Aether nodded, a yful smile tugging at his lips, and sat opposite her, admiring her beauty up close for the first time. This is my first time seeing her this close... ''Damn, she is fucking beautiful!'' he thought, though he kept his expression stern. She asked about Aether''s daily routines, nodding thoughtfully as he spoke, before outlining his new schedule. "In the morning, you will act as a servant. After lunch, you can be Victor, and as soon as sses finish, you will return to being a servant. At night, I will teach you." Aether nodded in understanding, though a question lingered in his mind. "When will I sleep?" "Hmm?" The Principal''s expression was almost incredulous, "Sleep? Why would you need to?" Her dismissive tone made him wonder if she ever slept herself. Aether''s lips twitched with amusement. "Now care to tell me where you did find a cloning scroll spell?" Principal asked with a curious expression.She was well aware it was very rare to get that spell and considering his ve status she wondered how even able to afford it. "I got it from someone...." Aether didn''t exin it further, Principal shrugged it off. Soon, the Principal left for her duties, saying, "You can rest now!". Aether wandered around the house, noting hiding spots, peeking spots, and escape routes. Entering his new room, he marvelled at its grandeur. The bed was enormous,rge enough for five people. ''Damn...'' he thought with an amused smile. His life was certainly changing! He examined the room for potential escape routes, just in case he pushed the Principal too far. "What are you doing?" The Empress appeared out of nowhere, her gaze intense and questioning. Aether was initially startled but quickly recovered, coughing slightly, "N-nothing, just checking around." "I see..." The Empress''s eyes softened as she looked at Aether. "Thank you for saving my daughter." Her gratitude was unexpected, a softer side to her normallymanding presence. Aether blinked, surprised by her gratitude. With a cheeky smile, he replied, "Well, of course, I saved OURahemdaughter, Empress! I know MYahemEmpress would be sad," his expression shifting to one of sorrow. The Empress''s lips twitched. ''Looks like he has grown in many ways,'' she thought, an amused smile ying on her lips. She ced a hand on his shoulder, pushing him down onto the bed as she straddled his hips, her body pressed intimately against his. Her touch was electric, sending sparks of desire coursing through him. Aether''s heart pounded, feeling the heat of her body through his clothes. Though surprised, he maintained hisposure, his hands instinctively finding her thighs. "Empress always wanted to dominate... ah" he mumbled with an amused face. His fingers tightened, feeling the smooth, firm flesh beneath them, his senses heightened by her closeness. The Empress flinched at his boldness, not expecting him to touch her so confidently. ''He is more daring than before,'' she thought, feeling a strange heat rise within her. She leaned in, her lips brushing his as she spoke. "I want to reward you for saving my daughter, so..." she whispered seductively, her breath hot against his ear, "What do you want?" She pressed her ass against his, grinding slowly, teasingly, making him ache for more. Aether''s ears twitched, his eyes widening with a mix of desire and surprise. Her scent enveloped him, intoxicating and arousing, her closeness driving him wild. ''What''s going on?!'' he screamed inwardly, trying to maintain hisposure. The primal urge to take her, to im her, surged within him. The Empress grinned inwardly, delighted by his blushing face. ''How is that, Bastard?!'', She finally felt a measure of control, taking her revenge in this tantalizing game!! Yet, as she looked at his handsome face, she couldn''t deny the strange heat that pooled in her belly. ''His charm is dangerouslypelling!'' The realization both thrilled and unnerved her. Seeing him staring at her lips, she knew what he was about to ask. She smirked inwardly, ready to tease him further. "What is it?" she purred seductively, her voice dripping with honey, making Aether gulp harder. However, "Give me a hug," Aether asked gently, wrapping his hands around her hips and pulling her into an embrace, their bodies pressing closer. The simple request caught her off guard, a tender contrast to the heated moment. The Empress was taken aback, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink. She had expected him to ask for a kiss. A kiss from the Empress must be special, right? And yet... The unexpected tenderness of his request stirred something deep within her. A red hue appeared on her cheeks. [+200 Affection] !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 31.7%] Aether didn''t care! He knew she might be dangerous in the future, but shouldn''t you make the dangerous ones your allies? With that thought, he decided to follow his heart rather than worry about his survival rate. The risk was worth the reward, and he was willing to take it. Now, he wanted to tame this lioness and express his true feelings. "Empress, why do you feel so good? Whenever I hug you, I feel my body calm down, and I feel so good like I could sleep for eternity while holding you," he said softly, his voice filled with genuine wonder. Those were his real thoughts because even before when he hugged her, he always felt like he was in a gentle mother''s embrace. He wondered why. The Empress stared at his gentle yet curious expression and said, "It''s because of my bloodline ability." "Bloodline ability?" Aether frowned, this was only the second time he had heard that term. Chapter 211: I WILL MAKE YOU MINE SANDRA! "Yes, Bloodline Ability is unique and rare among everyone. It can be either awakened or passed down through the bloodline... You could say it''s an additional attribute," the Empress exined, her voice softening as she spoke, a hot breath hitting Aether''s face. "I see..." Aether nodded, his curiosity piqued, "What''s your bloodline then?" "The Meridian Bloodline of the Mermaid race.... It possesses the innate ability to soothe and warm others, nothing much!" she replied, her gaze meeting his with an intensity that sent a shiver down his spine. "Mermaid? That means you are a mermaid?" Aether asked, his eyes wide with surprise as he nced at her lower half, expecting to see a slimy fishtail but instead seeing her voluptuous, curvaceous figure. "Yes," she confirmed. Aether''s expression was one of shock and awe. He asked her to transform into a mermaid, but she dismissed his request with a wave of her hand. He decided not to push the matter further. He had just entered the academy as a student and knew there was time to learn more. ''That means Aqualina is also a mermaid? If so, I''d love to see her true form'' he thought, his imagination running wild with images of Aqualina in her mermaid state. He then hugged the Empress tightly, his body rxing as he felt the soothing warmth emanating from her, the sensation almost intoxicating. The softness of her body pressed against his, her subtle scent filling his nostrils, made his head spin with desire. The Empress simply stared at Aether, who was enjoying her embrace. ''Tsk, this bastard!'' she clicked her tongue inwardly. She had intended to tease him, yet here he was, calmly enjoying himself while her heart raced uncontrobly, her pulse quickening with each passing second. She could feel her resolve weakening under his touch, a dangerous vulnerability that she had not anticipated. [+200 Affection] "Empress," Aether called gently, tugging her glossy purple hair behind her ear and gazing into her misty purple eyes, his touch sending electric thrills down her spine. "Yes?" she frowned, wondering why she even let him do as he pleased, a mix of annoyance and an unexpected thrill? bubbling within her. Her voice, usually so steady andposed, wavered slightly. Instead of speaking, Aether simply stared into her eyes. ''Wow... really beautiful,'' he thought before leaning in and, "~chu~" "~chu~" He kissed both her eyes gently, his lips soft and warm against her eyelids. "I wonder what I should do to capture those eyes, so they look only at me," he whispered, his breath warm against her skin, his voice filled with a possessive desire that made her heart skip a beat. The Empress was taken aback, unable to believe what had just happened. Her lips twitched as she asked, "Did you just kiss my eyes and propose to me?" "Yeah," Aether answered directly, his gaze unwavering, filled with a confidence that was both surprising and exhrating. He knew that, unlike her daughter, the Empress needed straightforward actions. "I love you, my Empress!" he dered, his voice ringing with sincerity and determination. Hearing his confession, the Empress''s eyes widened even more. ''What in the world is he saying?'' She couldn''t believe Aether was dering his love so openly and determinedly. "I would like to take your hand," he said, entwining his fingers with hers, his touch both gentle and possessive, sending a thrill through her. The Empress frowned, unprepared for this sudden turn of events. ''Might be because of his recent growth,'' she thought, deciding to assert her authority. "Boy, you are talking to the Em--" Aether pushed her down, looking into her eyes as her hair spread out like a beautiful Aster flower around her. "Woman, I am talking to a woman... A lovely woman who hides her gentleness behind a strong facade," he said, rubbing her eye corners with a possessive tone. "Those eyes... I will make them mine, and they will look at me with gentleness and warmth," he vowed, his voice low and husky with desire. The Empress''s body visibly shook as she saw the possessive gaze in his eyes. Her lips curled up as she pushed him down and looked down at him with indifferent eyes. "You have the nerve to speak to the Empress like that," she said, pressing her firm, round butt against his crotch, her body heat seeping into him, igniting a fire within. [+300 Affection] [Survival rate: 31.6%] "No, it''s not nerve... It''s love, my dear Empress," Aether mumbled, gripping her hips tightly. They stared into each other''s eyes, the air thick with tension, a heady mix of desire and defiance. The Empress leaned down, her lips just inches away from his, her breath mingling with his. The tension in the room was palpable as they continued to stare at each other. Aether knew one wrong move could mean his demise, but he relished the risk, the thrill of their dangerous dance. The heat between them was almost unbearable, their bodies aching to close the gap. He then pushed her down again, his face close to hers, his lips just a centimetre away. "Marisandra... I want you," he said, leaning in and biting her neck, his teeth sinking into her soft flesh. "~Ha~" The Empress gasped, her eyes widening in surprise. She had expected him to go for her lips, but he bit her neck as if marking her, his possessive nature seeping through, branding her as his. "You will be mine!" Aether dered, looking at the bite mark on her neck with satisfaction, his eyes gleaming with a predatory light. The sight of his mark on her skin sent a thrill of possessive pride through him. ''Ba-Dump!'' Seeing him stare at her neck with possessive eyes, the Empress''s heart skipped a beat, and her cheeks turned red, a flush spreading across her usuallyposed features. The intensity of his gaze, the raw desire in his eyes, was overwhelming. [+500 Affection] [Survival rate: 31.4%] "You''re blushing~" Aether smirked, pinching her cheeks, his yful yet dominant demeanour further unsettling her. The way he toyed with her, his fingers tracing her heated skin, made her pulse race. The Empress''s eyes widened as she pushed him aside and stood up, tidying her dress, her movements hurried and flustered. She couldn''t believe she had let him have his way with her, "It''s Empress for you! And I will never be yours, bastard!" she spat, her face bright red with a mix of anger and embarrassment, her pride wounded by her own reaction. However, Aether simply stared into her beautiful eyes, making her blush even more. She gritted her teeth before disappearing, her retreat a stark contrast to her usualposed demeanour, leaving Aether to revel in his small victory. As soon as she left, Aether sighed in relief, copsing onto the bed. ''It''s exciting to bet my life rather than fighting'' he thought, recalling the Empress''s flustered expression. ''Fuck, she is making my blood boil...'' He screamed inwardly.The thrill of their encounter, the way her body had responded to his touch, was exhrating. Meanwhile, in the Principal''s office, ''OH MY FUCKING...!! This guy is really going after Sandra!!'' The Principal screamed inwardly, watching the live footage of Aether''s room. She had never imagined there was a rtionship between them. It even seemed Sandra was slightly interested in that boy, a thought that both shocked and amused her. The Principal bit her lip in shock, looking at Aether giggling like an idiot. ''He is really something!'' she thought, a mix of disbelief and amusement colouring her thoughts. The audacity of the boy, his sheer boldness, was something to behold. Suddenly, the Empress materialized before the Principal. "I know what you''re looking at... destroy that," she said in an icy tone, her eyes shing with a dangerous light. The coldness in her voice was a stark contrast to the blush still lingering on her cheeks! The Principal had an amused expression as she looked at the Empress, whose stoic expression was betrayed by a faint blush on her cheeks, a rare crack in her icy exterior. To be honest, the Empress did know the Principal was watching, but she never thought the situation would escte to the point that she herself would forget, her usual control slipping under Aether''s bold advances. The Principal nodded, understanding the royal secret. She was about to delete the memory when, "I WILL MAKE YOU MINE, SANDRA!!!" Aether suddenly shouted, his face full of excitement, his voice echoing with determination, the sound that sent a shiver down the Principal''s spine. BOOM!! Everything was destroyed in an instant. The Principal awkwardly looked at Empress whose face was brighter than a carrot, "Teach that bastard a lesson" as she disappeared. The principal could only nod her head in amusement. Chapter 212: Victor is hated by Aethers loved ones! After meticulously arranging everything, Aether decided to retrieve a few essential items from his dorm. As he mentally checked off his list, he suddenly realized he had forgotten someone.... or rather, something. Aether, now disguised as Victor, stood silently before the infirmary, He had just heard that his clone had been brought here. Selene, Lia, and Aria were gathered around the infirmary bed, their faces etched with deep concern and worry. "What happened to him?" Aria asked, her voice trembling, barely a whisper. "I don''t know," Lia replied, her voice filled with frustration and anger. She clenched her fists, "When I found him, he was lying on the ground, heavily wounded." Her tone dripped with barely contained rage. Selene stared nkly at Aether, her expression unreadable as if she were trying to process the gravity of the situation. Her normally vibrant eyes were distant, lost in thought. ''Gulp'' Victor gulped, ''Aether, you really messed up this time!'' he thought, mustering the courage to step inside the room. The floorboards creaked under his feet, echoing in the silent room. The trio turned to look at him, their expressions shifting from worry to surprise, then to suspicion as they saw the white-haired, mysterious boy. They flinched instinctively, their bodies tensing as they adopted a more defensive demeanour. "What do you want?" Aria asked with a pronounced frown, her voice icy and distrustful. Victor remained silent, choosing to maintain his arrogant and aloof aura. Lia stepped forward, raising her hand to block his path. "What. Do. You. Want?" she repeated, emphasizing each word. "He is my saviour," Victor dered, his voice steady as he ignored her obstruction. He walked towards Aether.... his clone. He reached out and touched Aether''s forehead with a sombre expression, feeling a mix of relief and guilt. "He helped me when I was in grave danger," Victor cooked on the spot, his mind racing to concoct a usible reason for his presence and his interaction with the clone. "Danger?" Aria frowned deeply, her scepticism growing. She crossed her arms tighter, her eyes narrowing as she scrutinized Victor. "It was during the attack on Valysar city," Victor continued, his voice tinged with a convincing mncholy, "He was the one who saved me from the chaos." He let his gaze drop as if recalling a painful memory. Lia nodded, her expression softening slightly as she remembered that Aether had been separated from them for a few crucial minutes, "I see... He helped you," she said warmly, looking at Aether with soft expression. [+100 Affection] Aria, however, still had a doubtful gaze, her mistrust evident. She needed to hear it from Aether himself before she could believe it. Meanwhile, Selene continued to stare nkly at Victor, her eyes narrowing slightly as if she were trying to see through something. Victor felt a cold sweat trickle down his back under her intense scrutiny, ''D-Did she find out?'' he screamed internally, feeling a rising panic. Victor then asked who had hurt Aether. When he heard that no one knew, he sighed with visible relief, a small weight lifted off his shoulders. He then proimed with fierce determination, "I will ensure everyone pays for hurting my saviour!" He gritted his teeth, feigning intense anger and righteous fury. "Is that so?" A voice interjected. Suddenly, a person who had been lying on a nearby bed slid the curtain open silently..... It was none other than Aqualina. Her eyes were sharp and usatory as she red at Victor, "Then care to exin why you had ten gs, including mine and Kaelen''s, which were supposed to be in Aether''s hand?" The trio''s eyes widened in utter surprise, and they turned to Victor with clear killing intent in their gazes. !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 31.3%] Victor didn''t get flustered; he had already concocted a n. He just didn''t expect Aqualina to still be here, "I got them from... Jack... Yeah, Jack Sparrow. Didn''t you hear he attacked a weak person after retiring?" he said, inwardly asking for forgiveness, ''I don''t know who that pitiful child is, but I bless him with luck!'' [Survival rate: 31.4%] Everyone stared at Victor for a moment, their minds processing the logic and Principal''s words who did say that... before slowly nodding their heads. Even more killing intent was released, the intensity almost suffocating Victor. "Stop it! You are hurting the patient!" the old woman in the infirmary shouted. The group immediately withdrew their killing intent, their faces showing immediate concern as they hurriedly checked to see if they had inadvertently hurt Aether. "Who are you?" Aqualina asked sternly, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. Victor nced at her briefly before looking at Aether, choosing his words carefully. He knew Aqualina wasn''t aware of this n since Taylor had informed him that the Empress had instructed her not to disclose anything. Only four people knew about this secret. Seeing him not answer, Aqualina clicked her tongue in irritation, already convinced he was the one who had caused the ruckus in the contest. Her distrust was palpable, and her eyes burned with suspicion. Suddenly, "Aqualina, Lia!!" "Selene!!" Kai and Leon burst into the room, their eyes wide with rm as they saw Victor standing with their dear ones. They immediately positioned themselves protectively in front of them, ring at Victor like he was a dangerous enemy. Their muscles were tense, ready for a fight. "What are you doing here, bastard?" Kai snarled, his voice low and threatening. "Did youe here to torture thedies?" Leon added, creating a scene in the once-calm infirmary. His eyes were filled with fury. Victor looked at Kai and said in an icy tone, "Were your cheeks.... forget something?" Kai''s cheeks twitched with a stinging sensation as he stepped back in fear, his confidence shaken. Then Victor turned his mocking gaze to Leon, "Did your ballse back?" Leon''s legs trembled, and his hand unconsciously covered his groin when Victor looked at it pointedly, the memory of past humiliation fresh in his mind. Seeing them tremble before him, Victor sighed in satisfaction, "We are in the infirmary. Don''t make a scene." Both of them growled like wounded dogs before lowering their heads. They then turned to Aqualina, asking about her health and what had happened. Afterwards, they checked on the other girls... Yes, they didn''t even care about the servant who was lying down! Especially Kai, when his eyes finally adjusted, he sighed in relief, thinking Victor was someone different. Then he focused on Lia, who simply ignored him, her eyes cold and indifferent. Feeling constantly annoyed, the old woman in charge of the infirmary told everyone to leave. Her patience was clearly wearing thin. Everyone reluctantly left the infirmary, their footsteps echoing in the hallway. With Selene''s help, Aqualina returned to the dorm, the two of them supporting each other. Soon after everyone had gone, Aether suddenly woke up, his eyes snapping open. "Young man, how are you" Before the old woman could finish her question, Aether walked out, not sparing her a nce. "???" The old woman frowned, perplexed by his new attitude, her brows furrowing in confusion. Soon, Aether entered the restroom where Victor was waiting. He deactivated his clone, feeling a sense of relief as the illusion dropped. He quickly changed his attire and waved his hand before his face as the mask flickered and transformed into a small ring. His hair colour also changed to ck, the strands shimmering in the dim light. As long as he wore the ring, his hair colour would remain ck, eliminating the need for dye. He exited the restroom with a tired expression, his shoulders slumped, and slowly made his way towards the servants'' dorm. Thud "Taylor?" he called as he entered the dorm, but there was no responsejust a silent, empty room. ''Did she go with the Empress?'' he wondered, frowning. Suddenly, he felt someone behind him. His eyes widened, adrenaline surging through his veins as he swiftly turned and mmed the intruder into the wall. "Oh? Look at you, able to sense me!" Taylor said with a smile, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she looked at Aether. He was surprised at his own reflexes, ''To think I could feel her presence... I suppose the Freedom skill is working well,'' he thought, loosening his grip and meeting her gaze. Her familiar face brought a wave of relief over him. "Where have you been?" he asked, his voice tinged with genuine curiosity and concern. Taylor replied with a cheeky smile, her eyes sparkling with mischief, "What? Missing me already even though you proposed to the Empress?". Chapter 213: Celestia Nocturne... A Heartless Creature Taylor replied with a cheeky smile, her eyes sparkling with mischief, "What? Missing me already even though you proposed to the Empress?" Hearing that, Aether''s face turned a deep shade of red, a mix of embarrassment and confusion swirling within him. He hadn''t expected Taylor to know about the proposal, especially considering their unknown rtionship status. His mind raced with thoughts, trying to decipher what she must be feeling now. Taylor grinned, cing her hand gently on Aether''s neck, savouring the look of surprise and difort on his face, "What?" she asked, her voiceced with yful curiosity. "Well... Don''t you feel... anything?" Aether stammered, his words stumbling over each other as he struggled to express his thoughts. Rtionships were a still mess for him, and he felt vulnerable and exposed, scratching his head awkwardly. Taylor''s smile softened, her eyes reflecting a mix of amusement and tenderness, ''So, he does care about my feelings,'' she thought, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. That was enough for her! She leaned in and kissed him gently on the lips, a soft and unexpected gesture that left him momentarily stunned, "I... don''t feel anything," Hearing that, Aether''s heart sank, a wave of sadness washing over him. If she had felt jealous, it would have been a sign of her affection. But most of all... ''She never gave me any affection points!'' Aether thought, recalling how earlier, Delphine hadn''t given him any affection points either.... it made him ponder deeply, it was then he remembered that Taylor had never shown any affection points despite their intimate moments. It was his mistake for not noticing before! He was truly careless against Taylor! He asked his log for answers, but as usual, it didn''t respond, leaving Aether to ponder whether she was ying with him all this time or if there was something else entirely. If it was ''y'' then... He would feel truly devasted! Despite his confusion, he couldn''t deny the sincerity in her eyes. Her expressions were genuine, filled with warmth and affection... not the points. If she was acting, she was doing an incredible job and he fucked up! Seeing his sad face, Taylor bit her lip, hesitating. She wasn''t sure if she should reveal the truth, knowing she was just a tool for the Empress. But she remembered how angry Aether had gotten for her... even though she had lied. Biting her trembling lips, she thought, ''Forgive me, your Majesty,'' and said softly, "... Because you are the only one I have feelings for!" Aether was confused. Taylor smiled and showed him her log as if she lying naked before him: Name: Celestia Nocturne Sex: Female Race: Siren [The Auralis Bloodline] Level: 41 Title: Tool for the Marisandra Naiadia, Fallen Princess, Heartless Creature, Heart only for Aether. Attributes: Strength: 403 Agility: 410 Intelligence: 405 Magic Affinity: 410 Charm: 410 When Aether saw the log, he was shocked. The title ''Heart only for Aether'' stunned him. He immediately picked her up and sat on the bed, cing her on hisp. He gently asked, "What does ''Heart only for Aether'' mean?" For him, this was more important than anything else, although he had many questions he wanted to askter. Still, He wanted to know as his heart beat faster. Her face turned a deep shade of red as she shyly looked down. "I-Is it... what it says," she stammered. ''Gulp'' Aether gulped, feeling his heart race as he looked at her expression, ''My goodness!!!'' he screamed inwardly, pulling her even closer and kissing her hand. Then Aether softly asked, "I want to know everything about you... Please tell me," as he entwined his fingers with hers, his voice filled with a mixture of curiosity and tenderness. She smiled, seeing how much Aether wanted to know about her. Slowly, she began to tell her story, "I was the child of the previous Empress and Emperor of the Aquaris Naiadae Empire. I was born with an innate bloodline called The Auralis Bloodline of the Siren Race, which is the most powerful and dangerous one." She paused, taking a deep breath, "It has the ability to enchant others with mere songs. My voice was enough to make my enemies scream in nightmares, to break their minds without me lifting a finger. Just a few sounds from my throat were enough to end their lives or... to let them sleep peacefully in sweet dreams." Aether listened intently, his eyes never leaving hers. "However," she continued, her voice softening to a whisper, "due to this bloodline, I lost my heart... or more urately, the ability to feel emotions towards others. I feltpletely empty! I couldn''t feel sorrow for a death, happiness for a victory, disgust for unsightly things, or... even love for someone." Her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she looked at Aether, her expression filled with raw vulnerability. "But t-then..." Her voice wavered, and she took a moment topose herself, her eyes searching for the right words. "When I... I encountered a white-haired boy, my heart, which had been silent and emotionless, suddenly began to beat. I don''t know why or how, but every time I was near him, my heart would flutter uncontrobly. Thinking about him made me feel alive as if I could live a normal life. That lifeless dance suddenly became bright and filled with colours it made my heart race even more... And when that boy kissed me... A whole new array of emotions erupted within me... happiness, fear, sadness, possessiveness, and... lust. Emotions I had never felt before in my life." As she looked at Aether, her eyes turned teary, her voice trembling with emotion, "I-I feel really alive now... as if Arcane brought him into my life just for me." Aether smiled gently, as he rubbed away the tears from the corners of her eyes. Though he understood her words, he knew she was holding back a deep well of pain that couldn''t be easily expressed. No one could exin their pain in just a few words! He, too, had suffered greatly in his past!! Aether hugged her tightly, "Then?" She smiled, continuing her story, her voice steady, "Well, due to internal problems, the throne was usurped, and both the Empress and Emperor were killed." Aether noticed there was no pain in her eyes as she spoke about the death of her parents. ''Maybe they didn''t treat her well, or she didn''t feel anything towards them... Must be hard,'' he thought, his heart aching for her. She continued, "Then Empress Marisandra Naiadia took over the Empire. She didn''t kill me; she just let me go. But I didn''t leave. I formed a contract with her, agreeing that my sole purpose would be to serve as her tool. She could use me and discard me as she wished." Hearing that, Aether frowned, "Why didn''t you leave? You could have had a normal life." She looked at Aether, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and confusion, "I... I don''t know... I don''t understand myself sometimes... Maybe if I had left that day," she said, touching his cheek gently, "I don''t think I would have ever met you." Aether was speechless, "Still..." She shook her head, smiling softly. Whenever she saw his worried expression, she felt her heart being pierced, yet it made her feel truly alive. In a soft, almost inaudible voice, she said, "Maybe because... Marisandra Naiadia... is my big sister" Chapter 214: All for Aether! Aether was genuinely astonished to discover that the Empress was actually her elder sister. He stared deeply into her vivid purple eyes, so strikingly simr to the Empress''s, the resemnce now undeniable. "Ah... I see now..." he murmured. "Then the Empress killed her own parents for power?" he asked, his voice shaky as the gravity of his previous actions hit him hard. His mind raced back to his own reckless behaviour, ''FUCK!! I had been ying with fire!!'' he screamed inwardly. Seeing his visibly distressed expression, Celestia Nocturne giggled. As if reading his mind, she said, "Yes, you have been ying with fire~" Aether''s lips twitched at her obvious enjoyment of his suffering. "Anyway, why did she kill her parents?" he asked, he was really curious about her family situation. She stared into his eyes intently, her gaze unwavering and prating, making him wonder if he shouldn''t have asked such a sensitive question. After a few tense seconds, she answered seriously, "I cannot say..... Rather, I have no right to answer. If you want to know, you need to hear it from her, not from others." Aether''s eyes sparkled with a childlike wonder and desperation, but Celestia blocked those shining stars with her resolute demeanour. She wouldn''t tell.... maybe if he tried hard but she still was determined to not tell him. "All I can say is... she is way more pitiful than me," Celestia mumbled, clenching his cor tightly as if drawing strength from the fabric, "If you decide to go after her, make sure your heart is open first." as if she was dead serious. "H-Huh?" Aether tilted his head, thoroughly confused, "Open my heart?" Celestia snorted derisively, "Though I am a heartless person, I can see when someone truly shows their heart." Aether paused, staring nkly before lowering his eyes and asking in a soft voice, "A-Am I that readable?" Celestia''s expression softened.... There were times when she could see his true vulnerable nature. She gently hugged his head to her bosom, her touch unexpectedly tender, "Women, by their very nature, can discern the hearts of those they love..... Aether. I don''t know what makes you hesitate..." She remembered the times when Aether showed palpable fear whenever Selene or even she made close contact. He was clearly scared of loving them, of opening himself up to that vulnerability. That''s why Selene didn''t push him, and her affection had remained stagnant for a long time, stuck in a limbo of unspoken feelings. Celestia continued, "I am not great at dealing with emotions... Look at me... Whatever happened to being scared of loving, but I won''t ever stop loving you...T-This is my new feeling.... I won''t let it go" as her expression slightly darkened. Aether flinched, lifting his head from her bosom, seeing her dead serious expression as he had no words to express his feelings. ''I suppose I still fear loving others... after her,'' he thought, the memory of past pain still lingering. Then he smiled weakly and said gently, "Thank you for loving this useless bastard." "Hehe..." Celestia giggled before kissing his forehead and warned sternly, "If you decide to pursue the Empress, you will need to resolve your heart and embrace her fully.... or you will drown under the ocean that had no end!" "A-Are you fine with that?" Aether asked with little hesitation. "Hmmm?" "I mean didn''t you say you love me?" Aether asked carefully. "Yes, I do" Celestia''s face turned red as cursed him inwardly for asking her again and again. "Then?" Aether asked. Celestia tilted her head still not understanding what he was asking. "Don''t you feel sad that I''m trying to woo other women?" he asked straightly. If she truly loved him, shouldn''t she feel jealous or even angry? However, "I see..." Celestia nodded in understanding before saying, "Then make sure to not make me sad" Aether was surprised to hear her answer, ''I suppose these worlds have a different view... or maybe because she was previous royalty....'' was amused. Awkwardly snuggled in her bosom, his lips were trembling to take a bite of this milker! Celestia giggled even more, licking her lips seductively as she thought, ''Something tells me this womanizing bastard... would be too much to handle for one person'' She remembered the day when Aether subconsciously decided to kill Leon who had just tried to speak with Selene.... That memory lingered, a testament to the dangerous depths of his emotions. Even though he didn''t love Selene to begin.... that time a shiver ran through Celestia''s spine, she finally understood what meant to be loved by this man! Even more when Celestia was hurt, he tenderly cared for her before breaking the person who hurt her..... Oh, man! Celestia realized then he was far more dangerous than he appeared, his calm exterior hiding a storm of intensity and passion. And Most of all, she was Royal so she knew how marrying more than one person works. She looked at him with a wondering expression and couldn''t help butment, "Selene, Queen Aria, Delphine, Princess Aqualina, Helena, Lia... even the Principal... Yup, you are digging deep your grave with this list, I wonder how they going to fight for the first position" Hearing that extensive list, Aether gulped nervously, his eyes widening in shock, ''S-She knows!!!'' he thought, panic creeping into his mind. "W-Wait! Lia?" Aether was sure he wasn''t flirting with Lia, just considering her a little sister. The implication that she might see it differently disturbed him deeply. Celestia shrugged nonchntly, saying no more. Her silence was both afort and a torment. "H-How did you know?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, fear and curiosity warring within him. "I''ve been following you.... I disappear sometimes, right? I was just watching you try your best to flirt with others. It was sooooo cringe-worthy it made me want to puke," she said, acting like she was about to vomit, her expression exaggerated for effect. Aether''s lips twitched. ''So she was following me all this time!'' He gritted his teeth, thinking that if it had been for the Empress or anyone else, he would be dead by now. "Wait!! Did you tell this to the Empress?" he asked seriously. Celestia gave him a teasing look, her eyes twinkling with mischief, "Guess?" she replied, leaving him in suspense. Aether squinted his eyes, He decided to teach this teasing woman a lesson she wouldn''t soon forget. Leaning in closer, he captured her gaze, his lips hovering just inches from hers before he closed the gap and kissed her passionately. "~mm~" Celestia didn''t resist; instead, she responded eagerly, her lips parting to hungrily devour his. The taste of him was intoxicating, like the finest wine, and she lost herself in the moment. "~Hmm~" "~slurp~'' They fought for dominance in the kiss, their tongues battling in a sensual dance. Celestia, being a novice in such passionate kiss, was easily overwhelmed by the experienced and confident Aether. His touch was bothmanding and tender, driving her wild. "~ha~" "~ha~" Panting, Their eyes locked, and in that moment, they saw each other''s primal desireid bare. Aether gently rubbed her wet lips with his thumb, a smirk ying on his face as he revelled in her reaction. "Should I call you Celestia or Taylor?" he asked, his voice low and teasing,ced with a hint of possessiveness. "Hmm? Unfortunately, I''m officially dead in records" she replied carefree attitude, "So you can only call me Taylor around others. However..." Her cheeks flushed a delicate pink as she looked away shyly, "You can call me anything you want when we''re alone." Aether''s smile softened as he shook his head, his thoughts momentarily drifting to another woman, ''I''m sorry, Pene... I think I cannot let this woman leave my side...'' he thought. Although he hadn''t yet reached the point of love, seeing Celestia''s lovely, vulnerable expression, he knew he wouldn''t want her to be seen by other men. The thought of anyone else touching her stirred something possessive and primal within him... He immediately shook his unwanted thoughts. The mood was abruptly broken as Celestia''s expression shifted to one of smugness mixed with a touch of disgust, "You know... you always ruin the moment." "Hmm? What do you mean?" Aether was taken aback, genuinely puzzled by her sudden change in demeanour. Celestia red at him, feeling something twitching under her ass. This wasn''t the first time she had encountered this situation, "Can''t you control your unfaithful dick? It''s standing up again!" Aether''s cheeks turned a deep shade of red, ''FUCK!! I thought I tied it down!'' he cursed inwardly. Clearing his throat, he quickly turned the tables and used her, "You''re responsible! You pushed my head into your milky busty boobs that are soooo soft that made me sooooooo hard!" Hearing those vulgar words, Celestia''s face turned bright red as she sneered at him, a mix of embarrassment and arousal ring within her. Before she could respond with a cutting remark, Aether interrupted her, "You should take responsibility!" "H-Huh!" Celestia''s eyes widened in horror, and she was about to rebuke him when he continued, "Last time, I suffered alone," he said, looking at his right hand with a pained expression, the memory of solitary nights flooding his mind.... He wasn''t letting her go now! "Grrrr," Celestia gritted her teeth, knowing he was employing underhanded tactics to manipte her. Still, with steely resolve and a sense of duty, she said, "Fine, I will do it." Aether was genuinely shocked. He couldn''t believe hisme acting had actually worked. Believe her, she was just doing this for Aether''s sake, not because she was curious about seeing or touching anything. She was just helping Aether... that''s what she told herself repeatedly, her heart pounding in her chest. It''s not like she wanted to touch him first or taste him first or anything... She was definitely doing it for his sake!! BELIEVE HER!!! It''s all for her beloved sake! Chapter 215: ~I am just returning the favour~ Aethery sprawled on the bed, his gaze locked onto Celestia as she straddled his hips, her posture exuding dominance. She looked down at him with a haughty smile, her eyes glimmering with mischief and desire. "Both sisters really want to dominate me... ah," Aether murmured, his voice tinged with amusement and a hint of arousal. He couldn''t help but smile, captivated by her haughty smile. Celestia''s giggle was a seductive melody as she leaned closer, her breath warm against his skin, "Women love to dominate men..." she purred, her purple eyes glinting dangerously. She began to sensuously rub her ass against his crotch, the friction sending electric shivers through his body. "Arrhh," Aether groaned, feeling his divine sword stirring, trembling with anticipation and need. Celestia''s giggles intensified, watching him writhe beneath her touch. A new kind of emotion, a potent mix of power and lust, erupted within her heart, fueling her desire even more. Aether''s hands moved slowly, almost reverently, towards her plump breasts that were hidden behind her thin clothes, eager to feel their softness. "Nope!" She caught his hands with a teasing grin, "You missed your chancest time... I''m only helping you with my hand," she dered, her voice dripping with yful authority. Hearing her words, Aether felt his anticipation shatter into pieces. If he had known this, he would have taken her that day. But now, there was no point in regretting the past. He sighed, epting the situation. Celestia''s eyes sparkled with happiness as she slowly unbuttoned his shirt. Each button undone revealed more of his tight muscles and sturdy body. Her insides quivered with a blend of fear and excitement, her throat dry as she gulped. She couldn''t resist the urge any longer and pressed her lips to his chest, leaving a trail of kisses. ''~chu~'' Aether shivered as a cold sensation coursed through his body. Every fibre of his being screamed to push her down and ravish her, but he held back, allowing her to take her time and enjoy the moment. Celestia, on the other hand, found her breath growing heavier with each kiss. The sight of his naked upper body, the feel of his skin against her lips, was intoxicating. She had intended to only use her hands, but her soaking wet panties betrayed her arousal, revealing her true desires. ''T-Thank goodness he didn''t see this... and I am still wearing the outfit'' she thought, sneaking a nce at Aether. His amused expression only made her blush deeper. Her eyes were drawn to the bulge in his pants, a tantalizing thing of whaty beneath. She bit her lip, hesitating as she slowly removed his pants. As she slid them down, the outline of his hard, firm erection became more apparent through his underwear. Her panties grew even wetter, ''M-maybe I shouldn''t see this...'' she thought, immediately changing her n. Shey beside him, her face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and desire. "Hmm?" Aether looked at her, curiosity and lust mingling in his eyes. With a deep blush, she asked, "Only my hands need to treat it, right?" "Well..." Aether pondered, the thought of her hands alone already driving him wild. In this new life, every touch was heightened, making him harder than ever. For now, her hands would be more than enough. Receiving his nod, Celestia bit her lip, her hand trembling as it moved towards his lower body. Her eyes remained locked on Aether''s, silently chanting, ''Don''t look, don''t look, don''t look...'' Slip Her hand slid inside his underwear, finding his erection hard, firm, and impossibly big. "OH!" Celestia''s eyes widened in shock, ''T-This feels totally different than through the pants...'' Seeing Aether''s grin, Celestia''s blush deepened. Overwhelmed with a surge of desire, Aether couldn''t resist capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. She responded eagerly, their tongues dancing as her hand began to stroke his vigorous sword. "Arrhfff~" Aether groaned, the sensation of her cold hand against his warm body sending waves of pleasure through him, ''FUCK!! I want to fuck her!!'' he screamed internally, but he held back, respecting her boundaries. Celestia''s whole body trembled as she gently moved her hand up and down his shaft. Her eyes were drawn to his cock, but she knew that once she saw it, they would lose control and destroy the bed in their passion. She focused on his face, kissing him deeply as her hand worked its magic. Aether tried to grab her breasts, but she blocked him, whispering, "Nope~" before biting his ear teasingly. Aether could only smile, vowing that he would have her at his mercy soon enough. For now, he wanted her to finish the job before moving on to the next stage. "~chu~" "~mm~" The room was filled with the sounds of their passionate kisses and his groans of pleasure. Celestia felt something sticky flowing onto her hand. Surprised, she asked, "D-Did you... finish?" From what she had read, she expected a man to tremble and their cock to bulge before climaxing, but Aether climaxed with an almost eerie calmness. Aether felt wronged. Even though it was a new sensation, he wouldn''t climax that easily. Most of all, he had been controlling every inch of his body to avoid climaxing, wanting to savor this exquisite sensation. Aether grinned and started to say, "That''s just pre-cum for lubricating the wom" but Celestia quickly sealed his lips with hers, her kiss fervent and demanding. She knew he was about to say something more vulgar, and she didn''t want to hear it. Her kisses were intoxicating, her body pressed firmly against his. The feel of her soft breasts pressing into his chest,bined with the heat radiating from her core, made his divine sword throb with need. Her lips parted slightly, and with an amused, flushed face, she whispered breathlessly, "Come for me, Darling~" Aether, who had been holding back like a dam, suddenly felt it break upon hearing her sultrymand. He climaxed in her hand, his body shuddering with a mix of helplessness and deep satisfaction. "~aarrhhh~mm~" Celestia''s face was bright red as she slowly withdrew her sticky hand. She stared at the warm, sticky substance coating her fingers, feeling a primal urge rising within her. Her throat was dry, and she couldn''t help but gulp as the musky scent filled her senses. Even though she knew it wouldn''t taste particrly good, her tongue and heart yearned to taste her beloved''s essence. Panting heavily, she tentatively licked her fingers, savouring the taste, ''Not bad...'' she thought, her desire growing, before eagerly licking her hand clean, her eyes half-lidded with lust. Aether watched with a mix of amusement and shock as Celestia licked his seed from her hand without hesitation. Her horniness was palpable, her nipples straining against her clothes, clearly visible through the thin fabric. After finishing, Celestia snapped out of her daze and looked at Aether, who wore a smug expression. "Did it taste good?" he asked, his voice low and teasing. Celestia''s face turned an even brighter shade of red. She couldn''t believe what she had just done, especially in front of Aether. Embarrassed, she tried to pull away, but Aether caught her hand and pulled her on top of him. "~Hmm~" He kissed her deeply, his tongue exploring her mouth with a fervour that left her breathless. Celestia struggled for a moment before melting into the passionate kiss, her body pressing against his, craving more. Lost in the embrace, Aether''s hand slowly travelled down her body, slipping under her skirt with deliberate slowness. "Mff!!" Celestia gasped in surprise. "W-What are you doing?" "Nothing~ Just returning the favour ~" he whispered, his breath hot against her ear. He gently bit her earlobe, causing her body to lose strength and her mind to fog with desire. "~Aaahhh~" She moaned loudly when she felt his fingers slide into her most intimate ce, sending waves of intense pleasure through her. Chapter 216: I will bite you off!! "A-Aether~sto~~aah~ppp!!" Celestia''s voice trembled with unrestrained pleasure, each wordced with a desperate yearning as Aether''s fingers explored her sweet, precious slits, ces she had never allowed anyone else to touch. Aether grinned, watching her writhe atop him. Even after he released her, shey there, panting and trembling, a beautiful mess of raw lust and ecstasy.... She was free to go but she didn''t! "I-I told you~ahmm~ not to touch~meeeaahh~"Celestia mumbled, her hands clutching at his chest as her sses slipped off, her purple eyes zed with ecstasy, rolling back in sheer bliss... her face was beet red. "~ah~ahh~hhaaa~mmmmfff~" Aether continued to tease her sweet slits, his fingers dancing over her tender folds, his middle finger delving deep into her inner walls, making her body quiver and her moans grow louder. "A~aaeetthheeerrr~" Celestia bit into his neck to muffle her moans, her teeth sinking into his skin, her body responding with uncontroble fervour to every touch, every caress, ''Ah~ this feeling~ it''s different~aaahh~'' "You feelings this, don''t you, Celestia?" With his other hand, Aether grabbed her round, firm ass, kneading and spreading her cheeks. The sensation made Celestia clench them tightly. "Aaaaa~~N~No~" Suddenly, she felt an overwhelming pressure building inside her, an urgent need that made her cry out. "I-I need to go~aahh~Stopppp~ Something is---" Just as she was on the brink of release, Aether''s fingers stopped moving. The abrupt halt left her teetering on the edge of ecstasy..... her frustration palpable. "..." Celestia stared at Aether with an annoyed, pleading look. "What?" "..." "You told me to stop, So I did!!" "..." "If you don''t tell me, I don''t know..." Aether shrugged, though his fingers continued to tease her, grazing her sensitive areas but avoiding the entrance she desperately wanted him to touch. Celestia wasn''t sure what this feeling was, but she craved it. She had tried to masturbate before, but it never felt like this. Her eyes filled with tears, and she mumbled, "You meanie~" as she gently bit his Adam''s apple and sucked on it, her lips and tongue exploring his skin with newfound boldness. Aether smiled with satisfaction, "Men love to be mean to dominating women~" he whispered something, his breath hot against her ear, making her shiver. Celestia flinched, her face turning visibly red. She shook her head in denial, but Aether persisted, "Say it~" he whispered into her twitching, red ear while squeezing her ass tightly, his fingers digging into her flesh. "~aah~" Celestia blushed deeply. She desperately wanted to feel this sensation again. She buried her face in his chest and mumbled, "Ma.....m...m" "Hmm?" "Make... m.....m" "I can''t hear you~" "MAKE ME CUM!!" Aether''s grin widened, his ego ring. He kissed her head and said, "You''ve done well~ Now cum for me, dear~" then plunged his fingers back into her eager, wet slit. "Yessss~aahh~mfff~" Aether sealed her lips with his, their tongues intertwining in a dance of lust. His fingers scraped her inside faster as the nectar flowed like a dam..... Finally, he flicked her protruding clit and pinched it gently, sending shockwaves of pleasure through her body. Her body shuddered as current passed through her brain making her shut down and go nk! "~AAAHHHHHHH~aaaghhhhfffff~~~~" Celestia let out a muffled cry, her body shaking violently as she climaxed. Her hips trembled uncontrobly, her mind going nk with overwhelming pleasure. Her legs and toes curled up, her entire being lost in the throes of her first truly satisfying orgasm. Celestia felt her body go heavy as she copsed on top of him, panting heavily. Aether looked at his drenched hand, sniffing it curiously. ''She smells different...'' He wondered what a woman with a siren bloodline would taste like and was just about to lick his hand when, "P-Please don''t!" Celestia caught his hand, her eyes wide with embarrassment as she saw him trying to taste her nectar. Aether had a smug look on his face, "Why? You licked mine, didn''t you?" Celestia gritted her teeth, "NO means NO!!" she shouted, using her magic to cover Aether''s hand in water and cleanse it instantly. The thought of him tasting her essence was too intimate, too embarrassing. As if he was licking her inside!! "...." Aether was taken aback, "You little!" He was just about to drink from the source when Celestia immediately covered herself with the bedsheet like a ko, sneering as she said, "Come near me, and I''ll tell the Empress." Her body was already so sensitive that she knew she would sumb to the feeling again, and she was scared of it, so she yed her hidden card. "...." Aether''s lips twitched. He knew she was ying, but still, using the Empress card was unfair. Aether snorted andy down on the bed. Celestia giggled before slowly and carefully lying beside him. "Don''t touch me....." she murmured as her voice slowly trailed off, and she fell into a deep sleep. This was her first time climaxing with such powerful emotions, leaving her feeling utterly exhausted. Aether smiled before hugging her tightly and falling asleep as well. "Heh..." Celestia giggled softly before hugging him tightly in return. ... .... Next Morning Aether woke up feeling a mix of satisfaction and residual arousal. He looked over at Celestia, still asleep beside him, her chest rising and falling gently. The memory of her climax and the way her body had responded to his touch made his heart race. He reluctantly got out of bed, careful not to wake her, and dressed for the day. Celestia smiled before waking up. As he stepped out, he was greeted by Aqualina''s concerned gaze "Are you fine?" she asked, her voice soft and gentle. Her eyes searched his face for any signs of distress. [+6000 Affection] "Yes, Princess," Aether replied with a reassuring smile, taking her handbag from her. "Ether," Selene''s worried voice cut through the morning calm. She touched his face, her face inches from his. "You don''t need to push yourself, okay?" she said softly, her breath mingling with his as she took Aqualina''s bag. [+4000 Affection] She knew Aqualina pulled Aether into the contest, her inward grumbling about the "bitchy princess" evident in her expression. She thought about asking her brother to change the ownership soon, determined to keep Aether close. Just then, her nose twitched as she caught a scent....something different about Aether. "I am fine, Sel," Aether assured her, patting her cheek gently. Selene blushed deeply, her eyes fluttering at his unexpected touch. [+4000 Affection] [+4000 Affection] [+4000 Affection] ''...Okay, l-let''s calm down,'' he thought inwardly, following the princess while carrying her bag again. Selene nodded with a smile, her eyes falling on Taylor, who was still waiting for her bag. She was in a good mood today, she handed it over, "Here." Taylor blinked in surprise before saying, "Thank you, Madam," as he took the bag. However, Selene frowned, detecting something off.... the lingering scent of Aether on Taylor. Her eyes narrowed suspiciously as she nced between Taylor and Aether, ''N-No way... right?'' she thought, shaking her head to dispel the unsettling idea. ..... ... Inside the ssroom, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and gossip. "Did you hear that Victor is about to join our ss?" "Oh, I didn''t see thating. I thought they would experiment on him, considering he can absorb the Arcane." "Yeah, but the Principal found him, so she''s probably eager to ept him into the ss. That''s why she started this contest." "Right, the contest must be a way for him to enter the ss without objections. I mean, he almost collected 10 gs while none of the chosen ones even got another''s g." "hahaha...." "Haha, I thought they''d be so dangerous but... hehehe." The chosen ones exchanged uneasy nces, swallowing their pride. Delphine entered, having heard the news about the new guy but noting he would only attend half a day. The chosen ones growled with impatience, eager to confront him. Meanwhile, Aether leaned over to Taylor with a mischievous grin, "Hey, Taylor, I need to go chu~chu. Would you minding with me? I''m kind of scared to go alone." as he had a scared face. Taylor''s face turned bright red, and he pinched his hips. "I will bite you off." "I am waiting~~" Aether teased, his eyes dancing with yful lust. Taylor''s eyes widened in disbelief, ''M-Maybe I shouldn''t have told him...'' He felt a mix of annoyance and happiness, ''I feel.... Very happy!'' Chapter 217: Disgusting Brothel Inside Delphine''s office: "Are you ready?" Delphine asked, casting a nce at Aether, who was now adorned in a pristine white uniform that gave him the appearance of a noble student. ''He looks really different in every outfit,'' Delphine mused silently, her eyes catching something on his neck. "Why is she clinging to your neck like that?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. Aether awkwardly smiled, his eyes shifting to Snowke, who was curled around his neck as if she had no intention of letting go. The previous day, he had instructed her to wait in the principal''s house while he retrieved a few things, but circumstances had escted, and he had somewhat forgotten about her. Now, she was sulking and clinging to his neck. "Well, whatever..." Delphine shrugged, deciding that as long as Snowke didn''t cause amotion, it was fine. She was about to leave the office when Aether moved to block the door. "...What''s wrong?" "That''s what I want to know," he said, his expression serious. Up until now, she hadn''t given him any affection points, and he started to wonder if his log was malfunctioning with her and Celestia. For Celestia even if she was heartless still she showed her affection directly there was no way it was just an act and even more her log says she loves him.... so she must have had the affection, right? But it didn''t!So, it must be something else! "Hmm?" Delphine frowned, not understanding Aether''s sudden actions. Aether stepped forward, standing directly in front of Delphine with a look of determination. "Did I do something to hurt you?" "...What are--" "Please," Aether interrupted, shaking his head, "I can feel it. Even though you''re this close to me.... it feels like there''s a distance between us. Why?" Aether genuinely wanted to understand what had transpired. Although he could resort to his usual tricks, Delphine was one of the few people who cared about him differently from others. He didn''t want to taint that unique feeling. Despite everything, he was still a good guy at heart! Delphine simply shrugged, "Why would we be close?" She moved away from Aether, exiting the room as she bit her trembling lip. Aether blinked a few times, sighed, and then waved his hand before his face, causing a mask to materialize. He followed her silently. ... .... "Okay, students. As you all know, his name is Victor, and he will be attending sses for the remainder of the four-year term. Please be friendly with him," Delphine announced to the ss. Victor stood before everyone, his hands casually resting in his pockets. Delphine red at him, prompting him to say something, but Victor merely shrugged and walked to an empty spot in the front row, sitting down with an air of elegance. The atmosphere was tense as the chosen ones red at Victor, their expressions a mix of curiosity and hostility. Victor, however, didn''t seem to care. Snowke, perched on his neck, hissed angrily, her presencemanding silence from the others. Soon, the ss resumed, the tension slowly dissipating. Victor, eager to learn about this new world, intently took notes, his focus unwavering. This surprised a few who had assumed he would be a rebellious and uninterested student. He absorbed numerous details about the Aerionis Zephyra Empire, particrly itsplex structure and elemental properties. This world/Empire had a strong affinity for Air Elemental properties, allowing air-rted races such as Sylphs, Harpies, various Elves, and Demi-humans to thrive in its environment. Victor smiled, intrigued, and raised his hand to ask about these ''Air Elemental properties.'' Delphine''s stern expression softened briefly into a smile before she masked it again with her usual authoritative look, [+300---] "Arcane Energy is a cluster of energyposed of different elements like air, water, fire, and others. In this world, the most prominent element is air, which is prevalent in the Arcane Energy clusters," she exined, her voice measured and precise. [Author''s Note: If you struggle to understand, Remember our Earth''s atmosphere contains, Nitrogen, Oxygen, CO2 and is simr each empire has the same Arcane energy [Atmosphere] but different Elemental quantities [Differentposition Levels of Nitrogen, Oxygen, and CO2]... Still not able able to graspment me] Victor''s lips twitched inwardly when the flow of affection abruptly ceased. He wasn''t sure what had caused the sudden stop, but he sighed inwardly, nodded in understanding, and continued taking notes diligently, his curiosity driving him to learn more. As soon as sses ended and the students began to disperse, Victor dashed out of the ssroom, his swift movements surprising everyone. "Tsk, coward," Thalia and Jack clicked their tongues in disdain, their eyes following Victor''s retreating figure, while Selene stared after him, her gaze thoughtful and intense. ... .... Inside Aqualina''s room, Aether meticulously tidied up, ensuring everything was in its proper ce before handing her the neatlypiled homework documents. Aqualina skimmed through the details, her eyes scanning the pages quickly, while Aether gazed out the window, his mind preupied with thoughts of Celestia. He didn''t want her secretly stalking him, her presence was always an unsettling mystery. ''Where could she be?'' he wondered, his thoughts racing. ording to the list she told him, it was sure she watching him closely, and he was curious about her surveince techniques, ''I will learn that technique and Peek- ahem... I mean to use it to my advantage... for my future ns only!'' he resolved, his expression serious and determined. "What are you thinking?" Aqualina asked curiously, her eyes lifting from the documents to study his face. "Well... I''ve been wondering when you''ll take me to the brothel--" SSsshhhhh Before Aether could finish his sentence, a long, gleaming blue sword stabbed the wall, inches from his face. The sound was sharp and sudden, causing him to freeze in shock. "P-Princess?" he stammered, his eyes wide with surprise. "Nothing just a bug... " Aqualina smiled a serene yet unsettling expression, "...and You don''t need to visit a disgusting brothel anymore, Aether," she said calmly, her tone unwavering. "Hmm? What do you mean? How can I seduce other Arcane queens? How can you be sovereign?" Aether asked, his voice a mix of innocence and shock. Aqualina''s smile remained, making him think she didn''t care. Then, her expression turned serious, her eyes glinting with a dangerous determination, "We are changing the n. There''s no need for you to seduce them!" she dered her voice firm. "P-Princess? What do you mean?" Aether asked, confusion and unease creeping into his voice. "I mean, I''m going to end them! It''s easier to kill them rather than seduce them..... It''s hard for you, you know!" Aqualina said with a determined expression, a dangerous glint in her eyes. [+6000 Affection] "...." Aether stood speechless, his mind struggling to process the sudden shift in their ns, ''Looks like I need to keep my act'' he thought. Chapter 218: Aria makes her move! "Don''t worry, I won''t hurt your ''dear'' Aria... definitely!" Aqualina said with a gentle smile, her demeanour calm and serene as if she was mercifully letting a bug go just for Aether''s sake. Aether blinked for a moment, processing her words before nodding slowly, ''Yep, Aria is her first target...'' he thought to himself, feeling a sense of urgency creeping in. He knew he needed to take swift action before things spiralled out of control and caused even moreplications. Aether stood before her, lowering himself to one knee like a knight before hisdy, and gently took her hand in his. She remained silent, not even frowning at him for touching her without her explicit permission. This gesture alone spoke volumes about how deeply she had fallen for him. Others might dismiss this as a trivial act, but Aether understood the profound significance. She had surrendered both her body and soul to him, entrusting him with everything. All he needed to do was ept this for what it truly meant. "Princess, these hands should never... ever be stained with blood again!" Aether dered, his voice imbued with solemnity as he looked earnestly into her mesmerizing purple eyes. He added, "Please, I don''t want to see you get hurt again," his voice trembling with a hint of pain. "I... I will think about it then" Aqualina lied. Aether smiled beautifully. Aqualina bit her lip, her gaze softening as she looked at the man who loved her so deeply. [+6000 Affection] She didn''t want him to kneel before her; she desired to be treated equally, just like how Aria treated him. She patted the spot beside her on the bed, "Sit." Aether hesitated for a few moments, uncertainty flickering in his eyes before he finally sat down beside her. The air around them suddenly turned silent, an almost tangible tension settling in. Aqualina, now seeing him up close, took in the sight of his shimmering ck hair, his sharp gaze, and his alluring red lips. Her heart skipped a beat as she lowered her head, her thoughts racing, ''H-He is quite handsome...'' she admitted to herself. [+6000 Affection] Slowly, Aqualina mumbled, "You know..." "Hmm?" Aether responded, his curiosity piqued. "An empress can take consorts," Aqualina said, her face turning an even deeper shade of red. Aether was taken aback, his mind racing, ''What? An empress taking consorts? When did this happen?'' He needed to know more details immediately. He couldn''t allow another man to have her. The thought of the dominating woman he desired being with someone else was unbearable. He wanted her all to himself and couldn''t fathom letting others have her. "Empress? Is your mother marrying again? Who is he? What level is he? How old is he? Is he trying to deceive your mother?" Aether bombarded her with questions, his concern evident. Aqualina was taken aback by his barrage of questions. She covered her face with embarrassment, realizing he had misunderstood her words. ''I messed up...'' she thought but then frowned, "Why are you asking so much about my mother''s affairs?" "I-I was worried about what kind of father you will have, so..." Aether stammered, trying to justify his curiosity while sweating inwardly. He couldn''t let his true emotions slip. Aqualina''s expression softened, touched by his concern, ''Even now he''s thinking about me... ah,'' she thought before rifying, "I-I meant... myself. You know I will be Empresster." "OH..." Aether sighed in relief, feeling the tension ease. He had almost thought he needed to take drastic measures again, but then he stopped and blinked, realizing Aqualina was staring at him with a red face, her toes twirling on the ground, a clear sign of her shyness. ''Ah! Fuck! She proposed to me!'' Even Aether wasn''t entirely sure how to respond to her. He knew he could reciprocate her feelings, but considering her determined nature, he was certain she would do anything to get what she wanted. He decided to maintain his act..... Dense Act!! With gloomy eyes, he said, "I-Is that so?" Hearing his sad voice instead of the expected happiness, Aqualina frowned and looked up, seeing Aether''s gloomy and hurtful expression, ''W-What did I do?'' she wondered, confused. She was sure she had epted his feelings. "He must be a lucky one. Who is he?" Aether asked, his voice tinged with resignation, the weight of his emotions making each word heavy. "..." Aqualina frowned, her frustration building as she processed his response. Soon, realization dawned on her, and she clicked her tongue inwardly in exasperation, ''Tsk, this idiot! Can''t he tell I''m talking about him? Hmph!'' She puffed out her cheeks in anger, feeling a mix of irritation and disappointment before finally speaking, "Yes, he would be the luckiest person in the world to marry me, and yet, he is an idiot not to understand my hints!" Her voice was filled with unmistakable annoyance, each word dripping with her frustration. At this moment, she couldn''t simply marry Aether directly, as much as she might wish to. There were numerous problems in their lives and countless obstacles strewn across their path. Each challenge required careful consideration and strategic nning. She needed to meticulously orchestrate everything, ensuring that their union could happen with the least amount of trouble and opposition. After deducing all possible oues, she realized that the only feasible way she could marry him with minimalplications was as a consort. Seeing her grumpy expression, Aether giggled inwardly, finding her frustration endearing. ''She is cute sometimes...'' he thought, his heart softening at her disy of emotion. But then he noticed something. Without thinking, he subconsciously moved closer and gently touched her cheek. "!!!" Aqualina flinched slightly when she felt him getting closer to her face. She immediately closed her eyes, her heart pounding in her chest, each beat echoing her vulnerability and anticipation, she thought he was dense tsundere but it seemed he knew when to take action! ''Cute!'' Aether screamed inwardly, charmed by her reaction then he gently rubbed the dark circles under her eyes. "Have you slept well?" he asked with genuine concern, his voice soft and filled with worry. Aqualina was startled by his question, ''Tsk, I should have known,'' she thought, as she slowly opened her eyes and stared into Aether''s piercing blue eyes. Though a part of her felt a twinge of disappointment, seeing his concerned expression reassured her that he still cared deeply for her, his affection unwavering. [+6000 Affection] "Kind of..." Aqualina''s answer trailed off, her voice barely above a whisper. Due to their closeness, they found themselves locked in a gaze, the intensity of the moment building between them. If he was dense then she needed to ovee her shyness and push otherwise she would lose him sooner orter... so, "A-Aether..." she whispered gently, her breath mingling with his, the proximity making her voice tremble with emotion. "...." Aether thought he needed to act dense and yet.... As if an unknown force was drawing them together, their breaths intertwined, creating a palpable tension. Aqualina parted her lips, and Aether gazed at her, his mind torn between his desire and restraint. Though he wanted to stop himself, the situation suddenly turned more intense, and seeing her cute reaction, he couldn''t help but feel an overwhelming urge to kiss her. Aqualina''s heart raced wildly, each beat amplifying her sense of anticipation. She felt as if she was about to do something forbidden, even though she had kissed him before, but that had been out of necessity for CPR. This, however, was different. It was a real kiss, her first kiss! Their lips were just about to touch, the moment charged with a mix of longing and hesitation, Aether controlled himself and just about act a dense character... When, Knock, knock. A sudden knock jolted both of them, snapping them out of the moment. She saw Aether kneeling down like a knight, immediately as if he acting his servant duty! Aqualina immediately rushed to the door, her annoyance ring as she opened it, "What?" she demanded, her expression reflecting her frustration at the untimely interruption. Whoever it was, they surely knew how to ruin the perfect moment! "Hello," Aria stood there, wearing a nightie, her expression friendly yetced with mischief. Crack, crack Aqualina almost broke the door in her frustration, barely able to contain her irritation, ''Of course, this thieving bitch!'' she screamed inwardly, her mind racing with anger before asking with an annoyed face, "What do you want?" "I''d like to have a chat with you, Ms. Aqualina," Aria said sweetly, her tone dripping with false innocence, though her eyes were fixed on Aether, who was looking at her with a gentle smile as he waved at her happily! [+8000 Affection] As if on cue, his gentle smile suddenly disappeared, reced by horror. Chapter 219: I forgot to tell you something important.... He is a slave! "Do you feelfortable?" "Yes," "Do you need water?" "No," "Do you need any juice?" "No," "Coffee?" "Come on, Aether, you are making your Master angry," Aria said, her lips curving into a gentle smile in an attempt to lighten the mood. She pointed towards Aqualina, who was staring nkly at Aether, her eyes filled with an inscrutable mix of emotions. Aether flinched, his gaze shifting to Aqualina. He forced an awkward smile. Aria settled into the chair, her posture radiating determination and resolve. She locked eyes with Aqualina, her gaze steady and unflinching, while Aether stood behind Aqualina. ''What''s she going to do?'' Aether wondered, his mind racing with possibilities. "What business do you have, MISS Aria Zephyr?" Aqualina''s voice was cold yet polite, her smile never reaching her eyes. "Looks like news travels fast... Well, I haven''t gotten a divorce yet, anyhow," Aria began, her tone steady andposed. She had already applied to the Elven court for a divorce, a move that had left ric shocked and horrified. Despite his disbelief and outrage, he was powerless; Aria was the chosen one, and any harm to her would prompt the Principal''s involvement, aplication ric could not afford. "...I would like to buy your servant," Aria stated firmly, her eyes locked on Aqualina. Both Aqualina and Aether flinched at her words, the tension in the room escting to a palpable level. Aqualina sighed, ''Ites to this...ah'' her frustration evident as she crossed her legs, her movements sharp and deliberate, "I suppose the Queen of the Elves has really fallen for a servant, hasn''t she?" Her tone wasced with sarcasm and a hint of disdain, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied Aria. Aria''s expression shifted to one of surprise and shock as she nced at Aether, who could only manage an awkward smile in return. "There is no need to be surprised; he is my servant. Of course, he would tell me everything," Aqualina said, her annoyance seeping through her calm facade. Her eyes shed with a mixture of jealousy and anger. Instead of getting angry, Aria''s curiosity piqued, "What did he say?" she asked, her voice low and filled with an edge of anticipation, her eyes narrowing slightly as she leaned forward. "Hmm... He said how much he loves you and how he would give his life for you," Aqualina''s tone was bitter, her words dripping with jealousy and anger. Each word was like a dagger, aimed at a wound. Aria''s heart skipped a beat at Aqualina''s words, a rush of warmth and affection for Aether flooding her senses. ''So, he didn''t even hide his emotions... What a lovely man!'' she thought. [+7000 Affection] "That makes the deal easier then... What do you want in return for him?" Aria asked, her face serious and determined. Her voice was steady, but her heart was racing. She couldn''t let this man, whom she had grown to care for deeply, fall into another woman''s grasp. Aqualina smirked, finding amusement in Aria''s boldness. She had never expected Aria to confront her so directly. "Aether, sit on the bed," shemanded, her voice firm and unwavering. "...," Aether hesitated, unsure of her intentions, but as a servant, heplied without question. With a grin, Aqualina rose from her chair and, to Aether''s shock, sat on hisp. "P-Princess!!" Aether eximed, his voice filled with disbelief and shock. Aqualina''s arm wrapped around his neck, her touch both familiar and possessive. She looked at Aria, who stared back nkly, processing the audacity of Aqualina''s actions. "He is my servant," Aqualina stated, and then whispered seductively into Aether''s ear, "My lovely servant~" "!!!!" Aether flinched, a deep blush spreading across his cheeks, his mind reeling, ''This girl is really ying with fire...'' he thought as something turned hard but then, his eyes darting to Aria, whose expression had darkened with barely contained fury.... instantly turned off! "What did you ask again?" Aqualina asked, her face lit with amusement, her eyes twinkling with mischief. It took a moment for Aria to respond, her voice soft and filled with barely suppressed rage, "Some filthy women trying to touch a man whose heart does not even belong to them... A cheap prostitute... Oh! I''m sorry, I didn''t mean you... I was talking about others in the drama I saw yesterday." Aqualina''s expression turned dangerously dark as she red at Aria, her eyes shing with a hint of malice. ''Gulp'' Aether swallowed hard, sensing the imminent danger, ''Okay, I need to stop this, otherwise two of them are going to kill each other,'' he thought. Acting swiftly, he secretly pinched his hip, causing Aqualina to flinch and re at him with a red face. Aether then whispered quietly, "Princess, please don''t hurt her... Please, just for me... I will do anything for you." His voice was filled with desperation, his eyes pleading. Hearing his plea, Aqualina frowned but nodded. She knew he had fallen for her too, making it impossible to simply disregard his emotions. Theplexity of their rtionship weighed heavily on her, ''Why the hell I ask him to seduce her first!'' she clicked her tongue inwardly. "Anyhow... I am not interested in selling Aether to anybody," Aqualina dered with a serious face, her resolve clear. Her words were final, a statement of unyielding defiance. "...," Aria stared at Aqualina for a few seconds before speaking again, her tone calcted and deliberate, "I have something that you want." "Hmm?" Aqualina''s frown deepened, curiosity piqued. "The Trial," Aria said. Aqualina''s eyes widened in shock. Without hesitation, she asked Aether to leave the room. Though Aether wanted to stay and hear the details, Aqualina''s urgency left no room for argument. Seeing his reluctance, she misunderstood, thinking Aether believed she would harm Aria. With an annoyed face, she assured him, "I won''t hurt her, Aether." Aether could only nod and prepare to leave. As he did, he leaned down to Aria, who flinched and whispered, "Please don''t be angry at her... She is important to me." His voice was filled with sincerity, his eyes reflecting the depth of his feelings. Aria nodded with a smile, whispering back, "I want you in my roomter..." as she winked at him. [+7000 Affection] Aether gently smiled before exiting the room. Of course, Aqualina noticed, her mind still reeling, ''She is important to me,'' she thought, the words echoing in her mind. [+6000 Affection] "It seems he cares for you too," Ariamented, but inwardly, she thought, ''Though you are hurting him... What a naive man.'' Aqualina just smiled, saying, "Of course, he cares for me more than others!" Her words were a deration, a reminder of the bond she believed they shared. "..." "..." A palpable tension filled the room again, the silence thick and heavy. Breaking it, Aria produced a small wooden box. "The item for this Trial is inside," she said. As she opened the box, a bright light filled theroom, blinding Aqualina momentarily. "T-This... Where did you find it?" Aqualina asked, her face filled with astonishment. Just as she was about to touch it, Aria pulled it back, grinning, "It''s mine, to begin with." Aqualina was taken aback, ''So the first trial already has a winner before it even started... ah,'' she thought. "You want to trade this for Aether, right?" Aqualina asked, her voice serious. "Yes... All I want is him, and you will be the winner of this first trial. A win-win for both of us. What do you think?" Aria asked, her face filled with amusement. She was confident this viiness would ept the deal. "...," Aqualina bit her lip, her mind racing with possibilities. "There is no need to think too much, Aqualina... He is just a servant to you! You can have many more with your mother..... You literally have hundreds of strong warriors as your servants, so why bother holding onto a small servant whose heart clearly belongs to someone else?" Aria asked, her smile almost taunting. Veins popped on Aqualina''s forehead. She knew Aria was right, but still, ''There is no one like him...'' she thought. Two optionsy before Aqualina: ept Aria''s offer and secure victory, or let it go for Aether''s sake. She knew the answer already and what she needed to do. However, she wanted to put this woman in her ce and make her forget about Aether. "I forgot to tell you something important.... He is a ve... An eternal ve!" Chapter 220: Is she a child? Meanwhile, "That ce, Yes! Move it there!" Helena eximed, pointing eagerly at a specific spot as Aether struggled to move the heavy table towards the corner. Her enthusiasm was almost childlike, a stark contrast to Aether''s growing frustration. Aether sighed deeply, his shoulders sagging with the weight of his exasperation. He couldn''t believe that Helena had once again lured him into her room, insisting that she needed his help. And what was the help this time? She had just asked him to move the table.... a task he had already performed thest time he was here. ''She just wants to talk to me but doesn''t know how,'' Aether mused, a blend of amusement and irritation dancing in his thoughts. He nced at the golden-haired girl, whose eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and something deeper. "That''s all... I''ll be leaving then," Aether announced with a smile as he pretended to head for the door. Helena snapped out of her reverie, a wave of panic washing over her features. She desperately wanted to know more about this boy who had managed to captivate not only the Archpriestess''s interest but... hers as well. Ever since he had kissed her forehead, he had been an ever-present thought, haunting her every waking moment and infiltrating her dreams. She wasn''t sure why, but she needed to understand these feelings that made her feel so sick! It was as if her body and mind were at war, and she couldn''t find peace. She had tried using her holy power to dispel any trickery, but there was nothing to be found. It was maddening! And when he entered her room, her heart raced uncontrobly, as if he was the very cause of her ailment. She had even confronted Finnian, but he had merely suggested she needed rest, though no amount of rest seemed sufficient to quell the turmoil inside her. "W-Wait!" She called out, her voiceced with desperation and something akin to fear. "Hmm?" Aether turned, his eyebrow arching in curiosity, a small smirk ying on his lips. "I... I..." Her mind raced, scrambling for a usible reason to keep him there. She squinted her eyes, the pressure mounting. Aether''s lips twitched, barely holding back augh, ''What is she really trying to do?'' he wondered, his amusement growing. "My... my bathroom water isn''t working... Please check it," she blurted out. "I''m not sure how to rep" "It''s fine... just check it!" Helena interrupted him, grabbing his hand with surprising strength and pulling him into her bathroom. Aether wore an amused expression, his eyes twinkling with mischief, ''Well, she is trying her best to keep me here... let''s apud her for that,'' he thought. As he entered, his eyesnded on a cute white pair of bras and panties, innocently left out. Helena snatched them up immediately, her cheeks ming with embarrassment as she red at him, her eyes wide and vulnerable, "D-Did you see anything?" ''Ba-dump.'' Her heart pounded as if it were about to burst out of her chest, the sheer intensity of the moment almost overwhelming her! "Nope, the white light is too blinding," Aether said with a straight face, though inwardly he was chuckling at her naivety. "Oh!" Helena nodded, as she looked around noticed the light was indeed too bright! Aether looked at Helena, who had taken his teasing words too seriously, ''Is she really this naive?'' he thought, both shocked and charmed by her innocence. There was something endearing about her awkwardness, something that tugged at his heartstrings. Upon inspecting the shower, he found that it was indeed not working. Then, he noticed a small palm-sized blue crystal embedded in the wall, simr to the Arcane crystals found in monsters. This crystal seemed to be the source of the problem. This was an artificial crystal created by the Academy, designed to store predetermined functions activated by pouring Arcane energy into it. It was aplex piece of magic, one that required a delicate touch and a keen understanding of its workings. He wasn''t entirely sure how it worked, but since she was trying so hard to keep him there, he decided to y along and act like a plumber..... like someone who was a jack-of-all-trades. Meanwhile, Helena watched him with growing curiosity, her admiration for him swelling with each passing moment, ''He knows everything...'' she thought, nodding in awe. [+200 Affection] Aether touched the crystal a few times before it out, ''Damn, it came out!'' he cursed inwardly, sweat forming on his back as he pretended to inspect the crystal. He needed to maintain hisposure, to act as if he knew exactly what he was doing. Aether, pretending to be a professional plumber, rubbed the crystal a few times as if cleaning it... No one noticed the very minute spark that flickered inside whenever he rubbed it. He then ced it back on the wall, touched the handle, and poured energy into it. Thus, Sssssshhhhhh. "It''s working!" Helena jumped in surprise, her eyes wide with delight. Not only her but Aether was also taken aback, ''So all it needed was just to be rubbed?'' he wondered, amused by his own makeshift professional act. "But it''s not enough," Helena murmured, frustration tinging her voice as she touched the handle and poured her energy into it. The crystal flickered before releasing more water, the flow increasing with her arcane energy. SSSHHHHH. "Now it''s working fine," Helena nodded in satisfaction, her smile radiant and her eyes shining with gratitude. Aether smiled back, feeling a surge of pride, but then, Crack The crystal shattered, and Ssh!!! The entire bathroom was flooded with water, the force of it drenching them both! ..... ... Aether, drenched and dripping, looked nkly at Helena, who lowered her head in shame, her cheeks burning with a mix of embarrassment and guilt. "Sigh," Aether sighed deeply, his annoyance mingling with a strange sense of protectiveness. He took the towel hanging near the hanger, gently wrapping it around her shoulders. "You''ll catch a cold," he said, his voice softening as he rubbed her golden hair, the intimate gesture making her heart flutter even more. [+300 Affection] Her cheeks puffed like a squirrel''s, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. She knew it was her fault, but who could have expected the crystal to suddenly explode? She had always used it that way, so she was equally surprised by its failure. Then Aether''s hand moved towards her face, gently rubbing her cheek as she looked up at him, her eyes wide and vulnerable like a child''s. There was something so pure and innocent about her, something that called to a protective instinct deep within him. ''I feel like I''m taking care of a naughty child,'' he thought, though she looked undeniably cute with her annoyed expression whenever Aether''s hand rubbed her face. "You know, you''re too cute... Ms. Helena," he said, his voice husky and filled with a warmth he couldn''t quite exin. He unconsciously lowered his head and kissed her forehead, a tender gesture that made her heart race uncontrobly. Helena stared at Aether, her heart pounding wildly, her body tingling with confusion. She was stunned by his sudden affection, the intimate gesture leaving her breathless. ''I-I am really sick!'' she screamed inwardly, though she remained silent, her mind a whirlpool of conflicting emotions. [+400 Affection] Aether continued rubbing her face, inwardly surprised by his own actions. His mind felt as if he were caring for a child, but then he noticed her lips, soft and inviting. He gulped, a surge of desire overwhelming him. ''She is too vulnerable...'' he thought, his hands lowering even more, tempted to close the distance between them. But then he stopped abruptly and said, "Ahem, take care of the rest..." He quickly left the room, his heart racing, his thoughts a jumbled mess of desire and restraint. "H-Hey, wait! You''ll catch a cold too... KYAAAA!!!" When she saw her nightdress drenched in water, clinging to her body and revealing her inner wear and curves, she blushed deeply, her hands flying to cover herself, her mind reeling from the sheer embarrassment. [+500 Affection] ''D-Did he see...?'' she wondered, her heart beating crazily again, her mind a chaotic mess. "W-What''s this feeling?" she mumbled before lowering her head, her face a deep shade of red. She really needed to visit the Archpriestess! Meanwhile, "Thank goodness!" Aether mumbled as he leaned against the wall. When he saw her seductive body.... which waspletely in contrast to her childish act..... he was momentarily lost, his naive expression only heightening his inner desire to taint her. Even though he wanted to, now was not the time. He had other ns for the day. Knock, knock. He quietly knocked on Aria''s door, hoping to slip inside before anyone saw him. But the door didn''t open. Aether thought Aria might still be in Aqualina''s room and was about to leave when, Thud In a fraction of a second, Aether was pulled into Aria''s room. "A-Aria..." "Why did youe from Helena''s room? And... why are you drenched?" Aria asked, her voice deadly and emotionless, her eyes piercing. "...." Chapter 221: Why do I feel like Im raising something dangerous? "Is that so?" Aria had a sceptical expression as she rubbed Aether''s drenched hair with a towel, her fingers lingering in his hair a little longer than necessary, feeling the softness beneath the wetness. "Yes, she just asked me to repair her shower," Aether sighed deeply, a mix of relief and frustration in his voice. He was grateful that the truth had managed to calm her down, but the weight of the situation still pressed heavily on his mind. He watched as droplets of water trickled down his chest, catching Aria''s eyes momentarily. "You know, you could have just ignored her. It''s not like you''re a servant to everyone, right?" she asked with a pout, her lips forming a small, adorable frown that made Aether''s heart skip a beat. Her eyes, filled with a mix of concern and irritation, bore into him, making it clear how much she cared. Aether just smiled at her concerned face. He knew she was deeply in love with him, and yet... A pang of guilt pierced his heart. He was about to speak when Aria mumbled, "You know..." "Hmm?" He leaned in closer, his curiosity piqued, his breath mingling with hers in the small space between them. "... I applied for the divorce," "... I know," "Next week the elven court summoned both of us and... I... I''m a little scared to go alone," Aria stammered, her eyes reflecting a mixture of fear and hope as she looked into Aether''s eyes. Aether understood what she was trying to say, "Should Ie with you?". Aria''s face lit up with a gentle smile. "I would be happy if you came with me," she said, her voice tender and filled with happiness. Aether didn''t think much at that moment. She was making an important decision in her life, and he needed to be there for her who was responsible for that decision, He nodded, "I will." Hearing that, Aria couldn''t help but grin like a little girl who had just been given her favourite treat. Seeing Aether staring at her lips, Aria bit hers, her body trembling with a mix of anticipation and..... desire. She was a traditional woman, but still, she was a woman before everything else, and her feelings were consuming her. Last time, she hadn''t wanted to kiss him because she was tied to ric, but now she was free, even if the divorce wasn''t finalized yet. The mere thought of ric no longer having a hold on her filled her with a sense of liberation. She had already submitted the papers, so there was no need for her to feel guilty or even wrong. At this moment, she was no man''s woman, and the freedom made her bold. "A-Aether..." she barely whispered, her voice trembling with desire as she let go of the towel and wrapped her arms around his neck, slowly parting her lips. Her eyes closed,shes fluttering against her cheeks as she leaned in closer. Aether''s hand gently caught her slender hips, his touch sending a shiver through her spine. Slowly, Aether''s lips met hers in a tender kiss, the world around them fading into insignificance. "~hmm~" She slowly melted into his embrace. Her hands slid up to tangle in his hair, pulling him closer. It was a simple peck, yet Aria felt as though her entire body was on fire. Her long elven ears turned bright red, her cheeks burned hot, and she felt a tingling sensation spreading through her stomach, a mix of nerves and excitement. The simple kiss quickly deepened into a passionate one, Aether sucked her lips with a hungry expression as Aria struggled to keep up with Aether''s intensity. His hands roamed her back, pulling her flush against him. "~Hmm~" She moaned again, more urgently this time, when Aether''s hands roamed to her bust ass, squeezing gently.... Her legs wrapped around his hips as she hugged him tightly, kissing him even more fervently. Her body pressed closer to his, feeling the heat radiating from him. "~mmm~" The room filled with the sounds of their kissing, the wet, hungry noises echoing around them. Aether''s hands explored her ass, sinking his fingers into her flesh, while her ample breasts pressed against his chest, the sensation driving him wild. He could feel her heart beating rapidly against him, matching his own. He felt like he was floating on a cloud. He slowly walked towards the bed and gently sat down, never breaking the kiss. Aria, slowly but surely, started to keep up with his passionate kisses but then... she needed to breathe... "~ha~" She gasped for air, her chest heaving as she pulled away slightly, their foreheads resting together. "~ha~" Aether also breathed heavily, looking at her with a tender smile, "Aria," he whispered, kissing her forehead softly, the gesture filled with love and care. [+7000 Affection] Aria felt a surge of emotions. Even though they had kissed like lovers, when he kissed her forehead, she felt something entirely different, something she couldn''t put into words. It was a mixture of love, security, and an overwhelming sense of being cherished..... Tears welled up in her eyes, but they were tears of joy and relief. Seeing her lovely expression, Aether felt the need to say something now; otherwise, he would feel like a total bastard towards her. "A-Aria... I need to tell you something," he said, his voice serious and filled with an earnest desire toe clean. Seeing his expression, Aria nodded, but she didn''t move away from hisp, her hands still resting on his neck, her eyes locked onto his. "There are lots of things that I''m hiding... I... I don''t know how to tell you this, but... I am a--" "Eternal ve," Aria mumbled softly, her voice calm and understanding. Her eyes softened with empathy as if she had known all along. Aether blinked in surprise, "How did you--- Princess?" Aria just smiled, and it was enough for Aether to understand that the little princess had already devised some n to break them apart. ''Tsk, I knew this would happen, but never thought she would tell her sooner!'' Aether clicked his tongue inwardly before looking at Aria with an apologetic expression, "I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to hide it--" "Aether," Aria interrupted him with a serious face, "Whether you are a ve or whatever... I don''t care... Nothing matters to me because.... I love Aether, that''s all!" Her voice was firm, leaving no room for doubt. When she learned that Aether was an Eternal ve, instead of feeling disgust or pity, she felt an inexplicable anger... an anger that almost made her want to kill the person controlling Aether''s life..... Her hands tightened around him as if vowing to protect him from any harm. Aether seized this opportunity to test her, "Even if I lied to you?" he asked, needing to be sure he had an escape route. Aria tilted her head for a moment before asking, "What lie are we talking about?" Her curiosity was genuine, her eyes searching his. "Well... nothing," Aether averted his eyes awkwardly. Aria frowned before pinching his cheeks and hugging him tightly as if she didn''t want to let go, "As long as you love me... I don''t care," she said possessively, her voice dripping with determination and love. She knew her Aether was different... of course, her man had to be different from others. She understood that he had some secrets, but she didn''t care as long as he loved her... a love for her heart..... a love that she wanted.... a love that she hoped for. She only wanted that!! [+8000 Affection] Aether gulped inwardly, before saying sincerely, "I will tell you everything one day... I promise..." and inwardly added, ''I hope I will be alive after that...'' as he resigned himself to the truth. Hearing that, Aria smiled even more and nodded, hugging him tighter, her heart swelling with affection and devotion. She felt a sense of peace, knowing that he intended to share everything with her one day. [+8000 Affection] ''W-Why do I feel like I''m raising something dangerous?'' Aether thought, his heart pounding with a mix of fear and excitement as he looked at the cute yet intense Aria, who seemed to be perfectly calm on the outside. Her possessive eyes hinted at a fierce protectiveness that both thrilled and terrified him. ... .... Aether left the dorm and quietly walked towards the restroom. He took a deep breath, steadying himself, before disguising himself as Victor. With his new persona firmly in ce, he made his way to the Principal''s house. As he entered the house, the Principal looked up from her work, her eyes sharp and inquisitive, "Youte! What are you doing?" she asked. "Kind of busy with servant works," Aether replied with a carefree attitude, a small smirk ying on his lips. "Shall we start the training, my disciple?" she asked, her tone regaining its authoritative edge. "Yes, Master," Aether responded. Meanwhile... Back at the servants'' dorm, Selene stood before the building, her dark and eerie eyes staring at it with an indescribable expression. Chapter 222: Selenes Doubtful gaze! Training Hall inside the Principal''s house "Increase Agility" Ding! [+1 Agility] [Agility: 117] BOOOM!! "Come on, brat, why do you keep running?" The Principal''s face was twisted in a mix of amusement and challenge, her eyes glinting with a dangerous spark as she watched Aether desperately evade her relentless attacks. "Huh? Why don''t you start teaching me instead of trying to kill me?" Aether shouted back, his voice tinged with frustration and desperation. His body moved with instinctive speed, narrowly avoiding another bone-crushing punch. "Come on... I don''t kill my disciples... unless they show no progress," the Principal grinned, her amusement almost predatory. The grin sent an icy shiver down Aether''s spine, amplifying his fear and adrenaline. ''Fuck!'' Aether screamed inwardly. He braced himself, his muscles tensing in preparation for her next move. This wasn''t training; it felt like survival. .... ... After what felt like an eternity, but was merely an hour, Aethery sprawled on the ground, panting heavily. His clothes were shredded, resembling those of a beggar, and his body was a mass of bruises and aches. "I-I am alive..." Aether mumbled in disbelief, his voice barely above a whisper. Each breath was a painful reminder of the old hag''s unprecedented attacks. The Principal snorted, looking down at Aether with an annoyed expression, "Of course, you brat! It''s not like I will kill my disciple... Anyhow, your growth is beyond what I expected from a nk Cardholder." As she observed Aether, her curiosity deepened. She saw more than just a disciple; she saw potential, mystery, and a challenge. "Anyway, from this punching bag method, I got the gist of your fighting style," the Principal said. She had already investigated his past with Empress Marisandra, so she knew more or less about him. Now, she wondered how an egoless person like him had developed such a sophisticated fighting style, ''Maybe something about his past...'' she mused. Perhaps he had learned something valuable before being sold as a ve. Aether held his breath, ''She understood the MMA style already... damn it!'' he thought helplessly. The Principal smiled, a hint of satisfaction in her eyes, as she looked down at him. "First, you use too much brute force in every punch. You need to learn to control your strength more efficiently." She paused, letting her words sink in before continuing, "Second, you need to select a suitable weapon thatplements your fighting style. It will help you bnce offence and defence." "Third, control your Arcane energy with precision. There were times you wasted excess energy, which could be detrimental in a prolonged fight. And finally..." She crouched down, bringing her face closer to his, and said, "I want to learn your fighting style... So help me master it." ''A monster wants to be an even bigger demon!'' Aether couldn''t help but think. However, he dared not voice his thoughts aloud. Despite his apprehensions, he knew getting closer to her had its advantages. "O-Okay then!" Aether nodded, his voice trembling slightly. He added, "I hope you don''t kill me." "Hah... Of course" "Even if I cursed you as an old ha" BOOOOMMM!!!! ... .. Next Early Morning Aether winced in pain, dark circles under his eyes, as he entered the servant''s dorm. ''Fuck, she didn''t even let me rest,'' he thought, his body still aching from the brutal training session. Each step felt like a monumental effort. Upon entering, he noticed Celestia, who was wearing a delicate nightie that hugged her curves. She looked at him with an amused expression, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Did you enjoy your time with the PrincipalHIKK!!" Before she could tease him further, Aether immediately hugged her, melting into her warm andforting embrace. The feel of her soft body against his was a wee relief from the cold, harsh training he had endured. Celestia smiled softly, hugging him back. She knew what he had been through all day. She had watched him secretly, and though the Principal had noticed her presence, she hadn''t said anything. After witnessing Aether''s suffeahem, training, she had dressed up to wee him back. "Hey..." Celestia frowned with a blush as she noticed Aether fondling her ass. Aether giggled mischievously before giving her a tender kiss on the lips. His hands roamed her body, feeling her warmth, her softness, and the way she responded to his touch. He then began to get ready for his servant duties. .... ... Soon, everything seemed to be going fine... except for one incident. "Sel?" Aether frowned when he was cornered by Selene in a lone corridor. Her presence was sudden, and her eyes were filled with a dark intensity that made his heart skip a beat. It was during lunchtime when others were eating, while Aether needed to disguise himself before the second part of sses started. Selene tilted her head, a dark expression clouding her face as she stared intently at Aether. ncing around, she hugged him tightly and mumbled, "I want Etherium." Her voice was low, almost a whisper, but it carried a weight of longing and desperation. [+4000 Affection] "Eth? What?" Aether couldn''t understand her words, but he knew her love for him was intense. He hugged her back, trying to calm her down, not noticing that she was doing something on his back. After a minute or so, she separated and looked at Aether with tender eyes, her gaze drifting to his lips as she licked her own, "E-Ether," she whispered, her voice filled with need. "Yes..." Aether gulped, feeling seduced by her hungry expression. The way she looked at him made his blood heat and his body react. "I want to y a game with you." "Hmm? Game?" He tried to keep his voice steady, but his curiosity and apprehension showed. "Yes... I want you toe to my room after dealing with the Princess," she said shyly, making Aether gulp even more. ''What kind of game is she trying to y?'' he wondered, his mind racing with possibilities. "I don" "Pretty please." Her voice was soft, pleading, and it made his resolve weaken. "... Fine." [+4000 Affection] Selene''s smile widened, but she didn''t move. She looked at him with expectant eyes. Aether knew what she was expecting, but then, "Selene!!!" Lia arrived on the spot, saving him like a god. Selene clicked her tongue in annoyance before separating from Aether and walking away. Lia winked at Aether, who nodded in relief, grateful for her timely intervention. Lia had been a lifesaver, helping whenever Selene got too close to Aether in public. Anyhow, Aether immediately walked towards Delphine''s office, where she was deeply engrossed in documents. "Hello, Delphine," Aether said cheerfully. Delphine just hmmed in response, her attention still on the document. Aether didn''t care. Instead of entering the restroom, he decided to change his clothes right there in the office. He began to undress, his movements slow and deliberate, the sound of rustling fabric filling the room. Rustle, Rustle Hearing the rustling sound, Delphine paused her reading and looked at the source, only to be horrified when she saw him standing in his innerwear. "W-What are you doing?" she asked, her face turning bright red, her eyes widening in shock. Of course, Aether didn''t respond. He wasn''t a simp to act like that after she ignored him. He continued changing, ignoring her flustered reaction. Delphine''s face turned even redder, but then, "What is that?" She frowned as she stood up and walked towards him, her curiosity piqued despite her embarrassment. "Hmm? What?" Delphine touched the back of his neck and showed him a red spot, "There''s paint on your neck..." Seeing that, Aether thought for a second before sighing, ''I suppose she started to doubt Victor! Fuck!'' He then gave an excuse, trying to brush off her suspicions. Delphine nodded, her eyes lowering to his sturdy body. She blushed furiously before hurrying back to her desk, her mind filled with conflicting thoughts. [+300 Affection] Delphine bit her lip, covering her face with the document. She could still hear the rustling of his clothes, and her heart was beating like crazy. She remembered the sight of his sturdy body, making her gulp nervously. She lowered the document with a curious expression... only to see Aether leaning towards her with a grinning face. "Caught you~" "KYAAAA!!!" Delphine screamed, her voice echoing in the small office. She swung her fist towards Aether, but he was too quick. He caught her hand effortlessly, pulling her into his embrace. Her eyes widened in shock as she felt his half-naked body pressing against hers, the heat from his skin sending shivers down her spine. "W-What are you doing?" she stammered, her voice a mix of confusion and indignation. She tried to push him away, but her strength faltered under the intensity of his gaze. Aether didn''t respond immediately. He leaned in, his forehead touching hers, their breaths mingling. His eyes locked onto hers, holding her captive in the moment. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in a bubble of heightened awareness and raw emotion. Then, just as suddenly, he let go and turned away, continuing to change his clothes as if nothing had happened. Delphine stood frozen, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts and feelings. She touched her forehead where he had just been, a slow smile forming on her lips. [+400 Affection] Aether smiled inwardly, feeling a sense of satisfaction. Chapter 223: Finished Quick? "Okay, students, now we are going to have a little sparring," ric announced as he looked at the students, his eyes lingering on Victor, who had an air of nonchnce. Everyone nodded and followed ric, their footsteps echoing in the spacious corridor. Victor walked alone, his istion a stark contrast to the groups of friends chatting excitedly around him. His aloof demeanour made him quite unapproachable. However, Gulp Victor gulped inwardly and wondered why Selene was staring at him as if she were seeing through his disguise., ''What''s wrong with her?'' he thought, feeling a bead of sweat forming on his forehead. Her prating gaze made him uneasy as if she knew more about him than she should. Soon, they arrived at themon training hall for the students, which looked more like a stadium than a hall, with high ceilings and bleachers surrounding the sparring tforms. ric paired the group and asked them to show their skills as he sat down on a nearby chair..... He nced at Victor onest time. "Never thought we would be paired," Aqualina mumbled, her voice tinged with surprise and annoyance. "Yeah," Aria nodded, staring at Aqualina, who stared back. "Did you talk to Kai?" Aqualina asked with a frown. She had hoped that mentioning Aether, the Eternal ve, would make Aria back off. But to her surprise, Aria''s smile widened as if to say, ''That''s perfect!'' "Not yet..." Aria answered, her expression determined, as if she would do anything to buy Aether for herself. Her eyes gleamed with ambition, and it was clear she was not easily deterred. Aqualina gritted her teeth. Even though she had given up that ''thing'' for Aether, she still felt her love for Aether was less intense than Aria''s, which only irked her more. ''Fuck that Elven bitch!!'' Aqualina thought, her teeth grinding in frustration. Meanwhile, "...." Selene stared at Victor''s neck as if trying to see something invisible to others. Her intense gaze was unnerving, and Victor could feel the weight of her scrutiny. "Sel? What are you doing?" Lia asked in a hushed voice when she saw Selene staring... no, ring at Victor. "Nothing, just research," Selene replied vaguely, making Lia frown even more. Lia also looked at Victor''s back, squinting her eyes as if she knew something but..... She shrugged, knowing there was no way. Victor felt the intense scrutiny from Selene, making him sweat bullets. He managed to calm himself and looked at his partner, who was none other than... Ashara Nightfire. "Hello, my name is Ashara," Ashara introduced herself with a confident smile. Victor nced at her and nodded, not saying anything more. She pouted and pinched Victor''s hip, making him re at her. "I am sorry!!" Ashara immediately stepped back, her eyes wide with fear. ''Sigh'' Victor sighed inwardly, knowing he needed to keep his act together, or it would be disastrous. ric then called out, "Victor and Ashara Nightfire." Both nodded and stepped onto the tform. The students around them murmured with excitement, eager to see the Principal''s disciple in action. "Beasts are not allowed," ric warned, pointing at the snowke on Aether''s neck. Aether gently asked Snowke to step down, and the little creature nodded in understanding before jumping off Victor''s shoulder. "!!!" The nearby students initially recoiled, but seeing Snowke''s cute body with big eyes staring at Victor with affection, their hearts melted, struck by the creature''s adorable appearance. Meanwhile, ric frowned saying, "I know the Principal said she wants to keep your identity hidden and none of us are pressured to reveal it, but then...." ric smiled provocatively and added, "Are you scared of showing your face?" ric was going through a tough situation with his wife and seeing a young man living with his first love filled him with rage.... He couldn''t bear to watch his beloved with another man, even though he had no chance with her himself. His jealousy and frustration were palpable, fueling his desire to humiliate Victor. ''FUCK YOU!!'' he screamed inwardly. "...." Victor frowned, his mind racing. ''This fucker, he''s just like that annoying teacher...'' he thought. His lips curled into a smile as he said, "I heard you''re getting a divorce. Must be tough, divorcing such a beautiful wife...." He nced at Aria, who frowned at Victor, "What could be the reason?.... hmm?... Something personal?" Veins popped on ric''s forehead, his fury barely contained. The tension between them was electric, and everyone could feel it. Victor''s lips curled even more, ready to torment ric further when ric shouted, "Begin!!" Victor chuckled, shifting his focus to Ashara, who was staring at him with her raspberry-coloured eyes. A strange sensation entered his body, and his mind suddenly went nk like a toy being switched off. "Hehe..." Ashara giggled. "That''s all?" "I thought he would be able to at least resist her mind-controlling power." "Looks like this guy is mentally weak." "Snort! What do you expect from a coward like him?" The chatters and murmurs filled the hall as their expectations of Victor were shattered. The students'' voices were a cacophony of disappointment and surprise. ric smiled, "Looks like you only talk...." Ashara smiled, seeing her hypnotism take effect. She said, "Leave now!" Victor''s body flinched, but he didn''t move an inch. Frowning, Ashara''s raspberry eyes shined as she said seductively, "Move now~" Her soothing voice almost mesmerized others. .... Still, Victor stood there, unmoving. ''Is my power not working?'' Ashara thought, confusion evident on her face. She was sure she had hypnotized him, but he did not obey her. ''Is he resisting me?'' she wondered. Others around her thought the same. If Aqualina knew it was Aether, she would understand. As an eternal ve, Aether''s whole body and mind were under Kai''s control, making him resistant to Ashara''s powers. Then why was he standing there nkly? Because this was his first time encountering hypnotism, and his brain short circuit was so unless a strong force hit him, his brain would stay silent like the dead. Ashara didn''t understand what was happening. She pointed her hand, conjuring ck mes that danced around her fingers. ''Good,'' ric nodded, impressed by her control. She shot the mes towards Victor. Ssssssshhhhhhh Thalia sighed, unable to believe Victor was taken out so easily. The mes roared through the air, crackling with malevolent energy, aimed directly at Victor''s chest. BOOMMMMM!!!! The explosion rocked the tform, and smoke billowed around Victor. While everyone expected Victor to be blown away, instead, "Damn man... Crack, Crack," Victor cracked his neck, looking annoyed. His mind had gone nk for a few seconds before something hit his body, waking him up. The students gasped, their disbelief palpable. "H-How in the world?" Ashara''s eyes widened in shock. Her powerful strike should have been enough to blow away a Level 12 person, yet.... "There is no need to think too much. My level just increased a few times," Victor said nonchntly, making everyone flinch, ''A few times?'' they thought, horrified. What he said was true! After dealing with that demon.... Aether''s Level was currently 17. Before Ashara knew it, Victor appeared before her, moving with a speed that left the onlookers breathless. His movements were fluid and precise, a testament to his yesterday training and skill. Flick "Nnnggg!!!" Ashara grabbed her nose with a pained expression when Victor flicked it. The impact sent a jolt of pain through her, and she staggered back, clutching her face. Victor grinned, his confidence unshaken. Ashara''s lips twitched, her eyes shining again, trying to hypnotize him. But then, "No, no, sweetie~" Victor grinned before snapping his fingers, causing a humongous ice ball to appear above them. The ice ball glimmered ominously, casting a chilling shadow over the arena. Even ric was taken back... There was no need for Victor to hold back anymore!... he was free to do anything! Ashara''s eyes widened in surprise, "I give up!!" she shouted, her voice tinged with panic. She knew she was outmatched and didn''t want to risk the further humiliation of hypnotised power. "Good girl!" Victor nodded with a smile, patting her head. "You almost got me there. For that... my name is Victor, Ms. Ashara Nightfire!" Victor needed a friend... [+1 Affection] Ashara blinked a few times, smiling with amusement. She found him unique and different..... Suddenly, she averted her eyes and ran away, her heart pounding from the adrenaline and the unexpected turn of events. "Hmm?" Victor blinked a few times, not understanding why she was running away. But then, "Mr. Victor... please change your attire!" ric said with an awkward face. Victor flinched, looking down to see his clothes were burned away, leaving only his underwear. The girls who saw this blushed and lowered their gazes. Even though Victor was embarrassed, he maintained his arrogant attitude as he walked off the tform confidently. His poise and demeanour only added to his enigmatic charm. Meanwhile, Selene stared at Victor with even more curiosity, her lips curling up, ''Looks like he''s ying around without me...'' she thought.... Her expression turned dark as Even Lia flinched seeing her expression, ''What the heck!!'' Chapter 224: Aethers mind again short-circuited! Later that night, inside Selene''s room... "What game do you want to y, Sel?" Aether asked, his voice thick with curiosity and a growing sense of anticipation as he looked at Selene with eager eyes. "Well..." Selene locked the door with deliberate precision, her movements slow and seductive. She hung the "Do Not Disturb" sign with a sly smile, then moved around the room, closing the window, bathroom door, and everything else, trapping them in a private ''sanctuary'' bathed in the soft, intimate glow of the bedsidemp. The warm light caressed her curves, highlighting the sensuous lines of her body. Aether gulped nervously, his heart pounding. He mumbled, "S-Sel, what are you doing? Let me warn you, I need to leave before the dorm manageres for the roll call." "I know, Ether..... As I said, I just want to y a game with you. I don''t want anyone to disturb us, that''s all," Selene said, her sweet smile hiding a glint of seduction. ''What kind of game is she ying now?'' Aether wondered, his eyes trailing down the length of her long blue shirt that barely covered her voluptuous thighs. The sight was tantalizing, his mind racing with possibilities as he realized she wasn''t wearing any pants. The thought sent a jolt of arousal through him, his breath quickening. Selene moved closer, her scent.... a mix of vani and jasminefilling the air between them. Seeing Aether''s stare, she blushed, her cheeks a deep pink. She lifted her shirt hem teasingly, revealing a glimpse of hercy ck panties that clung to her curves, entuating the sensual lines of her hips and thighs, "L-Like what you see?" she asked, her voice a sultry whisper, trembling with a mix of shyness and excitement. Aether''s eyes widened, and he immediately averted his gaze, his cheeks burning with desire and embarrassment, ''Damn, why am I acting like this?!'' he thought, his body reacting uncontrobly to the sight. Selene''s face showed satisfaction as she sensed his growing arousal. She jumped onto the bed with a graceful, feline motion, her body exuding a dangerous allure. Her curves moved enticingly, her shirt riding up to reveal more of her tantalizing thighs and the delicatece of her panties. She beckoned Aether with ae-hither look, her eyes dark with desire, ''S-She is really ying with fire...'' he thought before quietly sitting at the edge of the bed, trying to maintain hisposure as his arousal intensified. "Fu~Fu~Fu~" Selene giggled, herughter a melody of seduction, "Ether, you''re really shy sometimes... ah." She slowly pulled something from under the pillow, revealing a box of long chocte biscuit sticks. "This is famous around the city and really expensive, you know," she murmured, her voice dripping with sensual undertones..... She took out a long stick and looked at Aether, whose expression had shifted to one of knowing dread. "Let me exin the rules. It''s simple. One person bites one end of the stick, like this." She demonstrated, cing one end of the stick between her full, inviting lips. "Then, the other person bites the opposite end, like this." Aether hesitated the intimacy of the game sinking in. Finally, he closed the distance between them, leaning in and taking the other end of the stick in his mouth. Their eyes locked, and he could see the mischievous sparkle in her eyes. "Now," she continued, her words slightly muffled by the stick, "we both start nibbling towards the center at the same time. The goal is to eat our way to the middle without breaking the stick." "And if we meet in the middle?" Aether asked, his voice a whisper, already knowing the answer but feeling a flutter of nervous anticipation. She winked, her eyes gleaming with lust. "Then we win. But if someone breaks the stick or backs out, the game ends, and the loser has to answer the winner''s question truthfully. Ready?" Aether stared into her deep blue eyes, the world around them fading into the background. He nodded, and they both began nibbling on the stick. Each small bite brought them closer, the air between them thick with tension, a potent mix of nervousness and excitement. As they approached the center, their faces were just inches apart. Aether''s heart raced, his cheeks warming under the intensity of the moment. Just as they were about to meet, Selene giggled and deliberately snapped the stick, pulling away with augh that was both yful and provocative. "See? Not so bad," she teased, enjoying his flustered reaction, though her own heart pounded wildly. ''Shit! This is too much!'' she screamed inwardly, her desire a roiling storm. [+4000 Affection] She ced another stick between her lips, her cheeks flushed with anticipation. "Sel... I think we..." "Ether, you promised me!" Aether sighed, resigned but intrigued, ''Well, let''s hope for a better future,'' he thought before taking his side and slowly, gently nibbling until they met in the middle. Just as Selene was about to bite it along with his lips... Crack Aether subconsciously broke the stick, ''Fuck!'' he screamed inwardly, frustrated by his own clumsiness. Selene grinned, her eyes twinkling with victory, "You lo" "We still have the box. You know, we could see who breaks more rather than finishing now," Aether interjected quickly, his voice tinged with desperation. "Hmm..." Selene frowned, considering, ''I''m not losing anything...'' she thought, and nodded. Aether sighed in relief before beginning the game again. This time, neither of them broke the stick. He stared at Selene''s bright red face, his own desire mirrored in her eyes. He moved in to bite the remaining piece, their wet lips meeting, sending shivers through their bodies. Both of them lowered their heads, too shy to meet each other''s eyes. But as they yed again, the atmosphere grew increasingly charged, their mutual attraction impossible to ignore. "~hmm~" Selene let out a soft, involuntary moan as Aether caught her cheeks, pulling the stick into her mouth with his own. Her eyes widened, turning teary with the intensity of the moment. Her handnded on his leg, fingers digging in, tightly clenching it as waves of heat coursed through her. The heat between them was palpable!! After a few seconds, Aether separated with a red-hot face. He nced at the box, which still had a few more sticks, and immediately picked one up. Though Selene was surprised, seeing his serious and predatory eyes made her body tremble. She epted it, her heart pounding beyond anything... Aether didn''t care about the game anymore. He ate his piece before savouring her lips, the kiss deepening with each passing second. The simple kiss slowly transformed into something more intense, their passion igniting like wildfire. "~hmm~" Selene couldn''t help but feel ecstatically happy that her n was working. Yet, at the same time, she couldn''t believe how hot her body was bing, her mind teetering on the edge of losing control. "~ha~" "~ha~" Drool dripped from their lips as Aether leaned his forehead against hers and mumbled, "I-I lost..." Selene stared into Aether''s eyes before kissing his lips again, her voice a husky purr, her breath warm against his mouth, "You taste sweet, My Ether~" she whispered, her lips lingering over his, teasing, tasting. Aether chuckled, his gaze lingering on her sweet lips. He couldn''t help but bite them gently... "~ah~" "You are the one who tastes sweet... Sel~" he murmured, his voice low and rough with desire. His hands moved up, tangling in her hair, pulling her closer as he deepened the kiss. Selene''s body trembled when she heard him call her name so affectionately. She felt a surge of emotion, a deep, primal need that left her breathless. [+4000 Affection] Aether knew that before her love, he was nothing. Just like what Celestia had said, if he didn''t open his heart, it would only hurt Selene even more, just like how he had been hurt once. ''She really deserves better....'' he mumbled inwardly, knowing what she had been doing for him until now. She loved him, and that was true! "You want an answer, right?" he asked, his voice steady but his heart racing. Selene snapped out of her thoughts, looking at Aether''s serious face. Suddenly, her hand went under the pillow, and she took out something... "I know what you want to know... Yes, I am Victorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr....." Aether''s eyes turned horrified as he saw the crystal ball ying a video inside. "Did you enjoy your time with the PrincipalHIKK!!" Aether fondled Celestia''s ass while hugging her. "Oh! You are Victor... ah...I see..." Selene nodded, her hair hiding her dark expression. She asked in a calm yet eerie voice, "Mind telling me... A.r.e. y.o.u. a. v.i.r.g.i.n.?!" "...." Aether''s brain short-circuited, the reality of the situation crashing down on him. Chapter 225: Locked by a Yandere!! ''Don''t panic, don''t panic, don''t panic...'' Aether chanted inwardly like a desperate mantra, his mind a tempest of fear and anxiety. His face turned ghostly pale, and beads of sweat formed relentlessly on his forehead, glistening under the dim light. His heart pounded in his chest like a war drum, each beat echoing his growing terror. He needed toe up with something...anything....to salvage the situation. ''Damn it!'' Aether cursed himself silently, his thoughts spiralling into chaos. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn''t think of a single usible lie to save himself from this predicament and lying to her might cause her to breakter!! Seeing his expression, Selene didn''t need to ask as she knew what he was thinking... Selene leaned forward, her expression a mix of concern and tenderness that nearly broke him. She wiped the sweat from his brow with utmost care, her touch soft and soothing. Her voice was a fragile whisper, trembling with the weight of unspoken fears and hopes, "There is no need to worry, Ether... I... I just want to know... did my love never reach your heart?" Those words pierced through Aether''s defences like a dagger, making his heart ache with an intensity he could hardly bear, He lowered his head, unable to face her.... here he was thinking a way to lie to her... Selene''s lips quivered, her breath hitching with the effort to hold back her tears. She opened her mouth to speak, but the words died before they could form. Her heart felt as though it might burst from the agony.... suffocating her with the need to be held.... to be understood..... to be loved. Though she wouldn''t mind dying in his embrace!! Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, the liquid crystals reflecting the dim light. It seemed as if she might break at any moment, her vulnerabilityid bare. But then, "I... am scared," Aether mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper, as he clutched her hand tightly, his fingers digging into her skin as if letting go would mean losing everything. "Ether?" she breathed, her heart tightening in her chest. "I am scared of falling in love... I am scared of getting hurt again... I am scared of losing again... I am scared of being loved by others... and I am scared of you... not loving me," Aether confessed, his eyes trembling with raw vulnerability. Selene frowned, her confusion and pain evident in her eyes. Not loving him? How could he not see? She loved him more than anything in this world, more than her own life, "I love you, Eth" "AETHER!" he interrupted, his voice cracking under the weight of his emotions, "I am not Ether... I am Aether from Earth, 28 years old, an unemployed guy living in a broken apartment, struggling to survive each day," Aether revealed, his voiceden with the weight of his truth. He knew who he was and what he was risking. But for her love, the love she showered upon him without expecting anything in return... it was worth every risk. If she became disgusted, then so be it! If she wanted to kill him for taking over Ether''s body, then so be it! Because she had every right! Selene''s eyes widened in shock and disbelief, her mind reeling from the revtion, "W-What are you talking about? I don''t under" "I''m sorry..."... That''s all he could say, Aether lifted his head, his gaze meeting hers. Selene was taken aback when she saw a single tear rolling down his cheek, glistening like a fallen star, "I felt wrong and disgusted with myself when I knew you loved Ether... not me!" Selene''s heart shattered seeing the raw pain in his eyes. Without thinking, she threw her arms around him, holding him tightly, as if her embrace could shield him from all the hurt. She felt a desperate need to keep him close, to never let him go. "EthAether," she murmured, her voice trembling with the intensity of her emotions. "Calm down, I am here, okay!" Aether, momentarily stunned, wrapped his arms around her just as tightly, clinging to her like a lifeline in a stormy sea, "I''m sorry," he whispered again, his voice breaking with the weight of his guilt. He always felt shit whenever she calls him Ether and thinks of him as Ether! Selene''s mind whirled, struggling to process this earth-shattering revtion. Was she shocked? Of course, who wouldn''t be? But when she saw Aether''s tears, all she could feel was a profound, aching empathy. She knew he had been carrying this burden alone all this time, a weight that had been crushing him silently. ''Aether... ah,'' she thought, her fingers gently ruffling through his hair, her touch tender and reassuring.... trying to convey the depths of her love. They held each other in silence for what felt like an eternity, the world around them fading away into insignificance. After nearly fifteen minutes, Aether slowly pulled back, his face flushed with embarrassment and vulnerability, "I showed something uncool..." he muttered awkwardly, a hint of self-deprecation in his voice. [+4000 Affection] Selene chuckled softly, her heart warming at his vulnerability, her love for him deepening even further, "You are always cool," she said, her voice filled with affection and certainty. Aether smiled a small, grateful smile that lit up his features. He wanted to say something more, to express the depths of his feelings, but the words eluded him, trapped in thebyrinth of his mind. Did he love her? .... Of course!!! There wouldn''t no man would ignore this lovely girl who would any length just for him!! Yet.... He was still feeling insecure... "Aether, look into my eyes," Selene urged, her voice gentle but firm, guiding him back to the present. "They say eyes are the windows to the soul." She gazed deeply into his shining blue eyes, eyes that had seen so much pain yet still held so much life, hope, and love, "I already told you before... You are my Ether, Aether, Victorwhatever you call yourself. I still see the same person who once took my heart... My lovely man," she dered, her voice unwavering, her expression fiercely possessive, her love an unbreakable shield. No matter what anyone said, she knew this person was her Ether.... Even if he denied it, she knew deep down in her heart that those eyes, those same eyes that had looked at her with such love, belonged to him and him alone. She had no proof other than her love and gut feelings, but she didn''t need any more than that. Aether shook his head, his heart aching with the weight of her unwavering love and belief in him. "No, I am" Suddenly, Selene grabbed his cor, pulling him close, her eyes dark with intensity and fierce, "Don''t ever question my love for you... Got it?" Aether gulped, nodding weakly, unable to find his voice, ''I cannot win against her love...'' Selene smiled, her expression softening, before she hugged him tightly once more, her embrace filled with love and reassurance, "So, you''re from another world... what''s it called, Merth?" "Hah... Earth," he corrected, a smallugh escaping his lips despite everything. "Tell me more about you..." Selene demanded, her expression stern and unwavering. She needed to know everything about him, every single bit of information. The need for rity was so intense that she felt she might go mad without it. "Are you--" "~hmm~" "..What are--" "~hmm~" "...Let me ask wh--" "~hmm~" Each time Aether tried to object, Selene silenced him with a firm kiss, making it impossible for him to speak. He sighed heavily, frustration mingling with resignation, and asked with a stern face, "Do you truly believe that I am your Ether?" "Yes, I believe you are my Aether," Selene replied, her face serious and resolute. The slight name difference? She didn''t care in the slightest. Seeing her resolute expression, Aether sighed again, the weight of her unwavering belief pressing down on him. He began to tell the tale of his previous life, every painful detailid bare. Selene, while hugging him tightly, listened intently to his story, making mental notes of everything he said. First, his parents. She felt a burning rage towards them, worthless pieces of humanity who had failed him so utterly. If she ever encountered them, she wouldn''t hesitate to fry them in a pan. Second, his little brother. She wanted to push him into the deepest ocean, ensuring no one would ever find his remains. Third.... a woman who left him just because he was infertile. She wanted to kill her, to make her suffer for causing him so much pain. Lastly... "You suffered a lot, Aether," Selene''s eyes filled with tears. The more she heard, the more she realized there was no difference between Aether and Ether. They both suffered... Suffered..... Suffered and endured relentless pain. Aether smiled gently, patting her head softly. He felt an unexpected lightness as if a great burden had been lifted from his shoulders. For the first time in a long while, he felt he could breathe freely.... He finally felt happy. !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 32.4%] ''I suppose telling the truth is the right choice'' he thought with a gentle expression and he was truly d she turned norm--- Aether looked at Selene, who gazed back at him with tender eyes..... But then, her eyes darkened the night sky and she asked, "Now tell me, who is that bitch? And most of all, you didn''t answer my question earlier... are you still a virgin?" ''Fuck!'' Aether blinked, taken aback by her sudden change in demeanour. He swallowed hard, his throat dry, "Well, I had done it in my previous life..." The question again circled like a snake!! "No, no, no," Selene interrupted, waving her finger with a dark expression, "I am talking about this life, Aether. I know you doubted your love for me. Of course, you love me so much that you don''t want to hurt my feelings and got scared.... Hmm, Hmm... I understand that" as she zoomed into his face, "Still, you have the nerve to stick your dick that belongs to me into someone else... Tell me, how many bitches have you fucked?" She asked with a small smile that didn''t reach her eyes, her expression anything but friendly. Though Selene believed his unbelievable story, her love for him was so deep that she epted it in her heart and noted everything..... She even understood why he was scared of her, as she always called him Ether, which made Aether feel insecure about his identity. There was nothing wrong with Aether!! Everything was understandable. She was a remarkably good and understanding woman, you know! However, that didn''t mean she would tolerate him fucking others while her heart ached solely for him. "..." "Aether~" Selene''s voice was a sing-song, but it held a dangerous edge. Aether realized he needed to control this yandere side of her, or he might find himself locked away in here.... forever! Chapter 226: She is turning dangerous! "Hmm... So you''re saying that if you don''t seduce other women and make them fall in love with you, they will die? And your level is 17, but this one is fake?" Selene''s expression was aplex mix of disbelief and incredulity, her eyes wide as if she had just heard something utterly unimaginable and absurd. ".... Yes," Aether responded, his voice barely above a whisper, filled with a sense of resignation. He wrapped his arms around her waist, feeling theforting warmth of her body as she sat on hisp, her presence grounding him. Aether had finally decided toe clean with her..... He didn''t want to cause any emotional burden and he knew Selene deserved to know the truth about him, no matter how bizarre or painful it might be. The thought of deceiving her any longer was unbearable. He also felt an urgent need to be transparent with her now.... fearing that if he didn''t, something catastrophic might happenter. The idea of Selene''s Yandere tendencies intensifying further filled him with a profound sense of dread. He loved her too much to let things escte to a dangerous level. Actually, he wasn''t lying to begin with. He had been forced into this situation,pelled to seduce others as a means of survival. So... Let''s me the Log!! Hell Yeah!! But above all else... he truly loved this Yandere woman with every fibre of his being! "Sigh..." Selene let out a deep, weary sigh, feeling her brain short-circuit after hearing everything that sounded so ludicrous. Yet, as she recalled the past, the pieces of the puzzle began to fit together. Everything that had happened to Aether started to make an uncanny sort of sense. His rapid growth, his unique and unpredictable fighting style, his emotional instability, and his inexplicable attachment to other girls. "I see..." "Do you believe me?" Aether asked, his voice tinged with doubt... Even he could hardly believe the story he was telling her. "Are you lying to me?" she asked, her eyes searching his for any sign of deceit or insincerity. "Of course not..." Hearing that, Selene''s face softened, her eyes filled with a mixture of love and determination. She mumbled, "Then I will... always believe in you." Aether blinked, He lowered his chin onto her shoulder and mumbled, "You love me that much?.... A guy who is a worthless fellow, chasing other women to save his ass, hurting, manipting, older than you... You still love me?" Selene didn''t answer immediately. She just stared at his fake log, her mind racing. She had so many questions, and yet, her love for him was so overwhelming that she still believed in and loved him deeply. "Aether..." "Hmm?" "You said you need to seduce 10 women to remove the eternal ve mark, right?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly. Even though she couldn''t believe there was a way to remove the eternal ve mark, she wanted it desperately. She wanted him to be free more than anyone else in this world! She wanted him to act on his free will. She could still vividly remember how he had been an egoless toy, a memory that made her heart ache and brought her to tears many nights. If there was a way... even if it meant sacrificing her life... she would do it, just for him! "Yes" "If... if by any chance my name had appeared before... would you have seduced me?" She asked as she nced back at Aether, her eyes filled with a mix of hope and fear, her heart pounding in her chest. Aether stared into her eyes before sighing deeply and shaking his head. "I cannot... You loved me before, idiot. I cannot hurt you... I am not that heartless." "Even if it means you won''t achieve freedom and... I will die, right?" she pressed on, her voice breaking with emotion. "Yes, even if it means I never achieve my freedom... I won''t let you die," he said with conviction, hugging her tightly, his arms a protective barrier around her, letting her know that he would protect her at any cost, no matter the personal sacrifice. [+4000 Affection] "I see..." Selene''s lips curled up into a small, relieved smile. Actually, she had been hoping he would say he would seduce her because she wanted to see his hard work for him. And yet, when he said this... she felt a profound sense of relief and happiness, tears welling up in her eyes. "You know... I was hesitating to give you this before," Aether said, his voice filled with nervous anticipation. He took a small ck mixed-blue ring from his pocket and awkwardly handed it to her, "I bought this with my own money..." Selene simply stared at him before asking, "When?" "Well, a week ago" "I see..." She nced back at Aether, who wore an awkward expression as if he was hesitant about something. She giggled inwardly, ''A week ago, doesn''t that mean he already loved me and was scared to say it... hehehe... He never changes...'' She asked him to put the ring on her ring finger on her left hand. Aether was surprised and shocked, but he knew she was determined and serious, so he asked onest time, "Are you fine with me? I am pretty sure there are a lot of better guys who would solely focus on you... Unlike me, who would have to chase after other women, which might hurt you a lot, and I don''t t--" "I love Aether, that''s all!" she interrupted, her voice firm and unwavering. "Useless? I don''t care." "Other guys? I don''t give a fuck about them!" "Chase after other women? Well... I will help you gain freedom.... sigh, whatever the sacrifice needs to be!" "Infertile? Then I will be your baby, and you will be my baby!!" Hearing that especially thatst one, Aether''s body trembled, tears threatening to spill from his eyes, ''Damn, girl... What the hell... Man... She is tough!'' Aether screamed inwardly as he saw Selene lifting her finger, waiting for him to put the ring on. Aether slowly slid the ring onto her middle finger and softly mumbled, "Even if you don''t mind this cheap ring, I want to give you a ring that no one else has in these worlds... Only just for you so let''s leave a room for that..." [+4000 Affection] [+4000 Affection] Selene''s lips curled up as her ears turned bright red. She felt a surge of emotions.... love, joy, and a deep sense of belonging and security. Aether then pulled her tightly against him, her back leaning on his chest, and held her like a ko. He looked at her with possessive, loving eyes and said, "I love you, Selene Frostde... From the bottom of my heart, I want you to be happy more than anything!" ''Ba-Dump'' Selene''s heart froze for a second when she felt the sincerity of his words. There was no lie; she could feel his heart beating faster than ever. Her face instantly flushed, and in that moment, she could feel his profound love for her..... Those possessive eyes were almost the same as hers..... That was enough to dissolve her final insecurity, filling her with an overwhelming sense of happiness, peace, and a deep, abiding love that she knew wouldst forever... [+5000 Affection] [+5000 Affection] [+5000 Affection] .... .. [+6000 Affection] [+6000 Affection] [+6000 Affection] [+6000 Affection] .... .. [+7000 Affection] [+7000 Affection] [+7000 Affection] [+7000 Affection] [+7000 Affection] .... ... [+8000 Affection] [+8000 Affection] [+8000 Affection] [+8000 Affection] [+8000 Affection] [+8000 Affection] ..... ... [+9000 Affection] [+9000 Affection] [+9000 Affection] [+9000 Affection] [+9000 Affection] [+9000 Affection] [+9000 Affection] ..... ... [+10000 Affection] [+10000 Affection] [+10000 Affection] [+10000 Affection] [+10000 Affection] [+10000 Affection] [+10000 Affection] [+10000 Affection] [+10000 Affection] [+10000 Affection] ..... ... [+Error Affection] [+Error Affection] [+Error Affection] ..... .... ''WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON!!!!'' Aether screamed inwardly, ''Log, are you broken?!!!!'' Aether, with a horrified expression, looked down and saw Selene sitting on hisp, her back leaning against his chest. Her lips were curled into an uncanny smile as she giggled a few times, nodded, and giggled again, her eyes sparkling with a strange, almost maniacal intensity. ''Gulp'' "Aether," she said, her voice dripping with a mixture of curiosity and something more sinister, a yful yet dangerous edge to her tone. "Y-Yes?" Aether replied, his heart pounding in his chest, a cold sweat breaking out on his forehead, ''Feels like everything going circling around...'' he thought. "I''ve been thinking... All you need to do is seduce 10 women, right?" Her voice was sweet, too sweet! "... Yes" "Well, I wondered, I mean hypothetically..." she trailed off, her voice taking on an eerie quality that sent shivers down his spine, each word dripping with calcted malice. ''Fucked up!!'' he thought, his mind racing with rm. He knew when ''hypothetically'' came from a Yandere, it was a serious fuck up!! Selene continued, her tone unsettlingly calm, "After you seduce 10 women and get freed from the curse... Even if they die... hypothetically died, nothing happens to you, right?" Aether was frozen like a statue, his mind struggling to process her words, even he never thought that!!... Suddenly, !~Ding~! [Congrattions on Completing the Hidden Mission: Seduce Selene Frostde] !~Ding~! [Reward: 200,000 Affection Points] !~Ding~! [Reward: Skill: Eternal Seal] "S-Sel, I got som--" "Aether, something has been hitting my ass for a long time, you know?" Selene said with an innocent face as she wriggled her hips on Aether''s crotch, her eyes filled with a mischievous glint, the corners of her mouth twitching upwards in a sly grin. "S-Sel, Why don''t we take our tim--" "Even though I prepared myself for this day..." Selene said with a gloomy tone, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts, ''I cannot lose this chance. Who knows what bitches would use a trick to entice him and take his virginity... I''m d he saved himself until now... So I need to do it before anyone else!'' she resolved inwardly, her determination hardening like steel. She had indeed nned for this day, and there was no way she would lose this opportunity after he confessed his feelings and... even offered her a ring!! She wanted to make this an unforgettable day, a memory seared into both their hearts forever. "Are you sure?" Aether asked one more time, his voice filled with genuine concern and hesitation. He wanted to make sure she was ready, that she truly wanted this as much as he did. "Tsk, what? You grab other women''s asses without hesitation... What are you scared of?" she retorted, her tone tinged with annoyance. She felt Aether was asking too many questions instead of performing his duty, her patience wearing thin. Veins popped on his forehead.... "Little Girl!~" Suddenly, Selene flinched at the sound of his seductive voice, a shiver running down her spine. She gulped and turned to see a predatory gaze in his eyes, his lips curling into a seductive smile as Aether licked his lips and said, "It''s not about me to begin with... Today, I''m telling you, I am at my peak, so... I might break you~" he warned her sternly, his voice low and husky, filled with a raw, primal desire. "..... Then break me~" Chapter 227: ~Aether~ "~Mmmm~" "~Mmfff~" The sound of passionate kisses echoed through the dimly lit room, creating an intoxicating atmosphere thick with desire and anticipation. "~Aeetttthheerrr~" Selene whispered gently, her voice trembling with barely contained lust. Her face was a deep shade of red, flushed from panting breaths, as Aether''s hands teased her sensitive nipples hidden under her t-shirt. Each touch sent electric jolts of pleasure through her body, making her squirm with need, her hips subtly grinding against his hard member to tremble. "~ahh~" Aether struggled to control his inner beast as he gazed at her flushed, lovely eager face. Her eyes, half-lidded with desire, seemed to silently beg him to lose control with her. Perhaps she was! Anyhow, Aether slowly and gently lifted her t-shirt. Selene, initially reluctant and embarrassed, her face burning even brighter red, hesitated for a moment. But then, with a shy smile, she lifted her arms, revealing her luscious, busty breasts. They were perfectly shaped, with protruding pink nipples and small, adorable ares that invited his touch. Her breasts heaved with each breath, the curves full and tantalizing, a perfect fit for his hands. Her hands instinctively moved to cover her ample cuties, but Aether caught her just in time and whispered, "No need to hide them from me~" he murmured into her ear, his voice low and husky, before gently biting her earlobe. "Niingggg~" She moaned softly, her body shivering in excitement. Aether removed his shirt, his hot chest pressing against her cold back, making her shiver even more. Her back could feel the hardness of his muscr frame, and her heart pounded so fast she thought she might pass out. Aether leaned down and kissed her sexy nape, his lips trailing soft, tantalizing kisses along her delicate skin. The sensation was almost more enticing than her breasts... almost! His hands explored her curves, gently caressing her breasts. "~nggmm~" He fondled, "~ffmm~" pinched, and "~HHMM~" Twisted her nipples with expert precision, ying with her body to his heart''s content. Her nipples grew harder with each touch, each twist as if begging for more attention. Her ares, delicate and responsive, puckered under his skilled fingers. He could feel the way her body responded, the way her nipples hardened and her skin flushed, signalling her arousal. "~ah~" "Aether~" Selene nced at Aether with an eager expression, her eyes filled with longing, before closing them in anticipation. Aether slowly leaned in and captured her lips in a passionate kiss. "~hmm~" "~mmfff~" Selene responded with equal fervour, her hands tangling in his hair and pulling him even closer. Meanwhile, his hands continued to tease and y with her breasts, causing her body to tremble with each pinch and twist of her nipples. Her ckce panties were already soaked with arousal, the fabric clinging to her wet, swollen folds. One of his hands then slowly and surely moved downward, heading toward her sanctuary. He wanted to make this moment perfect for her.... to show her just how much she meant to him. "~hmmff~" His kisses trailed down her nape, eliciting soft moans of pleasure from her lips, each sound spurring him on. "~HIKK~" Selene arched against him, her body responding eagerly as his fingers gently grazed her flower, which was leaking sweet nectar... Her mind became clouded with desire. She had waited for this moment, and now that it was here, it was more intense and more beautiful than she had ever imagined. She could feel Aether''s hands memorizing every inch of her body, making sure to explore all her curves. The sensation was both thrilling and....guilt-inducing since he was the one pleasuring her. His hands roamed over her full breasts, squeezing and caressing them, his fingers finding her nipples and rolling them between his thumb and forefinger. "~Haa~" Her breasts heaved with each breath, her nipples standing erect, tingling from the lingering sensation of his touch. Her ares, sensitive and slightly swollen, added to the erotic disy that she felt self-conscious yet incredibly turned on by. "~ahh~" His touch was deliberate and teasing, designed to drive her wild with desire. She tried to move her hand back to release the hidden monster trapped inside his tight pants. "Hmm?" Aether noticed and couldn''t help but tease her, "Aren''t you too eager?" Selene''s lips twitched before she pouted and moved her hand away. Here she was, trying to help him, and yet... he was teasing her! Bastard! "Hahaha..." Aetherughed before lowering his pants and underwear. "KYA!!" Selene gasped sharply when she felt something pressing directly against her butt crack. She didn''t need to see it; she could feel the size and heat from her ass, ''W-When did this grow so much? This isn''t like before!'' she screamed inwardly. The realization hit her with a wave of fear mixed with intense arousal. Her flower trembled even more with anticipation. Her flower trembled even more. She knew what Aether had before... which was cute and small and but now, ''Gulp'' Her throat felt dry as she hesitated, her hand hovering in the air. With a deep breath, she reached back tentatively and touched it. "~arrhh" Aether groaned just from the cold touch, his shaft twitched even more..... She then slowly moved her hand up and down, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and excitement as she realized how big this was going to be inside her small, wet slit. "~hmm~" Aether sealed her lips with his, noticing she was overthinking. He wanted to ensure everything would be perfect.... His fingers slowly slid into her ckce panties, directly touching her wet flower. "Hmfff!!" Selene''s eyes widened as she felt Aether''s fingers entering her small slit. Her hips arched, and she momentarily stopped moving her hand. "~Aaahh~" Her body trembled as she climaxed, a shiver running through every nerve, her senses overwhelmed by the waves of pleasure that coursed through her. "~ha~" "~ha~" She panted heavily, her face flushed a deep crimson. She was exquisitely sensitive, and even the slightest touch was enough to make her mind go nk for a moment, her breath catching in her throat, her chest rising and falling rapidly. The heat between her legs throbbed in time with her racing heartbeat... Her body went limp as she copsed against his chest. "A~Aether..." she called out, her voice heavy with need and desire. Aether kissed her forehead tenderly, murmuring, "Good girl..." She blushed, her heart racing as she prepared to return his favour. Just then, Aether pushed her onto the bed with a firm yet gentle motion. He hovered above her, like a predator over its prey (Trembling cat), his eyes dark with desire and intent. "Girl... you know... every fibre of my being wants to be one with you..." he whispered, tucking her glossy, bluish-blue hair behind her ears. His breath was hot against her skin as he leaned in, inhaling the intoxicating scent of her hair, his member twitching with painful arousal. "~arrhh~" Aether groaned, his gaze locked onto her teary, shining blue eyes that looked up at him with a mix of expectancy and pure, unfiltered happiness. "I love you~" "~chu~" [+Error Affection] "I love you~" "~chu~" [+Error Affection] "I love you~" "~chu~" [+Error Affection] "I love you~" "~chu~" [+Error Affection] "I love you~" "~chu~" [+Error Affection] ..... ... He showered her face with kisses, each touch of his lips sending electric thrills through her body. Selene melted under his touch, her body shivering with excitement and anticipation. Every kiss, every touch was like a spark igniting a fire within her, making her skin tingle and her core clench with need... She almost climaxed again!! "~mm~" Aether''s lips trailed down her neck, lingering on her corbone, before descending to her ample breasts. His breath was hot and teasing against her skin, making her nipples harden with a mix of pleasure and aching need. Selene panted heavily, her chest rising and falling in a rhythm that entuated her curves, making them even more tantalizing. His hot breath ghosted over her nipples, causing them to wince in sweet agony. Aether''s gaze never wavered from hers, his eyes filled with a mixture of love and raw desire as he blew a stream of warm air over her sensitive peaks. "ngg~" "Aaaeeether~" She pouted cutely, her voice a blend of pleading and impatience. Aether chuckled softly, his tongue flicking out to circle her are slowly, teasingly. Her are, a deeper shade of pink, reacted to every touch, the sensitive skin tightening under his careful love. "~haammm~" Then, with deliberate slowness, he bit down on her erect nipple, making her stomach clench with intense pleasure. "~Hhaaaa~~" He sucked on her breast like a hungry baby, drawing moans from deep within her as her nipples throbbed under his relentless attention. Each pull and suck sent ripples of pleasure through her, making her toes curl and her fingers dig into the sheets. Seeing his adorable expressions, Selene giggled, her amusement genuine and filled with affection. She patted his head, ruffling his hair lovingly as she said, "You look like a cute littl--HHIIIKK!!" Her words were cut off by a sharp gasp as Aether bit down on her nipple again, a mix of pleasure and pain sending her senses into overdrive. The sensation was intense, the pain blending seamlessly with pleasure, making her arch her back and cry out. "What did you say?" Aether asked with an amused smirk, his eyes gleaming with mischief. Selene averted her gaze, unable to meet his intense stare, her heart pounding. Her body felt like it was on fire, every nerve ending singing with sensation.... of ''LOVE''. He smiled a slow, seductive curve of his lips, before continuing his trail of kisses. "~mm~" Aether''s lips moved from her nipples to her upper breasts, kissing and sucking the tender flesh, his hands roaming over her boobs, feeling the softness and firmness of her body. "Ah~" He trailed his kisses down to the underside of her breasts, licking and nipping at the sensitive skin, making her arch her back in response. His mouth hovered over her belly button, and he blew gently on it, feeling her shiver under his touch. "Ngg~" He kissed around her navel, his tongue darting out to taste her skin, his hands sliding down to grip her hips firmly. His hands roamed over her body, squeezing and caressing her curves, his touch firm and possessive. "A-Aether?" Selene''s voice trembled with a mix of fear and anticipation as she watched him stare at her wet ck panties. Her sweet, slick folds were hidden behind the thin fabric, but Aether''s predatory gaze made her feelpletely exposed. Aether''s lips curled into a sly smile as he looked at Selene, who instantly realized that something deep shit and intense fuck was about to happen. "I wonder what you taste like~" he murmured, his voice dripping with seduction as he licked his lips. "N-No, NO!! Aether! That''s dirty and dis~aahhh~No!~aahh~dddirrrrtyyyyyyyyy~" [+Error Affection] Chapter 228: ~Selene Frostblade: A hidden Mission!~ "~ahh~mm~haa~hAAAA~" Slurp "~maaaahhh~A~Aetherrrrr~aahhh~" Squelch "~Ha~Ha~aa~Haaa~mmm~yyessss~" Selene writhed in ecstasy, her hand clutching Aether''s hair as drool and tears mingled on her flushed face. Her expression, a blend of overwhelming pleasure and raw desire, was unlike anything she''d ever shown before. The sight of her pure, unfiltered lust made Aether''s heart race and his own desire grow even stronger. "~mmmm~aaahhh~" Her insides quivered under the relentless assault of Aether''s yful tongue, which skillfully explored her inner folds, sending her into uncontroble spasms of pleasure. Each stroke of his tongue felt like fire on her skin, igniting her senses and making her squirm with desperate need. Aether was taken aback by the taste of her sweet nectar... it was intoxicatingly delicious!! He couldn''t quite identify the vour, but it was so exquisite that it made his member ache with need. Without reservation, he continued to suck her juices hungrily, savouring every drop. Eat her out! Slurp "~aaaa~" Her moans were a symphony to Aether''s ears. He greedilypped at her inner folds, feeling his tongue being sucked in by her eager walls. She was craving more, and he intended to give it to her. The wet, slick sounds of his mouth working on slits made her even more red! His fingers traced around her folds before spreading them to reveal a cute little clit hidden inside. The sight of it made his heart pound with desire, ''cute~'' he thought. "~aahh~G~Gent~aaahh~" Selene''s body shivered as electric currents of pleasure surged through her. Her flower leaked like a fountain, soaking her thighs and Aether''s face. ''OH MY GOD!! AETHER IS EATING ME!!!!'' Selene screamed inwardly, her face a mask of bliss. She never imagined Aether would do this. As a noble, she had been taught how to please a man, just like other noble house teachings, but never in her life had she read or even heard of someone doing this... especially Males!! It was the same reason Celestia had been horrified when Aether tried to lick her nectar. "My~Aeettt~aahhhtttteee~" [+Error Affection] Selene moaned with possessive eyes. Aether chuckled, seeing her affection rise off the charts. Though he was quite scared of what might happenter..... he intended to enjoy this moment fully. Suddenly, Aether felt his middle finger being sucked by her and a trembling sensation as Selene''s body reached its peak. The sensation of her walls gripping him so tightly sent a thrill of excitement through him. "~A~Aether so~ahh~somethinging!!!" Selene screamed, feeling the impending orgasm. She was embarrassed to show her nectar to Aether, hoping he would stop now, but instead, "Come for me, Dear~" he whispered like a devil. Selene''s face was one of deep shit embarrassment, unable to believe Aether wanted to see her in such a vulnerable state. She tried to push him away, but her hands only pressed him deeper into her slit, her mind and body at odds. Aether, eager to see her shameful face, pushed her further by pinching her clit and rubbing her G-spot while sucking her sweet lips. He wanted to push her to the edge and watch her fall over it, consumed by the pleasure he was giving her. "~A~Aetthh~Aether~Itsing~CUMMMMMMINNNNGGGGG~~~~" Selene''s insides convulsed as her hips arched, making it even easier for Aether to drink her nectar. She clutched his hair, her legs bending as she let go. Ssh Ssh "~AHHH~HAAA~AAAAHHHHHH~~~~~~~~" Squelch Squelch She poured her nectar like a dam breaking, her body trembling uncontrobly. The sheer force of her release was overwhelming, leaving her gasping for breath. "~ha~" "~ha~" Selene panted heavily, feeling her body float, as if it was out of her control. Her mind had gone nk, and it took a few seconds to calm her racing heart. ''I didn''t expect this...'' Aether thought as he wiped the nectar sttered on his face. He had anticipated a light squirt, yet she managed to exceed his expectations.... Her response was more than he had hoped for, and it only made him want her more, ''Truly unbelievable girl!'' Aether licked his lips, looking at her trembling slits. Her flower was clean without a leaf.... looking like an innocent pure maiden''s. The sight of herid out before him, still quivering from her orgasm, was almost too much to bear. Selene covered her face in shame she really didn''t want him to see her shameful face! He couldn''t resist giving her slit a long, deliberate lick. "HAaaaa~" Selene snapped back to reality, her eyes meeting Aether''s face, drenched with her nectar. She felt deep embarrassment. Aether grinned, "Look at you painting me with your colour... aren''t you quite possessive~?" His whisper sent a shiver down her spine. She felt a strange happiness as if she now possessed him. The thought of marking him with her scent and taste filled her with a sense of pride and belonging. [+Error Affection] Aether smiled before removing his ring, revealing his true white hair. Selene''s eyes widened in surprise. The sight of him in his true form,bined with the intensity of their shared moment, made her heart race even faster. "Well, you said you believed in me, right?" Aether asked. Selene meekly nodded, her eyes still wide with wonder. "Then I believe in you," Aether mumbled, running his hands through his wet white hair, and looking at Selene with a soft, loving gaze. "H-Handsome!!!" Selene unconsciously mumbled, her heart skipping a beat. The sight of him, so raw and real, took her breath away. "Oh? Am I?" Aether asked teasingly, already knowing the answer. He could see the adoration in her eyes, and it made him feel invincible. Selene hurriedly nodded, her eyes wide with anticipation. She actually preferred his white hair over the ck; it gave him an ethereal, otherworldly allure. "Arrhh!" Suddenly, her expression turned pained as she felt something entering her sensitive slits. Aether caught her chin gently, his eyes locking with hers. "Look only at my eyes," hemanded softly. Selene nodded, her gaze fixed on Aether''s intense blue eyes, which seemed to bore into her very soul. As he entered her, her face contorted in pain, but Aether kissed her tenderly, ensuring her focus remained on him and not the difort. His touch was gentle, his kisses soft. Inwardly, Selene smiled, feeling grateful for his consideration. He was cing her well-being above his own pleasure, and she resolved to show him he need not worry about her. She wanted to make this experience just as beautiful for him as it was for her. "~Haaa~" "Good girl," Aether murmured, patting her head before kissing her forehead. Chapter 229: ~Selene Frostblade: A Sane girl!~ "Good girl," Aether murmured, patting her head before kissing her forehead. Selene smiled radiantly, her expression so beautiful it almost made Aether lose control. Biting his lip to restrain himself, he checked her well-being and, after receiving her nod, began to move his hipsslowly and gently. "~aarr~" "~aammfff~" "~aahrrr~" "~Mmmm~" "~mmm~Haaa~" "~haaa~Aaah~haaa~aaahh~" The sounds of their passionate lovemaking filled the room. Each thrust, slow and deliberate, sent waves of pleasure coursing through Selene''s body. She could feel him filling herpletely, every inch of his shaft pressing against her most sensitive spots. "~HHAAA~" The sensation was overwhelming, a mixture of pain and pleasure that made her toes curl and her breath hitch. Soon, Selene started to feel the pleasure of his vigorous shaft scraping her insides. It was so big, filling herpletely, making her stomach feel full. Now, she understood why Aether hadn''t wanted her to see it beforehand.... If she had, she might have been too scared to take it in. "~HMM~Ahh~" Her moans, initially soft and hesitant, grew louder and more passionate as she adjusted to the overwhelming sensations. Aether''s every thrust seemed to unlock a new level of pleasure, and she couldn''t help but revel in the intensity of it all. Her curves, her delicate skin, her supple breasts.... all of it felt alive under his touch. ''F-Finally, I be one with my beloved!'' Selene thought joyfully, her teary eyes meeting Aether''s passionate gaze..... no, her tears already pouring out weting the pillow! Tears of happiness streamed down her face as she realized she was the happiest girl in the universe. She hadn''t made a mistake in loving this man.... Once egoless, now showering her with gentle, passionate, and possessive love. [+Error Affection] [+Error Affection] [+Error Affection] ..... .. "~I love you~Sel~"Aether mumbled, kissing her lips, his hands caressing her curves. "~mmff~meff~Me too~ I LOVE YO~AAHH~" Aether couldn''t help but admire the way her body responded to him. Her breasts were full and soft, her nipples hard and begging for attention. He took one in his mouth, sucking gently, swirling his tongue around the sensitive peak. The sensation sent a jolt of pleasure straight to her core, and she gasped, her hands clutching at his shoulders. "N~No~~ I am feeling tooooo much~~~" "~Ahh~" "~Aaahh~" "Aether~" she moaned, her voice filled with longing and desire. Aether lifted his head, his eyes meeting hers. He kissed her deeply, his tongue dancing with hers in a passionate embrace. His kisses were fervent, his tongue exploring her mouth with a hunger that matched her own. Selene''s flower leaked nectar as Aether''s vigorous shaft scraped her insides. She could vividly feel his shape inside her, her body memorizing every contour. "~aahh~" "~hhaaa~" "~mmafff~A~Aether~ I love you~" "Aetheerrrrrrr~~" Selene hugged him tightly, feeling herself nearing her peak. She looked at him with pleading eyes, silently begging him toe with her. Aether smiled and kissed her lips. Actually, He was also holding back his climax; her insides were good.... too good! gripping his shaft as if trying to keep him there forever..... Her body was already crazy for him, just like her heart! "S~Sel... I am..." "Y~yes... Inside, love inside me" "Inside?" "...." Aether shook his head when she averted her eyes, "Sel, you know what you''re asking, right?" Selene smiled at his responsible and stern expression, "Don''t worry, I''m not insane... I''ve prepared a few medicines..." She nced at the side of the bed. She wasn''t an insane girl.... she just loved him too much. Though, in a small corner of her heart, she did hope Aether would impregnate her. Still, she knew it would be problematic for both of them, so she had prepared a contraceptive with a 60% sess rate. 60%! She was really a sane girl... believe her! Aether shook his head, amused by her thoughts, which were written all over her face. He sealed her lips with a deep kiss and began to pound her harder. "~aah~haA~haaaAAA~" "Aether~" "Sel~" Their voices mingled, a symphony of pleasure and love. Aether''s thrusts became more urgent, his control slipping as he felt himself nearing the brink. He reached down, his fingers finding her clit, rubbing in slow, deliberate circles. The sensation was exquisite, and Selene''s body responded immediately, her hips bucking against him, her moans turning into cries of ecstasy. "~Aahhh~" Selene''s body was on fire, every nerve ending alive with pleasure. She could feel the tension coiling tighter and tighter, her body trembling with the effort to hold on. She was so close, so very close, and she could see the same desperate need in Aether''s eyes. "~AAAAAAHHHHAAA~~MMMMFFFffffffff...." "Arrhh~" With a final thrust, Aether pushed them both over the edge. Selene cried out, her body convulsing as waves of pleasure crashed over her. She could feel Aether''s release inside her, his warmth filling herpletely. Selene could feel her insides being filled with Aether''s love..... She was happy... no, over the moon with happiness, feelingplete and utterly cherished. [+Error Affection] "~ha~" "~ha~" Both of them panted heavily, their faces drenched with sweat, small smiles on their lips as they leaned in for another kiss. Their bodies glistened under the dim light, every curve and contour highlighted in the soft glow. Selene felt her body growing tired, her mind heavy and weak, but she wanted to continue.... She wanted him to break her even more, to im herpletely, but Flick Aether flicked her forehead, "Let''s sleep." Selene pouted for a second before sighing and gently smiling. She understood his concern, and she appreciated his care for her well-being. [+Error Affection] She couldn''t move an inch, exhaustion washing over her..... she was really tired after one session!! Aether was about to pull out when Selene stopped him, wanting to stay connected like this. The feeling of him inside her was too precious to let go of just yet.... and she was afraid of after pain so she wanted him inside! Aether nodded, turning to his side and positioning her on top of him. Selene smiled, kissed his chest, and closed her eyes, instantly falling into a wonderful dream. Her body was pressed against his, feeling the warmth and strength of his presence. Aether patted her back and kissed her forehead, "I love you." "...I..love.....mmm.." Selene mumbled in her sleep, making Aether chuckle lightly before activating his clone and ordering it to leave the dorm and disappear after entering a restroom. He hugged her soft body, slowly falling into a deep, satisfied sleep with a relieved smile and a sense of happiness as if everything was finally right in the world. Hisst thought before sleep imed him was of the incredible woman in his arms. ________ [Author''s note: Do you like it? Any altertions? Also, Use it if you want! The code can be redeemed by 10 different users with 10 FPs/user.Your code number is and you can find the redeem center at Profile-Redeem. Put a paragraphment if you guys got any! Please answer me, guys!!! Otherwise, I haunt you!! Chapter 230: Eternal Seal "Stand there, Ether! Hmph,"manded a 12-year-old girl with a tone of impatience, her face scrunched up in visible annoyance as she red at a white-haired boy of the same age whose eyes appeared lifeless and devoid of emotion. With a determined huff, she mbered onto a somewhat wobbly stool, stretching on her tiptoes as much as she could to reach for a jar ced high on the shelf. ''Tsk, I cannot believe my mother and aunt left us just because of a stranger! Hmph!!'' the girl thought, her face reflecting both annoyance and a hint of longing as she felt her mother was being unfair, leaving her alone with her father, who only dotes on her older brother. The sting of their absence made her resent the stranger even more, deepening her sense of abandonment and frustration. "Hmm... where is it?" she muttered to herself, her hand searching blindly above the shelf, feeling the edges of various jars and containers. Tuck, Tuck The stool wobbled beneath her unsteady footing, but she ignored it, her stubbornness driving her to prove she could manage on her own without anyone''s help. "Aha! Got ittttt...!!!" she eximed triumphantly just as the stool gave way. She grabbed the shelf in a desperate attempt to steady herself, but it tipped forward, sending her plummeting toward the ground. "KYAA!!... MOM!!!" she screamed. Her eyes widened in terror as she saw the items on the shelf tumbling down along with it, and she instinctively covered her face with her arms in fear. THUD!! However, nothing fell on her body... except for a strange dripping on her face. She slowly opened her eyes, and to her astonishment, she saw... shimmering blue eyes full of life staring at her. The boy, with a gentle expression, asked, "Are... y-you al....right?" She couldn''t respond immediately because she was too shocked by the sight of the boy who was holding up the entire shelf, with blood flowing from the back of his head. "E-Ether?" she mumbled in shock. Before she knew it, Ether''s eyes turned lifeless again, and hearing themotion, the other servants immediately arrived and helped their Young Miss. After that fateful day, she never saw his shimmering blue eyes again... Until, .....Selene groaned softly as she slowly opened her eyes groggily, a faint smile spreading across her face as she remembered something sweet from the past, a memory that marked the beginning of everything. "Ether?" Upon fully opening her eyes, she noticed there was no one below her or even to the side. Her face turned horrified as she feared everything had been just a dream.... Just as she was about to get up, "Ouch!" Selene groaned in pain as she looked down at herself and noticed she was naked. Most of all, the white bedsheet was tainted with a small red spot. She blushed deeply, thinking, ''Not a dream... ah.'' "Oh! You''re awake." Hearing that gentle voice, Selene lifted her head and saw Aether holding a bowl and walking towards her. He ced the bowl beside her and looked into her teary eyes with concern. "What happened? Still feeling the pain?" he asked with a worried expression. "Hmm... I am happy," Selene gently mumbled as she pulled the bedsheet up to hide her body, feeling a bit shy, you know! Aether smiled warmly, kissed her forehead tenderly, and offered the soup he had prepared. "It will be good for the pain," he said, feeding her with care. Selene, without shying away, giggled before epting the spoonful and eating it like a child. "It feels delicious and warm..." Selene mumbled contentedly as she felt her stomach rx and a sense of ease wash over her. Aether smiled at her affectionately before ncing down at his... log..... No, his broken log. [Warning: Due to an unnatural amount of Affection Points, Causing the Imbnce... The Log has crashed down and is now under recalibration and reconstruction.] [Warning: Until the Log functions again, no more Affection Points will be earned.] [Warning: Only skills work.] / Name: AetheQ@#%! Sex: !@#$%# Race: ##### Level: 17 Title: The Lost ##, ve [Eternal Contract to ########], The Only Holder of #!@# and Past-#$@@!$ Entity. Skill: Freedom, Clone, Eternal Seal Attributes: Stre!@gth: 160 Ag123lity: 170 Intell%#igence: 160 Magic Affinity: 160 Charm: 160 !@# Compatibility: 90% [Survival rate: 3.!@$%] Affection Points: 5#2#### Seduction:3/1@! / [Estimated repair time: 3 Days 6 hours 23 minutes 1 second] ''Just how much affection did she give me that even the Log is terrified and broke down?'' Aether thought with an amused expression. He wasn''t sure whether he should be happy about this unexpected development or if he should be concerned. "Heheh..." Hearing her giggling and seeing the joyful expression on her face, Aether thought, ''Well, everything is worth it!'' Despite his satisfaction, he still couldn''t understand why his Seduction skill didn''t increase. ''Maybe it''s a hidden mission and not a Log-selected one?'' He guessed but wasn''t sure whether his assumption was correct. Selene felt her body unusually different. She frowned, noticing a sudden surge of power coursing through her veins. Her body felt stronger, more energized, and even more alive than before. Frowning, she looked at her Log, "What in the...?" "What happened?" Aether asked, concern etched on his face as he watched her intently. "L-Look," she said, showing her Log to Aether: / Name: Selene Frostde Sex: Female Race: Human Level: 14 Title: Daughter of Velc Frostde, Brainy, Loves Aether to Death, Yandere, Stalker. Attributes: Strength: 130 Agility: 130 Intelligence: 130 Magic Affinity: 130 Charm: 130 / Her level was actually 12 before, but now... "Aether... what did you do?" Selene asked with a curious and slightly usatory face. She believed he was... no, he must be the cause of this sudden change. "Well... even if you ask me, I don''t know," Aether answered, shrugging slightly. He wasn''t sure himself. This was as much a mystery to him as it was to her. Selene frowned as she thought of various possibilities before her eyes slowly lowered to his groin area... This was the only possibility, right? ''I mean, that thing is the one that entered me, so...'' Selene thought and then voiced her thoughts to him. Aether pondered for a second. "Cannot be sure about that..." he mumbled. He needed to test if he was really the cause. If he was, then who knows which insane woman would lock him up for that... A shiver ran down his spine at the thought of being confined because of this peculiar ability. "Why don''t we test it?" Selene asked with a blushing, teasing face. She seemed eager to explore the possibilities, despite the her pain. Aether simply shoved... the soup at her, interrupting her thoughts and actions! Selene pouted, feeling slightly disappointed and a bit childish, before continuing to eat. After feeding her like a child, Aether told her a few details about how she was his hidden mission... "OH! So I am a hidden mission for you... Hmm," Selene nodded with satisfaction. Hidden meant she was special, right? Aether nodded and looked at the skill he received, feeling a mix of curiosity and anticipation. [Skill: Eternal Seal] [Effect: The Eternal Seal is granted to bonded parties, establishing a permanent, unbreakable Soul connection. A distinctive mark appears on each female''s body, symbolizing their eternal bond. This connection allows the parties to share emotions, feelings, and desires, fostering a profound sense of unity and understanding] [Additional Benefits: The Eternal Seal elerates the growth and development of the bonded female parties. It also establishes a telepathic connection, enabling instantaneous, silentmunication] [Limitations: The Eternal Seal is unbreakable once formed and cannot be dissolved by any means, not even by Arcane/Mother root/######## themselves.] "Hmm... interesting, let''s try it," Selene mumbled when she heard the details. Aether nodded and activated the Eternal Seal, "Arrhh!" Suddenly, Aether clutched his chest and groaned in pain. He felt a scorching heat sensation, as if something was itching inside his chest... no, deeper, like in his soul! The intensity of the sensation made him wince and clench his teeth. "A-Aether?" Selene was taken aback, her concern growing with each passing second as she watched him struggle. Soon, something itched on his chest... like a weird tattoo that felt alive and pulsating with otherworldly energy. An infinity symbol () was positioned at the centre of his chest, crafted to fit seamlessly andfortably. Its lines were intricately adorned with delicate vine patterns, symbolizing both growth and interconnectedness. At the intersection where the loops of the infinity symbol meet, a small flower bud was delicately ced, poised as if on the brink of blooming. Selene subconsciously touched the tattoo and felt an inexplicable emotion toward it, a deep sense of connection that resonated with her very soul. Aether breathed heavily as he looked at the screen, his eyes scanning the new information disyed before him. [Target?] "Selene Frostde" Immediately, a screen appeared before Selene''s eyes. She was taken aback by the sudden disy, ''So this is what Aether was talking about... interesting,'' she thought. [Warning: You are entering the Eternal Seal Bond, which means you cannot break this even if you die... Your soul will always be bonded with Aether Forever to Eternity] [Warning: Are you willing to proceed?] Selene smiled gently. There was a little madness in her eyes when she saw ''Forever to Eternity.'' This was more like a gift than a warning to her. The thought of being bound to Aether forever filled her with an intense, almost overwhelming sense of joy and contentment. "Yes," she replied without hesitation, her voice steady and filled with conviction. [Where do you want the Eternal Seal?] "Well... I..." [Expect all over the body] Selene pouted, seeing this rejection even before she said anything. Then she said, "I want it... near my heart." [Initiating Eternal Seal] "Arrrhh!!" Selene clutched her chest as she trembled and groaned in pain. She was feeling exactly what Aether felt... something deeper, like in her soul! The sensation was overwhelming and consuming, making her feel as if her very essence was being intertwined with his. Aether hugged her body tightly, offering what littlefort he could as he watched the tattoo form on her chest. It itched and pulsated just like his. Her tattoo was also the same infinity symbol (), except there was nothing at its intersection... yet. Suddenly, both Selene and Aether''s bodies glowed. Aether''s tattoo flickered with ckish-blue light, while Selene''s flickered with pure white before both settled down into a steady, calming glow. "-ha-ha-" Selene panted heavily, then gently touched her tattoo. She could feel something... something entering her body. Her eyes widened as she felt love, possessiveness, happiness, and longing more intensely than ever before. She looked at Aether, who was gently smiling. He was surprised to feel so many emotions from her, as if he were on the brink of madness. The connection was deep, raw, and powerful. Selene now truly believed she be one with Aether... these emotions... she was really happy now! Selene mumbled, "I love you," as she kissed him passionately. They slowly intertwined, their kissing sounds echoing in the room. Aether broke the kiss and stopped her since he knew she was still in pain and needed time to recover. Selene giggled, saying, "Even though I can feel your lust toward me," before entering the bathroom. She enticed him with her movements, swaying her hips as if inviting him to follow her. Aether sighed deeply, trying to control his raging hormones and the intense emotions coursing through him..... He threw her inside the bathroom! Chapter 231: Hope Aether is alive Aether arrived at his servant dormitory with a mix of happiness and relief, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders.....Selene, on the other hand, had been reluctant to part with him. In truth, she hadn''t wanted him to leave the room at all. She had locked the door tightly, her eyes pleading with him to stay. It took a considerable amount of coaxing, gentle words, and promises before Aether was able to persuade her to let him go. "I think in order to deal with a yandere, you need to be a yandere," Aether mused, his face adopting a profound expression as he reflected on the earlier events. With this thought lingering in his mind, he finally entered his room. Aether saw Celestia lying peacefully on her bed, lost in her dreams. He paused for a moment, watching her serene expression, before heading to the bathroom to freshen up. After emerging from the bathroom, he noticed that Celestia had woken up. She was looking at him with a warm smile, her eyes soft and weing. "Good morning," she greeted him softly. "Yeah," Aether mumbled, feeling a bit awkward. He walked over to her, standing before her and said, "Your act isn''t working well, Ms. Celestia Nocturne," before gently pinching her nose. He added with a hint of mischief in his voice, "Do you still ept me?" Celestia''s eyebrows shot up in surprise and her previous groggy expression disappeared as if she had never slept before, but then she lowered her head and mumbled, "You knew?" "Heheh... It''s not that I knew, rather... I felt you were there," Aether said, his voice gentle as he ruffled her hair affectionately. "So?" "... I told you, didn''t I?" Celestia asked back with a small smile. The entire situation and stories she heard felt surreal, almost unbelievable, yet when she saw the earnest expression on his face, she knew he wasn''t tricking anyone. His sincerity was palpable. It didn''t matter to her who he was because she saw Aether and loved Aether, unlike Selene. Aether''s heart swelled with gratitude. Holding her hand, he looked into her eyes and earnestly said, "I love you, Celestia Nocturne." ''Ba-Dump'' Celestia''s heart skipped a beat at his genuine deration. ''Finally, he''s showing everything,'' she thought, her eyes welling up with tears. She nodded, her emotions overwhelming her, and hugged him tightly. Aether kissed her forehead, feeling her slight insecurity from when he hadn''t answered her properly that day. Both Selene and Celestia... He had resolved to take care of them, but before that, "Let''s check the room. I don''t want anyone spying here anymore," Aether said with a newfound seriousness. He hadn''t expected Selene to have hidden a recording device, and the realization made him wary. What could he do if others like Auqalina, Aria or even Delphine ced anything inside his room?.... He fucked up!! Celestia giggled but quickly adopted a serious expression as well. She couldn''t believe she hadn''t noticed the device before. ..... ... "Selene," Lia called out to her, noticing a distinct change in her demeanour. Selene seemed different, exuding a new aura that was hard to pinpoint. "Hmm?" Selene responded gracefully, her movements more refined and mature. "Did something happen?" Lia asked, her curiosity piqued. "Hmm, nothing. Why?" Selene shrugged her shoulders nonchntly before turning to Victor with a loving gaze. "...." Lia frowned, sensing that something was amiss. ''Something is really wrong!'' she screamed inwardly, her intuition screaming at her. Victor, on the other hand, smiled inwardly. He felt Selene''s love for him pouring out like water from a breached dam. He also noticed that Aria and Kai were absent from the ss. ..... ... Meanwhile, in a private room, "Ms. Aria... You are asking for something impossible," Kai mumbled, staring at the wooden box that contained the materials for the trial. "It''s fine... Mr. Kai. All I want is an exchange, and you don''t want to disappoint your father, right?" Aria asked as she sat before Kai at the round table, her tone calm but firm. "Even so..." Kai frowned deeply. As much as he wanted to win the trial, his father had strictly ordered him not to hand over Aether''s ownership to anyone. Aria frowned as well. She was controlling her urge tosh out, trying to keep herposure for Aether''s sake. Yet, Kai''s indecisiveness was testing her patience. "Anyhow... I will give you a week to think about it," she conceded, trying to remain diplomatic. Kai sighed in relief. A week would be sufficient time to contact his father and get a definitive answer. "However, since you''re making me wait... I want Aether for a few days as I am visiting my home," Aria requested with a smile, though her eyes held a steely determination. Kai''s lips twitched. He couldn''t fathom why this woman was so fixated on Aether, so he asked her directly. She simply replied, "He is... something else!" Kai was puzzled. To him, Aether seemed dull, just another ve. He couldn''t understand the fuss. "Okay, I will give you Aether, but he can only be away for one day---" Kai began to say, but Aria cut him off. "I will take care of it... No one is going to disobey the Elven Queen," she said sternly before exiting the room. Kai growled in frustration, wondering why everyone was so interested in Aether. Suddenly, a terrifying thought struck him. "D-Did they know?" he mumbled, his face paling with fear. ..... .. Inside Aria''s room, "I talked with Kai, and he allowed you toe with me," Aria said as she sat on Aether''sp, feeding him with her homemade food. The aroma of the dish filled the room, making it a cosy and intimate setting. "Hmm..." Aether was surprised, "How?" he asked while swallowing a mouthful of the delicious food. "That''s a secret!" Aria winked at him cutely before feeding him another bite like a gentle mother. "Hmm..." Aether nodded, ''Well, whatever...'' he thought, enjoying the tender moment. "You know... I feel something different about you today," Aria mumbled as she stared into Aether''s eyes, which were shining brighter than ever as if he had been reborn. Meanwhile, Aether was panicking inside, ''Fuck, fuck!! I added perfume, and yet she noticed something!!!'' "What is it?" Aether asked with a curious face, trying to figure out if there was any error on his part that needed rectifying. "Well, you look more handsome," Aria blushed as she spoke, her ears twitching rapidly with a shy expression. "...." Aether blinked in surprise before leaning in to kiss her lips tenderly, "My Aria, you''re absolutely adorable," he whispered affectionately. Aria blushed deeper, her ears continuing to twitch in response to his touch. Unable to resist her irresistible charm, Aether yfully nibbled on her ear. "~Ahhhnnggg~" Aria''s eyes widened in surprise. She quickly pushed him away and got up from hisp, stammering, "N-No!! That''s after m-marriage!!!" Despite her protest, her cute ears still twitched furiously, which only made Aether chuckle more. "Hmph!" Mommy Elf got angry and pouted but couldn''t hide the fluttering in her heart. Aether stood and kissed her forehead tenderly, saying, "You look too adorable, my cute Aria!" "!!!" Aria pushed him again, her heart already on the verge of exploding with emotion. ..... ... Entering the Principal''s house, "Oh? You finally decided to show up," the Principal greeted Aether with a smile that didn''t quite reach her eyes. She couldn''t hide her displeasure from the previous day when Aether had skipped their training session, a tant disy of disrespect in her eyes. "....I was training," Aether replied vaguely, trying to maintain hisposure. "Training? What sort of training exactly?" The Principal probed, her toneced with thinly veiled scepticism. "...." "Come on, my disciple. It''s not like I''m going to kill you or anything...," she smiled, her voice masking the underlying threat. Aether knew he had messed up. "Well, it was a special kind of training....that only I could do," he finally admitted, hoping to steer the conversation away. "Oh, interesting. What kind of training would that be?" The Principal''s interest was piqued, and she regarded him with a keen, assessing gaze. "Well, it''s not something I can do alone.... I need a partner," Aether awkwardly admitted, hoping she would drop the subject and refocus on their training agenda. "I will be your partner" Surprised by her swift eptance, Aether couldn''t help but smirk slightly, "Let me warn you, Principal. This training is dangerous and could potentially hurt you, not just physically but emotionally as well," he cautioned, his tone serious. "Hmm..." The Principal considered his words thoughtfully, interpreting them as a reference to some form of mental attack or illusion challenge. As an educator, she felt a sense of pride that Aether was attempting something different. With a determined expression, she dered, "I''m strong..... brat." Aether sensed her confidence and shrugged nonchntly. ''She asked for it,'' he thought as he moved to stand in front of her. The Principal didn''t bother to guard herself, believing Aether was just a little toy..... Yet, Aether suddenly hugged her busty body and stared at herscivious lips, slowly leaning towards her. Just as their lips were about to touch, the Principal, snapping out of her shock, punched him in the face. However, Aether had anticipated this reaction and swiftly evaded her, darting away with practised agility. He had already noted out potential hiding spots in the house, so he knew exactly where to go. "YOU MOTHERFUCKER!! Get back here!!" the Principal bellowed, her face contorted in fury. Never in her wildest dreams had she expected Aether to pull such a stunt. Aether, in his flight, abruptly halted and turned to re back at the Principal, who had also paused in surprise, "How dare you call me a motherfucker?!!! I haven''t even fucked anyone''s mother..." His voice rang out with deadly seriousness before adding, "...Yet." The Principal''s expression twisted in a mix of anger, embarrassment, and a touch of something else. BOOOMMMMM!!!!! Let''s hope Aether lives to see another day after this daring actions! Chapter 232: Modified Log "So, you are leaving tomorrow?" Aqualina asked, her eyes trembling as the thought of leaving Aether alone with the Elven woman gnawed at her heart. The anxiety was almost unbearable; What could that Elven bitch could to do him? Aether paused in his task, his gentle smile spreading across his face, "Yes, I am," he replied softly. "..." Aqualina stared nkly at Aether, her heart heavy with sadness, "I will be so lonely," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Aether stopped what he was doing and turned his full attention to Aqualina. He knew he needed to maintain a dense act about her feelings to keep things simple. With an awkward smile, he said, "I promise to buy you a souvenir. Something special, just for you." Aqualina''s lips twitched in frustration. She felt like Aether was treating her like a child, and that only intensified her longing to express her true feelings. Gathering her courage, she stood before him, opened her arms wide, and said, "H-Hug me." "Hmm?" Aqualina''s face flushed a deep red, her cheeks burning with a mixture of embarrassment and determination. "H-Hug me..." Aether''s eyes widened in shock and disbelief. With a shy expression, he said, "B-But I cannot, Princess. You are Master Ka---" "This is an order!!" Aqualina dered, her voice firm and authoritative. She hoped that invoking her authority would make it easier for him toply. Aether hesitated for a moment, his mind racing. Then, slowly and quietly, he moved his hands. Aqualina''s heart pounded wildly in her chest as she watched his every move, her breath catching in her throat. Despite his initial hesitation, Aether''s hands finally encircled her, "C-Come on, Aether... Please," she pleaded, her face a brilliant shade of crimson. That plea struck Aether''s heart directly. He immediately pulled her into a tight embrace, his arms wrapping around her with a tenderness that surprised even him. "HA!" Aqualina gasped as she felt the warmth of his body envelop her. It was a sensation she had longed for, melting into his embrace like a fragile flower in the sunlight. Slowly, she wrapped her arms around him, a small, contented smile ying on her lips. ''I love you...'' she thought, though the words remained unspoken. Her shyness held her back, preventing her from voicing the feelings that threatened to overwhelm her. ''He is really strong,'' she noted, marvelling at his sturdy build. Aether looked down at her and smiled, ''She is kind of cute,'' he thought, his hands slowly travelling toward her hips. He gently grabbed them, causing Aqualina to momentarily stiffen. However, she quickly reminded herself that he was innocent and unaware of the impropriety of his actions. "Aether... make sure to be careful around her, alright? And..." she began, her voice trembling slightly as she looked up at him without breaking the embrace. Blushing deeply, she added, "... N-Never show your genitals to anyone." Aether tilted his head in genuine curiosity, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he asked, "Why?" while suppressing a chuckle. "W-Well..." Aqualina''s eyes darted around like a frightened animal, her mind racing for a suitable exnation. ''W-What should I say? It''s so obvious what might happen, but I truly hope she won''t take advantage of him after the divorce. She might corrupt my innocent Aether!'' she screamed inwardly. With a face as red as a tomato and trembling lips, she finally said, "This is an order. Never show your genitals to anyone." Seeing her adorable, earnest expression, Aether couldn''t help but smile. He patted her forehead gently before saying, "If the princess insists... then I will obey." Aqualina''s lips trembled even more as she let out a soft snort, "Hmph, you must," she said, but her hug tightened around him, not wanting to let go. ... ... Tuck, Tuck, Tuck..... A horse-drawn carriage came to a halt, its wheels creaking against the gravel path. "Aether, we have arrived," Aria announced, her voice carrying a note of excitement. She wore a stunning one-piece traditional green dress that highlighted her ethereal beauty. She reached out and pulled Aether, who was d in a white robe she had given him. Stepping out of the carriage, Aether found himself surrounded by a scene unlike anything he had ever witnessed before. Towering, ancient trees loomed overhead, their massive trunks intertwined with each other like guardians of the forest. Amidst this natural splendour, houses of exquisite architecture dotted thendscape. Each dwelling seemed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings as if crafted by the forest itself. The buildings were constructed with a keen eye for elven aesthetics, using materials that harmonized with the natural environment. Some houses were nestled within the embrace of colossal tree roots, their structures supported by the sturdy branches arching overhead. "Wow!" Aether mumbled in awe, his eyes wide with wonder. He had never imagined that the fantastical scenes he had read about in novels could be so vividly real. The beauty and tranquillity of the Elven vige took his breath away, leaving him speechless. "Haha... Wee to our city, Faerie Arbor," Aria announced with a proud expression, her chest puffed out slightly. Then she grew serious, her tone bing stern. "Aether, these people are old and believe in old traditions" "Just like you?" Aether interrupted, a teasing glint in his eyes. Aria frowned, her lips curling into a yful scowl, "Who are you calling an old traditional useless woman?" "..." Aether was taken aback, unsure how to respond to her sudden shift in demeanour. Aria giggled softly before whispering, "I''m just teasing~" Aether''s eyes widened in surprise. ''Look at her, she''s in a good mood,'' he thought, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Leaning closer, he whispered back, "Even if my Aria is old-fashioned... I still love her~" Aria flinched, her cheeks turning a deep shade of red, and immediately moved away from him. [+7000 AP] Aria then coughed, trying to regain herposure, "A-Anyhow, you need to follow me closely and never make eye contact with the elders. They can be quite irritable, especially since you are human. Some might not wee you much, so stay close and do as I do, okay?" Aether nodded with a serious expression, "Okay, Teacher!" Aria giggled, tempted to kiss him right then and there, but she restrained herself. They were in the presence of many onlookers, and such a disy would be inappropriate. As Aria and Aether walked further into the city, Aether couldn''t help but check his New Log..... or rather modified Log after.... The crash had altered many things: / Name: Aether Sex: Male Race: ___________ Level: 17 Title: The Progenitor of Unknown Species, Eternal Contract to ########, The Only Holder of Ether and A Past-less, Future-less Entity Skills: Freedom[Updated], Clone[Updated], Eternal Seal [Updated](Passive) Attributes: Strength: 160 Agility: 170 Intelligence: 160 Magic Affinity: 160 Charm: 160 Compatibility: 91% Survival Rate: 35% Affection Points: 1,000,000 Seduction: 3/10 :- Ste Aria Zephyr Aqualina Naiadia / !~Ding~! [Due to an excessive amount of affection received from Selene Frostde, she has been removed from your Affection List. Consequently, you will no longer receive affection points from her.] !~Ding~! [As a result of Aether''s actions, the Log has anticipated potential imbnce and danger in certain individuals. Therefore, affection points will no longer be awarded once a specific threshold is reached.] !~Ding~! [The Threshold will be 500,000 AP for every individuals] ''Well... I suppose even the Log is terrified by her affection,'' Aether thought, recalling the cute little girl he had left behind. He felt a pang of sadness remembering her gloomy face, ''I need to pamper her more.'' Suddenly, /A-Aether?/ Aether heard a voice in his mind and immediately recognized who it was, ''So, the Eternal Seal''s telepathy works even at this distance,'' he thought before sending a telepathic reply. /Nothing much, Sel. I miss you~ and I''m sad that I couldn''t kiss you today./ He suddenly felt a wave of intense love and longing and even a hint of destroying something.... Aria!..... He sweated a little before saying, /I love you./ The intense emotions calmed, reced by a pure eruption of love. /I-I love you too!!!/ she shouted in his mind before cutting the connection. Aether could feel her overwhelming happiness and... was that a hint of arousal? Anyhow, "Aether?" Aria called him, snapping him back to reality. They stood before colossal wooden structures that towered above the rest of the vige. These buildings,rger and more grandiose than the others,manded attention with their intricate carvings and borate designs. The massive wooden beams and arched doorways suggested a ce of great significance, perhaps a sacred ce. "It''s my home," Aria said, pulling him inside the grand house. Chapter 233: Maelona Zephyr "Hmm? A human?" "What''s a human doing here in our realm?" "Maybe he is Queen Aria''s friend, or perhaps another chosen one?" "I see... But still..." "Still, I couldn''t believe she was dissolving our sacred marriage. It''s unthinkable." "Well, what could you expect from her? She''s barren, after all. A queen who cannot bear heirs... A pitiful woman!" "It should be the other way around. Emperor ric should be the one to dissolve the marriage, not her.... It''s his right, not hers!!" Hearing the murmurs echoing around the grand corridor, Aether frowned deeply. ''What the fuck?'' he thought, feeling a surge of annoyance that quickly transformed into raw anger. There was nothing wrong with this woman, and even if there were, she should never bebelled with such vile and disgusting words. What he hated more than anything in the world was being called ''infertile''. This wasn''t a choice; it was an error, a cruel twist of fate that no one had control over, yet people judged and thought so harshly about it. "Aether..." Aria gently called out to him, her soft voice pulling him from his thoughts. She caught his fingers in hers, her touch light and reassuring. "You don''t need to worry about them... I am already used to this." Seeing her serene and happy expression, as if she didn''t care about the hurtful words of others, Aether sighed. ''I suppose suffering for a thousand years has steeled her heart...'' He followed her quietly, his anger simmering but contained, as they arrived at the imposing doors of the Great Hall. The guards stationed outside looked at Aria with deep respect and bowed deeply as they opened the massive doors. Entering the Hall, Aether noticed several groups of people sitting at the low tables, engaged in serious discussions. The atmosphere was tense and charged with heated words. Everyone halted their conversations and turned to watch as Aether and Aria made their entrance into the Great Hall. "Queen Aria!" the people shouted in unison before standing up respectfully and bowing deeply. Aria, maintaining her calm andposed expression, nodded and walked toward the central table with an air of regal authority. Aether also nodded with a calm expression, though inwardly he felt a mix of emotions, ''She did say I should do whatever she does, right?'' he thought, trying to mimic her demeanour as he followed her closely. Though the people frowned at why Aether was acting as if he was the one receiving their respect, they held their tongues, not daring to voice their confusion or displeasure. "Mother," Aria said as she stood before a woman.... The woman possessed an otherworldly allure, her skin a smooth, rich shade of dusky blue that contrasted strikingly with the cascading waves of her tinum hair. Her eyes, luminescent and piercing, were a captivating shade of green, drawing you in with their depth and mystery. Her elegant dress, a masterpiece of emerald green silk and intricate golden embroidery, clung to her form in all the right ces, entuating her busty curves with a sensual grace. The neckline plunged daringly, showcasing a deep cleavage framed by the exquisite goldence that adorned her shoulders. Her name was Maelona Zephyr. (Image) Maelona smiled as she looked at her daughter with teary eyes. "My child..." she whispered, her voice filled with emotion. Aria''s eyes also turned teary as she ced her right hand on her mother''s shoulder and leaned in, their foreheads touching and their noses rubbing gently in a gesture of deep affection. With eyes brimming with affection, Maelona said, "Wee home, my dear." They stayed like that for a few precious seconds, the bond between them palpable. Meanwhile, Aether sighed in relief, ''Thank goodness... I almost thought she was going to kiss her mother...'' he thought, ncing around at the others, who also had profound and happy expressions. ''It seems like not everyone is against Aria,'' he thought, feeling a small measure offort. Soon, mother and daughter separated, and Maelona asked, "Look at you, are you even eating well?" The concern in her eyes was evident. "Heh... Mother, I just left you a few weeks ago. You do know that, right?" Aria asked with a teasing smile, though she was genuinely d that her mother was still acting the same despite the reckless situation they were in because of her. Maelona just giggled, herughter like a melodious chime, then her eyes fell on Aether. "Hmm...?" She looked at her daughter with a questioning gaze. Aria stepped back and looked at Aether with a gentle, encouraging face, nodding as if to say with her eyes: ''Man up and tell everyone who I belong to now!'' Aether understood the unspoken message. With a proud face, he stepped forward and ced his left hand on Maelona''s shoulder., ''Hmm, left or right?... Whatever,'' he thought. To be safe, he ced both his hands on her shoulders and leaned in, his forehead touching hers and his nose rubbing against hers. ''What a weird greeting,'' he thought before leaning back and saying with a smile, "Hello, my name is Ae... Hmm?" Aether saw that Maelona had a horrified expression. ''hmmmm?.... Did I mess up something?'' he thought, looking at Aria for verification, but even she had a more horrified face than Maelona. Not only her, but everyone present had the same horrified look. It took a second for everyone to snap out of their shock. "HOW DARE YOU?!" "YOU FILTHY HUMAN!" The guards shouted as they immediately positioned their weapons at Aether''s neck, just about to sh it when Maelona raised her hand and said with an indifferent face, "Stop!" ''I fucked up something...'' Aether thought, sweating profusely as he awkwardly raised his hands in a gesture of surrender. However, Maelona, as the noble and ruler of the High Elves, noticed a small dispersing arcane energy from his hands, indicating he was ready to fight and just putting on a facade of being scared. ''Hmm...'' She frowned deeply before looking at her daughter, who rather had a frown and red at the guards. ''Interesting...'' "There is no need for that. He is just an outsider," Maelona said with a serious face, her tone leaving no room for argument. .... ... Inside the Separate Chamber, "Arrr!! I am sorry, Aether. It''s my fault. I should have instructed you on our customs" Aria said with a serious and hurried face. She knew it was her mistake; there was nothing wrong with what Aether had done. He had just followed her lead. "Don''t worry, your mother seems to be fine," Aether said. He never thought she was actually indicating he should man up and propose before everyone, ''I need to work more on understanding women first...'' he thought. Aria shook her head, her expression troubled as she exined further, "Let me exin. In our tradition, we have specific rules for greetings and expressions of emotions. For instance, we use the right hand for exchanging pleasantries and greetings, while the left hand is used for grief. And even then, only family and close members are allowed to touch foreheads..." "Oh..." Aether nodded slowly, recalling how he had ced his left hand first, then both hands on Maelona''s shoulders, but hadn''tprehended the significance of the gesture. Frowning, he asked, "So, what did I actually do?" Aria''s horror was evident as she replied, "Y-You... You used the gesture meant for exchanging marriage vows." "..." Aether opened his mouth to say something but closed it again, realizing the gravity of his mistake. ''Yeah, I really messed up there... I Married her mother before her?What kind of situation I again dragged in?,'' he thought before saying with small regret, "I''m sure your mother understood it wasn''t intentional and there''s no need to worry about that." "No... Aether, it''s not just about my mother. Those council members... They won''t tolerate disrespect towards their ruler, especially through a breach of tradition. And my father... he will kill you for that" Aria''s voice dropped, the fear in her eyes revealing her concern. "What in the... It''s all just a mistake, Aria!" Aether said, frustration creeping into his voice. "I know, but those old fools don''t care. They only follow the traditions strictly." Aether let out an exasperated sigh. ''It''s my first day here, and yet I''ve already caused chaos,'' he thought before making a sudden decision. "Kya!" He scooped Aria up, carrying her like a princess. "W-What are you doing?" Aria asked with a blushed face, hoping she wasn''t too heavy. "Well, since I messed up, let''s hide for now. You know where the court proceedings happen, right?" Aether asked, noticing how light she felt as if she were a feather. "Well, I do, but still..." "Hmm?" "I will take care of it. You don''t need to hide anywhere," Aria said with a gentle expression. No matter what, now that Aether was here, she would never let others hurt him. Aether smiled and teased, "What a cute little girl I love~" before kissing her lips. [+7000 AP] Aria''s ears twitched in happiness as her legs dangled like a young girl''s. Despite disliking the term ''Little girl'' due to her age, when it came from his mouth, it made her inexplicably happy and she wanted him to keep calling her that. Suddenly, "Ara~ Look at my daughter blushing in another man''s embrace... that''s quite a lovely face you have, my child," Maelona''s teasing voice interrupted from the doorway, her amused gaze fixed on Aria and Aether. "!!!" "!!!" "!!!" Aria jumped slightly, startled by her mother''s sudden appearance. Her face turned scarlet, her embarrassment palpable as she quickly disentangled herself from Aether''s arms and regained herposure with a delicate cough. Maelona''s lips curled up even more as she looked at Aether, who was watching Aria with an amused expression. Chapter 234: I still love her! Maelona stared at Aria with wide, disbelieving eyes. She couldn''t fathom that her daughter, her precious, strong-willed daughter, had actually fallen in love with a mere servant. Aether, on the other hand, felt a mix of surprise and anxiety as he watched Aria reveal the truth to her mother. Yet, she carefully omitted the fact that he was an Eternal ve. Like any protective mother, Maelona struggled to maintain herposure. She fought the urge tosh out at the stranger who had captured her daughter''s heart. She understood the depth of Aria''s sacrifices for their tribe and knew she had to respect her daughter''s wishes, no matter how difficult it was. "My daughter, I know you have done so much for this unfaithful tribe," Maelona began, her voice trembling with emotion as she nced at Aether, who sat quietly beside Aria. "But still..." Her voice softened, filled with concern. "Is he truly the one for you?" Aria''s expression turned serious, her eyes reflecting her unwavering determination. "Yes, Mother," she replied firmly, "I am sure he is the only one." [+7000 Affection] Aether''s heart swelled with affection and a twinge of guilt, ''Ah... Come on, Aether,'' he chided himself inwardly. He looked Maelona in the eye and bowed deeply. "I apologize for my behaviour earlier," he said sincerely. Maelona''s gaze remained fixed on Aether, her silence speaking volumes. Undeterred, Aether continued, "I understand that as her mother, you have many doubts about me. But there is one thing I must make clear: I truly love her, not her position." As he spoke, he wrapped his arm tightly around Aria''s waist. She blushed deeply, her heart racing. ''Oh my God, Aether! I love him so much!!'' she screamed inwardly, gently pushing him away, wanting to hide her embarrassed face from her mother. [+1 AP] Maelona frowned, her protective instincts ring. She leaned forward, her voice dropping to a whisper filled with menace, "What will you do if I refuse to give you my blessing and forcibly separate you two?" Her eyes narrowed, and her voice took on a dangerous edge. "A decade for us is but a day. She will grieve, but eventually, she will heal, for by then, you will be long dead, human." Aether''s expression darkened at the words "forcibly separate." Those words struck a deep, painful chord within him. He had heard them before.... A Pain! "M-Mom?" Aria''s voice wavered with a mix of hurt and defiance. Despite her respect for her mother, she couldn''t stand by and allow her to disrespect the man she loved. She was on the verge of retorting when, "Hehehe..." Aether''sugh cut through the tension like a knife, sending a chill down Maelona''s spine. "Forcibly separate? Oh,e now, my dear mother-inw," he said, his eyes glinting with a dangerous light. "I came here to support her. Whether you grant us your blessing or not, I couldn''t care less." [+1 AP] Maelona''s frown deepened, confusion mingling with her anger, "What do you mean?" she demanded. Aether''s eyes bore into hers with an intensity that left no room for doubt, "I love her, and she loves me. That''s all that matters! Whether you bless us or not, I will take her with me. And if you are determined to separate us..." His voice dropped to a chilling calmness. "I wille.... I wille and haunt each and every one of you until you beg me to take her." It was a threat!! A tant challenge to the ruler of the High Elves. Aria was stunned, not by the threat itself, but by the fierce possessiveness in Aether''s eyes, the way his touch sent shivers down her spine. [+8000 AP] [+1 AP] "Come after us? Ara~Ara Boy, you are too young to make such threats" "Shall we wager on it, then?" Aether interrupted, his voice unwavering. "Hmm?" Maelona''s curiosity was piqued despite herself. "Take Aria with you...." Aether said, his voice steady and resolute, ".... And I promise, within a year, I will ensure that your entire tribe, the one that has hurt my beloved despite all her sacrifices, falls to its knees before me." His face was set in grim determination. Though he was bluffing slightly, he wouldn''t hesitate to follow through if necessary. Maelona''s frown deepened. She sensed his bluff but also recognized the dangerous resolve in his eyes. She couldn''t simply dismiss him, and before she could formte a response, "O-Okay, Aether!! Stop! I''m fine," Aria cried, throwing her arms around him to calm him down. Her heart overflowed with happiness as she saw the depth of his anger and protectiveness. ''I LOVE HIM SO MUCH!!'' she thought, overwhelmed by her feelings. [+8000 AP] Aether blinked for a moment. His heartbeat gradually slowed, and he took a deep breath to steady himself. ''Sigh, I cannot believe my emotions got the best of me, even if just for a second''. Aria''s face was flushed with frustration and disbelief. She turned to her mother, her eyes zing, "Mom, I can''t believe you! You tease too much!" she eximed, she pouted, crossing her arms over her chest. Aether looked puzzled, his brows furrowed. ''Teasing? I''m pretty sure she was serious,'' he thought, ncing at Maelona. Her face was alight with amusement, a stark contrast to the tension that had filled the room moments before. [+10 AP] "Not bad... ''my son-inw,''" Maelona said, a sly smile ying on her lips. Her tone was light, but there was a glimmer of approval in her eyes. She then turned to Aria, her expression softening. "Though I am still reluctant about him being a servant, he certainly has some guts," she added with a nod of satisfaction. Knock, Knock The sound of knocking broke the moment. Maelona straightened, her demeanor shifting back to that of the dignified matriarch, "I will be leaving now," she announced, her voice authoritative yet gentle. As soon as the door closed behind Maelona, Aria turned to Aether with an intensity that took his breath away. She fervently kissed him, her lips pressing urgently against his. Aether responded instinctively, pulling her closer, his hands roaming her back. He lifted her effortlessly, carrying her to the bed. With a gentle yet deliberate motion, heid her down and climbed on top of her, his eyes never leaving hers. "What''s with the sudden kiss?" Aether asked, slightly out of breath, his voice tinged with amusement and curiosity. "Hmm... I wonder why," Aria teased, her eyes twinkling mischievously. She gazed deeply into his eyes, her expression softening into one of pure adoration, "You are too much, you know!". "Haha..." Aetherughed, the sound warm and rich. He leaned down and sealed her lips with his own, kissing her passionately. Their tongues intertwined, each trying to outdo the other in a dance of desire and dominance. Suddenly, "My dear,e with me!" she called, her tonemanding yetced with amusement as she watched her daughter with a bemused expression. Gossip was already circting, and it wasn''t wise to leave them alone together for too long. Aria''s face turned beet red with embarrassment. She reluctantly broke the kiss, her breathing in short gasps. "Mom!" she eximed, but the protest died on her lips. She threw a longing nce at Aether before following her mother out of the room, her heart heavy with a mix of frustration and desire. ... ... Elven Court Maelona sat on the elevated floor, her regal presencemanding the attention of all in the grand hall. The room was adorned with intricate carvings of ancient elven lore, and the air was filled with a faint, ethereal glow from the enchanted crystals embedded in the walls. From her position on the raised tform, Maelona looked down at ric and Aria, who stood before her. ric''s expression was calm, while Aria''s eyes, reflecting a mixture of anxiety and resolve, met her mother''s gaze. Around them, the gathered audience of elves watched intently, their expressions ranging from curiosity to sympathy. In a corner, Aether observed the scene, while hiding from other''s eyes. The High Elves ruled over all sub-races of elves and other demi-humans, making their authority unquestionable. Despite being the Emperor, ric stood in the Elven Court of the High Elves, a ce where even he had to answer and respect their traditions.... If he wants! "Aria Zephyr, ric Zephyr," Maelona began, her voice resonating through the hall with the weight of her authority, "You stand before this court to finalize the dissolution of your union." She turned her gaze to ric, her eyes sharp and discerning, "ric, do you acknowledge the request for dissolution by Aria?" ric nodded, his face etched with deep sadness. In a voice heavy with emotion, he said, "I... I truly love her. Even though she cannot bear a child, I still love her, Your Grace. If this dissolution makes her happy... t-then I will... will..." His voice broke, the words sticking in his throat as he struggled to continue, his expression filled with profound pain. The audience''s eyes filled with tears. They could hardly believe that the Emperor, a figure of immense power and authority, was shedding tears for a barren woman. Meanwhile, Aria had, ''What the fuck..?'' expression and Aether had, ''Who the fuck...?'' expression. Chapter 235: Lets play a game... "Love me?" Aria''s voice dripped with disbelief and disgust, her face contorting as she red at ric. "I can''t believe this piece of shit is saying that," she spat out, her wordsced with venom and years of pent-up frustration. "Y-Yes, my dear Aria, please give me onest chance," ric pleaded, his voice trembling with desperation and regret. He reached out to touch her cheek, but Aria pped his hand away with a look that could kill. "Touch me, and I will fucking kill you!" she hissed, her eyes burning with a dangerous intensity that sent shivers down the spines of those watching. The audience gasped in shock at Aria''s bold deration, their eyes wide with disbelief. "Mind your words, Aria Zephyr," Maelona''s voice cut through the tension, her expression stern and disapproving. She turned to ric, her tone softening slightly, "Please refrain from touching her." ""Understood, Your Grace"" "Aria, look at him. He still loves you. Do you want to reconsider your decision?" Maelona''s voice was firm. "No, Your Grace" She answered. The audience frowned, their murmurs growing louder as they struggled toprehend Aria''s unwavering stance. Maelona turned her gaze to ric, "ric, do you still want her?" "Y-Yes," ric''s voice cracked with emotion. His eyes glistened with unshed tears as he turned to Aria, his expression a mixture of sorrow and desperation. "This is absurd, A-Aria! You''re just going to throw away everything we''ve built together? I thought we were fated to be together." Aria''s eyes zed with frustration and anger, "Built together? You mean everything I''ve sacrificed while you pursued ''someone'' else? Fate? Tsk, it''s nothing but a prison!". ric stepped closer, his face contorted with a tumult of emotions, his voice rising in desperation. "A prison? That''s what you think? After everything I''ve done for you, for us, you still see it that way? I just want us to be happy." "For me? The nerve! You did everything for your selfish desires. There was nothing but threats and holding me captive for the sake of my tribe. Your Grace, I''ve made my decision. I can''t live like this anymore. I deserve happiness and freedom," Aria dered, her voice steady and resolute, each word a testament to her determination to reim her life. ric frowned, his desperation turning to anger, "Happiness? Freedom? And what about ''our'' people, ''our'' responsibilities? You''re just going to abandon all of that?" His voice was a mixture of disbelief and indignation. Aria''s expression hardened, her eyes steely and unyielding. "I will take care of ''my'' people and ''my'' responsibilities. This is my decision, and nothing you say will change that." Meanwhile, Aether watched the crowd''s reaction, his frown deepening as he noticed the scowls directed at Aria and the murmurs of support for ric. "I cannot believe that girl is doing this." "It must be because she is the chosen one now... Her arrogance has blinded her." "A barren woman should shut her mouth!!" "Does she know how many women were waiting to be in her position?" "Tsk, youngsters these days, wouldn''t know what''s good for them." "I am pretty sure she is going to regret thister." "Now, what''s going to happen to their tribe?" "Who knows? Depends on the Emperor." Soft whispers filled the hall, the audience''s disapproval clear and piercing. ''He''s ying a game...'' Aether thought, his frown deepening as he realized the maniption at y. Maelona''s eyes shed with anger as she interjected, her voice ringing with authority. "Silence. Aria has made her choice, and as ruler, I will see it honoured." ric''s shoulders slumped in defeat, but his eyes still burned with a mix of resentment and sadness. "Fine. Let it be known that I opposed this. Let it be known that I fought for our union." Aria turned to ric, her voice steady and her eyes resolute. "And let it be known that I fought for my own heart. I won''t live in misery any longer." Maelona sighed, sensing that the end of this contentious hearing was near. She stood, prepared to finalize the session, when suddenly, "Misery?" ric''s face twisted with an uncontained fury, and he mumbled loudly, "I am the one who suffers from misery, you SLUT!!!" "ri" Maelona began to intervene, but ric cut her off. "Even though you have been sleeping with another man..." ric interjected, his voice trembling with pain and anger, tears glistening in his eyes. "!!!!" The entire hall erupted in gasps of shock and disbelief, the usation hanging heavy in the air. "What do you mean?" Maelona asked, her voice barely containing her own rising anger and confusion. ric shook his head, his expression a mask of betrayal and anguish. "S-She has been sleeping with another man!!" Aria stood silent, her face a nk te as she stared at ric. Maelona turned her stern gaze to Aria. "She has already applied for the divorce, so of course, she has every right to love another ma" "NO!!! She has been sleeping with him even before the divorce... She was cheating on me!!!!!!!" ric shouted, his voice echoing through the grand hall, trembling with his power and raw emotion. The room fell silent, the tension palpable. Maelona turned to Aria, who immediately protested, "No, I didn''t sleep with anyone." "I have a witness!" ric proimed, his voice tinged with triumphant desperation as he asked for permission to call him forward. "Kaelen Darkfang..?" Aria''s eyes widened in surprise, a flicker of recognition crossing her face. Kaelen stepped forward, bowing deeply before Maelona, "I am the one who informed the Emperor of this disgraceful act, your grace." Aether''s frown deepened, ''Why is he here?'' he wondered, knowing that Kaelen had been suspended for a year since that incident. Just suspended for attempting murder? Yes, because Kaelen was dered a victim of brainwashing and dark magic! With the unknown variables ''Puppet'' and ''Advanced Magi-Tech'' in y, everyone believed there might be a possibility. ric smiled inwardly at Kaelen Darkfang. After being suspended by the principal, Kaelen approached ric to regain his position because he might miss the trial which could be a problem for him, revealing everything about Aria''s alleged affair during the contest. "You saw her?" Maelona asked, her voice hard and unyielding. "Yes," Kaelen confirmed solemnly. "Tell me the details," Maelona demanded, her face a mask of seriousness, knowing that adultery was a grave crime that required undeniable proof. Now everything falls on Aria. "It was during the contest..." Kaelen began, weaving a tale that added some superficial and incriminating details to his story. Aria''s face contorted with fury and frustration, ''I should have killed this guy!'' she growled inwardly, ready to retort when Maelona, with an indifferent voice, said, "I see..." She turned to Aria, "I cannot believe youmitted adultery." "B-But it was just hugging, nothing more! I didn''t do anything, and I soon filed for divorce," Aria shouted back, but her admission only made ric''s smile widen, feeling she had fallen into his trap. Now she had admitted the truth herself! "Silence!!" "...." "Hugging? The moment you touch another man before filing for divorce is adultery, Aria Zephyr," Maelona said sternly, her voice echoing with authority. "By the ancientws of our people, those whomit adultery... shall be hanged to death!" A murmur of shock rippled through the audience. ric smiled inwardly, his expression one of pained innocence, as he spoke with a broken voice, "N-No, please don''t!! I still want her." The audience was stunned. The Emperor still epting this adulterous woman!!! He was too good and naive!! "You want her?" Maelona frowned, her eyes narrowing as she studied ric''s expression. "Y-Yes... That much I love her, Your Grace. I still want her in my life!!! I ept everything about her," ric said, his voice filled with pained sincerity, making everyone in the room melt at his disy of pure love. Maelona sighed, rubbing her forehead as if to ward off a headache before saying, "This session of the Elven Court is adjourned for now. The final judgment will be announced at ater time. Until then, may the light of our ancestors guide us all." Meanwhile, Aether stood in a corner, his expression nk, watching ric bask in his apparent victory, ''You want to y... Ah. Very well, then....'' His eyes glinted with danger, ''I shall destroy this petty y... She is mine, you motherfucker!'' he thought with fierce determination before saying, "Increase Charm" !~Ding~! Chapter 236: What in the world is this? In the secluded chamber, Maelona stared nkly at her daughter, who stood before her with her head bowed in guilt and shame. The silence between them was heavy... "You know, I thought you had matured a lot, know better and yet..." Maelona''s voice was tinged with a profound sense of defeat. Her heart ached with the unbearable dilemma she faced: either sentence her beloved daughter to death, a choice no mother could bear, or... confine her once more to the cold, unforgiving cage. Maelona sighed deeply, her breaths heavy with the burden of her thoughts. She considered the myriad possibilities, her mind swirling with conflicting emotions, yet... "Why did you do that?" Maelona finally asked her voice a mixture of exasperation and sorrow. "... I... I... I wanted to show my affection," Aria stammered. Hearing this, Maelona''s anger surged like a storm, "Affection? Now look at where it has brought you!" she shouted, her voice echoing through the chamber. Aria bit her lip. She had thought a simple hug would be harmless, but it seemed the old fools were resolute in their adherence to tradition. "Aether?" Aria''s brow furrowed as she realized his absence, a pang of worry piercing her heart. "Hmm? That bastard already ran away," Maelona said with a disgusted expression, recalling how he had slipped away from the court. She couldn''t believe she had almost been swayed by his determined look, now revealed as a facade. "Run away?" Aria shook her head in disbelief, her heart refusing to ept the possibility, "There is no way!" Maelona snorted, unimpressed by her daughter''s steadfastness. "Looks like he yed you very well... That servant!" Her words wereced with contempt. "Mother!!" Aria protested, her voice rising with a mix of anger and hurt. She hated the way her mother referred to him. "Hmm? Are you still defending him, even though he abandoned you?" Maelona''s voice was cold, her eyes narrowing. "He didn''t abandon me!" Aria''s voice was firm, her faith in Aether unwavering. "Then where is he?" Maelona asked sarcastically, her eyebrow raised in a cruel challenge. "H-he must be looking around the city," "Yeah, yeah... When his lover was about to be hanged to death?" Maelona''s voice grew thick with irritation, her patience wearing thin. Aria gritted her teeth, her faith in Aether steadfast. She knew he would never abandon her..... That was her love! She could not and would not doubt him, no matter what. "He might be thinking of some way to escape..." Maelona shook her head, dismissing her daughter''s words as fantasy. There was no conceivable way he could manage it. "Anyhow, I don''t want my daughter to die before me," she said, her tone final as if she had reached an irrevocable decision. Aria''s face drained of colour, her heart sinking, "M-Mom, you want me to suffer with that ipetent bastard?" Her voice cracked, the desperation clear. Maelona bit her lip, her face stern. "Is there any other way?" she asked, her eyes searching Aria''s for an answer that could change their fate. "... I... Give me time, Mom. I will---" "You know you cannot, right?" Maelona interrupted, her voice soft but unyielding. "...." "And here I thought you believed your ''lover'' woulde and save you," Maelona''s voice dripped with sarcasm. "MOM!! He is just a small boy! What do you expect from him?" Aria shouted back, incredulous that her mother still spoke lowly of her lover. Sure, Aether didn''t know much about the outside world, but Aria was certain that once he learned, he would be the best among the best! Her heart burned with a fierce love and unshakeable belief in him. All Aether needed was time and knowledge! Maelona wore a pitiful expression before she turned and walked back to the Elven Court ..... ... The grand hall of the Elven Court was once again filled with an air of anticipation, the gathered elves murmuring softly as they awaited the resumption of the proceedings. Their faces were a mix of curiosity and dread, knowing the gravity of the situation. Maelona entered the hall with amanding presence, her tinum hair shimmering like moonlight against her dusky blue skin. She moved with grace and authority, each step echoing in the silent room. She ascended the elevated floor, taking her seat with an air of solemn dignity. The room fell silent, all eyes fixed on her. "This session of the Elven Court is now reconvened," Maelona began, her voice resonating powerfully through the chamber, each word measured and deliberate. "We have gathered once more to deliver the final judgment regarding the dissolution of the union between Aria Zephyr and ric Zephyr." She paused, allowing the weight of her words to settle over the room, each elf holding their breath. "After careful deliberation and consideration of all presented grievances, it is time to announce the court''s decision." Maelona''s gaze shifted to Aria and ric, who stood before her, their expressions tense and filled with dread. "Aria Zephyr, whomitted adultery, shall be hanged to death...." A collective gasp swept through the hall. Even ric''s face showed shock, his eyes wide with disbelief. But Maelona raised her hand, signalling for silence as she had not yet finished. "However," Maelona continued her voice unwavering and clear, "ric Zephyr, considering he is the EMPEROR of this world and still loves and desires her even after her transgression, we shall acknowledge his love and earnestness. Thus, in light of his plea and the love he still holds for Aria...." Aria gritted her teeth, her heart pounding in her chest. The situation was dire, and she knew she had only one option left: to escape before he could capture her again and imprison her in the cage. Her hands trembled as she prepared to summon her Arcane Card... ric''s smile broadened with triumph, feeling as though he had finally ensnared the bird. All he needed to do now was secure it carefully and tightly within its cage... Maelona turned to Aria, her expression severe as she prepared to deliver the verdict. "Aria Zephyr will not face death. Instead, she shall be removed from her ti" "YOUR GRACE!!!!" a panicked voice interrupted. Maelona frowned as she saw a group of guards rushing into the grand hall. "What has happened?" she demanded, her tone sharp. "I-It-it''s m-my... oth-other... no..." The guard stammered, his face pale with fear and confusion. ric, irritated by the disruption just as he was about to im his prize, released a menacing pressure upon the pitiful guard, "We are busy. Speak quickly and clearly," he growled. The guard nearly copsed under the weight of ric''s power, but Maelona''s sternmand broke through. "ric Zephyr, stop this at once!" As the pressure lifted, the guard panted heavily, his eyes wide with terror. "M-My wife... shemitted adultery," he finally managed to say. "Hmm?" The gathered elves frowned, their expressions asking, ''So what?'' They saw it as an issue easily resolved by filing a formalint, rather than interrupting the ongoing court session. Maelona''s frown deepened. "You could have just filed aint." "F-Forgive me, Your Grace!" the guard shouted in fear, quickly adding, "It''s not just me...." "Then what?" "T-The whole city" "What do you mean?" Maelona frowned. "E-Everyone is waiting outside, Your Grace!" the guard said urgently. Maelona''s eyes narrowed in worry. She could see the genuine fear and confusion on the guard''s face. She hurriedly stepped down, followed by ric and the rest of the court. Upon stepping outside, they were met with a shocking sight. "What in the world..." Maelona gasped, her eyes widening in disbelief. "What is going on?" ric''s frown deepened as he took in the scene before him... not just 10 or 20....Hundreds upon hundreds ofmoners stood before the Elven Court. Women were weeping openly, while the men wore expressions of utter devastation. "What is going on here?" ric demanded, his voice a mix of confusion and anger. "T-They are saying that their wives havemitted adultery," the guard answered, his face a picture of pain and sorrow. "All of them in a single day?" Maelona''s eyes were wide with disbelief. "Are you kidding me? How could all these womenmit adultery?" ric shouted, his voice rising in frustration. "T-They said... they saw their wives hugging someone," the guard exined, his voice breaking with emotion. "That''s it?" "Y-Yes!" "Hugging? It''s just hugging! You basta" ric''s voice halted abruptly as a shocking realization dawned upon him. "....." Maelona''s expression mirrored his shock. Aria''s eyes widened in astonishment, ''M-Must be Aether!!!!'' she thought, her heart pounding. Meanwhile, in the crowd, "What a sinful man you''ve be... Aether," Aether mumbled to himself with a pitiful, yet amused expression. With a fake cry, he added narcissistically, "It''s not my fault, being born with such a handsome face... What a sinful man~" He swept his white hair dramatically, casting a sly look at ric and the others before disappearing into the ground with a mischievous smile. Chapter 237: Too many women!!! What Aether did was actually a pretty simple and straightforward thing... "M-Miss, can you help me?" "Hmm?" An Elven woman turned and saw a white-haired, handsome boy clutching his stomach, his face twisted in apparent pain. His eyes were filled with a pleading, almost innocent look that tugged at her heart. "C-Could you hold me for a moment?" The boy asked, his voice breaking as he stumbled forward as if he were about to copse from some unseen agony. The Elven woman hesitated, her maternal instincts battling with her cautious nature. She bit her lip, uncertain whether to help this stranger. But then, !~Ding~! [+2 Charm] Her hesitation melted away as if by magic, and she instinctively reached out to support the boy. "T-Thank you, Miss," The body said with a lovely, gentle expression that tugged even harder at her heartstrings, invoking her maternal instincts in full force. "I-It''s fine..." she murmured, her concern growing as she held him up. She felt a strange warmth emanate from him, something almost enchanting. Suddenly, she stumbled for ''unknown'' reasons, her bnce slipping away. Aether immediately hugged her as they both fell to the ground, his arms wrapping around her tightly as if protecting her. [+10 Affection] "A-Are you okay?" the woman asked, scrambling to her feet, her heart racing with worry. She looked down at the boy in her arms, his face buried against her chest. "I-I am fine..." Aether whispered before copsing into her arms again. She caught him, hugging him tightly to prevent him from hitting the ground, her heart aching for this seemingly fragile boy. "W-What''s going on?" An Elven man, seeing his wife embracing another man, felt his entire world shatter. His face contorted with a mixture of shock and anger, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Hmm? Dear, it seems this boy was hurt and we need to hel...." The Elven woman frowned as she watched the white-haired boy dash away, her mind racing. ''He is fine?'' she thought, confusion washing over her. "HOW DARE YOU CHEAT ON ME!!!!" The man shouted, his voice filled with anguish and betrayal, echoing through the air like a thunderp. Thus, began the adultery.... Now, "My wife cheated on me!!! Sob, sob," "I cannot believe she hugged another man!!" "S-She would never do this, and yet she slept with tha OUCH!" "Her boobs ''sob'' Her boobs touched another man''s back... aaaaaww," "I want to die!!!" "What about our family? How could you do this?" Elven males shouted in cries of desperation and betrayal, their voices merging into a cacophony of pain and heartbreak. Meanwhile, the women tried to exin themselves, their voices filled with frustration and desperation: "I was only offering help when he stumbled." "I just checked his pulse when he fainted," "We''re taught to be kind to those in need." "I just held him closer since he was about to faint," "I thought he was a cute child!" "Yes, he is cute! I mean, he is just a child to us. What''s wrong with hugging him for an old woman like us!!" "I cannot believe my husband is calling me a cheater when he was practically sleeping with my friend''s mother!!" "Even though my husband is ipetent, I never cheated on him!!" "Even though that boy was so handsome.... I still love my husband!!!" The women barged before the Elven court, shouting in anger and desperate pleas, while some harboured hidden agendas. Maelona nkly stared at the chaotic situation unfolding within her tribe. Her heart ached with the confusion and pain surrounding her people. ric gritted his teeth, his gaze fixed on Aria, who seemed to have aughing face. ''This bitch!! She really did something... didn''t she?!'' ric growled inwardly, seething with frustration and anger. He wanted to finish his trial first before dealing with theseplications, his mind a storm of emotions. "Why don''t we finish our trial first?" ric asked Maelona, his voice tinged with desperation. "Well--" "LET''S ASK THE EMPEROR, HE KNOWS WHAT TO DO!!" Suddenly someone in the crowd shouted, the words cutting through the noise like a knife. The crowd turned to the Emperor, their eyes pleading for an answer, their faces filled with hope and desperation. On one side, the males wanted a divorce, seeing the hugs/touch as an act of adultery. On the other side, the females wanted their husbands to understand that it was just a small, innocent touch. Now, the Emperor was forced to make a decision. The weight of the situation bore down on him, his mind racing to find a solution that would satisfy both sides. If he sided with tradition, the women would surely be judged and hanged to death.... or Just let females die for the tradition and thereby incite the wrath of all women against him... a move that could potentially reach the Sovereign''s ears. ric gritted his teeth, knowing he needed to postpone the situation for now. His mind raced, searching for a way to dy the decision and buy some time. "My people, first we need to investigate--" "LOOKS LIKE EVEN THE EMPEROR''S WIFE WAS LABELED A CHEATER, DESPITE ONLY HELPING A WOUNDED MAN" ric''s lips twitched as his keen eyes searched the crowd for the source of the usation. He spotted a white-haired figure, who vanished before he could identify him. "Who is that?" ric shouted, jumping from his ce and hovering over the people, his eyes scanning the crowd with intense scrutiny. "Emperor''s wifemitted adultery?" "What? For real?" "He''s been cuckolded" The whispers spread like wildfire through the assembly, casting a shadow of doubt and scandal. Meanwhile, Aether, hidden in the chaos, whispered to himself, "Deactivate Clone." As the crowd''s attention remained focused on the ric, he stealthily moved behind Aria. "Ae" Before Aria could call out his name, he covered her mouth and whispered, "Now, it''s a queen''s duty to break this old tradition!" Seeing the determined and serious look in Aether''s eyes, Aria''s heart skipped a beat. She knew she hadn''t chosen the wrong man. She nodded, then stepped forward, her face calm and serene yet tinged with sadness. "My fellow women, I understand your pain. Despite our dedication and care, we have worked hard and met their needs, these arrogant malesbel us as cheaters," she began, her voice filled with a mixture of sorrow and strength. Her words struck a chord, and the women turned grim and sad, their expressions mirroring their inner turmoil. "W-We cannot believe they can go around and sleep with any woman they want, and yet here we are, used of adultery for simply touching a man in need. What kind of discrimination is this against women? We cannot ept this double standard," Aria continued, her voice rising with conviction. "Yes, it''s unjust!" "Why are women always med?!" "What kind of discrimination is this?!" "I''m not even allowed to touch my own elder son just because he''s considered too old!" "This hypocrisy must end!" "We demand justice!" "These unfaithful males!" "We want rights!!" "We want answers!!" The situation escted quickly, and all eyes turned to the Emperor, demanding a response. The tension was palpable, the air thick with expectation. Veins popped on ric''s forehead as he struggled to contain his anger. "We wil" "Let''s rewrite our tradition then," Aria softly interjected, her words gentle yet powerful, stirring the hearts of the people. Even Maelona frowned at her daughter''s audacity, ''Rewrite tradition? What she was talking about?'', but the crowd was moved by Aria''s words. "What are you all hesitating for? We need new rules.... We cannot continue to live under the rule of selfish males who decide everything. We need change," Aria dered, her voice resonating with authority and passion. "My fellow women! If we don''t change this now, never expect our future daughters to hold their heads high!" "Call for an Elder Council meeting!" Hearing this, ric frowned and red at Aria, "Who authorized you to call an Elder Council meeting?" Aria smiled inwardly, maintaining a sad smile outwardly, "See, My fellow woman, even now only males, the Emperor, have the right to call an Elder Council meeting. Not even the Empress or I, a queen, have that right." Those who heard her words bit their trembling lips, their anger and frustration building. They turned their res towards the Emperor and shouted, "Is this going to be a patriarchal society until the end?!" "Is this the future we ept?!" "Are we only meant to grovel before them?!" "Is this how it''s going to be for the next thousand years?!" "Call the Elder council!!" "Call the Elder council!!" "Call the Elder Council!!" ..... .. The chants grew louder and more insistent, the demand for change echoing through the assembly.... Even males were taken aback by the situation. They were supposed to be the ones shouting, not them!!!! ric clenched his fists, his face a mask of barely contained fury,"Fine!" he finally barked, his words sending a shockwave through the Empire. "Tomorrow, the Elder Council meeting will ur. Every Elder must attend. We will discuss our traditional rules!" He turned to Maelona, "The judgment is postponed until tomorrow." With that, ric disappeared. Aria''s face broke into a smile, a wave of relief washing over her. The women around her, who had long been ruled by their husbands, also began to smile, their faces lighting up with hope and happiness for the first time in a long while. Meanwhile, ''What the fuck is going on?'' Aether had an incredulous expression.He just wanted to help her to escape not for equality rights to entire people... but looking at her happy face, Aether shook his head and shrugged. As long as she was happy, he was fine! .... .... Inside the Separate Chamber, "Aether, I love you~" Aria eximed joyously, her voice filled with affection as she showered him with kisses. She nced triumphantly at her mother, "See? He''s the best!!!" Maelona''s lips twitched in annoyance. "The best? Are you serious? He just stirred up chaos in our once peaceful nation!" "So What?...hahah" Aria chuckled softly, "But Mother, he did it all for me! He risked everything for my sake alone, JUST FOR ME!! ONLY!!" her eyes turned possessive. [+8000 Affection] Maelona shook her head, clearly frustrated by her daughter''s blind love. She looked at Aether, who was basking in Aria''s affection. "You do realize that once things calm down, they will investigate who caused this chaos, right?" Maelona warned, her voice stern. Aria flinched, but Aether responded with a smug grin, "Don''t worry, I''ll be fine." Aria''s smile widened as she kissed his face again, clearly enamoured with his confidence. Maelona''s face twitched even more, a sly idea forming in her mind, "So, how many women touched you?" she asked, her tone deceptively casual. Aria''s expression darkened as she realized she had overlooked this. She sniffed Aether''s body, her eyes narrowing. "1, 2, 3, ....10....100...500..." As her count increased, Aether''s face turned pale. ''How in the world can she tell?'' he thought, panicking. He nced at Maelona, who was watching with a satisfied smile. "Total 756... women''s scents on your body, Aether," Aria said, her voice dangerously low. Aether''s mind short-circuited, ''What the fuck?! Even I lost count of how many women hugged me... Is she a part hybrid dog or something?'' He quickly went through various possibilities beforeing to one solution, with possessive eyes, "Then please, paint me with your scent, Aria~... I feel disgusted by others'' scent!!" Aria blinked, her face returning to normal before blushing deeply, "C-Come on, Aether!! You can''t say that with my mother here!!" ''SAFE!!'' Aether screamed inwardly, relieved. "Tsk," Maelona clicked her tongue, clearly displeased but momentarily defeated. [+10 Affection] Chapter 238: Liora Darkfang "Aether, I think you should stay here inside the room for the time being," Aria said with a worried yet sultry tone while she sat on Aether''sp, her fingers tracing patterns on his chest. "But, you will be--" "No, Aether! Your ve Mark is going to blink, so it would be better if you stayed here... please," Aria insisted, her voice trembling with a mixture of fear and concern. Aether sighed deeply, his warm breath caressing her neck, and nodded. "Fine then." Aria sighed in relief, her heart pounding. She leaned down and captured his lips in a fervent, lingering kiss, her body buzzing with excitement. Ever since Aether pulled that daring stunt, her entire being had been ignited with an insatiable hunger for him. "~hmm~" Aria pressed her forehead against his, their eyes locked in a heated, unspokenmunication of need. Her long elven ears twitched uncontrobly, her desire making her feel lightheaded. Her voluptuous ass ground down harder into hisp. Aether chuckled softly, a deep, throaty sound that sent shockwaves of lust through her. If it had been before, he might have acted like a wild, untamed beast, consumed by his desires. But now, he was able to control his urges, if only just barely. "What?" Aria asked with a pout, her lips slightly swollen from their passionate kiss. Her impatience and longing were palpable as she watched himugh at her. "Well, it seems my Aria is too cute and too irresistible," he said, his voice thick with desire as he pinched her lips yfully and let his gaze linger hungrily over her ample cleavage. Aria''s body shivered with anticipation. She knew she needed to uphold her tradition, She knew she needed to adhere to her traditions, yet her hand moved almost on its own, sliding her shoulder straps down and revealing her full, luscious breasts barely contained in a ck bra. "!!!" In an instant, Aria felt something hard and demanding pressing against her butt. Her breath hitched,ing out in ragged gasps as she slowly guided Aether''s head to her heaving chest. "E-Enjoy to your heart''s content~" she breathed, her voice a seductive whisper. She wanted him to devour her, to lose himself in her. Aether, momentarily taken aback, smiled wickedly before gently biting the soft, sensitive skin of her upper chest, inhaling her intoxicating milky scent. It drove him wild, sending shivers of pure pleasure down his spine. "~hmm~" Aria''s face flushed a deep crimson as she let out a sultry, needy moan, the sound vibrating through the room. Aether''s lips curled into a smirk before he began to bite and suck her chest slowly, each movement deliberate and tantalizing. Her moans grew louder, echoing off the walls as he imed her body, marking her as his own. "~a~aa~Aetherr~" "Aa~" Looking down at him, Aria felt a rush of possessive pride. She was his,pletely and utterly. An overwhelming sense of happiness and belonging surged through her body. [+8000 AP] Aether looked up at her, his eyes dark with desire, before capturing her drooling lips in a deep, possessive kiss, savouring her sweet, intoxicating taste. The wet, hungry sounds of their kiss filled the room. "A~Aether~" She whispered, her voice barely audible over her own heavy breathing. She was just about to unhook her bra when... Knock, Knock Aria''s face contorted in a mixture of annoyance and anger. With a frustrated sigh, she hurriedly put her clothes back on, her fingers trembling with irritation as she nced towards the door. Thud "Dear, it''s not good to stay with him," Maelona said sternly, her voice carrying an air of authority as she pulled her resistant daughter away. Aether could onlyugh weakly at the abrupt interruption. He stared at Maelona for a brief moment, before he resignedlyy back on the bed, feeling the cool sheets against his skin. As midnight approached, the room was cloaked in a serene silence. Thud Maelona, now wearing a delicate nightdress, quietly entered Aether''s room. Aether, on the other hand, was lost in thought, gazing at the starry sky through the window. His shoulders were wrapped in a bed sheet, shielding him from the slight chill that permeated the room. "Why did you call me?" Maelona asked, her frown deepening with curiosity. "Nothing much. Aria didn''t want me to attend the meeting, fearing something might happen to me. So, I was wondering if you could help me," Aether replied, his voice calm and steady. He didn''t turn away from the window, his eyes reflecting the vastness of the night sky as he spoke with a thoughtful expression. He knew ric was a cunning individual, always plotting something. Aria, being the worrywart she was, would never tell him if there was danger lurking ahead. She was like a protective hen, shielding its chick until it was ready to fly on its own. In her eyes, Aether was just a child! Maelona frowned, standing beside him and looking up at the sky. "I am not an Elder Council Member, though," she remarked. "Huh?" Aether turned to her in surprise, noticing her indifferent expression, "It''s my husband, or rather..... Aria''s father, who is the member," she rified. "I see..." Aether nodded slowly, the realization dawning on him. ''Come to think of it, I never once saw her father,'' he mused. Curiosity getting the better of him, he asked, "Where is your husband then?" Maelona gave him a sidelong nce before answering, "Well, he is currently busy with something or someone." "" Aether didn''t respond, understanding that every family had its ownplications and secrets. "Anyhow, if by any chance he doesn''t attend the meeting, I will be there as his substitute. So, let''s see what''s happening," Maelona said, her voice resolute. Aether nodded in agreement, and as they continued to watch the sky in silence, Aether noticed her shoulders slightly trembling in the cold air. He hesitated for a moment before wrapping her shoulders with his bedsheet, pulling her closer to him in a gesture of warmth andfort. "" Maelona blinked in surprise, her eyes shifting to Aether, who was still engrossed in the beauty of the night sky. There was no hint of ulterior motives in his actions, just genuine concern. Maelona''s lips curled into a soft smile. [+100 AP] Now it was Aether''s turn to blink in confusion before ncing at her. ''D-Did I... raise a g?'' he wondered, feeling a mix of amusement and confusion. .... ... Next Morning, The Elder Council. Each race living in Aerionis Zephyra was represented by selected individuals from their respective races in this Elder Council. They were responsible for maintaining peace and unity among the citizens and were the wise elders who had established the traditional rules that governed their society. If there were any problems or if changes were needed in the traditions, it was the council that decided by voting. Now, Inside the grand pce, a huge round table with numerous seats was partially filled, while a few seats remained vacant, awaiting their upants. ric sat on the throne, his eyes scanning the Elders who had already arrived. There was an air of anticipation and tension in the room. Aria stood beside the throne, her presencemanding respect. Though there was a seat for her, she chose not to sit beside ric, it served to irritate him further. "Pardon, Your Majesty," Maelona entered the throne hall, her bodyguard following closely behind. Seeing Maelona, ric frowned and asked, "It seems Kaelith is very busy. He dares to disrespect me again!" "Forgive me, Your Majesty. My husband, Kaelith Zephyr, did not mean to disrespect you. He is just busy with" "Busy? Oh~ Come on! Elona, you mean he is sleeping with other women, right?" A dangerous yet feminine voice interrupted, echoing through the throne hall. Maelone''s lips twitched as she turned around and saw.... Long, flowing hair cascades in deep ck waves with striking crimson highlights that catch the light, entuating her untamed beauty.Her vivid blue eyes are flecked with lighter, icy blue streaks, swirling with hues of violet, magenta, and hints of silver, like an aurora borealis. Longshes and dark, smoky makeup enhance their intensity. Her smooth, wless skin has a soft glow that contrasts beautifully with the intricate patterns of her outfit. The crimson and ckce bodice clings to her curves, highlighting her ample bosom and cinched waist. Lace patterns weave around her form, entuating her figure with ethereal grace. Her tempting red lips are slightly parted, revealing a hint of mischief and allure. Intricate tattoos on her cheeks and shoulders add mystery, enhancing her exotic appeal. Pointed, fox-like ears with tufts of white fur peek through her dark, multicoloured hair. (Image) "Liora Darkfang..." Maelona''s lips twitched, followed by two individuals, one of whom was Kaelen Darkfang. "You took your sweet time toe, Liora... Did you waste your time sniffing around?" Maelona asked with a smile that didn''t reach her eyes. Liora''s lips twitched in response as she red at Maelona. "Unlike you, I have my husband in my palm," she retorted, casting a nce at the smiling man standing beside Kaelen. Maelona snorted, her gaze falling to the man''s legs, which were trembling with fear. "Fu~fu~, looks like someone is scared," she remarked with a smirk. Liora frowned and red at her husband, who instinctively flinched and forced himself to stop trembling. "Enough!!" ric shouted, his voice booming across the hall. Both Maelona and Liora bowed respectfully before taking their seats. "Now.... Let''s begin the meeting!" Chapter 239: My love! "That''s it..." Liora mumbled under her breath, her voice barely audible as the weight of the situation settled in. "W-We cannot allow that!" one of the Elders shouted, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and outrage. "Yes, we have been following this tradition for thousands of years!" another Elder chimed in, his tone resolute and unyielding. "We cannot change our ancestors'' writtenw!" a third Elder added, his voice filled with conviction and an air of finality. ric sat back, a satisfied smile spreading across his face as he listened to the Elders'' fervent resistance, "Then what about the women currently protesting?" he asked, his voice calm yet menacing. "Should we hang them?" The room fell into an uneasy silence, the Elders flinching at the brutality of the suggestion. They understood the delicate nature of the situation and the potential consequences of their decisions. ric nced at a specific Elder, his tribe''s Elder, who nodded in understanding. The Elder spoke up, "Why don''t we hang a few women to make an example? Then, His Majesty can use his pardoning power to void the death sentences of the rest." "Hmm, that sounds right." "Yeah, that could work." "They''ll see how lenient we males are." Before the Elders could fully agree on this harsh n, Liora and Maelona stepped forward. "So, you gentlemen don''t care about the future of these women?" Liora''s voice was sharp, cutting through the air like a knife. "Snort! What do you mean?" one Elder retorted, dismissively waving his hand. "Yes, we men are their future!" another added, his voice filled with arrogance. Liora and Maelona shook their heads in unison, turning to address ric directly. "Your Majesty, this is not a wise decision. Women are awakening to their need for equality. If we try to silence them again, it will only lead to more unrest," Maelona said, her voice steady and unwavering. ric wore a thoughtful expression, though, in truth, he cared little for death or equality at this moment; he only sought to secure what was rightfully his. After that, he couldn''t care less whether they desired equality or not. "So what?!!" "We''ve never seen chaos in our history!!" "I believe it''s wise to uphold our traditional rules," Aria frowned incredulously, unable to believe these elder council members were still trying to justify outdated norms. As Queen, she asserted her authority in the meeting, "Yes, you''re correct. There was no chaos because we, the women, were conditioned to obediently ept whatever the men decreed. I refuse to subject my future daughters or granddaughters to that same fate!" "Forget about your wives... What about your daughters and grand daughters? Do you want them to grovel before men?!!" "...." Silence descended upon the hall. Aria''s words had struck a nerve with the elders, who had previously only considered the implications for their wives. Some started to protest but were silenced by the weight of her speech. Maelona''s lips curled with pride at her daughter''s eloquence, ''Looks like she''s trulye into her own'' "The world is evolving, and clinging to antiquated traditions will only hinder our empire''s progress!!" Aria''s voice reverberated with determination and resolve. ric''s lips twitched slightly. He recognized Aria''s strategic y, yet he couldn''t help but smile. Even if she managed to sway their emotions, these elders were deeply entrenched in their ways. "Now, those in favour of revising our traditions, raise your hands," ric requested, surveying the council. Only Liora and Maelona raised their hands, the sole female voices in the Elder Council. ric''s smile widened, expecting at least a few male supporters after Aria''spelling speech, but it seemed the elders remained steadfast in tradition. Aria clenched her teeth, bracing herself for ric''s impending verdict, when suddenly... The bodyguard standing behind Maelona quietly ced something in her hand. Maelona frowned as she read the note, then nced at the armed guard before sighing and addressing ric, "Your Majesty?" ric frowned at the interruption, his expression darkening, "What is it, Maelona Zephyr?" "Yesterday, during our extensive investigation, we found something of significance." Hearing this, ric''s frown deepened even further. "Go on..." He had already dispatched a full investigation team to search for the culprit, yet they had only uncovered a few scant details: the suspect had white hair and a strikingly handsome face, and that was all. Maelona turned to her guard andmanded, "Go on, tell His Majesty what happened." The guard bowed respectfully to Maelona before addressing ric. "It happened after the chaos had settled down. I saw the man who was responsible for the mayhem. When I first saw him, I was determined to capture him alive, not just for my own sake, but for the empire that has supported and fed me" "Get to the point," Liora interjected with a sneer. No one wanted to hear some long-winded tale of heroism. "Understood... but he defeated me without breaking a sweat. He is incredibly strong and... remarkably handsome." His voice took on a tone that almost sounded like that of a fangirl. "Looks like everyone in the High Elf tribe has peculiar tastes," Liora sneered at Maelona, whose eyes twitched in response. "H-He, instead of killing me, showed mercy with his gentle heart and let me go. What a handsome, charming man..." ric''s patience was wearing thin, his expression growing more exasperated by the moment. "He healed me and even gave me food... Did I mention how handsome he is?" "Bastard! You''re only saying that!" Liora shouted in anger, almost grabbing her husband''s arm like a club, ready tosh out at him. "Get to the point!" ric demanded, his voice echoing through the throne room. "Forgive me! He said... he will bring down our Empire" the guard''s voice echoed with fear, trembling slightly. "...." Now everyone in the room frowned, their gazes fixed intently on the guard. "And he told me to give this to you personally..." The guard gulped, his throat dry, as he pulled out a folded piece of paper. ric frowned even more deeply before instructing him to read it. "B-But he said to give you personally and should only you know, not others!" Everyone frowned upon hearing that, ric lips twitched before ordering him to continue, "Y-Yo! Motherfucker..." Veins bulged on ric''s forehead as he red daggers at the guard. "F-Forgive me, Your Majesty, but that''s exactly what was written here!" The guard immediately raised his hands defensively. ric controlled his rising anger, taking a deep breath before telling him to continue. "Yo... Motherfuckers~... I mean, Elders...." Crack, Crack "Go ahead..." "Yo~ Motherfucke" "Just read the remaining part." "Understood, Your Majesty..." The guard nodded before continuing to read, "Anyhow, Emperor, How are you? I hope you are doing fine. I am very d to inform you that I am your biggest fan!!" Everyone blinked in astonishment for a second. "Shocked?" Everyone looked at the guard, and he immediately said, "T-That''s what''s written here." "Looks like we have a quite interesting enemy..." Liora smirked, her eyes gleaming with intrigue. [+1 Affection] The guard continued, "Shocked? Please don''t be! You know how much I am a big fan of yours... Getting cuckolded... Pfffttt!!!" "...." "Oh, our pitiful Emperor! Don''t worry, in order to wipe away that disgusting title, I, as your sole big fan, shall embark on this lonely journey to cuckold everyone! ... ''sob'' with my own body... I am sacrificing myself for you... ''Sob''... Please don''t forget me.... I will save sister Aria!! It''s just for you.... MY LOVE!... Please give me the strength.... "Anyhow, I am now going to other tribes to teach those old fools, especially the Elders'' wives and married daughters and granddaughters..... Now I wonder what kind of decision they will make... Will they really... I mean ''really'' kill their daughters to uphold this archaic, oppressive tradition, or will they choose to save their daughters? I hope I get a good answer for my dear Emperor... Kekeke~" "..." The Throne Hall fell dead silent, the tension palpable. As much as they thought, they knew they were threatened by some bastard but... The Elders frowned at the words, casting nces at the Emperor. In their minds, they considered, ''It all began when the Emperor was in court for divorce...'' Considering the chaos that erupted at just the right time, the Elders knew it was either the Queen or the Emperor. However, the more they pondered, the more they suspected the Emperor, because of his unyielding love for the Queen even after her adultery. It was as if the Emperor manipted everyone so that the Queen wouldn''t die! ''What a wonderful love!!'' ''This was done by some fanatic or... Did the Emperor want us to revise the rule without directly asking?'' ''I cannot believe he pulling our daughter''s happy life just for his selfish actions..!!'' ''I-I cannot sacrifice my tribe for his cunning n!!'' ''If he loves her just say so, We will agree!! Why bother creating chaos in our family!'' Those thoughts, as the moment when the Emperor''s name came into view, lingered in their minds. With various possibilities running through the Elders'' minds...slowly but surely raised their hands as if they were answering the Emperor''s previous question. Most of them almost connected the dots and realized it was all along the Emperor''s n to keep her safe Queen so that she wouldn''t hanged to death... Aria''s face turned to surprise meanwhile Maelona looked at the guard with mixed expressions. "I see...." ric nodded when he saw the amount of number increasing, he clenched his teeth, and his anger was palpable! He couldn''t believe his actions to keep Aria from turning against him from just a random bastard, he looked at Maelona, ''This bitch!!...'' he knew she was nning something and was just about to ignore the guard''s fake letters when, "Y-You majesty..." Another guard bowed down deeply, everyone and turned their face turned big shit. ric barely controlling his anger asked, "What now?" "Men from Wood tribe crying down shouting their wife cheated on them!" Hearing that, ric''s eyes widened and even more Wood tribe''s Elder had a mental breakdown. Even the remaining Elders who were hesitating to raise now immediately raised their hands. ''Hehe...'' Chapter 240: Emperor planing something again! ric gritted his teeth as he looked at the raised hands in the grand hall. He nced at Aria, who wore a haughty and defiant expression. Her eyes sparkled with triumph, and it only fueled his frustration. "Fine, we shall revise our traditional rules!" His voice echoed, reverberating off the stone walls and high ceilings, a clear testament to his authority. Soon, everyone assembled to painstakingly revise the norms and structure of their ancient traditions. It was aborious process, filled with heated debates and reluctant agreements. The task stretched out, taking almost ten exhausting hours toplete. Aria''s grin widened even more before she gracefully stepped down from her elevated position, "Then we will see in court..." she announced with a final, confident look. One by one, the Elders began to leave. It was tantly clear that no one wanted to identify the person responsible. They all understood it was part of the Emperor''s intricate n, and thus, they didn''t dare to question him..... which only served to infuriate him further. As the room emptied, "Your Majesty," Kaelen said, bowing deeply with respect. He stood waiting patiently, eager for the Emperor''s response. All he wanted was to attend the academy, nothing more. ric sighed heavily, the weight of the situation pressing on him, "You will join in a month. Now leave!" He waved his hand dismissively, his face twisted in annoyance. Kaelen bowed one more time, before hurriedly exiting the room. As soon as thest person left, ric''s face contorted with rage. He released a burst of pressure so intense it almost made the pce tremble. Veins bulged on his forehead, and his expression was one of pure fury. He couldn''t believe someone had yed him so expertly. Suddenly, a shadowy figure materialized and bowed deeply before speaking, "Victor is currently staying at the Academy, Your Majesty." Upon hearing this, ric''s face darkened further, "I see... so it''s not Victor. Then who is it?" His mind raced with possibilities. ording to the information he had, he suspected Victor since he was the one closest to the data. But now, it seemed he had been wrong. "I heard she came here with someone. Find out who it is," ric ordered, his voice cold and menacing. The shadowy figure nodded in silent understanding before disappearing into the shadows. "Whoever you are... I will fucking kill you," ric mumbled to himself, his jaw clenched tightly, the veins on his cheeks pulsing with rage. He was beyond pissed off at this point. He needed an outlet for his seething anger. He already knew the oue of the court proceedings, and the thought of being outmanoeuvred by Aria.... a woman he considered nothing more than a trembling catdrove him to the brink. The more he dwelled on it, the angrier he became, "If this is going to end in divorce, I might as well plunge both tribes into chaos..." he thought to himself, a wicked smile forming on his lips. He decided to summon Kaelen Darkfang once again, his mind racing with new, darker ns. ... .... Meanwhile, in a different part of the pce, "What the hell! There is nothing here!" Maelona eximed, her face a mask of horror as she stared at the nk white paper in front of her. She turned to her armed guard, who stood silently as if this predicament was not his concern. "Come on, Aether, answer me!" Maelona demanded, her voice a desperate whisper. "... Well, it''s kind of exciting, don''t you think?" Aether replied, his voice brimming with excitement. Maelona''s face turned even paler. Exciting? What on earth was he talking about? If ric were to receive this letter, she was certain their whole tribe would face dire consequences. She was now genuinely terrified of Aether. Never in her life had she imagined that a mere boy could orchestrate such an borate n and execute it with such precision that it nearly fooled her. "What the hell has my daughter gotten into now?" Maelona thought, her mind racing with fear and confusion. "Haha... Don''t worry, she got a perfect one!" Aether said, his tone filled with amusement and confidence. [+100 Affection] Maelona stared at the armoured guard, a surge of frustration rising within her. She really wanted to see his smug face and, if possible, punch it! "How in the world did you do that?" Maelona asked, her face serious. She knew Aether had been with them the entire time, yet there was still a problem with the other tribe.... Even Aria believed her mother was the one doing everything!! Aether nced at his skill log. It wasn''t just modified logs but also his skills that had been updated: [Skill: Freedom (Updated)]: You can now extend your freedom time period by using Affection Points. The cooldown time remains unchanged, allowing you to enjoy your freedom for longer durations. 1 Minute = 1 AP [Skill: Clone (Updated)]: You can now alter your clone''s appearance using Affection Points, though changes cannot deviate significantly from the original form. Additionally, the clone''s duration can be extended, giving you more flexibility in its use. 1 Minute = 1 AP [Skill: Eternal Seal (Updated)]: Error! This function cannot be used as your current level is insufficient. Please level up to unlock this feature. "That''s a secret~ My mother-inw~" Aether replied, his toneced with yful mystery. [+100 Affection] Maelona''s lips twitched even more, her irritation palpable. She was just about to retort when, "I never thought you would be able to pull this stunt," Liora said, her face lit up with amusement as she approached Maelona. "What do you mean?" Maelona asked with a frown, quickly hiding the nk paper behind her back, her heart pounding with apprehension. "Oh~e on, Elona. You know exactly what you did, don''t you? Creating chaos just to save your daughter... Amazing, isn''t it?" Liora''s voice was light and teasing, which only served to irk Maelona even more. "I didn''t do anything, Liora," Maelona denied the usation firmly, deciding to walk away to avoid further confrontation. Liora shook her head in growing amusement, her smile widening with every passing second. She then nced at the armed guard who was trailing Maelona, "I am surprised you brought a guard with you all of a sudden." Maelona didn''t respond; she simply walked faster, her heart beating rapidly. "Hmm..." Liora frowned slightly, narrowing her eyes at the guard before moving closer to Maelona. She leaned in and whispered, "I see... you got someone... ah, all the best then!" This caused Maelona to stumble, but Liora caught her hand and added with an amused smile, "Well, since thew changed, you can do whatever you want." Maelona''s cheeks burned with embarrassment and anger. She red at Liora, thinking furiously, ''He is my son-inw, bitch!!'' She immediately resumed her pace, the guard following closely behind. "Hmm... interesting," Liora mumbled to herself as she watched Maelona leave. She looked down at her own hand, which was holding a crushed piece of paper. "Mother!" Kaelen''s urgent voice broke through her reverie. He arrived, his face serious and determined. He looked at Liora and said, "I have an idea to defeat the High Elf tribe." "Hmm? What is it? Another underhanded technique?" Liora asked, rubbing the paper between her fingers thoughtfully, her eyes never leaving her son''s face. "M-Mother, p-please give me this chance. I would never do that again" "Enough, my child," Liora interrupted, her voice cold and stern. She red at her son, who flinched in fear, "You not only failed against a stranger but also worked under someone like a pawn... like a use-and-throw pawn! That''s utterly disgusting and a ck mark on our family." She ced her hand on her son''s shoulder, her grip tightening. Crack, Crack "Arrhhh!!" "You know, when I heard you got suspended from the Academy... to be honest, I almost thought of ending you right then and there... if not for you being the chosen one." Liora''s voice was icy, and her eyes were filled with disappointment. Kaelen sweated profusely, his fear evident as he avoided his mother''s intense gaze. Liora felt even more annoyance at her son''s cowardice. "Kaelen." "Y-Yes, Mother," Kaelen stammered, trying to withstand the pain but still unable to look at her. "Let me warn you, our tribe lives with pride. No matter who the enemy is, we should always hold our heads high and face them head-on, not like weaklings who need to hide their fangs. The next time I hear of you working under anyone or acting like a coward," she leaned close to his ear and dangerously whispered, "I won''t hesitate to end my own blood..." Kaelen''s tail stiffened in fear, his entire body rigid. "Do you understand?" "Y-Yes Mother!" Liora patted her son''s shoulder, her eyes still cold. She looked at the nk paper in her hand, her lips curling up in a sinister smile, ''Looks like we have something interesting...'' "M-Mother, could you please trust me this time? Please!!" Kaelen pleaded, desperation clear in his eyes and voice. Liora nced at her son, her expression thoughtful and scrutinizing. "What is it?" "Today, the Emperor will get the divorce, so..." He began to exin his n in detail, his voice trembling slightly. As he spoke, Liora''s frown deepened. She listened carefully, her mind processing his words. "You thought of this?" "Y-Yes, Mother" "Really, You?" "... Y-Yes, Mother, I am the one who thought of this." "I see..." Liora said, her voice trailing off as she contemted his words. Meanwhile, "FUCK!! That bitch!!" Maelona screamed, her voice echoing through the corridors as she stormed down the hall. Chapter 241: Aether planing something! Elven Court Maelona looked at Aria, her eyes searching for any hesitation. "Aria Zephyr, do you confirm your wish to dissolve this union?" she asked onest time, her voice steady and authoritative. "Yes, Your Grace," Aria replied with a firm nod, her resolve unwavering. Maelona then turned to ric, her gaze steady and unyielding. "ric Zephyr, even if your love for her remains, a union without mutual understanding can only bring suffering. Do youprehend this?" "Y-Yes, Your Grace," ric responded, his voice heavy with sorrow and regret. Maelona nodded solemnly. "It has been determined that Aria''s act of aiding a wounded man does not constitute adultery under our revised traditions. After thorough deliberation and careful consideration of all grievances presented, the court has reached a decision. The union between Lady Aria Zephyr and Lord ric Zephyr is hereby dissolved." A murmur of acknowledgement passed through the audience, though there was little surprise. With a graceful wave of her hand, Maelona summoned a silver chalice filled with sacred water, the liquid shimmering with an ethereal light. She held it between Aria and ric, "Drink from this chalice, and let the sacred waters cleanse your hearts and spirits, formally marking the end of your union." Aria and ric each took a sip from the chalice, their bodies momentarily illuminated by a soft glow before returning to normal. Maelona''s voice was both gentle and authoritative as she continued, "From this moment forward, you are released from the bonds that once united you. May you each find your own paths to true happiness and fulfilment." Aria and ric bowed respectfully to Maelona and then to each other. "Thank you, Your Grace," they said in unison. ric gritted his teeth, his emotions a turbulent mix as he immediately announced, "My support for the High Elf tribe, I hereby null that!" A collective gasp echoed through the court, the shock evident on the faces of all except Maelona and Aria, who had anticipated this oue. "Hope you understand," ric looked at Maelona, his eyes challenging. She simply responded, "Of course, Emperor. Since the connection between our tribes was severed, there is no need to support us." ric''s lip twitched at her calm response. ''Whatever,'' he thought with a shrug, leaving the court with a sinister smile. ''Let''s see how you guys are going to begter...'' Aria immediately ran away to a certain ce, a happy and liberated expression on her face. Maelona''s lips twitched at the tant disrespect shown towards the court, but with a sigh, she followed her daughter. Thud "A-ha-Aether -ha-ha-" Aria panted as she opened the door, her eyes sparkling with joy. She found Aether standing by the window, gazing at the sky. Aether turned around, his eyes widening in surprise as he saw Aria''s beautiful, radiant face and... a crazed expression? A shiver ran down his spine. ''W-Why does she look like Selene?'' he screamed inwardly before gently raising his hand, his face warm and inviting. "Come to me," he said softly. Step [+8000 AP] Step [+8000 AP] Step [+8000 AP] ..... ... For each step Aria took, her affection rose exponentially, as if something inside her was slowly awakening. Aether trembled inwardly, ''Why is this happening to me?'' he screamed to himself. With a flushed face, Aria reached Aether, slowly wrapping her arms around his neck. Aether gently ced his hands on her hips, their faces mere inches apart, their breaths mingling. "Aether," Aria whispered, her voice filled with longing. "Yes," Aether replied, his voice equally soft and tender. "My lovely Aether," she repeated, her eyes shimmering with emotion. "Hah... Yes, my lovely Aria," Aether responded, a gentle smile on his lips. "Hehe... I am a free bird now~" Aria dered, pressing her hot body against his. The heat between them was palpable, an electric connection that neither could ignore. Aether pretended to be surprised before gently smiling. "Then should I take this bird?" he asked, his lips hovering over hers, teasing and tantalizing. "Haha... There is no need for the question, just take it~" she replied hotly before sealing his lips with hers in a passionate kiss, their mouths moving together with an urgency that spoke of long-suppressed desires. "~hmm~" As they slowly separated, their eyes locked, filled with mutual longing and lust. It was as if they wanted to merge into one being, their desires overwhelming and consuming them. Aria''s fingers slowly moved towards Aether''s lower body, searching for something she had longed to touch. Now, it''s time to enact Aether''s n... Catching her hand, Aether''s voice trembled slightly as he began, "The princess ordered me not to show my genitals to anyone... except her." "!!!!!" Aria''s eyes widened in shock and disbelief, her expression clouded with a mixture of hurt and confusion. ''Except her?'' Aether gulped inwardly. It''s not that he didn''t want to do it with her; he loved this cute Elf, but it was something for his future safety... "W-What do you mean? Except her?" Aria''s voice wavered, filled with disbelief and a hint of dread. Aether nodded solemnly, his gaze downcast. "Beforeing here, she gave me thatmand." "Command? Why?" Aria''s frown deepened as she tried toprehend the motives of the viiness she despised. "I don''t know," Aether admitted, his voice tinged with frustration and helplessness, "She said as long as I remain Master Kai''s ve, I belong to her and her alone." Aria''s grip on Aether tightened instinctively, her anger simmering just beneath the surface. "Did you... show yourself to her?" "Well... There were a few asions when she saw me naked," Aether confessed reluctantly, bracing himself for her reaction. BOOMM!! The air crackled with Aria''s sudden surge of fury, her eyes zing with a mix of jealousy and anger. Aether gulped, fearing her wrath. "And... there was one time she touched me and..." "And?" Aria''s voice was cold, devoid of emotion, as if she feared what answer mighte. "I... I can''t," Aether stammered, his expression filled with fear of her reaction. Aria blinked, realizing the fear she instilled in him. With a deep breath, she softened her demeanour, reaching out to gently kiss his cheek. "I''m sorry, Aether... I didn''t mean to scare you," she murmured, her voice tender with concern. "I just need to know, please?" Aether''s heart melted at the sight of her vulnerability. ''She can be so fragile,'' he thought, his resolve faltering momentarily, "P-Promise you won''t get angry," he pleaded softly. "Hah... I promise," Aria assured him, her voice trembling with a mix of hurt and longing. "I won''t be angry with you, my love." "T-Then she kissed it--" BOOMM!! The ground beneath Aria cracked under the weight of her furious emotions, a testament to her struggle to contain her feelings. Thud Meanwhile, Maelona burst into the room, rmed by themotion. "What''s going on here?" "Get out!" Aria''s voice was sharp andmanding, her gaze icy as she turned away from her mother. Maelona flinched as her body automatically closed the door before blinking her eyes. ''What just happened?'' She reopened the door and saw Aria sitting on Aether, vigorously kissing him without hesitation. Maelona''s cheeks turned red; she had wanted to prevent them from getting intimate before marriage but seeing Aria finally happy, she decided to leave them alone. Meanwhile, Aria, sitting on top of Aether, looked at him with a wicked smile before whispering, "Aether~ You are mine~ Aether~ Mine only!!~" [+9000 AP] [+9000 AP] [+9000 AP] [+9000 AP] ..... Chapter 242: ~Yess~suckk~meee~ ''FUCK!'' That''s what Aether screamed as the soft silk ropes tightened around his wrists, binding him to the bed. His clothes were torn off, leaving him only in his underwear, which barely concealed his growing arousal. Aether had assumed Aria was just like Selene, but he forgot one crucial point:.... Aria was far older than anyone else, and Thus, her Yandere tendencies were intensified by centuries of unbridled desire. Her obsession was a force of nature, far too intense for someone like little boy Aether!! Aria stood before him, a vision of raw sensuality in nothing but a ck bra and panties, which clung to her curves and..... dripped with her Nectar... Furiously!! Her silky white hair cascaded around her face, hiding her dark, predatory expression. She looked at Aether with a wicked smile, her eyes glittering with a mix of love and madness, as if she was about to merge their souls and bodies forever. She was already dreaming of the children they would create together, imagining the names she would give them... There was no longer any trace of the cute, innocent Aria!!! Her lips parted, drooling as she licked Aether''s naked chest, her tongue tracing patterns on his skin. She bit down hard, marking him with her teeth, iming him as her own. ''Mine, Mine, Mine... MINE!!!'' her mind chanted, drowning in her obsessive love. Aether''s words had shattered her control. She knew he would obey his Master''s orders, but that knowledge only fueled her desperation. She had no choice but to take him by force. ''Gulp.'' Aether swallowed hard, fear and anticipation mixing in his veins. Despite his predicament, his member twitched eagerly beneath his underwear. ''I need to control her emotions...'' he thought, trying to find a way to calm the storm of desire that was Aria. Aria''s tongue continued its feverish dance across Aether''s nipples and chest, her saliva glistening on his skin. Her full, rounded ass rubbed against his hard member, the heat between them almost unbearable. It was then that she heard Aether''s frightened voice, it cut through her haze of lust. "A-Aria... I-I am scared. Please... You l-look like Princess Aqualina... I-I am scared now!!" His words struck a chord, pulling her back to reality. Her rational mind reawakened, and she looked at herself with shock and horror. ''T-This... I....'' She realized she was behaving just like Aqualina, treating Aether as nothing more than a ything for her pleasure. She felt a wave of self-disgust!!! "A-Aether..." Her voice trembled as she quickly untied him. She reached out to touch him, but Aether instinctively recoiled, fear evident in his eyes. Aria''s heart shattered at his reaction. ''What have I done...!'' She trembled, terrified that she had lost Aether''s love forever. "I-I am sorry, Aether... I was... I am... I..." Words failed her, her voice choked with regret and sorrow. She couldn''t justify her actions, and couldn''t find the right words to exin her madness. Aether rubbed his wrists, his gaze softening as he looked at Aria, who had lowered her head in shame. He sighed inwardly, knowing he needed to handle this situation delicately. One wrong move, and he would be trapped in her obsessive grip forever. Though he wouldn''t mind being with such a voluptuous MILF-- ''Tsk, What am I thinking?'' He shook off the dangerous thought and gently ced his hand on her trembling thigh. Aria flinched at his touch, her eyes wide and teary. Before she could beg for forgiveness, he spoke softly, "A-Aria, What happened?" His warm smile reassured her, though she could still see a flicker of fear in his eyes. Aria''s heart ached even more. The thought of her beloved being afraid of her was more painful than death itself! "I-I am sorry... I''m just so scared of losing you to someone else," Aria managed to confess. Aether smiled, leaning in to kiss her lips. Aria was taken aback, her eyes filling with tears as she reciprocated his kiss, pouring all her love and desperation into it. [+9000 AP] "I love you, Aria, with all my heart. There''s no way I would ever let you go..." Aether whispered, resting his forehead against hers. His eyes locked onto hers as he carefully added, "... Even if someone ''forcibly'' enters my heart, you are ''also'' in my heart... until death do us part!" Aria''s eyes darkened momentarily. She knew the Viiness bitch was doing something explicit with her beloved and realized he had a soft spot for her. She remembered how he had said the Viiness bitch was important and how she had sat on hisp... Piecing it all together, she understood that the Viiness bitch had forcibly entered his heart and that knowledge only fueled her rage. Aether then hugged her trembling body, his touch soothing yet filled with urgency. "As much as I would give my life for you, I cannot ignore the Princess''smand...." Aria''s face turned gloomy, a small amount of killing intent emanating from her. Aether nodded inwardly before shyly adding, "I shouldn''t show mine, but..." He pushed her onto the bed, his eyes raking over her dishevelled white hair and blushing cheeks. His member twitched with anticipation. "A-Aether...?" Aria stammered, her voice a mix of fear and desire as she saw the lustful gleam in his eyes. Her throat went dry, and her core trembled, leaking with arousal. "Let me see yours ~Dear~" She felt a rush of relief under his predatory gaze. ''T-Thank goodness, Aether still wants me!!'' she thought, her heart swelling with joy and love. Part of her had feared he would reject her after what she had done, but his overwhelming love for her was evident. "~Hmm~" Kissing her lips, Aether''s mouth traced a tantalizing path down her neck, leaving a trail of kisses that made Aria shiver with anticipation. His lips journeyed from her corbone to her chest, his breath warm against her skin. His fingers expertly unsped her bra, letting it fall away to reveal her bare, heaving breasts. Boing, Boing Aria''s cheeks turned a deep shade of red, but she didn''t shy away. She wanted Aether to see every inch of her body, to engrain her form into his mind just as vividly as she had memorized his. "~aa~" With a gentle but firm touch, Aether cupped her breasts, feeling their weight in his hands. They were big, soft, and perfectly shaped. But not as big as Delphine''s or even the Empress''s! Regardless, "~ha~" His thumbs brushed over her sensitive nipples and aree, eliciting a gasp from Aria. He watched intently as her nipples hardened under his touch, their rosy hue standing out against her pale skin, inviting him closer. "~mmm~" He leaned down, his breath warm against her breast, and took one of her nipples into his mouth. His tongue swirled around it, teasing the sensitive flesh, while his hand continued to explore the curve of her other breast. Aria gasped again, her body arching towards him, her skin burning with desire. "~mmm~A~Aether~" Aether''s mouth moved to her other nipple,vishing it with the same attention and care. He sucked gently, his teeth grazing the sensitive skin, sending electric jolts of pleasure through Aria''s body. Her fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer as she moaned softly, lost in the overwhelming sensations he was creating. "~yess~suckk~meee~" Aria felt a primal satisfaction as Aether sucked her breasts with such hunger, making her feel both desired and cherished. His hand slid down her stomach, tracing the edge of her panties. He could feel the slickness of her nectar seeping through the fabric, a testament to her intense desire. ''Damn, she is way too horny~'' he thought, loving her neediness even more. With a slow, deliberate movement, he slipped his fingers under the fabric... "~Aaaahhh~" Aria''s breath caught in her throat as Aether''s fingers found her most sensitive spot, his touch sending waves of pleasure through her. She looked at him with a lovely, shy expression, her eyes pleading for more. "~mmmaaa~" Aether met her gaze and slowly stroked her gently, his touch both tender and teasing. Her hips moved involuntarily, pressing against his hand, driving his fingers deeper inside her. "~aaaahh~Aetherrrrrr~" Aria felt both embarrassed and aroused under Aether''s intense stare. She knew she should be modest, but the more she saw him enjoying her reactions, the more she wanted to show him every aspect of her desire, ''Yes~ See my horny face~Darling~'' "Aria~" "~hmmffff~" Aether''s lips returned to hers, capturing her moans as he continued to pleasure her. His fingers moved with increasing intensity, his thumb circling her clit in a rhythm that drove her wild. Aria''s body trembled with each touch, her desire building to a fever pitch. Just as she was about to reach the peak, Aether stopped with a teasing smile. Aria pouted, her eyes filled with both frustration and longing. Aether kissed her lips softly before murmuring, "I love to taste my Aria~" Aria''s eyes widened in surprise. ''Taste? What does he mean--'' Aether slid her panties aside, revealing the most intimate part of her. He saw a small patch of white leaves with a leaking flower.... ''Truly lovely~'' he thought before, "~AAHhhh~" Aria''s moan echoed through the room as she felt his soft tongue enter her flower, exploring her most intimate depths with slow, deliberate strokes. The sensation was overwhelming, a mix of pleasure and shock that left her breathless. "~slurp~" "~aaaahh~" "~AAether that''s~aaah~dirt~aaaahh~mmmmm~FUCK!" Squlech He savoured her taste, his hands gently holding her hips in ce as she writhed beneath him, lost in waves of ecstasy. Slurp "~aahh~~aahh~" She wanted to push him off; this was not supposed to happen. A woman was supposed to service the man, not the other way around, and yet, Squlech "~aaa~Aeeettte~~~~" Aria''s fingers tangled in Aether''s hair, pulling him closer as she bucked against his mouth, her body desperate for more of his touch. He responded eagerly, his tongue delving deeper, his lips sucking gently on her clit, driving her to the brink once again. Ssslllurrrrppp~ Aria''s body convulsed with pleasure, her moans growing louder and more desperate. Her hands gripped the sheets, her back arching off the bed as Aether''s relentless tongue brought her closer and closer to the edge. She could feel the tension building inside her, a tight coil ready to snap. "Yes~ yes~ yes~ Aether! ~ I''m... I''m going to... ~aaahh~" "!KKK~~~" Feeling her tense insides, Aether''s tongue flicked against her clit onest time, and Aria''s body convulsed as she was finally pushed over the edge. "~~~~~~AAAAAEEETTTTHHEEERRRRRR~~~~~~~~" Ssh, Sshhhhhhhh...... She cried out his name, her voice filled with a mixture of relief and ecstasy as wave after wave of pleasure crashed over her. "W~Wait~I Hav~aaahh~aah~ah~ahahha~" Aether didn''t stop, his tongue and lips continuing to tease her flower even as she rode out her orgasm..... that almost looked like a fountain!! sssspppllssssssshhhhhhhhhh... He wanted to prolong her pleasure, to make this momentst as long as possible. Aria''s moans softened into whimpers, her body trembling with the aftershocks of her release. After what felt like an eternity, Aether finally stopped, looking down at the bed, which was drenched with her nectar. Her fluids had soaked the sheets, a testament to the intensity of her release. Aether pulled away, his lips and face glistening with her essence. He looked up at her, his eyes filled with love and satisfaction. "You taste incredible, my love," he whispered, moving back up to kiss her deeply, letting her taste herself on his lips. "~ha~" "~ha~" Aria, still catching her breath, wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close. She looked at Aether with wide, adoring eyes, her body still tingling from the aftershocks of her climax. She couldn''t believe how incredible he had made her feel, how deeply he had touched her both physically and emotionally. She wanted more.... so much more!! Yet, she knew Aether would always obey his master as he was still a ve. Aether softly whispered, "I really want us to be together, and yet... If only Princess didn''tmand me not to show..." He nced at her before repeating, "If only not to show..." Aria''s face turned gloomy, but then a sly smile appeared when she heard those repeated words, "Only not to show, right? Then....." Chapter 243: Aria~ You are making me go crazy~ "A-Aether? ~ha~ I am ~ha~ Waiting~" Aria panted heavily, her vision fully dark because she was blindfolded. Her body was trembling with anticipation... Aether, barely holding back his amusement, pretended to ask doubtfully, "B-But it''s still I am showing, right?" His voice was teasing, but his body was burning with desire, his heart racing as he looked at the beautiful, vulnerable figure before him. Aria smiled, her lips curling into a seductive grin, and reassured him, "Don''t worry, Aether. You are not showing, I mean I can''t see, right? So you are not disobeying themand~" She let out a proud voice, convinced that her logic was wless and that this method was indeed the perfect way to manipte Aether. Yes, she was trying to manipte Aether! Aether''s lips trembled, trying to stifle hisughter at seeing her attempt to manipte him. He had already removed his underwear, and his vigorous shaft was just hovering before her trembling flower. "I am a little worried, you know~" Aether said as he slowly teased her clit with his shaft, his voice a mix of concern and raw, unfiltered lust. "ahhI~It''s fine, Aether~ It''s fine.... You are not showing to me," Aria said with a smile before her expression turned slightly pleading as she added, "You are just shoving it into me" Her voice was a soft, sensual plea, filled with longing and an aching need. Aether stared at her happy expression, then nodded. He let the tip of his shaft glide along her slick folds, teasing her entrance, and causing her to squirm with anticipation. Slowly, he gently rubbed her folds before entering her delicate flower. "~aaahh~rrr~aammm~C-Careful~aaffmm" Aria groaned in little pain when she felt something big and hard entering her soft and small slit, ''I-It''s big~'' she thought as she clenched her teeth before fully taking Aether''s shaft. Her body was stretched to its limits, every inch of her filled with him. Seeing her pained expression, Aether paused his movements. He lowered his head, cing tender kisses along her inner thighs, his fingers skillfully finding her sensitive clit and nipples to calm her insides before slowly entering again. "IT''S FULL!!" Aria screamed when she felt herself almostpletely filled. She knew there was no more space inside, and any more would break her, which was not a desirable oue. Her body was trembling, her mind a whirl of pleasure and pain. Aether, on the other hand, was thinking, ''Fuck, she''s sucking me...'' as he felt her walls tightening around him, pulling him deeper inside and massaging his shaft. He leaned in, his breath hot against her ear, whispering, "You feel incredible, Aria." His voice was filled with awe and raw passion, his body aching with the need to possess her fully. [+9000 AP] Aria felt incredibly happy as she kissed his lips, saying, "I am really happy~ I~I became one with my lovely Aether~" Her voice almost sounded like a sob, the intensity of her emotions overwhelming her. Aether then grabbed her voluptuous ass, his hands firm and steady, and began to pound her slowly, increasing the intensity with each thrust..... "~aahh~mmmrr~aaahh~aaa~ Aria''s moans filled the room, her body responding eagerly to each of his powerful movements. The blindfold heightened her other senses, making every touch, every thrust, every whisper of his breath against her skin feel like a bolt of electricity. She could feel, no... she could really imagine his vigorous structure scraping her insides and attacking her every weak point as if he knew everything inside and out! Which made her even happier! "Ahh~Fuck Yes!!~~~~" Aria moaned, kind of excited when her eyes closed. She felt something was wrong with her as if she wanted him to go wild without hesitation, fuck her even more.... Maybe the blindfold was too much for her! Aether''s pace quickened, his hips moving rhythmically as he drove deeper into her, feeling her warmth enveloping him. He watched her, her expressions shifting between pleasure and desperation, her body arching to meet his thrusts. "aahh~yezzzs~Aether~aahh~more~" Aria''s voice was breathless, filled with longing and lust. Sqluech The sound of their bodies moving together was wet and primal, a symphony of desire and connection. Aether obliged eagerly, his movements bing more fervent and passionate. He leaned down, capturing her lips in a searing kiss, their moans mingling as their tongues danced together. The taste of her drove him wild, every kiss a promise of deeper intimacy. Boing, Boing His hands roamed over her body, starting with her jiggling, busty breasts. He cupped their fullness, marvelling at the weight and warmth of her soft, supple flesh. The way they moved with each thrust was mesmerizing..... Damn, he wanted to hold them forever! "N~NO~ I am ~aahh~ sensitive~"she gasped, her voice a mix of pleasure and vulnerability. His fingers found her nipples, already hard and achingly sensitive. He rolled them between his fingertips, teasing and pinching them into even tighter peaks. Aria''s breath hitched, her back arching in response as his touch sent sparks of ecstasy coursing through her. "No~Aetherrrr~ too much~" she moaned, her voice trembling with pleasure. Aether''s mouth reced his hands, his tongue flicking over her nipples before sucking and nibbling gently. He could feel her heart racing beneath his lips, her skin flushed with desire. He took his time, savouring every gasp and moan that escaped her. Moving lower, his hands traced the gentle curve of her belly, his fingers dancing lightly over her skin, making her shiver with anticipation. He paused at the soft mound of her lower abdomen, pressing gentle kisses along the sensitive flesh just beneath her breasts, teasing the area where her ribs curved inward. Each touch elicited breathless gasps from her, driving him to explore further. [+9000 AP] "~aaahhh~hhaa~please~be~hhhaa~gentle~" Aether''s hands slid lower, caressing her hips, squeezing her voluptuous ass, relishing the firm yet soft texture of her curves. His lips found her neck, kissing and nibbling along her corbone, moving upward to her long earlobe. He took the lobe between his teeth, gently tugging, his hot breath sending shivers down her spine. "~Aria~" He whispered her name, his voice thick with desire.The way he said her name drove her wild with need. [+9000 AP] [+9000 AP] [+9000 AP] [+9000 AP] "!!!" She suddenly clenched around him, her body reacting instinctively to the mounting pleasure. Aether could feel himself nearing his limit, the tightness in his lower abdomen growing with each powerful thrust. His hand slipped between them, his fingers finding her clit, rubbing it in tight, quick circles that matched his rhythm. "Oh~ God~ Aetheeerrr~ I''m~ aahh~ I''m going to~ aaa" Aria''s voice trailed off into a cry of ecstasy as her climax crashed over her, her body convulsing around him in a wave of pure bliss. "AAAHHHHHHHMMMMMM~~~~~~~" "~ha~" "~ha~" With a few final, deep thrusts, he spilled into her, their bodies trembling together as they rode the wave of their shared climax. Slowly, he withdrew, his body still thrumming with the aftershocks of their intense lovemaking. It took a moment for them to return to reality, their minds still blissfully numb from the pleasure. Aether had momentarily forgotten... or rather his pleasure made it forget something important, assuming Aria was responsible and would take care of contraception..... However, in reality, Aria was far from that.... She was overjoyed that Aether had impregnated her without needing to ask. She ain''t a responsible woman and sane woman like Selene!! [+10000 AP] [+10000 AP] [+10000 AP] [+10000 AP] .... .... ''What a lovely man~'' she thought, her heart filled with happiness. She was definitely going to have a healthy child soon, but it wasn''t enough! Her 1000 years of waiting deserved more than just once, though she worried Aether might not be able to keep up with her insatiable desire. Aether wanted to do more, but he worried that Aria, experiencing this for the first time, might feel a little tired. He was just about to ask her when she interrupted him with a breathless plea... "~Aether~I want more love~" [+10000 AP] Ariay back, presenting her voluptuous, inviting ass, shaking it seductively. Her flower was dripping with his seed along with a reddish colour, the sight driving Aether wild with desire. ''Drip, Drip'' Aether stared at her glistening, dripping flower and the twitching entrance of her ass, the sight making his heart race. "HIKKKKK!!!" Aria gasped in surprise when Aether touched her asshole. Her blindfold slipped off, and turning back, she saw Aether staring intently at her ass. Her heart skipped a beat as she lowered her gaze and saw his vigorous shaft, still hard as a rock. A surge of inexplicable happiness washed over her as she wriggled her ass invitingly, the movement causing a fresh wave of arousal to course through her. "~AAAHHH~" Without hesitation, Aether plunged into her flower again, this time with rougher intensity. Her eyes, wide and filled with a mix of pleasure and surprise, spurred him on. Each thrust sent shivers through her body, her moans growing louder with every movement. Aether''s thrusts grew even harder, turned on by her beautiful, icy gaze that seemed to pierce through him. [+10000 AP] "~So~rough~aaaahmmmmff~" Aether leaned over her back, kissing her sexy nape before capturing her lips. Neither of them cared about the blindfold anymore; they wanted to see each other without any barriers.... Princess Command? Fuck off!! Their tongues intertwined in a dance of desire, their breaths mingling as they lost themselves in the moment. Aether''s thrusts were vigorous, making her voluptuous ass jiggle, which only heightened his arousal. The sight and feel of her beneath him, responding so eagerly to his every touch, drove him to the edge of madness. "~Aaahh~aaamm~muffff~aaahh~" Seeing her moaning expression, Aether''s desire intensified. He reached around, his hands finding her breasts, squeezing and kneading them while his hips continued their relentless rhythm. "~nnfgggg!!!~" Her nipples were hard and sensitive, and he rolled them between his fingers, eliciting louder moans from Aria. The way her body reacted to his touch, the way she writhed beneath him... Aether''s mouth moved to her ear, nibbling and whispering, "Aria~ You are making me go crazy~" His breath was hot against her skin, sending shivers down her spine. [+10000 AP] [+10000 AP] [+10000 AP] "~ahhhaahhaahhaahhh~ goooo~aaahhhCrraayy~thenfffukk~" Aria''s body was a canvas of pleasure, every touch, and every kiss igniting her senses. Aether''s hands roamed her curves, sliding down to her hips, gripping them tightly as he thrust deeper. He paused for a moment, repositioning himself, and then his hand slid down to her asshole, teasing the entrance with his fingers. The sensation made her gasp, her body tensing with anticipation. "Aether~ NNOO~~~" Aria''s voice was breathless, her body trembling with anticipation and desire. The mix of fear and excitement in her voice made Aether''s heart race. Aether''s fingers moved in circles, gently probing her back entrance, his other hand still ying with her breasts. He kissed her shoulder, his lips trailing down her spine, sending waves of pleasure through her. It was too much, too much for her!!! Yet, she wanted more!! She wanted him to ravage her!! 1000 years!! She waited for 1000 years!!!! [+10000 AP] [+10000 AP] [+10000 AP] [+10000 AP] [+10000 AP] ..... ... "AAaahhhhhhhhhh~" Aether slowly inserted a finger into her asshole, feeling the tightness around him. Aria''s moans grew louder, her body writhing under his touch. He moved his finger in and out, matching the rhythm of his thrusts, creating a symphony of sensations that drove Aria wild. The feel of his finger inside her,bined with the relentless thrusts, made her body tremble with ecstasy. Crack, Crack.... The bed couldn''t withstand the intensity of their lovemaking as it cracked under the pressure, but they were oblivious, lost in the throes of their passion. Chapter 244: I am not human, am I? Maelona stared at the letter, which bore the bold heading: "Official Patriarchal Duel!" It was a challenge issued by the Darkfang Tribe. In the intricate hierarchy of the tribes, each one had the right to request a duel for the chance to ascend in rank. However, the rules were strict: a tribe could only challenge the one directly above it. Thus, the Darkfang Tribe, positioned just below the esteemed Top-Ranked High Elf tribe, was entitled to request this duel. And, of course, no one had the right to refuse the duel! "I knew this would happen, but not this quickly..." Maelona sighed, a sense of foreboding creeping into her mind. She had already contacted her husband, who assured her he would arrive in time. Now, all she needed to do was inform Aria, who was enjoying her leisure time in her luxurious chambers. With a small blush warming her cheeks, Maelona arrived at Aria''s room and knocked gently on the ornate wooden door, Knock, Knock "Aria?" "...." Knock, Knock "A-Aether?" "...." Still nothing. Frowning, Maelona hesitated for a moment before slowly and quietly opening the door. She knew she shouldn''t invade Aria''s privacy, but worry gnawed at her insides. She had to ensure Aria was alright! She was really worried about her daughter, That''s all!! Believe her! "What..... the...." The sight that greeted her was shocking. The room was in total disarray. Everything was broken: the bed, the table, the vase, even the walls bore cracks. ''D-Did they get into a fight?'' Maelona''s face turned dreadfully pale, but then, looking at the drenched bed and the liquid dripping down... Sniff "Yuck!" Maelona immediately grabbed her nose at the strange, murky stench that made her mind go numb for a second. Even the floors were still wet and warm, like a humid summer night. Maelona gulped before using her magic to float above the floor, as she clearly didn''t want to touch anything rted to Aria and Aether. It was then she heard it, "~mmm~" Her long, sensitive ears twitched as she looked toward the bathroom. She hesitated for a second, her heart pounding in her chest, before slowly hovering toward it. "~aahh~" "~aamm~yess~Moorrrree~" Maelona''s face turned even redder. "Ahem!" she loudly cleared her throat, trying to maintain herposure. She wasn''t the type of woman to eavesdrop on others'' intimate moments! Yet, "~aaahh~Aeeettthheerr~" Maelona''s ears twitched again, her curiosity and concern mingling with an unwanted thrill. Gulping, she slowly slid the door open and was met with a sight she shouldn''t have seen.... Aria was sprawled against the edge of the tub, her skin glistening with sweat, her breathing in ragged gasps. Her body was flushed with arousal, her breasts heaving, her nipples hard and aching. She spread her ass invitingly while Aether, equally flushed and glistening, was thrusting into her with a fervour that bordered on desperation. His face was a mask of raw desire, eyes half-lidded with pleasure as pounded her waving ass. The room was filled with the sound of their passion: the wet pping of skin against skin, the low, throaty moans, and the high-pitched whimpers of ecstasy. Maelona''s face turned a deep shade of crimson. The raw, unfiltered passion between Aria and Aether was intoxicating, filling the air with a palpable heat that made her own body respond involuntarily. Her heart raced, and she felt a strange mix of embarrassment and arousal before she managed to tear her gaze away and flee from the room. Maelona''s face turned a deep shade of crimson.Her heart raced, and she felt a strange mix of embarrassment and fear before she managed to tear her gaze away and flee from the room. Leaning against the door, "W-What were they.... Arrrhhh! Fine!!" She shouted, covering her burning face with her hands. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions as she ran away, the image of their passionate embrace seared into her memory. She felt like a scared cat!! [+100 AP] Meanwhile, Aether frowned, sensing a small surge of affection. His instincts sharpened, making him nce at the door, but he saw nothing unusual. Shrugging, he turned his attention back to Aria, whose voluptuous ass was presented before him in all its glory. He kissed her round, inviting ass before plunging into her warm, slick flower, pistoning inside her with relentless passion. "A~Aether~" Aria moaned, her voice a sultry symphony that echoed through the bathroom, her body trembling with each powerful thrust. ... ... In the dining hall, "Hmm~Hmm~ Eat More Aether~" Aria whispered seductively as she fed him the delicious dishes with her delicate hands while happily perched on hisp. "I''m already full," Aetherined, but he continued to eat. Aria tilted her head and whispered with a seductive smile, "You worked so hard yesterday... You need to rebuild your strength... But first, eat this... and then, eat me~" Her voice, a sultry murmur, sent delicious shivers down his spine. Aria''s expression softened into one of pleasure when she felt his hard thing twitching under her ass!!..... she continued to feed him, her own desire evident in the flush of her cheeks and the sparkle in her eyes. Meanwhile, Aether''s eyes nced at Maelona, who sat across the table with a frowning expression. She tapped her fingers rhythmically on the table, her face had amusement and..... annoyance? Aether then nced at his Log: !~Ding~! [Aria Zephyr has reached the threshold and is now removed from the Affection List!] [Remaining: 1,353,431 AP] .... .. Aether was surprised and shocked by his stamina and relentless energy which solidified, ''I am not human, am I?'' he mused, looking at his ''The Progenitor of Unknown Species'' title. He wasn''t sure whether to be happy or concerned about his inhuman capabilities. ''I suppose I need to understand myself if I want to uncover the secrets within,'' he thought before focusing back on the mommy elf who was feeding him without end. He pinched her hips yfully. "HI!" With a stern face, Aether picked up a piece of food and repeated Aria''s teasing words, "First, eat this... and then, eat me~" He gently bit her long ear, eliciting a moan from Aria, who quickly covered her mouth and nced at her mother with wide eyes. Maelona stared at them with a stern face. Aria blushed deeply before gently punching Aether''s chest, but she obeyed, epting his teasing and continuing to feed him with a shy smile. "Haha.. Aria is cute~" "Hmm!" ''Why do I feel like I''m being a third wheel...?'' Maelona frowned and sighed, patiently waiting for them to finish their lovey-dovey interactions before addressing the current predicament. "I see... Then I will be there, Mother," Aria nodded with a serious face. She knew this duel was unavoidable and that she had to confront it head-on. "You only? What about him?" Maelona asked, her tone questioning but firm. Aria flinched before awkwardly replying, "H-He will be staying here." Maelona shook her head, saying, "If he is going to be your husband, he needs to know everything, my dear. You cannot hide and protect him every day." She left them with a dissatisfied expression, her footsteps echoing down the hallway. Maelona understood her daughter''s desire to protect Aether, but in the long run, it was not beneficial. She had seen the man''s capabilities herself and knew he was more than capable of defending himself. In reality, Aria was just worried that everyone would notice his ve mark blinking as the day had already passe--- She frowned and looked at Aether, "W-Why isn''t your ve mark working?" "Hah..." Aether awkwardly smiled, ''I guess this was inevitable...'' He removed his shirt, revealing his [] tattoo. "Do you know what this is?" he asked. Aria had seen the tattoo during their intimate moments but hadn''t asked about it, thinking it was a mark from his Master. She didn''t want to bring up painful memories. Now, seeing it up close, she was curious. "You see... This is something I received from Arcane!" Aether''s face turned serious. "Arcane?" Aria frowned, feeling a pang of unease. Whenever this Arcane entity was involved, it never boded well for her! "Yes, this is some kind of blessing I received when I was enved..." "Oh?... Interesting..." "It helps me elongate my ve Mark''s time." "OH!!" Aria''s face lit up with happiness. She hugged him with teary eyes, grateful for even the smallest relief from his burden. It wasn''t much, but something better than nothing, right? Aether gently whispered, "And it also allows me to connect with the person I love~" "!!!" Aria''s face was a picture of shock and disbelief. She couldn''t believe what Aether had just said. Chapter 245: Ancient Language? Aria stared intently at her right-hand palm, noting the intricate tattoo that mirrored Aether''s, with one crucial difference: herscked the bud intersection. The tattoo seemed to pulse with energy, and she couldn''t help but feel a deep connection to Aether as if their very essence were intertwined. She felt an overwhelming closeness to Aether, a bond that transcended the physical realm. It was as if their souls were merging into one. Most astonishing of all... "I can feel your love, A-Aether," She mumbled, her voice tinged with disbelief. Her eyes, wide and glistening, reflected her astonishment. She could tangibly feel his love for her, a flood of emotions that surged within her. She struggled to maintain herposure, resisting the intense urge to push him down and make love to him right then and there. Aether smiled warmly, his eyes filled with affection. He drew her into a tender embrace and kissed her forehead softly. This simple gesture made Aria''s eyes well up with tears even more. She clung to him tightly, feeling that her long wait had finally been rewarded... She felt her patience had borne fruit!! FINALLY!! If it meant being with him, she wouldn''t have minded waiting another thousand years. Thank goodness Log removed her otherwise, it would again be crashed down! And even more astonishing was... "Aether, You were right. My level has increased... What in the world..." Aria''s eyes widened with disbelief. If news of this got out, she was certain many women would take Aether.... The thought was truly terrifying! Meanwhile, Aether nodded inwardly, his expression amused. ''I suppose I have something dangerous inside my pee-pee...'' he mused silently, a hint of a smile ying on his lips. Aria was profoundly grateful that Aether had told her. It was not a secret to be shared lightly, especially with Aether''s life at stake. She realized the significance of his trust and cherished the fact that he was finally opening up to her. "I love you~" she whispered, her eyes brimming with tears of joy. Aria kissed his chest lovingly. Aether mumbled, "There are many more secrets that this tattoo holds... I hope you understand." Aria smiled, her heart swelling with gratitude, "I will wait then..." She felt a palpable sense of relief emanate from Aether. ''He must have been so worried... My poor Aether~'' she thought, hugging him even tighter. ''Don''t worry, I will protect you. Anyone who tries to harm MY Aether will face my wrath.... Aether~ I love you~ I love you~ I love you~ I love you~ I love you~ I love you~.....'' Her mind rambled, a chaotic stream of devotion. "Princess doesn''t know about the details, so please hide the tattoo," Aether warned gently. Aria''s smile widened, and she nodded vigorously, feeling deeply cherished and incredibly happy. Suddenly, a thought crossed her mind when Aether mentioned ''Secrets.'' "Aether,e with me..." Aria suddenly asked, her voice filled with urgency. "??" "I know something about your past..." Aria said mysteriously, her eyes gleaming with secrets. ''Past?'' Aether frowned, curiosity piqued, and followed her. Aria led him to deep into her house.... where there was a massive wooden door, heavily guarded by vignt soldiers who immediately blocked their path. Aether''s eyebrows shot up in surprise as even Aria was momentarily halted. With a stern expression, Aria pulled out a token card. The guards, recognizing the token, bowed respectfully and opened the door. However, they blocked Aether''s entry. "He is with me.... My husband!" Aria dered boldly before nting a kiss on Aether''s cheek. The guards, taken aback, hurriedly bowed and allowed Aether to pass. Upon entering the room, Aether''s eyes widened in astonishment.... It was a library, vast and ancient! The room was filled with towering shelves, each crammed with dusty old books. The air was thick with the scent of aged paper and ink, a testament to its long-neglected state. "This ce was built in ancient times and contains countless pieces of information, truths, and even skills. Though everything here is old, they hold great power and danger. That''s why Darkfang strives so hard to surpass us! Only those who possess the token can enter..... along with their spouses!" Aria exined with a serious demeanour. Aether listened intently, finally grasping the significance of their surroundings and why she boldly did that... Those traditional guys would believe just from the kiss!! His curiosity deepened, wondering why she had brought him to such a ce. Aria walked further into the depths of the library, her eyes scanning the rows of books with purpose. Finally, she stopped before a particr brown leather book, worn and weathered with age. "Aether," Aria began, looking at him with intense seriousness, "You are from... an ancient civilization!" "...." Aether blinked, stunned by her revtion. ''Fuck!! Are we diving into the secret revtion part?'' he thought, excitement bubbling within him. Aria nodded, her expression satisfied as if she had sessfully surprised him, "Before began.... You know when I asked you to write, right?" "Yes, you also asked me to write it again and again, right?" "Hmmm." Aria nodded before cing the book on a dusty table. With a snap of her fingers, a gentle breeze swept through the room, clearing the dust away. She gestured for him to sit on the chair, then promptly seated herself on hisp, as if it were her rightful ce. She spoke slowly, "Yes, but what you wrote was not in ournguage." "Huh? What do you mean? I can understand yournguage and even your words, but..." Aether''s voice trailed off, bbergasted. "That''s what made me curious," Aria said, her brow furrowing thoughtfully. "You canprehend and read ournguage, but you can''t write it correctly..." She scribbled something on a piece of parchment and handed it to Aether. "Read this aloud and then rewrite it." "I love you," Aether read aloud, a yful smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He carefully wrote the phrase again. As he looked at his words, they appeared identical to Aria''s in his eyes. However, "It''s different," Aria mumbled, scrutinizing Aether''s written words andparing them to her own. "Different? How?" Aether asked, his frown deepening. "Your writing looks like this..." Instead of writing it again, Aria gestured with her hand, forming each word in the air. She noticed something strange happening with Aether, something he himself was not aware of. Aria frowned, sensing a dread that she knew must be connected to the tattoo that Arcane had given him. Everything about her beloved was shrouded in mystery, and it only intensified her desire to understand himpletely! ''That Bitch must be up to something...'' Aria growled inwardly. If anything happened to Aether, she was certain she would go to any lengths, even killing everyone necessary to be a sovereign and confront that bitch herself... and then.... ''Hehehe...'' A dangerous glint passed through her eyes. Aether nodded, "Okay, Yours?" Snapping out of her thoughts, "Mine is like this..." Aria motioned her hand to represent her letters. This time, Aether''s frown deepened even more. Her motions were different; For the letter ''I'' she motioned ''Ee'', and for ''Love'' she motioned ''Ay-'', something entirely unlike his understanding. Aether''s frown deepened further. Pieces of a puzzle began to align in his mind. How was he able to understand anguage he had never heard of before? This was the first time he had truly contemted it!!! A normal person would have questioned it upon first arriving in these new worlds, but Aether''s initial focus had been purely on survival, not on understanding the world''snguage. He had assumed it might be due to... Ether? But Ether had never learned how to read as he was a ve, though Aether wasn''t sure about Ether''s past but still.... somethingplex was going on and that was... Inwardly, he asked, ''Log... disable the automatic trantor.'' .... But there was no response. Aether''s lips twitched in frustration, ''Am I wrong?'' he wondered, doubt creeping into his mind. Aria could sense his turmoil. She leaned in and kissed his lips gently, a soft gesture meant to soothe his troubled thoughts. "Calm down, Aether. There''s no need to overthink this. If you don''t know something, you can always learn, right?" Aether blinked, her words cutting through his confusion. He nodded slowly, "Yeah, I could learn..." He kissed her lips back, feeling a surge of gratitude for his beautiful and supportive woman. He wanted to do more for her..... Aria blushed and winked, "I will teach you, but I want a reward~" she whispered, her voiceced with yful desire as she licked his neck with hungry eyes. "I will give you a big reward then~" he responded, his hands roaming to fondle her ass. "Ahh~" she moaned softly, her body reacting to his touch. Aria then took the ancient book and said, "Anyway, thenguage you write is... an ancientnguage!" She opened the book, its pages filled with symbols and scripts that were unfamiliar to her, but Aether... "Can you read it?" she asked, her voice tinged with hope and curiosity. "... Yes," Aether mumbled when he saw the word, ''Atom!'' He then looked at the previous paper and, for a second, saw: Ee Ay-oh Thul I love you Both her words and his words were disyed, and in the next blink, they transformed into the familiar ''I love you'' script. ''Fuck.... Everything is getting serious now..!'' he thought. Chapter 246: Before the Duel! Those words and scripts looked eerily simr to those from Earth. Even the technologies described within mirrored those he had witnessed in his previous world, almost down to the smallest detail. This unsettling resemnce sent Aether''s mind spinning... ''Does that mean people from Earth came here?'' Aether pondered, his brow furrowing deeper with each passing thought as he delved further into the book. If he hade here, then it stood to reason that others could have as well, right? However, a disconcerting issue arose when he tried to read the book to Aria. She couldn''tprehend it, as if Aether were speaking a foreignnguage entirely different from their own. "What is happening?" Aether''s confusion was evident in his furrowed brow and the perplexed tone of his voice. Despite speaking in his native tongue, she could understand his speech but not the words he read from the book. "...I think that seal is doing something to you," Aria said, her own frown mirroring his.... now she was worried. Aether nodded, although he was certain it wasn''t the seal. He knew it was his fucking ''Log''.... that trying to fuck him somehow... again! The more he read, the more he became engrossed in the mind behind the book. The author must have been a mad scientist, an individual whose brilliance bordered on insanity. The entire text was filled withplex theories of mechanics and technologies, some of which were so advanced that even he didn''t understand them. Yet, a crucial piece of information was conspicuously absent, gnawing at his mind... Why did no one know thisnguage? Where were the people who used thisnguage? Not a single trace was found, even though Aether and Aria had scoured every corner of their world in search of answers... Nothing rted to thenguage, except for this lone book, as if.... "Arcane Erased..." Aria murmured, her expression turning serious as she held another book, her eyes scanning its pages. "Erased?" Aether repeated, his frown deepening. "This book is the history of our Empire," Aria exined, "and it mentions that thousands upon thousands of years ago, there was a civilization that was erased by Arcane... and that''s all." "That''s all?" Aether echoed, his frustration growing as he scrutinized the book. The civilization was only briefly mentioned, with no significant details provided. Aria looked at him, her face etched with worry. Aether considered the situation for a few more moments before shrugging dismissively, ''I have lots of shit I need to deal with; fuck this!'' he thought with a mental scoff. For him, gaining his freedom was more important! than any ancient mystery. He couldn''t care less about these mysterious things. However, as he nced at the previous book, a sly smile curled his lips. ''It exined how I need to understand the technologies... that means...'' A spark flickered in Aether''s eyes before he gently patted Aria''s head. "Whatever it is, I don''t care... I will face--" "We will face it together!!" Aria interrupted, her voice resolute and her face set with determination. Aether''s smile softens into something genuine and warm. "Yeah, we will face it together..." !~Ding~! [Survival Rate: 36%] ... .... "Hmm? Where is my daughter?" Maelona asked, a frown creasing her forehead. It had been nearly a day since shest saw her daughter, and worry gnawed at her. She turned to her maids, who immediately responded with deep bows, "Princess Aria is in nthariel''s Archive, Your Grace." Maelona frowned momentarily before heading towards the archive. As before, she was blocked by the soldiers, but upon showing her token, they allowed her entry. [+200 AP] "~Ara~" Maelona''s voice was a soft, affectionate murmur as she saw the scene before her. Aether was lying on Aria''sp, fast asleep, with the book resting on his chest as if he had drifted off..... Aria, wearing a gentle smile and with her eyes closed, had her head nodding slightly as if she too had sumbed to sleep. Despite this, her hand continued to ruffle Aether''s hair with tender care, an unconscious gesture of affection and protection. Maelona''s eyes turned teary as she saw her daughter wearing a wonderful smile she had never seen before..... Maelona desperately wanted to capture this moment and store it in her heart forever..... Gently, she tapped her daughter''s shoulder, causing Aria to slowly open her eyes. "I-I am so" she began, but Maelona quickly ced a finger to her lips and pointed at the sleeping Aether. Aria blushed and smiled, a tender whisper escaping her lips, "I love him so much, Mom." Her voice was soft. Maelona''s eyes grew even more teary. Her daughter had found a love so pure and deep, something Maelona herself had never experienced. With a soft snap of her fingers, Maelona used her magic to gently float Aether off Aria''sp. Together, they walked out of the library, with Aria carefully cradling the book. No one was allowed to take anything from the library. If he wanted she could always take him here. They ced Aether in another room, as his previous quarters were undergoing remodelling. "Make sure to take your medicines, dear," Maelona reminded Aria, her cheeks slightly flushed with embarrassment. Aria frowned and was about to protest, but Maelona''s voice turned stern. "He is not at an age where he can be responsible!" she admonished, leaving no room for argument as she left the room. Aria pouted, her voice barely a whisper, "I will take care of the responsibility..." She then hugged Aether tightly to her bosom. .... The Next Day... "Took your time, Elona~," Liora remarked, her tone yful as she watched Maelona approach themon ground used for duels. The area was buzzing with anticipation, filled with spectators eager to see the oue of the day''s events. There were many people gathering around to see as they were also curious about what might happen to the High Elf tribe since they lost their support from the Emperor. "It will be interesting to see what unfolds!" "Yeah, but I''m pretty sure the High Elf tribe might lose their ground now..." "Nah, bro, as long as we have Elder Kaelith, no one can defeat us!" "Haha... you''re funny, bro. It''s been years since west saw the Elder. I even doubt he cares for his tribe!" Murmurs and rumours spread through the crowd as they eagerly awaited the duel''s oue. "Hmm?" Liora''s curiosity was piqued when she spotted a ck-haired human boy walking closely with Aria. She noted with interest that Aria carried herself with a newfound authority and arrogance. ''She looks different...'' Liora thought, frowning as she observed the transformation in Aria since theirst encounter. Liora shrugged off her thoughts and turned her attention back to Maelona, who now stood before her. With an amused expression, Liora asked, "Where is Kaelith?" "He will arrive in time," Maelona responded with a stern face, then walked toward the elevated tform. Aria nodded at Liora before following her mother, and Aether nodded as well, following closely behind Aria. Sniff As Aether passed by, Liora''s nose twitched. She frowned momentarily before ncing at Aether''s back. Her lips curled up in a sly smile, "Interesting..." she muttered to herself. [+1 AP] "Mother?" Kaelen''s voice called out, snapping Liora back to the present. She turned to her son, who nodded with a stern face, making Liora''s smile widen even more. Chapter 247: Mother-in-law... Too much!! "...." "...." An hour had passed since the duel time, and still, there was no sign of Kaelith arriving at the duelling ground. The tension in the air was palpable, and the crowd''s murmurs grew louder with each passing minute. "Did the Elder really not care for his tribe?" "Well, it''s been an hour already," another replied, shaking their head in disbelief. "Haha... Now the High Elf tribe is in a predicament," a third added with a mockingugh, clearly enjoying the High Elves'' difort. The murmurs of the crowd were almost loud enough to reach Maelona''s ears. She rubbed her forehead, feeling a mix of annoyance and anger. This was not how she had envisioned the day going. Seated beside her, Liora couldn''t help but smile. She nced at Maelona, a teasing glint in her eye. "What happened? It''s been an hour, you know~" Her tone wasced with mockery, the smirk on her lips widening. Maelona''s lips twitched, and she snorted in response, her patience wearing thin. But before she could retort, Liora continued with her teasing. "Of course, he might be busy with his ''secret'' mistress and will eventuallye... right?" Maelona gritted her teeth, and her frustration was evident. Aether, sitting beside Aria, couldn''t help but feel the tension. "What happened?" he asked quietly, sensing theplex dynamics at y but not understanding them fully. Aria sighed her reluctance to share her mother''s personal life evident, "Well, you could say... my mother was kind of like me... or maybe I am like her." She hesitated, not wanting to delve too deeply into the past. "Oh..." Aether nodded, respecting her reluctance and not pressing further. His attention turned to the duelling ground where Liora''s husband stood alone, his eyes fierce but his legs... ''His leg is shaking?'' Aether noticed, frowning, ''Is he scared or ill?'' As more time passed with no sign of Kaelith, Liora sighed dramatically. "I don''t think anyone would wait much longer... Don''t you think so?" Maelona gritted her teeth harder. This was a patriarchal duel, meaning only male tribe members could fight. If it were otherwise, she would have already torn apart this infuriating woman. Just then, Aria stepped forward, her resolve evident. "Why don''t you allow me to fight?" Her voice was strong and filled with determination. Liora chuckled dismissively, but before she could respond, Aria added, "I am the Arcane Queen, so I don''t think there''s anything wrong with it." Liora''s chuckle turned into a fullugh. "Haha... Darling~ You should know, it''s not about whether you are the chosen one or not... it''s about our rules... Only males are allowed!" Aria clenched her fists in frustration. If her father didn''t arrive, they knew their tribe would fall below the Darkfang''s rule, a fate they couldn''t afford. Liora''s satisfied smile grew as she stared at Aria, savouring her difort. Then, turning to her son and looking back at Aria with a smirk, she said, "I heard you defeated my son... no, almost killed him, right?" "Yes..." Aria frowned... not only her but also Kaelen, who sensed something was terribly wrong. Liora''s smile widened as she turned her gaze to Maelona, "I am pretty sure you understand what''s going to happen now, right?" Maelona nced at Liora, already predicting her aim. "If your tribe don''t want to fall... why don''t we arrange a marriage between my son and your daughter... since she was divorced, right?" The crowd fell silent, the weight of her proposal sinking in. "M-MOTHER!! This is not what we " "What?" A single nce from Liora silenced her son, making him sit back in fear. Kaelen''s forehead was drenched with sweat, anxiety evident. Ignoring him, Liora turned back to Maelona, whose calm reaction surprised her. "What do you think?" she asked. With a carefree attitude, Maelona replied, "I don''t mind." "Mother?" Aria''s eyes were filled with disbelief, but Maelona continued. "But her future husband needs to agree to this," Maelona added, pointing at Aether. Aria''s face flushed immediately as everyone turned their heads, looking at Aether with keen interest and surprise! "Future husband? This human?" "Did her grace go crazy? Letting a human marry our princess?" "I mean, she was barren, right? So that human might be the only option for them," "Who the hell is he?" "Even so, I think she should have epted their offer... now everything is going to fall!" The murmurs grew louder as they looked at Aether with curiosity, who was staring at Maelona with wide, surprised eyes. Aether sighed deeply before shaking his head, a small smile ying on his lips. "Mother-inw... you are too much!" It was clear that Maelona wanted Aether to step up instead of hiding. After all, he had did many experiences with her daughter, and it was only natural for her to expect him to take responsibility. [+200 AP] Maelona''s face beamed with satisfaction. She then turned to Liora, her smile turning sly. "Do you think I would just give up so easily?" she asked, her voice dripping with confidence. Maelona had already nned a backup, which was why she had insisted that Aria bring Aether along. Kaelen frowned, his mind racing. ''Where have I seen him before?'' he wondered, trying to ce the familiar face. Liora''s frown deepened as she questioned, "Future husband? Only those who are married wo" "A-Aether?" Aria was taken aback when Aether gently grasped her shoulder, leaning in to touch his forehead to hers. He then rubbed their noses together affectionately. "HUH!!" "WHAT THE...." "...." "Is this eptable?" Aether nced at Liora, who was staring at him in stunned silence. "I guess not, then?" Aether murmured before kissing Aria''s lips passionately in front of everyone. The crowd''s cheeks turned crimson with shock and embarrassment. [+10 AP] [+10 AP] [+10 AP] [+10 AP] [+10 AP] [+10 AP] ..... ... This was the first time many in the crowd had seen such a tant disy of affection, especially involving the High Elf tribe''s princess. "I see..." Liora grinned, her eyes narrowing as she looked at Aether. "Then go on, Human!" Aether felt a bit uneasy at her grin but shrugged it off. He jumped onto the duelling ground while Maelona gently ced her daughter down, who was too stunned by the disy to react, back on her feet. Maelona watched the scene unfold with an intrigued expression. Aether looked around the duelling ground, his eyes scanning the gathered audience. His gaze finally settled on the dark-haired wolf man who stood at the centre, frowning at him with a mixture of amusement and disdain. "What level are you, child?" the wolf man asked, his voice dripping with condescension. His previously trembling legs now stood firm as if he hadn''t been scared at all. ''This guy....'' He thought he was slightly annoyed for unknown reasons..."Hmm? Well, what about you, sir?" Aether asked respectfully, maintaining hisposure. "Hmph! What''s the point of knowing when you are about to" "Bang!" BBBOOOOMMMM!!! "He talks too much!" Aethermented nonchntly, blowing on his fingers as if they were a smoking gun. Liora''s eyes widened in shock as she saw blue mes enveloping the entire ground. The intensity of the mes was unlike anything she had ever seen. "This guy..." Kaelen frowned, his mind finally clicking into ce. He remembered the first day he had encountered Aether, the sight of the mes triggering his memory. "You know him?" Liora asked, still watching the ground intently. Kaelen nodded and exined everything he knew about Aether, including his connection to Aqualina as her servant. "Servant?" Liora''s surprise was evident in her tone. "Yes, Mother! I don''t know how this happened, but we could use this to destroy their reputation. The High Elf tribe marrying a servant is a disgrace, don''t you think?" Kaelen''s prideful expression made it clear he thought he had made an astute observation. Liora nodded with a surprised smile. Kaelen, feeling even prouder, was about to shout to the crowd... make them feel despair when, "My son... let''s wait for now." "B-But Mot--" "Let''s wait" "U-Understood" Liora smiled slightly before turning her gaze to Maelona. "Looks like she found something amusing..." However, Maelona didn''t reply. Her eyes were fixed on the white-haired man stepping onto the stairs. "Kaelith?" Both Liora and Kaelen frowned at hearing that name, ''Why is he here?'' they wondered in unison. Chapter 248: Not that he Expected! Kaelith simply nodded at Liora before ncing at Maelona, who bowed her head respectfully and rose gracefully from her seat. Her movements were elegant, yet there was a subtle ignorance! Kaelith then sat down, his expression resolute, "Although I was tempted by your offer, this is my tribe," he said firmly. "I cannot just abandon them when they need me." Liora and Kaelene exchanged looks, their lips twitching in barely concealed frustration. They had practicallyid out everything Kaelith had ever desired on a silver tter, and yet he remained steadfast... Maelona nced at Liora, her mind racing as she pieced together the underlying dynamics of the situation. ''I see...'' she thought, a new understanding dawning on her. Suddenly, "WWWOOOOOOOO!!!" The howling sound echoed through the space, drawing everyone''s attention back to the arena. All eyes turned to see a ck-haired wolf, its eyes burning with deadly intent, staring directly at Aether. "BOY!! I WILL KILL YOU!!" the wolf bellowed, its voice filled with primal rage. Kaelith, a frown marring his brow, asked, "I cannot participate, can I?" Liora giggled softly before replying, "You cannot enter." She then turned her gaze to Maelona and added with a yful tone, "My husband is pretty angry now~" Maelona''s eyes shifted to Aria, and she remarked, "You haven''t seen what he is capable of... Your husband''s level is 35 or something, right?" "Hmm?" Liora frowned, ncing at Aether, who appeared nonchnt as he casually loosened his sleeve, seemingly unconcerned by the looming threat. Aether''s thoughts were calm and measured, ''I suppose I controlled my output perfectly enough,'' he mused, his gaze fixed on the wolf that had appeared before him in the blink of an eye, jaws wide open and ready to strike. Chuckk The sound of clenching jaws echoed ominously as everyone held their breath, the tension palpable. The wolf''s grin was feral, but... "Hello," he greeted, his tone almost mocking. With one hand, Aether pressed down on the wolf''s nose, his body upside down as if he had rotated at thest possible moment to evade the attack. The wolf''s eyes widened in shock, its predatory instincts taking over as it prepared to toss Aether aside. But before it could act, "Bang!" BOOM!!" The wolf was sted away, the close-range explosion leaving its face marred with fire wounds. It shook its head violently, trying to extinguish the mes. "Hmmm..." Aether nodded with satisfaction, his eyes briefly meeting Aria''s prideful gaze. He then nced at Liora.... who wore a smug smirk. "I-It''s her husband, right?" Aether wondered, puzzled by Liora''s reaction despite her husband''s apparent disadvantage. "Hahahaa..." The wolf''sughter was haughty and filled with disdain, "I haven''t even taken this seriously, boy! You are just a small ant to me!!" "... Neither am I," Aether shrugged nonchntly. The wolf''s irritation grew, and it summoned its Arcane Card. The card shimmered with a silver hue and three stars, indicating a level between 30 and 45 with mid-level aptitude. "I see... Now I understand," Aether murmured, the pieces falling into ce. Levels 30 to 45 seemed weak? Aether, at level 21, felt Wolf''s strength was understated because of his Silver Aptitude. He now understood why his mother-inw had sent him into this challenge. Aether, who couldpete with Rainbow Aptitude... knew this should be snort for him! He nced at Maelona, who smiled knowingly as if she had anticipated his realization. ''Looks like I have a dangerous mother-inw,'' he thought wryly. The card dispersed, and the wolf''s teeth gleamed with a metallic sheen, now covered with unbreakable elements. The shing sound of metal echoed, sending shivers through the audience. "Look at my fangs... They are covered with elements that can pierce through anything... ahaha... If you are scared, bow before me!!!!" the wolf taunted. "Is he trying to show off?" Aether wondered, shaking his head. With a swift stomp, he propelled himself toward the wolf. Though the wolf reacted, trying to retaliate, Aether was quicker. He caught the wolf''s fang with his bare hands and, BOOM! Aether mmed the wolf into the ground... Not just once, but several times, each impact resonating like thunder. BOOM! "I will kill--" BOOM! "You suffer--" BOOM! "I w---" BOOM! The Darkfang tribe watched with growing unease, growling at Aether. Kaelith observed the scene, then looked at his daughter and nodded with satisfaction. "Looks like my daughter found a good one." Aria simply nodded, her expression unreadable. Kaelith didn''t take her silence to heart; he understood theplexities of their rtionship and knew better than to hold it against her. Liora nced at her son, Kaelen, her eyes narrowing with curiosity and concern as she watched how her husband was being mercilessly beaten by a mere human. "Tell me again about Aether," she demanded, her tone sharp and unforgiving. Kaelen swallowed nervously, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, "He''s always pissing off Emperor ric without hesitation, never caring to show him the respect he''s due," Kaelen began, his voice trembling slightly as he spoke. Liora''s frown deepened, her mind racing as she began to piece together the puzzle. ''Emperor... ah,'' she thought, connecting the dots with growing rm. Kaelen continued, his expression grave and filled with dread, "And there''s more.... Empress Marisandra has specifically ordered him not to bow to anyone except her." Liora''s eyes widened in shock, her breath catching in her throat. "That insane woman..." she muttered under her breath, her gaze snapping back to Aether, who was relentlessly pummeling her husband with a ferocity that left no doubt about his power. The wolf''s unbreakable fangs started to break like a toy! Kaelen''s voice trembled even more as he added, "He has defeated twenty or so people in fistfights without using any arcane energy and... h-he almost cornered me that day." he hesitated at the end. Liora''s expression shifted from shock to a wicked grin as she watched Aether treating her husband like a mere ything. She turned to her son, her eyes gleaming with a dangerous light, "Do you love me?" "Huh?" Kaelen stammered, taken aback by the sudden and seemingly unrted question. "Do you love me or not?" Liora''s voice was firm and unyielding, her gaze piercing his body!! "O-Of course, I love my mother!" Kaelen forced out, his voice quivering as sweat dripped down his temples. Liora smiled gently, a sight that sent a shiver down Kaelen''s spine, ''W-What''s this woman up to now?'' he screamed inwardly, his heart pounding in his chest. Seeing the oue already decided, Liora stood up, her voice ringing out loud and clear. "I dere our tribe''s withdrawal from the duel!" The crowd erupted into murmurs of confusion and disbelief. Rather than face the humiliation of being defeated by a human, Liora had chosen to withdraw, a move that might seem cowardly but was a strategic decision to preserve her dignity and control. Maelona watched with a satisfied smile, while Aria beamed with pride! Aether halted his assault, stepping back and surveying the scene with a calm, steady gaze. The wolf slowly reverted to his human form, his body battered and broken.... He too broken! Liora appeared beside her husband, gently helping him to his feet with surprising tenderness, "I-I am sorry, Liora," he said, his face a mask of defeat and shame. Liora shook her head, her expression unreadable. "There is no need to apologize. It''s my fault the n went wrong," she said softly. Her husband managed a weak smile, regaining a shred of confidence. He turned to Aether, his eyes zing with anger and humiliation. "Boy!! Next time I will" Aether controlled hisugh when he saw the man''s toothless mouth... that almost looked like an old age man''s mouth! But then, His words were cut off abruptly. His eyes widened in shock and pain as he looked down to see Liora''s hand piercing through his chest, her fingers wrapped around his heart. His life faded away in an instant, and he crumpled to the ground like a broken doll. Liora looked down at his lifeless body with a mix of disdain and pity, "I told you not to act arrogantly. It pisses me off every time you do!" She crushed his heart in her hand, the sickening crunch echoing through the stunned silence, before tossing it away with a look of utter disgust. "...." The entire audience fell into a stunned silence, unable toprehend the brutal scene that had just unfolded before them. Liora turned her fierce gaze to Aether, who stood with a bbergasted expression, unable to process what he had just witnessed. "Haha... You have a cute expression there, boy!" shemented, wiping the blood from her hand with an air of casual indifference. "H-huh?" Aether snapped back to reality, his eyes wide with shock as he stared at Liora. "Isn''t... Well, Wasn''t he... your husband?" Liora just smiled serenely, her demeanour calm and untroubled, "My ex-husband, Husband!" she replied nonchntly. "Oh..." Aether nodded not sure why he was even nodding but then he blinked a few times before realizing what she said! [+100 AP] !~Ding~! [Mission: Seduce Liora Darkfang] "..." "YOU BITCH!!" Aria screamed furiously. Chapter 249: I know you said I shouldnt do this, but... "If you grant me the chance to fight you, I swear I will never disturb the high-elf tribe until myst breath!" Liora dered with unyielding determination, her voice resonating through everywhere.... as if her previousment was nothing. "Aether, do a--" Aria began to shout, but Maelona swiftly interrupted her, cing a gentle yet firm hand on her daughter''s shoulder. "Let him decide." "B-But Mother--" "Dear, let him grow," Maelona insisted, her eyes conveying both strength and wisdom. Aria pouted but reluctantly sank back into her seat, her expression a mix of frustration and concern. "Elder Liora! What is the meaning of this?" one of the Darkfang''s tribe in the audience demanded, his voice trembling with a mix of outrage and fear. "How can you possibly say such reckless words?" "Don''t you care about your tribe?" The cacophony of objections grew louder, but a single piercing nce from Liora silenced them all. "If you have the balls,e and fight me!" she challenged, her tone icy andmanding. The Darkfang tribe members lowered their heads, swallowing hard. ''Fight? We would die!'' they screamed inwardly, haunted by the memory of the wolf that had fallen by her hands. A collective shiver ran down their spines... She basically threw the dead body without even respect or care! Liora tilted her head, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous spark. She nced at Aether, who appeared lost in thought, his brow furrowed. ''I need to fuc- I mean seduce this insane woman who just killed her husband! You bloody fucking LOG! Are you insane? What are you up to now?'' Aether raged inwardly, his frustration mounting, ''If you want, go and fuck her, bastard!'' he added mentally, his anger palpable. Sweating inwardly, he struggled toprehend the madness of the situation. It was his first time seeing a woman kill her husband simply because she had taken an interest in another man. ''What kind of insane world is this?'' Aether screamed again in his mind. He sighed deeply, unsure of how to navigate the turbulent waters he found himself in. Moreover, they were Aria''s rival tribe. ''Sigh... Are you saying this is the only way to solve the problem or what?'' He thought randomly with growing annoyance before realizing the implications of his own words. ''Don''t tell me!... OMG...'' Aether''s eyes widened in surprise as the realization dawned on him. "Boy?" Aether snapped out of his reverie and nodded resolutely, "Fine." A satisfied smile spread across Liora''s face. "Don''t worry, it''s just a fistfight. I''ll adjust myself to your current strength," she assured him, her voice a blend of confidence and reassurance. Aether nodded, positioning himself cautiously. But before he could fully prepare, his eyes widened in shock as he barely dodged Liora''s sudden, lightning-fast attack, his upper body bending back in a desperate manoeuvre. ''This wolf!'' Aether thought with a frown. [+100 AP] Liora looked down at him with a grin, her eyes twinkling with amusement, "You have quite the flexibility!" she remarked, her voice filled with a mix of admiration and challenge. In an instant, she swung her leg in a sweeping motion, aiming to take him down. Aether reacted quickly, jumping to avoid the strike and catching her hand in mid-air. He twisted her arm, trying to gain the upper hand. But Liora was unfazed. Her grin grew wider as she used her formidable strength to m the ground, Aether still in her grasp. Dust and debris flew around them as the impact shook the earth. BOOM! [+100 AP] "Not bad, boy!" Liora muttered, genuinely impressed when she saw Aether escape in the nick of time, putting distance between them. "She is testing..." Aether thought, a grin spreading across his face as he realized she was testing his abilities. "Come on, boy... There''s no need to hide your ability," Liora said with a smile. Before Aether could react, she appeared in front of him, her fist speeding toward his face. Anticipating her move, Aether blocked the punch. In a fluid motion, he shifted his stance and countered with his own punch, only for Liora to block it effortlessly with her other hand. Thud Thud Thud Thud Their fists met in rapid session, a flurry of blows and blocks exchanged at a speed few could follow. The intensity of their hand-to-handbat was breathtaking, a testament to their skill and agility. Neither couldnd a decisive hit; each attack was met with an equally swift and calcted defence. Aether''s mind raced, analyzing each of Liora''s movements, searching for an opening. Meanwhile, ''H-He is...'' Liora mumbled inwardly as she effortlessly blocked his attacks as if he was predicting her every move. ''Awesome... To think he is not only able to predict my attacks but also block them... What kind of stance is this?'' her lips curled up in a mix of admiration and curiosity. [+200 AP] She pushed him harder, her attacks growing moreplex, yet always staying just within the limits of his ability to counter. "Not bad, boy," she muttered, a grin tugging at her lips as she blocked another one of his punches. Even though she was limiting herself to his level, Aether soon ran out of breath. Her first punchnded on his gut, knocking the wind out of him. "That''s it?" Liora''s haughty smile struck a nerve with Aether. He wasn''t sure why, but the way she looked at him... Pathetic... A feeling he had almost forgotten resurfaced. "Heh..." Aether''s eyes suddenly turned cold, and Liora''s tail twitched in response. "Heheheh...." Aether chuckled with an uncanny sound, his voice dripping with an unsettling tone. "Not bad at all... Wolfy~" ''Increase Agility'' [+1 Agility] Ssshh Aether''s elbow shot towards Liora''s face with sudden increased speed, but she reacted swiftly, evading just in time. "Not bad, boy," she remarked, her tail swaying slightly before a smirk crossed her face. However, her smirk was short-lived because, [+1 Agility] [+1 Agility] [+1 Agility] [+1 Strength] [+1 Agility] [+1 Strength] [+1 Agility] [+1 Strength] [+1 Strength] [+1 Strength] .... .. Liora''s expression shifted to one of shock as she witnessed Aether''s speed and strength increasing by the second, as though he were growing before her eyes. The way he looked at her as if poised to strike, sent a chill down her spine. ''Hehe...'' Liora chuckled inwardly. ''Servant? No way in hell!'' she thought defiantly, matching Aether''s rising prowess as she gradually unleashed more of her own strength. The audience held their breaths, captivated by the spectacle unfolding before them. Their gazes darted to Aria, who watched with a mix of happiness and worry, ''Where did she find this man?'' they wondered collectively. It wasn''t surprising about his strength rather he was able to block her attacks which was hard for others. Maelona and Kaelith observed Aether''s every move keenly, while Aria''s eyes shimmered with pride. Liora smiled as Aether''s fist aimed directly for her face, but just as she was about to casually dodge, !~Ding~! [You have Levelled up!!] [Level: 22] !~Ding~! [Congrattions on Levelling up] [Reward: 10,000 Affection Points] Thud A powerful punchnded squarely on her cheek. "That''s it?" Aether taunted with the same haughty expression. Liora stared nkly at him for a moment before spitting out blood and grinning wider. "Not bad, Man..." She mumbled as wiped her blood on her lips. [+1000 AP] !~Ding~! [Survival Rate: 38%] However, Aether paid no attention to his log,pletely focused on the woman before him. His mission, whatever shit it was, had faded into insignificance... all that mattered now was defeating this woman who looked at him with disdain. His ego was stung!! [You have Levelled up!!] Thud [+2000 AP] [You have Levelled up!!] Thud [+2000 AP] [You have Levelled up!!] Thud [+3000 AP] The battle escted to a frenzied exchange of blows, each strikending with bone-crunching force. Aether struck her gut, and Liora retaliated with a punch to his face, followed by a kick to his back. Aether managed to evade her next attack, countering with a kick to her jaw that sent blood and saliva flying. Grinning even wider, Liora responded by kicking his chest and mming him into the ground.... Even Liora''s affection increases with every beat she takes. "Hah" "Haha" Bothughed maniacally as they fought with reckless abandon, oblivious to the blood sttering around them, resembling brawling beasts in a street fight. "A-Aether," Aria called out, her voiceced with worry, she knew Aether loved to fight but.... this was madness..... she nced at her mother, silently pleading for an end to the madness. Maelona nodded in understanding, ready to intervene, when suddenly, Ssssshhhhhhhhh A strong gust of wind swept through the clearing, Aether, bloodied but determined, locked eyes with Liora, "Let''s finish this with something good.... I hope you don''t mind." "Haha... I hope to see more from my future husband," Liora replied, her voice tinged with both amusement and a hint of desire. "Grrrrrr" Her body, streaked with blood, seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy. Her smile, stained with red, revealed teeth that glinted dangerously. Liora cracked her neck, the sound echoing ominously. Her transformation began with a slow, almost graceful shift. Her form elongated and contorted, bones and muscles reshaping themselves into a more primal, ferocious figure. Her skin darkened and shimmered, taking on a dangerous, sensual glow as it turned into a coat of red and ck fur that rippled like mes. Her body morphed into a fearsome wolf, each movement a symphony of power and elegance. A long, sinuous tail emerged, swishing through the air with menacing grace. Her eyes, now a hypnotic blue with multicoloured slits, burned with a predatory intensity, locking onto Aether with a gaze that was both seductive and deadly. ''I am sorry, Principal... but I know you said I shouldn''t do this, but... I am really curious about myself,'' Aether thought with an amused smile, unfazed by the daunting sight before him. He pointed his hand towards the wolf hurtling towards him with killing intent. [Remaining: 1,213,432 AP] Chapter 250: If I cant have you, then no one will "Aether, you must understand that in this Empire, those with an affinity for Air Elements have a significant advantage, due to its geographical nature.... It appears your body is not only capable of wielding mes and ice but also... Air. You better not try to use it here, as it would be like adding fuel to an already scorching fire!" Those were the stern and cautionary words of the Principal when she witnessed Aether training with Air Elements. And of course, being a diligent student... Aether did exactly the opposite of what she advised. Moreover, he had recentlye across old, weathered books.... He was eager to test out the techniques he had learned now... As he extended his hands, he could feel the air molecules vibrating around him, like tiny whispers urging him on. His mind raced through the principles of aerodynamics, the behaviour of gases under pressure, and the conductive properties of charged particles. Liora''s smirk deepened, her eyes glinting with a mix of amusement and anticipation as she felt the air around them vibrating... too much. With a focused intent, Aether elerated the particles, creating a zone of high pressure around him, almost grounding around a cave. ssssss His calcted twist of the wrist channelled Arcane energy topress the air into a concentrated sphere, its surface crackling with static electricity. The static discharge built up, forming a visible corona of blue energy around the sphere, like a miniature storm waiting to be unleashed. The audience watched the scene in awe, their expressions a mixture of fear and fascination. Aria''s heart raced wildly as she saw Aether, Her body grew warm with a mix of admiration and anxiety. "Electrocyclone!" he mumbled, thrusting his hands forward and the sphere shot toward Liora. Thepressed air sphere shot out, trailing a spiralling vortex of charged particles. As it travelled, it grew in size, the static electricity intensifying and forming arcs of lightning that danced around the cyclone. [+4000 AP] Liora''s eyes widened in shock as she saw the iing attack. She could feel the raw power emanating from it, a force that seemed capable of tearing the very air apart. However... Instead of counter-attacking or even attempting to block, she made the reckless decision to take the hit head-on. BBBBBBBOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!! The impact was cataclysmic. Thepressed air exploded outward with a deafening roar, the electrical charge releasing in a blinding sh of light. The shockwave obliterated the rocks, sending debris flying in all directions, creating a scene of utter devastation. Aether stood, his chest heaving with exertion, as he watched the aftermath of his attack. The ground where the Electrocyclone had struck was scorched and shattered, a testament to the devastating power he had unleashed. The audience, gripped by a mix of terror and awe, began to flee the scene, their faces pale with fear. Even Maelona and Aria, usuallyposed and confident, were shocked by the sheer scale of Aether''s potential. It was far beyond what anyone had anticipated. Kaelith was also shocked... more like he was taken aback. ''-ha- Fuck! Did I kill.... her?'' Aether''s mind raced with panic as he snapped out. He couldn''t believe he was fighting his target instead of seducing her. The weight of his actions hit him hard, and he nced at his Log notification.... ''Is she an... M?'' Aether couldn''t believe it but doubted looking at the exponential affection points..... before looking at the source as the dust settled. Through the clearing dust and debris, Aether saw a figure emerging. It was a wolf, its fur slightly singed and its body bearing a few minor wounds. The sight of the creature, still standing despite the ferocity of his attack, left him stunned. "H-Huh?" Aether was taken aback. He was sure he had put everything into this attack, yet... "There is no need to be so shocked... To be honest, it should be me who is surprised. For a Low-Level Human to hurt me, who is at the peak of my level... Pretty amusing!" Liora''s voice was steady and calm as she slowly transformed back into her human form. Aether gulped inwardly. ''I-I see... Looks like I have a lot to improve,'' he thought. He was just about to act on his impulse to punch her, hoping to seduce her since he knew she was kind of ''M.'' But upon looking closer into her mysterious, glowing eyes, he found himself almost captivated. He had never seen eyes like those in his life. They were different, unique, and... "So gorgeous..." Aether mumbled subconsciously, his voice filled with a mix of admiration and... a hint of possessing it! ''Ba-dump'' "Hmm?" Liora blinked, surprise flickering across her face as she touched her heart. For a moment, it had skipped a beat. [+4000 AP] Her lips curled into a sly smile. "N-Not bad, not bad at all..." she murmured, her tail wagging slightly. She leaned in closer to Aether, her eyes glinting mischievously, and, "~Hmm~" She kissed him, her lips pressing against his for a brief, electrifying moment before she hurriedly pulled back as an arrow whizzed between them. Sssssshhhhh "YOU THIEVING BITCH!!!!" Aria''s shout rang out, filled with fury as she unleashed a barrage of arrows at Liora. Her expression was a storm of anger, her eyes zing with wrath. Liora giggled, effortlessly dodging the arrows with a dancer''s grace. "Even if you are chosen ones... You definitely need a lot more experience to even hurt me," she taunted, her voice dripping with arrogance. Her words only fueled Aria''s rage, but despite her relentless attack, none of the arrows found their mark. Until, With a smirk, Liora added, "Your husband tastes very sweet, darling~" Those words shattered Aria''sposure. Her mind snapped, and her resolve turned into a dark.... Yandere Appeared! Sssssshhhhhh An ominous arrow appeared as she drew her bowstring back. Liora flinched, sensing the imminent danger. ''W-What was that?'' Liora gulped unconsciously as her instincts screamed to run away! Just as Aria was about to release the string, Kaelith intervened, standing up and stopping his daughter. "I presume you will keep your word, Liora Darkfang," Kaelith said, his voice calm but authoritative. "Of course, I will... Hehe..." Liora giggled, winking at Aether. "I will get what I want," she dered, before disappearing in a blur of motion. "YOU FUCKING BITCH!! COME HERE! I WILL TORMENT YOU!!" Aria screamed in frustration, her body trembling with rage.... She red at Kaelen, who took the opportunity to quietly slip away. "Fuck!" he muttered under his breath as he hurriedly made his escape. Aria bit her lips, her eyes locking onto Aether as he walked toward her with an awkward smile. The thought of Liora''s kiss still lingered in her mind, fueling her need to reim and purify his lips immediately. Without hesitation, she leapt at him, sealing his lips with her own in a fierce, passionate kiss! Meanwhile, "Aether..." ric sitting on his throne, growled through gritted teeth, veins bulging on his forehead as he read the report. The pieces finally fell into ce: this boy had been the root of all his troubles from the very beginning. Aether had opposed him, disrespected him, and now, had the audacity to steal his wife. His anger simmered just beneath the surface, barely restrained by his connection to the Empress. If not for her, he would have killed that insolent boy a thousand times over. "And that bitch!" he snarled, his voice dripping with malice, "How dare she give up her position? How am I supposed to manipte things now?" ric never expected Liora, a woman renowned for her fury and strength, to act so unpredictably. His lips twisted into a malevolent smile. "You leave me no choice then... Aria. If I can''t have you, then no one will," he muttered, a wicked gleam in his eyes. Chapter 251: A lonely love.... [+10 AP] Returning to Aria''s house, Aether and Aria sat before Kaelith. The room was filled with unspoken tension, Kaelith''s gaze deeply assessing Aether before turning to his daughter. "I know I have no right to say this, but you have found a wonderful partner, my daughter," Kaelith said, his voice tinged with a mix of pride and resignation. Aria simply smiled and nodded, her eyes shining with both happiness and relief. Kaelith''s smile was gentle yetced with sadness, "Please take care of my daughter, and may you have a wonderful life together," he said with a heavy heart, knowing this moment marked a significant change. With that, he turned and left the room. That''s right he left! Aether watched him leave, his frown deepening. ''Just like that?'' he thought, puzzled. He looked at Aria, who was beaming with joy, "With that, no one is going toe between us!" she dered, hugging him tightly. Despite her happiness, there was a lingering irritation in her eyes, a reminder that another woman had dared to touch him. Aether gently stroked her back, trying to soothe her, "It seems your father is... kind of good," he remarked, hoping to ease her lingering annoyance. Aria sighed, her expression softening but her eyes still reflecting a hint of turmoil. "Yes, as a father, he is good," she agreed. Just then, Maelona entered the hall "Don''t be fooled by him, Aether," Maelona said, her tone serious and carrying a weight of authority. "Huh?" Aether looked at her, puzzled and curious. Maelona stepped closer, her eyes locking onto Aether''s with a stern, unwavering gaze. "Yes, he is indeed a good father to Aria, but I''m pretty sure he felt relieved knowing that from now on, he has no responsibilities left," she exined, her voice steady butced with a subtle edge of bitterness. Aether frowned, "What do you mean?" Maelona smirked, a dry chuckle escaping her lips, "Haha... after winning against the Darkfang tribe, you are now eligible to be an Elder of our tribe. All that''s left is the official marriage between you two!" Aria''s cheeks flushed a deep crimson at the mention of marriage, her mind racing with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Aether, on the other hand, stayed silent, noticing this! "A-Are you not---" Maelona began to question, but Aether interrupted her with a tone that carried both fear and frustration, "Then I will deal with this pain-in-the-ass tribe!Ouch!" Aria pinched him sharply. "It''s not a pain!! Hmph!" she huffed, crossing her arms in a disy of fake anger. Aether pulled her closer, nting a series of soft, lingering kisses on her lips. Each kiss seemed to dissolve her resistance, and she melted into his embrace. Maelona sighed in relief, then cleared her throat to regain their attention. "Do you want to know about Kaelith and me?" she asked, her tone more sombre and reflective. Aether looked at her, pondering for a moment. "As long as you want to share," he replied, ncing at Aria, who had settledfortably on hisp, her head resting against his chest, listening intently. Maelona nodded, a distant look in her eyes as she began to recount her story, "Well, I am from the Moon Elf tribe, as you can see..." she said, pointing to her dark blue skin. "Moon Elf tribe? I read they went extinct," Aether remarked, recalling the history he had studied Yesterday. Maelona sighed deeply, her shoulders slumping slightly, "Thest woman of that tribe... due to certain biological problems, our bloodline could not be passed down to future generations," she exined, pointing to Aria, who only inherited the High-Elf bloodline from her father, not even a hybrid mix. "Anyhow, as you can see, I became a political tool and married into the High Elf tribe. However, Kaelith was already in love with someone else," she continued, her voice tinged with bitterness and sorrow that seemed to have aged her spirit. Aether could sense where this story was headed, recognizing the parallels between Aria and her mother''s situations. "He could have married her as a second, right?" he asked. Maelona shook her head, "It''s not that simple... the person he loves is a... man". "....." Aether opened his mouth to respond but found himself speechless. Maelona chuckled wryly, the sound tinged with sadness and a touch of irony, "Due to tradition, he couldn''t be with him. I hope this answers your questions," she said, her eyes reflecting years of unspoken pain and sacrifice, the burdens of duty. Aether stared deeply into Maelona''s eyes, which held an awkward expression but.... Aether could see, "You loved him, didn''t you?" Aether asked softly. Aria clenched her fists. ''Aether...'' she thought inwardly. It was astonishing how he always managed to find a way into another person''s heart, unveiling their deepest emotions and touching their most hidden wounds. Her father''s love for another man had been a secret burden, but the real heartbreak was her mother''s unrequited love. Maelona had poured her heart into her marriage, trying her best to win her husband''s affection, yet her father never reciprocated those feelings, not even after Aria was born. He was a good father, caring for Aria, training her, and teaching her many things, but he failed as a husband.... He never showed any genuine emotion towards Maelona. Maelona''s smile grew even more wry, never responded. Aether nodded in understanding, gently moving Aria aside before standing up and walking over to Maelona. He looked into her eyes, seeing the pain and resilience. "I... I don''t have the words to fully express this," he began softly. "... You knew your love was never going to bloom, and yet you loved him for over a thousand years..... That''s True love," he said, and gently hugged her. Maelona''s eyes widened in shock. She hadn''t expected such words, let alone a hug, from Aether. It was as if he could see straight into her soul, understanding the depths of her unrequited love. ''True love... ah?'' she thought, reflecting on her feelings. Indeed, she had loved her husband after their marriage, even though she knew he loved another man. Her love had never reached his heart, leaving her with the lonely feeling that only one-sided lovers know too well. Aether quietly whispered, "A lonely love..." and patted her back gently. [+200 AP] Those words hit Maelona''s heart, and tears welled up in her eyes. Her hands trembled as she subconsciously embraced Aether in return. "Y-Yeah, a lonely love..." she mumbled back, her voice tinged with a sorrowful smile, a single tear slipping down her cheek. Aether smiled gently, continuing to pat her back. To be honest, He wasn''t trying to win her over or anything; he just wanted to acknowledge her love, a lonely love that deserved recognition. Nothing more, nothing less! He nced at Aria, who was nkly staring at her mother. He smiled and beckoned her over. Aria snapped out of her daze and slowly, gently joined the hug. "My Mom is strong!" Aria whispered softly, her voice filled with admiration and love. "Ha-haha..." Maelona chuckled awkwardly, her tears flowing more freely now. "Why is everyone getting so dramatic?" she joked lightly, trying to ease the heavy emotions in the room. "Just like my Aria," Aether whispered, holding them both tightly. Both women had suffered in different ways but had never given up. He now understood where Aria had inherited her strong patience and resilience. [+300 AP] The trio embraced, the atmosphere around them bing calm and tender, filled with unspoken words and shared understanding. However, the serene moment was abruptly shattered. "My husband, I brought you a gift!!!" Liora''s voice rang out from outside. Aria''s lips twitched, her eyes darkening with unknown emotions. Aether felt a bead of sweat form on his forehead. ''Does she have a death wish?'' he wondered. He braced himself for the inevitable sh, knowing that Liora''s interruption would not be taken lightly by Aria. To be honest, he even wondered why his log selected her as he felt she was... way too easy! Chapter 252: Lioras relentless pursuit! ''Drip, Drip'' "..." An awkward silence lingered in the hall as Aether, Aria, and Maelona stared at the blood-dripping flesh before them. Their gazes turned to Liora, who had brought the gruesome offering. She sat before them, haughty and proud, her posture exuding a confidence that suggested she expected Aether to appreciate her gift. "I-Is this a gift?" Aether asked, his voice tinged with disbelief, unable to tear his eyes away from the still-twitching flesh. His mind raced, trying toprehend the meaning behind such a macabre present. No matter how he looked at it, the fresh, quivering meat was unmistakably from something that had been alive only minutes ago. The fur that still clung to parts of it suggested it was a deer or a simrrge animal, freshly hunted and brutally killed. "Yes, how is it?" Liora asked, her eyes gleaming with an unsettling mix of pride and... was that love? [+4000 AP] "..." Aether blinked, struggling to find words, ''Is she serious? I mean REALLY?'' he thought. Meanwhile, Aria''s face contorted in realization and anger, "Liora Darkfang... He is soon to be my husband!" she shouted, her voice echoing through the hall with a mixture of possessiveness and fury. However, Liora seemed oblivious to Aria''s outburst; her sharp eyes remained fixed solely on Aether, unwavering and intense. Maelona frowned, the gesture''s meaning dawning on her. She turned to Aether and exined, "When a male wolf finds a mate, they court with food... Darkfang follows this tradition." Her voice was calm. Aether nodded in understanding, mentally adjusting the "Male" part. ''Damn this woman, she really wants me,'' he thought inwardly, the weight of the situation sinking in. How should he respond to such a bold and primal gesture? Definitely Not ''Let''s fuck'' Before Aria! "I am not sur---" Before Aether could finish, Liora stood abruptly and dered, "I wille with another gift then," her voice firm, before striding out of the hall. "..." Everyone blinked, a collective thought crossing their minds, ''What a strange woman...'' "Damn that woman, ruining our house..." Aria fumed, ring at the flesh. She was about to throw it away when Aether intervened, "There is no point in wasting something quite good... don''t you think?" he asked, unconsciously licking his lips. Aria and Maelona shook their heads.... Eating it would mean Aether was indirectly epting Liora''s proposal. "B-But it would be a waste to throw it away," Aether protested. "If you want, we will get a new one!" Aria insisted, her pride evident as she pulled Aether away from the meat. She feared he might sumb to the temptation, and the thought of Liora winning him over was unbearable. .... ... After their steamy lovemaking session, Ariay atop Aether, their bodies entwined, both naked and glistening with sweat. Her head rested on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, a contented smile ying on her lips. "Why didn''t you reject her?" Aria asked softly, her voice tinged with sadness. She wondered why Aether wasn''t more forceful in keeping Liora at bay. Her fingers traced patterns on his chest. She was cute!! However, Aether, who was feeling her soft, supple curves, suddenly tensed. ''Fuck!'' he cursed inwardly, his mind racing to find the right response. "Are you worried that she would go back on her word and start causing problems for our tribe?" Aria asked, her eyes filled with concern. ''Thank goodness....'' Aether silently thanked her for providing an excuse. His face turned resolute, yet sad. He hesitated before nodding... a gesture that was enough for her to understand. Her eyes welled up with tears, "I love you~" she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. Aether''s eyes softened, "I love you too~" he replied, inwardly adding, ''I hope I have a ce in Hell.'' But then he felt her grinding her hips against his, waking his member, and, "~ahhh~" ..... .. Since Aether hadn''t finished the book he was engrossed in, he felt a reluctance to leave the Archive. He spent most of his time there, absorbed in the texts, losing track of time as he delved deeper into the mysteries contained within. When he wasn''t in the Archive, he was learning the localnguage from Aria, who was an enthusiastic and patient teacher. In addition to his linguistic pursuits, Aether had developed a newfound interest in archery. He had been captivated by the sight of Aria fiercely wielding a bow during that day. She was way cool!! He wanted to participate in this skill... just for the sake of showing Cool!!! Yeah, He wanted to be Cool! If in case another target needs that... He already preparing everything for his unknown future. Maelona watched them closely, her sharp eyes missing nothing. She was surprised to see her daughter disying a range of emotions she hadn''t seen before, especially..... those dark and dangerous ones! ''What happened to her?'' Maelona wondered. And most of all, "I brought you a gift!" Liora announced as she was dragging a massive bear behind her. Liora continued her relentless mating selection process. Before Aether could say a word, "I am not sur---" she cut him off and left, her footsteps echoing in the silence she left behind. But it wasn''t long before she returned. "I brought you a gift!" Liora shouted, her voice ringing through the hall. This time, she presented a massive lizard, its scales glinting in the light. It was even bigger than her previous offering. And just like before, she left without waiting for a response. Again, she brought a horse, then a wyvern, and an anaconda... "...." Everyone was stunned by her resilience and determination. For Aether, it was baffling; each time he tried to speak, she left before he could say anything, leaving him with a growing sense of confusion and frustration. "Ara~ Did I forget to tell you?" "...." "Fu~Fu~ It''s because you need to answer either yes or no. Anything else means you are not satisfied with her gift," Maelona said with a small, knowing smile. "You could have told me earlier, Mother-inw," Aether mumbled in disbelief. Maelona slightly grinned, "Fu~Fu~ Look at her working hard to impress my son-inw..." She noticed Liora''s tired expression. "It''s kind of amusing, don''t you think?" Aether blinked, realizing that this woman was quite cunning. He couldn''t help butment, "It''s amusing that my mother-inw is quite a cunning one~" [+500 AP] Maelona''s cheeks burned red, "I-I am not that bad." "Yeah, yeah," Aether replied with a teasing expression, causing her cheeks to redden further. Anyhow, Aether caught Liora''s hand before she could leave, "Do you want to mate with me?" he asked boldly. Hearing that brazen question, Maelona''s cheeks turned crimson while Aria''s eyes shed with fury, staring at the hand that held Liora''s. Liora tucked her hair behind her ear, "Yes," she said straightforwardly. Aether nodded, "Why me? I mean... it''s not like I am a strong one or anything, right?" Liora simply smiled, "I understand where this ising from," she then patted Aether''s shoulder, almost cracking it, yet Aether didn''t flinch. Liora''s smile widened, "I killed my husband not because of you... it''s because the tradition finally changed, allowing me to liberate myself from that useless bastard. I used the duel just for that reason... maybe 60%," she said with a stern face. If Kaelen were to hear that, he would be coughing blood because he basically dug his father''s grave! Liora leaned in closer, whispering in his ear, "I got interested because a weakling like you... ying around with the Emperor. And most of all, the face you make when you get angry..." [+4000 AP] "Damn man, my body gets hot just remembering the day you made me bleed," she licked his cheek seductively before dodging an arrow and leaving. "DAMN YOU BITCH!!" Aria cursed, knowing she wasn''t strong enough to beat Liora. "It seems she''s dead set on you," Maelona said with a frown. She knew Liora''s tribe valued strength, and Liora''s pursuit of a weaker man like Aether meant she saw his future potential. Maelona looked at Aether, remembering his devastating attack, and nodded to herself, ''My son-inw is best!'' "Make sure to keep up your hard work, daughter!" Maelona could only cheer for Aria. Meanwhile, Aether stared nkly into the air with a fucked up expression. !~Ding~! [Mission: Save and Seduce Helena Sunfire] And what''s more, it was blinking furiously!!! In that moment, Aether understood that not everything revolved around him. Whether he was there or not, the world moved on its own ord. Chapter 253: SAA Part-1 When Aether was entangled with the pressing and convoluted issues of the High-Elf tribe, Inside the prestigious Sovereign Arcanum Academy, often referred to by its students as SAA, Especially within the shadowed and secluded confines of the Servant''s Dormitory, "Why the hell are you acting like a victor, you thieving bitch?!" Selene''s voice was a piercing scream filled with venomous hatred, echoing off the walls. Her eyes zed with fury as she red daggers at Celestia, who sighed deeply, her calm demeanour infuriatingly intact, "I told you already," Celestia began, her voice maddeningly even, "he asked me first to do it in order to avoid arousing any suspicion, and the Principal was already aware and most of all... I can disguise better than anyone!" Selene''s body trembled with suppressed rage; she couldn''t fathom how Aether could trust this woman who had been deceiving everyone with her Taylor disguise. Celestia''s lips curled into a gentle, knowing smile. "I understand why you''re here, Selene. You''re just infuriated that Aether chose me over you, aren''t you?" Brought to you by m-vl_e Selene''s lips twitched uncontrobly, and she pouted, averting her gaze to hide the burning jealousy and hurt that shed in her eyes. Celestia''s smile widened, ''How cute!'' dripping with condescension and a hint of amusement, "Listen, there''s no point in killing me. You know I''m far stronger than you~" as she deftly tightened the knot around Selene and effortlessly took the knife from her hand. "Dangerous~" Celestia purred, her tone mocking as she disdainfully tossed the weapon aside, the metal ttering loudly on the floor. Selene gritted her teeth.... She seethed with frustration, her body trembling with barely contained rage, knowing that every time she attempted a sneak attack, Celestia would always counter her with ease, almost as if it were a game. Selene snorted, her re intensifying into a murderous stare, "I am not trying to kill you, bitch! I just want to know if I could, just in case you ever think of hurting Aether!" Her voice cracked with the raw emotion of her confession. Though Selene struggled with the thought of Aether seducing others, she convinced herself it was all for the greater good, for his grander mission. His Freedom Mission! She understood his mission, yet a part of her fiercely longed to monopolize him, to keep him all to herself... so she thought, why not just give it a try? ''I mean... it''s not like I kill them that easily, and even if by chance they were killed, that means they didn''t deserve my Aether!'' Her yandere thoughts swirled in a chaotic mix of irrational jealousy, possessiveness, and a twisted sense of righteousness. Most of all, she needed to eradicate any weeds that tried to seduce him and steal him from her. As she stared at Celestia''s voluptuous figure, Selene''s teeth clenched so hard it hurt. ''Those are just meats! Filthy meats, Selene!'' she berated herself internally. Celestia''s face registered mild surprise, her eyes widening slightly. ''She loves him too much...'' she mused silently before speaking with an amused expression, "I heard the old nurse in the infirmary fainted..." Selene flinched, sweat beading on her forehead. After making love with Aether, she had been visiting the infirmary, hoping for good news with a ''40%'' chance, but for the old nurse, it was anything but good news, as she fainted in sheer terror. Celestia shook her head, a smirk ying on her lips. ''Thank goodness I changed the medicine...'' she thought. Suddenly, Selene''s voice broke through her thoughts, "Do you know who the women Aether seduced are?" Yes, Aether had told her about many things, but he kept the identities of the women he seduced... A royal secret!!. Selene had suspected Aria, who had taken Aether with her, but after confronting her brother, who imed it was crucial for the Chosen Ones'' mission, she had slightly lowered her suspicion, though her jealousy still burned brightly. Celestia also shook her head, her expression unreadable, her eyes revealing nothing. "Nope, he never told me anything..." Even though she knew the girls he pursued, he had never told her directly. "I see..." Selene mumbled, a great wave of relief washing over her in an exasperated sigh that made Celestia''s eyebrows twitch. ''She is sopetitive... Looks like I''ll need to up my game!'' Celestia thought. "Anyhow, release me. I need to go," Selene demanded with growing annoyance, Celestia nodded and began to loosen her thread, but then, "Caught you~" Selene whispered with a victorious gleam in her eyes, her heart pounding with excitement, before lunging at Celestia. Celestia shook her head, her gaze pitying, before she threw something... Aether''s underwear. Sniff Thud As soon as Selene inhaled his manly scent, her face flushed a deep red, memories of their blissful night flooding her mind. She hugged the underwear to her chest, her body trembling with desire and longing, sniffing it even more as her expression turned to one of ecstatic reverie, a strange, unsettling mix of lust, devotion, and an all-consuming obsession. Her mind swirled with thoughts of Aether, her love for him transforming into a burning, possessive fire. ''He is mine, and I will do anything to keep him safe...'' she thought, her yandere tendencies taking overpletely as she clung to the underwear, lost in her own world of twisted love and desire. Celestia was taken aback, her eyes widening in shock. ''He really knows her... ah,'' she thought, jealousy ring within her. Yes, this was Aether''s idea. Before leaving, he had warned Celestia that if Selene ever got out of control, all she needed to do was throw his worn underwear at her. It was enough to control her wild yandere tendencies. Celestia''s lips twitched with a mix of irritation and amusement. ''Hmph! What about me?'' she thought, feeling a pang of jealousy. She was also lonely too, You know!!! Watching Selene''s blissful expression, Celestia''s curiosity got the better of her. She picked up another pair of Aether''s underwear and, Sniff Celestia''s cheeks turned crimson as a flood of memories overwhelmed her... memories of the intimate moments she had shared with Aether, particrly the handjob that left her breathless. Suddenly, she snapped out of it, horror dawning on her face. "Fuck! What the hell am I doing?!" she screamed, bolting from the room, fearing that Selene''s ''disease'' was spreading to her. Meanwhile, Selene clutched Aether''s underwear, her expression turning pitiful. "I miss you~" she murmured, her voice a softmentation. Without that underwear, she would have seemed like a cute, innocent girl, but with it... ..... ... Boing, Boing "..." Boing, Boing ".... Come on!" Boing, Boing "Snowke!!" Delphine shouted, her voice tinged with exasperation as she watched Snowke, a tiny snake, jumping on her busty boobs as if it were a trampoline. Snowke, wearing an annoyed expression, stopped bouncing on Delphine''s left boob, which rippled like a trampoline. "What?" Delphine asked annoyance... her shoulders starting to feel the pain. "Master! Come!" Snowke demanded with her tiny mouth, her voice urgent and insistent, as if the world depended on it. "Sigh You just have to wait for the time being!" Delphine replied, though she had been repeating those words over and over. She wasn''t sure why Aether had gone with Aria with Kai''s permission, and she truly wondered what was going on. Her heart ached with the uncertainty and the fear of what might be happening between them.... her she remembered something. ''I-I hope... nothing is happening between them,'' she thought with a frown. She had seen Aether and Aria together a few times, sitting on a lonely bench, speaking in hushed tones andughing together. Each time, a sharp pang of jealousy stabbed through her heart, making her feel even more distant from Aether. Delphine''s face turned gloomy. It had been a long time since Aether had teased her, and she felt the growing distance keenly. "You feel so distant..." she mumbled, but then shook her head with resolve. "I-I cannot let that happen... By any means, I need to avoid him for the better future, just like before!" she mumbled with a resolute face, determination hardening her features. Snowke gently licked Delphine''s cheeks as if trying to reassure her. "Hah... Look at you,forting me..." Delphine said, a soft smile touching her lips despite her inner turmoil. Snowke nodded with a mischievous hissing sound before, Boing, Boing Boing, Boing Boing, Boing Snowke wanted her Master most, so she would do anything to annoy everyone around her! So that her master would never leave her with others! "... YOU LITTLE!!" Delphine''s voice echoed around her room, frustration and amusement warring in her tone. ... ... Meanwhile "...." Kai stared at the letter he received from his father, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Father?" he whispered, his voice trembling with a mix of shock and confusion. As he read the content of the letter: /You will get the item.... I will do anything in my power to ensure you get it back!! But never, ever trade Aether to anyone.... Don''t forget, my son... He is the real Arcane King, still a valuable item that needs to forge your future!/ Though Kai felt a pang of guilt, he believed in his father''s wisdom above all else. His father had always acted with the family''s greatness in mind, just like his grandfather before him. There was no need to question his father''s decisions. After all, Aether had been a ve long before bing an Eternal ve. In Kai''s mind, it seemed natural that Aether didn''t need to wield such immense power..... Yet, the flicker of guilt lingered, gnawing at him. But reading the Letter again, he resolved himself!! Knock, Knock The sound startled Kai, and his cheeks flushed a deep red. Chapter 254: SAA Part-2 "Hmph! That bastard left me without even saying a word!" Lia shouted, her face twisted with annoyance as she sipped her favourite juice, a vibrant red crimson colour just like her eyes. Sitting on her bed, still fuming, she reyed the events in her mind, struggling to grasp that Aether had abandoned her without so much as a goodbye. "I thought we were friends," she muttered through gritted teeth, feeling a mix of betrayal and fury churning within her. How could he do this to her, after everything they had been through together? "He told Selene but not me!!!" she shouted again, her voice echoing in the room as she flung herself back onto the bed, her emotions boiling over. When Selene had casually informed her of Aether''s departure, it had been like a punch to the gut, leaving her stunned and hurt. "Bastard..." she hissed, taking another long sip of her juice, the crimson liquid a stark contrast to her pale, trembling fingers. Her crimson eyes flickered with a dangerous light as she resolved to teach that bastard a lesson for leaving without a word. "Hmph," she huffed, a sly smile creeping onto her face as she mumbled to herself, "I will make you pay for this, Aether. You won''t know what hit you." ..... ... Meanwhile, on the upper floor of the dorm, Aqualinay on her bed, her body drenched in sweat as it trembled with each passing moment. In her restless sleep, she mumbled incoherently, her face contorted in pain and fear. Suddenly, "NOOOO!!!" She screamed, jolting awake with a start. Her face was a mask of terror, her eyes wide and unfocused. She rubbed the bridge of her nose, trying to calm herself, "I''ve been having so many nightmarestely..." she mumbled, her voice tinged with exhaustion and dread. Ever since her weapon had recognized her, the nightmares had be more frequent and increasingly disturbing, each one more vivid and horrifying than thest.It was as if... she had killed her own mother? Her face twisted with fear at the thought. She gulped down a ss of water, her hands shaking, before looking into the mirror and whispering, "Aether..." Her heart ached with longing and fear. She wished, more than anything, that Aether was here tofort her, to chase away the nightmares. Thinking about Aether and the Elven bitch he was with made her heart twist painfully, "I hope Aether listens to my orders..." she murmured, worried that he might lose his innocence in her absence. She loved his innocent and childish face and couldn''t bear the thought of other women corrupting him. "My lovely Aether..." She smiled softly, her expression tender as shey back down. The mere thought of Aether seemed to banish her nightmares, allowing her to drift off into a peaceful sleep, her mind filled with thoughts of him. ..... ... In the corridor of the Academy, The principal walked briskly, her pace quickened by a sense of urgency. She was on her way to an important meeting and had no time to waste. "Hmm? ric?" she muttered in surprise as she spotted ric walking towards her. "That was quick. Did you already handle your divorce problem?" she asked, her tone neutral but curious. ric, however, said nothing, his silence heavy and unsettling. ''It looks like it didn''t go well,'' the principal thought, observing his lifeless eyes and downtrodden demeanour. "Anyhow, since you''re here,e with.. me..." she said, but ric walked past her without a word, not even acknowledging her presence. The principal sighed, understanding his need for space. ''I suppose I need to give him some time,'' she mused, quickening her pace towards her destination. When she finally arrived at the guest room, The principal smiled warmly and nodded in greeting, "Wee, Archpriestess." A grey-haired woman stood there, her presencemanding yet gentle. She nodded back with a gentle, lovely smile, her eyes filled with a wisdom that spoke of many years.... while hiding some madness! ... ... "Helena, did you really say the Archpriestess came here?" Finnian asked, his face a mixture of surprise and disbelief as he walked alongside Helena. Helena nodded enthusiastically, her broad smile lighting up her face. "Yes," she confirmed, her excitement almost tangible. She could hardly contain herself, thrilled at the prospect of seeing her beloved Archpriestess after such a long time. The anticipation bubbled within her, making her feel like a fervent fan girl about to meet her idol for the first time. A blush spread across Finnian''s cheeks before he shook off his thoughts. He sternly warned Helena, "Never tell her what happened during the game, okay?" Thest thing he wanted was for the Archpriestess to learn about his humiliating defeat. The thought of her knowing made his stomach churn with anxiety. Helena''s expression turned serious as she replied, "It''s she who gave us this life; I would rather not lie to her." Her voice was firm, her devotion evident. Finnian gritted his teeth in frustration. When it came to the Archpriestess, Helena was unwavering, almost fanatically devoted. She valued the Archpriestess''s words above all others, and he understood her devotion, as he felt simrly. However, this was different. Biting his lip, he conceded, "Fine! But only tell her if she asks, okay?" He hoped thispromise would be enough to keep his secret safe. Helena tilted her head cutely, her expression softening, before nodding, "Okay!" Finnian sighed, relief washing over him. Helena frowned slightly and asked, "Why are you so determined to hide your failures?" She had always been curious. Ever since they were children, Finnian had gone to great lengths to conceal his shorings. She wondered what made him so hesitant, especially when it came to the Archpriestess. "It''s our Archpriestess; why bother hiding anything? She won''t hurt you or anything" she mused inwardly, puzzled by his behaviour. Finnian shook his head, saying, "You will never understand..." "Hmm?" "Nothing." .... .... In the Faerie Arbor city, "Where is he?" Liora demanded, her voice tinged with impatience as her eyes roamed around the house. Her frustration was evident in the way she tapped her foot and nced around, searching for any sign of him. "He already left for the academy," Maelona replied, her expression weary. Her daughter and future son-inw had left hurriedly, much to her disappointment. Though she had hoped they would spend more time with her, she knew Aria needed to keep up with her studies. "Left?" Liora''s face twisted with anger, her eyes narrowing. She gritted her teeth, furious that her prey had slipped away. Clicking her tongue in frustration, she muttered, "Tsk, I should have forced him instead of relying on this nonsense!" Her voice dripped with anger. Maelona was taken aback by Liora''s words, but she understood the nature of Liora''s tribe. It wasn''t shocking; rather, it was mildly amusing. "Ara~ What will you do if he hates you for doing that?" she asked, her toneced with a mix of curiosity and amusement. Liora gritted her teeth even harder, her jaw clenched. "Hmph, I will get him one day!" she dered with determination. The desire to use force was strong, but she knew it was wrong. She understood that Aether was human, with emotions unlike her tribe, who weed such actions. That was why she was doing it with patience and care! If it was any other wolfman, she would have used the force. Maelona sighed deeply. As much as she wanted to punch this woman, Aria was not officially married to Aether, so Aether was still fair game. Moreover, the Darkfang tribe didn''t care if the other party was married or not. Their customs were barbaric and primitive, driven by primal instincts and desires. Even worse, some of them even practised incest! Truly filthy animals! "Anyhow, what have you brought now?" Maelona asked, her curiosity piqued as she noticed Liora had no gifts with her. She wondered what this visit was really about. Liora suddenly coughed and said, "I-I will be leaving then!" She hurriedly left, her movements frantic and unsteady. Maelona frowned, wondering why she was running away so suddenly. The answer soon became clear... "YOUR GRACE!!" A soldier came rushing in, his face pale with fear. Maelona''s face turned ashen. She had developed PTSD from previous incidents, and every time a soldier shouted, she felt her life draining faster than ever. The memories of past horrors resurfaced, making her heart race with dread. Sighing deeply, she looked outside without even asking what was wrong, and... "What the actual hell is this!!! LIORA!!!" She shouted in anger when she saw a humongous dragon lying outside, blood pooling around its massive form. The entire street was blocked with traffic, blood, and cries of distress. The scene was chaotic and nightmarish. She felt her mind teetering on the brink of madness! Chapter 255: Steal it!! Tuck, Tuck The rhythmic sound of the horse''s hooves ttered against the cobblestone path, echoing through the quiet, lonely road as it pulled the carriage forward.... Inside the carriage, Aria satfortably on... Aether''sp, her slender fingers tracing words as she was teaching him a newnguage. Though, "~Aah~ it means light ~mm~ with the letter ''Eyoah'' ~mmA~" Aria moaned softly, her face flushing with a deep crimson. She red at Aether with a mixture of frustration and longing. "You keep teasing~" she pouted, her cheeks burning red with abination of embarrassment and.... arousal. Aether''s smile widened mischievously. He couldn''t resist pinching her protruding nipple under her bra, drawing another gasp from her lips. "~aahhh~" He kissed her cheek tenderly, "I rather want to hear you moan," he whispered. Aria''s face turned an even deeper shade of red, "B-but this is a carriage, and the coachman might hear," she protested, her voice tinged with embarrassment and concern. The thought of another man hearing her intimate sounds was both disturbing and repulsive to her. Aether nodded in understanding. He felt the same way. He had no interest in letting another man hear the sweet sounds that belonged only to him. Her sounds only belonged to him!!! "Then let''s just hug until we reach our destination," Aether suggested, his arms wrapped possessively around her slender frame. Aria smiled, understanding that their time together in the academy would be limited, and they needed to cherish these moments now. She nodded and moved to ce the book back in her bag, but then, Thud The carriage suddenly shook violently, causing Aria to lose her bnce. Aether caught her just in time, but then, Thud Another jolt shook the carriage, causing the contents of Aria''s bag to spill out. Among the scattered items was.... a small wooden box. Aria''s eyes widened in panic as she quickly grabbed the wooden box and tried to hide it. Aether noticed her actions and frowned, "What is it?" he asked calmly, his voice gentle but curious. "T-That''s..." Aria hesitated, her eyes darting nervously. Seeing her reluctance, Aether shook his head gently. "It''s fine," he said reassuringly. He understood that everyone had their secrets, and he wasn''t going to pry into hers. Aria, however, mistook his understanding for displeasure. She felt a sudden wave of guilt and fear wash over her. She knew she shouldn''t reveal what was inside the box, as it was meant only for the chosen ones, but she couldn''t bear the thought of Aether feeling betrayed by her secrecy. "A-Aether, it is like... it is..." She struggled to find the right words, her fear of angering the mother and causing harm to Aether. Aether, sensing her distress, tried to calm her, "It''s fine. I know everyone has secrets" "NO!! I don''t have secrets," she shouted, her voice trembling. She couldn''t bear the thought of Aether misunderstanding her intentions. What if she hid this now? Would he get angry? Of course not! She knew Aether better than anyone, but despite her certainty, doubt began to gnaw at her. What if he started to suspect she was hiding something just because of this incident? That''s how most living beings work!!! The mere thought of Aether doubting her terrified her. What if he decided to keep his own secrets just because she had hidden this one? What if he never shared his secrets with her again because of this? So many What-ifs!!! This incident might cause a ripple effect in their future!!! Her mind spiralled into chaos, each thought more frantic than thest. She couldn''t bear the idea of creating a misunderstanding between them. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, "There was no need" Aether began, his voice soothing when he saw her distress, but he was suddenly interrupted. "The thing inside is what every chosen one wants," Aria blurted out, her voice earnest and tinged with anxiety. She held the wooden box tightly. "Go on," Aether said, his interest piqued, his eyes locked onto hers. "The thing inside is what might be able to buy you from your master," Aria exined, her expression grave. She handed the wooden box to Aether without opening it, her hands trembling slightly. "I see..." Aether mumbled, his mind racing. He thought about the thing The mother wanted. His eyes turned warm, filled with unspoken love. Aria, connected to Aether in an almost magical way, could feel the depth of his affection pouring into her. Her face turned bright red as she realized the extent of his love for her, more profound than she had ever imagined. She felt his emotions wash over her, a tidal wave of love and tenderness that left her breathless. "So, you''re going to give something this special... just for me?" Aether''s voice trembled, his hands shaking slightly as he held the small wooden box. "Yes," Aria affirmed, her eyes shining with unwavering determination. "Haaa," Aether sighed deeply, pulling her into a tight embrace. "You are giving too much for a ve like me," he whispered, his heart heavy with doubt and unworthiness. He sometimes even wondered whether he was worthy of her love... "What are you saying? You are not a ve! You are MY HUSBAND!!" Aria''s voice was firm, her embrace fierce. She pulled back to look into his eyes, her gaze filled with conviction. In her mind, she thought, ''I made the right choice.'' Aether''s eyes returned to the wooden box. ''How am I supposed to steal that now?'' he wondered. When he was drawn into the mysterious underground world, he knew he was entangled in something beyond his understanding. But to take something from the woman who was giving him everything? ''I''m sorry, Log, but I cannot take it from her. I would rather want her to win,'' he thought internally, just as he was about to voice his thoughts when, "COME OUT!!!" A loud voice interrupted their moment. Both Aria and Aether frowned. Aria moved the curtain and saw a group of armed men standing outside. "Aether, stay inside," she said firmly. She grabbed her bow and stepped out of the carriage, surveying the scene. The coachmany slumped, his head a bloody mess. "Damn, she''s hot!" one of the armed men leered at Aria, licking his lips. Their leader stepped forward. "I''m sorry, youngdy, but youchckkk." His sentence was cut short as an arrow lodged in his forehead. He dropped dead instantly. That''s all! Everyone froze, eyes wide with shock. "You have some nerveing after me!" Aria''s voice was filled with fury as she drew her bowstring back, ready to unleash her wrath without mercy. Meanwhile, Aether watched from inside the carriage. Seeing that Aria had things under control, his curiosity got the better of him. He nced at the wooden box again. Even though he didn''t want to steal it, he couldn''t help but wonder what was inside. He opened the box cautiously. He just wondered about his worth! A bright silver light momentarily blinded him. Just as he was about to see clearly, Ssssshhh His Arcane card appeared and sucked the object inside before disappearing into his body. It all happened in a split second and Aether could only blink in confusion... "What the Fuck!!!" he shouted in frustration. "You bitchy card! Give it back!!" He summoned his Arcane card, but it was empty, only a nk card. "Where is it?" he yelled at the card, but it remained unresponsive. "Fuck, Fuck, Fuck, Fuck...." he rambled, his mind racing. "How am I supposed to exin this to her now?" He gritted his teeth in frustration. "I didn''t even see what was inside!" His anger was palpable. After a few more seconds of frantic thought, he decided.... "I didn''t see anything...aha," with a fake smile stered on his face. He closed the wooden box and ced it back in the bag. He hadn''t seen anything, he hadn''t touched anything. Nothing!! He decided to y dumb. Even though it made him feel stupid, he had no other idea. Nothing!! ''Sigh,'' he sighed again, looking outside to see Aria already finishing off thest of their attackers.... A light bulb appeared no, not literally!! With a sly smile, he scattered the contents of her bag, making it look like someone had rummaged through it. Of course, it had to be the people from the group, right? RIGHT? He then exited the carriage. As he stepped down and looked around, he was surprised to see they were in a deste area..... as if the coachman had brought them here intentionally. Aria who was walking toward him suddenly, "AETHER, MOVE AWAY!!" Aria shouted urgently, leaping towards him. "Hmm?" Aether frowned, confused, and then, SSSSSSssssssssssshhhhh Chapter 256: Who is he? "A-Are you alright, Aether?" Aria asked, her voice trembling with concern. She nced at Aether, who seemed mildly disoriented before he shook his head and frowned. "What... happened?" he muttered. Thest thing he remembered was his vision suddenly blinding and then feeling dizzy, simr to when he used the teleportation... "Teleported?" Aether asked, doubt creeping into his voice. Aria sighed in relief and nodded. She was immensely grateful she had leapt towards him with all her might when she noticed the teleportation circle forming around the carriage. Aether took a deep breath and patted Aria reassuringly before getting up. He looked around, taking in the surrealndscape that surrounded them. It was a vast, empty in, and... "End of the world..." Aria mumbled, her eyes widening as she saw the edge. A thin line marked the boundary where the ground ceased to exist, giving way to a dizzying void that seemed to swallow all light and sound. It wasn''t a cliff or a drop-off but a seamless transition into the void. The void looked like a deep ck canvas showing the outside endless universe, shimmering with stars. As they looked up, the universe slowly dispersed like a gradient, revealing a normal blue sky from that point. The transition happened above the ground, where the vast ckness of space blended smoothly into the familiar blue sky, creating a stunning and surreal horizon, covering the world in a familiar hue. [Author''s Note: I apologize if my exnation is unclear. Imagine the world as t, but only up to a certain height, about 380 feetwhere the outside universe remains inly visible. Beyond that point, it transitions into a gradient-like mixture, where the normal blue sky begins to cover the world. I hope this rifies it!] Crack Suddenly, both Aria and Aether flinched, snapping out of their mesmerized state. They turned to see a hooded figure appearing out of nowhere. Aria frowned and stepped forward, aiming her bow at the figure. "Who are you?" she demanded. Her stance was firm, showing no hint of mercy for anyone who might harm her beloved. The hooded figure didn''t answer. Instead, in a blink, it moved faster than Aether could react and brutally bent one of Aria''s arms backwards without mercy. "What--" Crack!! "ARRRHHH!!" Aria screamed in agony. Aether''s eyes widened in horror, and he immediately leapt to help her. Yet, BOOM!! A soft yet devastating punchnded on Aether''s gut, almost piercing his stomach. Blood and saliva poured from his mouth. "A-Aether!" Ignoring her pain, Aria tried to reach him, but p! A single p from the figure sent her flying several meters away like a broken doll. Shended on the ground, motionless. The figure then turned its attention back to Aether, whose eyes were now red with pain and fury. "F-Fucker!" Aether cursed, sting mes at the figure''s face. "Bang!" The figure effortlessly waved his hand, dissipating the mes.... like a mere candle! "What the...?" Aether was stunned but refocused himself. He threw a straight punch, which the figure blocked easily. Undeterred, Aether twisted his body, using his hand as an anchor, and kicked the figure''s head. Though slightly off bnce, the figure blocked it without much effort. Aether was taken aback, ''He''s stronger...'' he thought, before snapping his fingers... A st ofpressed air hit the figure''s face. BOOM! The figure was pushed back, but there wasn''t a single wound on its body... not even its hood was torn. "I don''t think we''ve angered someone as strong as you?" Aether asked, frowning. He nced at Aria, still lying motionless, then back at the figure. "Anger? If I were truly angry, there wouldn''t be anything left of you two," the figure replied with an amused expression, sensing Aether''s attempt to buy time. Aether''s expression turned cold. ".... Jack Sparrow?" he asked, for some reason, the figure''s actions and mannerisms felt oddly familiar, yet he couldn''t ce them. "Jack Sparrow? Who?" The hooded figure''s voice dripped with amusement as he snapped his fingers. Instantly, numerous spears, each crafted frompressed air, materialized around him. With a haughty tone, he taunted, "Can he do this?" Aether''s eyes widened as he nced at the spears before.... telepathic message, /Please do it, Sel and Celes./ Then he whispered to himself, ''Increase Level'' !~Ding~! [You have Levelled up!!] Aether barely had time to react as a spear whizzed past his arm, narrowly missing his heart. The assault continued, with spears raining down on him. He twisted and turned, doing his best to dodge the deadly projectiles while hurling fireballs at the hooded figure. Sssshhh However, his fireballs were effortlessly dispersed. Even with his increased level, Aether couldn''t even hurt that figure, ''Who is it?'' he wondered. Aether''s body bore numerous cuts and scratches from the spears that had grazed him, though none had struck deeply. "Not bad," the figure mumbled, observing Aether''s panting form. Aether''s breathing was heavy, his chest heaving from the exertion. Then, without warning, Aether smirked. BOOM! Aether''s fist mmed into the figure''s gut. He had moved so quickly that the figure was taken aback, barely able to register the attack. As the figure began to recover and swat him away like a nuisance BOOM! Aether channelled his firepower into his fist, causing an explosion that forced the figure to step back. Aether''s smile widened as he taunted, "Fucker!" Heunched another attack, not giving the figure any time to recover. But this time, the figure caught Aether''s hand mid-punch. "Do you think punching me will work now?" it asked, still shocked by Aether''s sudden increase in strength but confident it could handle him. "Nah, I wasn''t nning on just punching," Aether said with a grin before whispering, "Increase." [You have Levelled up!!] BOOM!" The figure staggered, surprised by Aether''s growing power. Determined to stop him, it tried to counter, but Aether was relentless. "Increase" [You have Levelled up!!] BOOM!" "Increase" [You have Levelled up!!] BOOM!" "Increase" [You have Levelled up!!] BOOM! "Increase" [Warning: Any more increase in attributes will most likely break your body permanently and might not be healed... Do you wish to continue?] Suddenly, the figure caught Aether''s hand and delivered a brutal punch to his face, causing blood to spew from his mouth and nose. Despite the pain, Aether''s face twisted into a defiant smile. "Increase" [You have Levelled up!!] BOOM!" Crack Aether''s body trembled as he felt something crack inside him. The searing pain coursed through his veins, but he didn''t care. This man was determined to end them, and with Aria lying motionless, Aether knew he couldn''t afford to hesitate. "N-Not bad!" The figure said, finally managing to hold Aether, who seemed more exhausted than before, teetering on the edge of unconsciousness. With an amused expression, it continued, "Look at you, trying so hard... a pitiful being." Aether simply grinned, blood staining his teeth. "Fucker!" he spat, his words dripping with defiance. The figure''s face, hidden inside the hood, twitched with irritation. It was just about to break Aether''s limbs when SSsssssssssshhhhhhhhhh A ck arrow pierced the figure''s shoulder. "AAAAARRRRHHHH!!" it screamed in pain. "Hoo sss tt?" == "How is it?" Aria''s voice was strained but resolute. She held her bow with one hand while pulling the string with her mouth, releasing another ominous ck arrow aimed at the figure''s hands. Before the arrow could hit, the figure threw Aether aside and narrowly escaped the arrow''s path,nding a few meters away, clutching its shoulder where the arrow had struck. It red at Aria with a mix of pain and rage. "What the hell is this!" the figure shouted, a look of shock and horror crossing its face as it felt something foreign entering its body, the flesh on its shoulder suddenly decaying. Aria, with a haughty smile, pulled her bowstring with her mouth and loosed another ck arrow towards the figure. The figure barely managed to dodge the arrow when Aether appeared before it, his eyes zing with determination. He delivered a powerful kick to the figure''s chest, channelling his arcane energy to his feet and... BOOM!! Chapter 257: End of the world! BOOM! Thud! BOOM! Thud! BOOM! Thud! ... .... Aria and Aether''s synchronized attack was relentless. Aria''s arrows flew with deadly precision, slicing through the air with a sharp hiss. Each arrow was imbued with a strange, pulsating ck energy that made them glow eerily. Aether, on the other hand, closed in on the hooded figure with fierce determination, his fists and sts striking with the force of a hurricane. The hooded figure staggered back, its cloak billowing as it struggled to maintain its bnce. Aria and Aether exchanged a quick, hopeful nce. Their telepathic link made coordination seamless. Aether''s thoughts echoed in Aria''s mind, /Now, aim for its legs!/ Aria nodded slightly, her fingers tightening around her bowstring. She aimed lower and released another arrow. ''What the hell is wrong with these arrows?'' the hooded figure thought, its mind racing. Aria''s arrows, infused with a strange energy, pierced its body, which was supposed to be invulnerable. Every hit sent a shockwave of pain through it. And even more, ''This guy....'' the figure''s eyes narrowed as it looked at Aether, whose power surged with unnatural intensity, causing the figure to frown deeply. Suddenly, Aria pointed towards the sky, her bowstring taut. Blood dripped from her lips staining her sliver thread, and also staining her pale skin and the front of her dress. The figure''s frown deepened. Aether quickly stepped back, raising his hand as blue scorching mes burst forth, hurtling towards the figure. The mes roared like a wild beast, consuming everything in their path. Sssshh Sssshh Sssshhhh Aria''s single arrow multiplied into dozens, all aimed at the hooded figure. At the same time, Aether''s fireball zed towards it with frightening speed. "A-Aria, let''s run," Aether shouted, his voice filled with urgency and a hint of worry. He knew the figure was too powerful for them, and their attack was only a diversion. Aria nodded, and they sprinted away. Aether bit his lip, feeling a pang of guilt and frustration. Running felt cowardly, but he knew their survival mattered more. They couldn''t match the figure''s strength head-on and even more, Aria was currently wounded a lot... so, No-No! BBBOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMM!! A massive shockwave erupted, shaking the ground violently.Rocks were sent flying. But Aria and Aether didn''t look back. They were focused solely on escaping. Yet, "Looks like you had your fun," the hooded figure''s voice echoed, chilling them to the bone. It appeared before them, unscathed and unruffled. With a snap of its fingers, Aether was flung backwards, crashing into the ground with a sickening thud. The hooded figure turned to Aria, a cruel smile ying on its lips. "You can''t escape," it sneered, throwing a punch at her mouth. Bufff! Aria''s mouth, already wounded, bled profusely. She staggered, pain searing through her body like moltenva. Her vision blurred, but she refused to fall. "Hehe... Look at you, the once queen now reduced to a mere ything," the figure mocked, venom dripping from its words. It reached out to grab her hair, but suddenly, five pieces ofpressed air with static electricity swirled around it and exploded. BOOM! BOOM! ..... ... The figure was momentarily taken aback, giving Aether the opening he needed. He leapt at the figure, his eyes zing with anger and killing intent..... His fists were covered in a blue me, each strike aimed to kill. But, "Caught you~" The hooded figure''s hand shot out, gripping Aether''s neck. Its grip tightened, and veins bulged on Aether''s neck as he struggled to breathe. His eyes bulged, and his hands wed at the figure''s arm. "Can''t you just die already!" the figure growled, annoyance shing across its face, "The first punch should have killed you!" When it first punched Aether... it was packed enough to Kill a servant like him and yet... /A-Aria/ Aether''s voice echoed in Aria''s mind, urging her to flee, /Run and survive/ his thoughts pleaded. If he was alone he could do something about the situation! But Aria shook her head, tears mingling with the blood on her face. She pulled the bowstring again, despite the pain in her broken mouth and lips. The agony was unbearable, but she couldn''t abandon Aether.... Not now.... Not ever. Ssssshhh She fired another arrow, but this time, the figure didn''t dodge. Instead, it used Aether as a shield. "N-NO!! Cough, cough," Aria choked on her own blood as she saw her arrows piercing Aether''s back, "P-Please stop this!! Let him go!!" she cried out, her voice breaking with desperation. Her heart felt like it was being ripped apart. "Your pleas are useless," the hooded figure sneered, tightening its grip on Aether''s neck. "He''s already dead." Hearing her desperate plea, Aether''s face turned ashen. The disbelief washed over him as he saw his beloved Aria, her words broken and bloodied, begging for his life. Her mouth, twisted in pain and desperation, could barely form the words. Gritting his teeth, Aether summoned every ounce of his strength, pushing his power to new! [You have Levelled up!!] However, it still wasn''t enough. Seeing Aether and Aria fighting for each other, the shadowy figure''s fury boiled over. His grip tightened around Aether''s neck, threatening to snap it like a twig. His voice, a low growl, dripped with venom and malice... "You have some nerve to seduce my wife, don''t you?" Aether''s eyes widened in realization, ''ric?'' he thought. ''This fucker!! He''s a fucking Arcane King!'' He screamed inwardly, the memories of his master''s warnings shing before his eyes. She had told him about the previously chosen ones, how they were far stronger than they appeared. She had specifically warned him about ric since Aether always piss him off, but he had always dismissed the danger. ''Increase,'' hemanded himself, his anger fueling his determination he didn''t care whatever happened to his body, he clearly knew this bastard was after Aria so there was no way he would allow this, However, !~Ding~! [Arcane refused the ''Log'' to increase the Aether''s level.] ''YOU BITCH!!'' Aether raged silently, furious at the interference, ''This is not the time to y around!! Give it to me!!'' he shouted in desperation. Even though he knew his body was already broken but knowing ric he wouldn''t care about the consequences. Yet there was no response, ''Fuck!'' he screamed. With a sudden burst of energy (Will), he caught ric''s hand, gripping it tightly. The sheer force of his will kept him conscious, kept him fighting. "Oh? Got angry? But what else can you do now?" ric taunted, his voice dripping with sarcasm and annoyance. He leaned closer, his eyes glinting with sadistic pleasure. "You have been giving me quite a lot of trouble. I never in my life--" Before he could finish, Aether interrupted with a chillingugh that echoed through the battlefield. "Heh...." "Huh?" "Hehe...." "Have you gone mad?" "HEHEHEHEHEHEHE...." Aether, with his remaining strength, his consciousness fading, and his lungs burning for air,ughed maniacally. His blue eyes shimmered with an icy determination..... There was no fear in his expression, only amusement and defiance. "T-To think, ''cough'' a cuckold emperor scared of a servant.... Haha.. haha... What an amusing cuckold emperor you are." BOOOMM! The ground around ric shattered, cracks spidering outwards from his feet. Though Aether couldn''t see his face, he knew ric was furious. His rage might cost Aether his life, and yet.... "Cuckold Emperor!" "BASTARD!!!!" ric roared and snapped his neck. ... More like attempting to snap Aether''s neck. But before he could, Aria''s arrow struck his wrist, forcing him to loosen his grip. ric red at Aria, his eyes burning with rage. "You want to save him, right?" he sneered. "Go and save him!" With a powerful throw, he hurled Aether off the edge of the world. "A-AETHER!!!" Aria screamed, her voice filled with agony, as she ran towards the cliff. "Hehehe...." Even in hisst moments, Aether''s gaze remained fixed on ric, his face twisted in a haughty smile that sent shivers down ric''s spine. ric shook off his thoughts and prepared to deal with Aria. But before he could, she.... jumped off the cliff after Aether! ric blinked in disbelief. "Did she really?" He was stunned. Was she really willing to give her life for a useless, worthless servant? His rage intensified, bing a tempest that roared in his chest. "YOU BITCH!! DIE WITH THAT BASTARD!!" He shouted, his voice echoing like a thunderp. Stomping the ground in anger, he tried to cool his head. "Well, whatever. Since she''s gone, I will pursue my dream," he thought, remembering his ultimate goal..... But another annoying white haired character came to mind, distracting him from his victory. "I will soon deal with him," he mumbled, noticing the dead coachman by the carriage. ording to his n, the coachman was supposed to bring them to the teleportation site where he had ced a Spell Scroll. After teleporting them there, he intended to finish off the filthy servant, take the woman as his ve, and of course.... finally kill the coachman... No witness, right? But.... Coachman was already dead! "Whatever," he shrugged, about to snap his fingers when, Drip, Drip ric''s eyes widened. His forearm... was missing! "When...?" He frowned in shock. Even now, he couldn''t feel the pain. He tried to recall when it happened, but he knew he had used that hand to throw Aether. There was nothing Aether had done to him... or was there? Gritting his teeth in regret, ric realized he had underestimated that filthy servant again!! "Tsk, it must be a fluke," he thought as he believed it was because he was careless about nothing.... then setting fire to the carriage. He disappeared, but not before looking at the edge onest time. He felt a twinge of loss that his ything had chosen a servant over an emperor. Truly pitiful! He nced at his missing forearm. "I should have killed that bastard!" With deep regret, he vanished. ... The mes burned in the lonely in, there was nothing but the beautiful sky and scorching fire....but then, Ssssssshhhhhhh Arge figure, faster than the eye could see, leapt over the edge of the world. Chapter 258: He doesnt have much time Aerionis Zephyra was a vast, tnd hovering in the endless void of the universe, held aloft by the enigmatic Mother Root. The Mother Root, a colossal entity with root-like tendrils, supported Aerionis Zephyra from below. These roots, resembling massive, ancient tree limbs, cradled the world in a gentle yet unyielding grip, with some even prating its core, reaching deep into the heart of thend and merging with its essence. These roots not only anchored thend but also infused it with the arcane power that kept it afloat in the void. The sight of these immense, glowing roots, intertwined and reaching upwards, was both awe-inspiring and humbling.[Author''s Note: Imagine holding arge piece of rock (Empire/World) in your hand (Mother Root)] On a particr cliffside, the silence of the void was shattered by a sound that was both ferocious and primal.... "Grrrrrrrrr." A menacing growl echoed through the emptiness. A massive red-ck wolf, its ws as sharp as daggers, dug into the cliff as it climbed upward with powerful, deliberate strides. Its eyes, glowing like molten embers, scanned the precipice ahead, calcting every move while carefully avoiding the roots as if they were dangerous. The wolf''s tail, sinuous and strong, cradled two limp bodies with surprising gentleness. Aria, her sliver white hair streaked with blood, held Aether, who was unconscious, close, her arms wrapped protectively around him even in unconsciousness. Their breaths were shallow but steady, indicating life. The Wolf was none other than Liora Darkfang. Her size was far bigger than what she had shown before. With her steady grip, she slowly and carefully pulled them, her body covered with a thick barrier to prevent her from passing out. Thud "Grrrrr" Her massive paws finally reached the edge of the cliff. With a final exertion, she hauled herself and her precious cargo up to the t ground above. Her eyes roamed around the surroundings, taking in the craters and st marks that indicated a fierce battle, as well as the burned carriage. She sighed a deep, weary sound that spoke of exhaustion and relief, before slowly reducing her size to normal. Holding Aether and Aria in her tail, she began to run faster towards..... Faerie Arbor City. Her heart was pounding wildly, not because she was running fast, but because Aether''s body was starting to crack as if he was on the verge of breaking. Each crack spread like a web of fractures, threatening to shatter himpletely. "Just hold on!" she mumbled, her voice strained and desperate. Her legs strained even more as she moved faster than ever in her life. ... ... In Faerie Arbor City, "....." Maelona stared nkly at her son-inw, whoy calmly and unconscious on the bed, being treated by the healers. The room was filled with the scent of herbs and the soft glow of healing magic, a stark contrast to the turmoil outside. "Who?" Maelona asked only one question. Liora, who was beside her, could only shake her head and say, "I don''t know. By the time I reached them, he or she had already left." "Even with your keen sense of smell?" Maelona asked in an emotionless voice, her gaze focused on Aether as he was being treated. "Yes, it seems the other party removed their scent," Liora answered, also staring at Aether. Her voice was tinged with frustration and helplessness. "M-Mom!" Aria, who had been partially healed, hurriedly walked towards them with a pained expression. The healers tried to stop her, as she was not fully healed, but Aria didn''t listen. Her steps were unsteady, yet she wanted to meet her beloved. Maelona''s face softened as she hugged her daughter, saying, "It''s fine, my dear... Everything will be fine!" Aria''s eyes turned teary..... No, she was on the verge of crying, but she didn''t because she wanted to see her beloved smiling when he opened his eyes, not crying! She bit her lip, holding back the sobs that threatened to escape. "You should rest," Liora said with a t expression. Aria shook her head, saying, "No, not now," and looked at Aether, whose body kept cracking like broken ss. "W-What is happening?" she asked in a pained voice, barely avoiding crying. Her voice was a whisper, filled with fear and uncertainty. "We don''t know..." Maelona and Liora answered simultaneously, their faces grim. The healers had been doing their best to heal Aether, but he kept breaking like fragile ss. Each attempt seemed futile, the magic barely holding him together. Their faces were etched with concentration and worry, their hands moving in intricate patterns as they chanted incantations. "A-Aether..." Aria mumbled, tears pouring from her eyes like a relentless stream. Her heart felt as if it were shattering with every crack that appeared on Aether''s body. Each break seemed to mirror the breaking of her own soul, the pain almost too much to bear. "W-What should we do, Mother?" Aria asked, her voice trembling with desperation. Her eyes darted around the room, searching frantically for something, anything, that could save her beloved Aether. "...." Maelona had no words for her daughter. "...." Liora stared at Aether''s body, her heart aching in a way she had never experienced before.... It was as if an invisible hand was squeezing her chest, making it hard to breathe. She ced a hand over her heart, puzzled by the unfamiliar sensation of sorrow that was unlike anything she had ever felt. Seeing the healers'' efforts failing, Liora voiced a desperate suggestion, "I think the Archpriestess might be able to heal him." Aria''s eyes lit up with a faint glimmer of hope. She knew of the Archpriestess''s legendary healing abilities, unmatched by anyone else in any world..... she was ready to beg the Archpriestess for her beloved''s life. But then, "Before she cane, Aether will already be gone," Maelona said with a serious face, clenching her fist so tightly that her knuckles turned white. She hated the harshness of her own words, but they were the grim reality she couldn''t escape. "H-Huh? M-Mom! What do you mean? There''s no way, right? He won''t leave me, right? RIGHT?!!" Aria shouted, her voice rising in pitch as panic set in. Her mind was a chaotic mess of fear and confusion, unable to process the possibility of losing Aether. Despite being the chosen one, older and supposedly wiser, she felt utterly helpless. "Why is this happening to me?! H-He is the only one who loved someone worthless like me and yet... ARCANE!!!" she screamed, her tears flowing like a broken dam, her voice echoing with raw anguish. Maelona bit her lips, drawing blood, as she hugged her daughter tightly. Aria''s body shook with sobs, her grief overwhelming her. "It''s all because of that bitch... M-My life, my future is lying in ruins again because of THAT BITCH!!!" Aria shouted in desperation. "Sob... If I knew this... I would have... ''sob'' I would have given that shit to someone else," Aria mumbled, her eyes lifeless and vacant, as if all hope had been drained from her. "W-What do you mean?" Maelona asked with a frown, confusion and concern etched deeply on her face. What was her daughter talking about? Aria, with vacant eyes, stammered, "T-They came for me, for the thing required to clear the trial." When she had killed the leader of the group they first encountered, he had clearly indicated they were after a specific wooden box. "I-I should have given it to them..." Aria mumbled with deep regret, her voice barely more than a whisper. "Dear, I don''t understand..." Maelona said, her voice gentle but puzzled. If it was something precious, why did others know about it, and why hadn''t Aria cleared the trial by herself? Aria''s eyes showed only emptiness as if she had reverted to her former, broken self, which pained Maelona even more. "Aether is a ve... An eternal ve...." Aria said with a nk expression. There was no point in hiding it anymore; her beloved was lying there, teetering on the brink of death. She couldn''t care less about what others would think of him now. The truth was all that mattered. Both Maelona and Liora''s eyes widened in shock and surprise, leaving them momentarily speechless. But before they could react, Suddenly, the healers who were working on Aether approached them. Their bodies were drenched in sweat, exhaustion evident in their every step, with some on the verge of fainting. One of them, with a grim face, spoke, "We don''t know what''s happening to him. We healed his wounds, and yet his body keeps breaking apart as if it can''t contain something..." He looked at Aria, then lowered his head and said, "He doesn''t have much time." "NNOOOOOOOOO!!!" Chapter 259: I love you, Dear Crack, Crack... Crack, Crack..... Aria nkly stared at Aether''s face, which was cracking like broken ss. There was no smiling face, no gentle eyes that always looked at her with love... just a face on the verge of shattering at any moment. Tears rolled down her cheeks, her mind already on the brink of breaking. The only thing keeping her sane was the faint rise and fall of Aether''s chest, his slow,boured breath. Each exhale was a reminder that he was still clinging to life, but for how much longer? Maelona hugged her daughter, her lips trembling as she tried to offerfort. Her arms encircled Aria protectively, though she felt utterly helpless in the face of her child''s anguish. Meanwhile, Liora blinked, feeling a strange heaviness in her heart. She didn''t understand love, never had. Her intentions toward Aether had been purely physical; she had only wanted to mate with him. And yet, for some inexplicable reason, her heart felt weak and heavy. It was an unfamiliar sensation, one that hadn''t appeared even when she had killed her ex-husband. Did she want Aether to live? Of course, she wanted him to live. She wanted him alive, wanted to mate with him.... But a small part of her, buried deep within, wanted something more, something she couldn''t quite name. This was a foreign feeling, unsettling and confusing. [+4000 AP] "M-Mom... What should I do now?" Aria''s voice was pained, desperationcing her words. There were so many things swirling around in her mind. She wanted to annihte everyone responsible for this incident. She craved revenge, a burning desire to make them all pay..... And yet, without Aether in her life, she had no will to move forward. She felt lost, adrift in a sea of sorrow and rage. Maelona''s lips trembled even more. She knew what her daughter was thinking. Just a few days ago, she had seen Aria at her happiest, with a wonderful expression on her face. And now... it broke her heart more than anything. She looked at her own trembling hands. Her heart ached too! Whenever Aether teasingly called her ''Mother-inw~,'' she felt a surge of happiness, though she never showed it. She secretly enjoyed his attention and loved the way he teased her. It was a small, cherished joy in her life. Crack, CRACK... "Aw," Aria let out a pained, shocking cry when she saw a huge crack appear on Aether''s face. ''Ba-Dump'' Maelona''s heart skipped a beat. She was taken aback, Without waiting anymore, "T-There is one way to heal him," she finally said, her voice trembling with the weight of her revtion. "H-Huh? Mom? What do you mean? Is there a way?" Aria asked her face a mix of hope and desperation, rubbing tears from her eyes. Meanwhile, Liora sighed and thought, ''Finally!'' as she seemed to know something that the others did not. Maelona wore an awkward expression. "But I am not sure..." "Mom, Please... Anything!!" Aria pleaded, "I-I want my smiling Aether... Please, Mom... I beg you, please give it a try, please!!" She almost kneeled before her mother, but Maelona caught her daughter and sighed. Her gaze turned stern, "Fine!". She then waved her hand, and Aether slowly and gently floated into the air. Crack, Crack.. "M-Mom, careful!" Aria shouted in pain, watching every movement with bated breath, terrified that any sudden motion might cause Aether''s body to break apartpletely. "Now, remove everything from his body," Maelona said with a serious face. Aria blinked in confusion. "Aria?" Maelona prompted again. "O-Okay, Mom!" Aria said before slowly and gently removing Aether''s clothing. She had to be extremely careful, as even the smallest movement might cause his body to break further. Her hands trembled, her heart pounding in her chest. "Underwear too," Maelona added, her tone leaving no room for hesitation. "...." "Aria?" "Y-yes, Mother," Aria mumbled before removing his underwear. Then Maelona let Aether down on the bed. Aria gritted her teeth, feeling a mix of anger and protectiveness when she saw her beloved naked to everyone, especially noticing Liora''s reaction. "He can satisfy me..." Liora''s voice trailed off into a quiet murmur, her gaze fixed on Aether''s crotch. "!!" Veins bulged on Aria''s forehead, but she kept quiet. She didn''t want to harm their saviour, especially Liora, who had saved her beloved. She had to keep quiet... she would be fine. Maelona stared at Aether''s body, ''His body has cracked so much...'' Her eyes then fell on two rings on his neck and another on his finger. She moved to remove it, she took the chain ring and but just as she was about to remove the ring on his finger, Aether''s finger suddenly closed around it. Crack, Crack. "Hmm?" Maelona frowned, asking her daughter if it was important, but Aria shook her head, unsure herself. "Anyhow, I need to treat him.... So..." Maelona forced herself to pull the ring off. Crack, CRACK! "M-Mom!!" "Fine, fine," Maelona clicked her tongue in mild irritation. Her daughter was worrying too much. She slowly and carefully pulled the ring out, Sssssssssshhhhh Everyone''s eyes widened in astonishment as they witnessed Aether''s ck hair transforming into pure white, each strand shimmering with an ethereal glow. "V-Victor?" Aria''s face reflected pure shock, her eyes wide and disbelieving. She looked as if she had just seen a ghost. "Hmm? Has he been in disguise all this time?" Maelona asked, her frown deepening as she tried to make sense of the situation. Aria took a moment to snap back to reality, her mind racing toe up with an exnation. "Y-Yes, Mom, he is a ve and so he needs to hide. You know, something like that..." She stumbled over her words, desperate toe up with any excuse that might sound usible. Maelona scrutinized her daughter for a moment, then nodded slowly, "I see..." She handed the rings back to Aria. "Damn, he is hot now~" Liora whispered with an amused expression. She was clearly more turned on now by Aether''s appearance. Aria shot her a look of pure disdain as if Liora were nothing more than horny filth. But Liora merely shrugged, unbothered by the judgmental nce. "What? Just stating the obvious," Liora added with a mischievous grin. Maelona, after examining Aether''s body, had a surprised expression, "His body couldn''t keep up with his strength, as if he grew faster than his body could handle. It''s like his power outpaced his physical development. I''ve never heard of such a thing." Aria didn''t care for the details; she only wanted reassurance. "He will be healed, right?" Maelona hesitated before nodding. "I will try my best, Aria.I will do everything in my power." Aria''s face lit up with pure joy and happiness. "I LOVE YOU, MOM!! YOU ARE THE BEST!!" "Ara~ Now I am the best?" Maelona asked with a teasing smile. She found it hard to believe her daughter was showering her with love only after she said she could help him. "What an unfaithful daughter I have, only loving me when I promise to help." Aria tightened her hug around her mother. "You are always the best, Mom! I just... I was so worried. Thank you for always being there for me." Maelona gently smiled and patted her back. "And you will always be the best daughter..." A small tear dripped from her eye, but Maelona quickly rubbed it away. "Mom?" "Ahem, I love you too, my dear... I love you until my dying breath. Please forgive this worthless woman who couldn''t help you when you suffered all alone," Maelona said softly. "M-Mom?" Aria felt a little uneasy now, but she replied, "I never hold a grudge against you, Mother. You are always the one I looked up to, and if anything, it should be me who apologizes for not supporting you. You''ve always been my strength." "Haha... What a lovely daughter," Maelona mumbled before looking at Liora and nodding. Liora took a moment to nod back, then gently but firmly dragged Aria out of the room. "Come on, let''s give her time" "W-Wait! I need to se--" "If we stay inside, she might not be able to focus," Liora said with a strict face before closing the door and putting a barrier around it, "We need to give her space to do her work" "Hmph!" Aria huffed but reluctantly agreed, her impatience barely contained. She crossed her arms and began pacing outside the room, every minute feeling like an eternity. The tension was palpable, and her mind was racing with worst-case scenarios.... Among them, ''Aether is Victor... ah...'' she thought, a realization dawning on her. Everything now made sense.... Why she had felt a strange familiarity with both Aether and Victor, ''So this is the secret?'' she wondered, but at that moment, she found herself uncaring of the intricacies. All that mattered was Aether''s survival. Her singr focus was on him, and only him! After an hour or so, Aria''s anxiety grew unbearable. She turned to Liora, her voice shaky. "I-It''s really taking a long time, isn''t it? What if something went wrong? What if she can''t save him?" Liora nced at Aria, sensing her growing panic, "You know... have you ever wondered why your father was forced to marry a Moon Elf tribe woman instead of someone from their own tribe?" "Huh? Where is thising from?" Aria asked, her thoughts still focused on the room and her mother''s efforts. "This isn''t the time for history lessons, Liora. I need to know what''s happening in there!" "Just answer me," Liora insisted, her tone more serious than before. "It''s important." "Sigh, it''s because the Moon Elf tribe was extinct... right?" Aria answered. "Haha... just because of that? What about other races that went extinct.... Huh?" "Well..." Aria sighed and asked with an annoyed face, "What does that have to do with anything right now?" "It''s because Moon Elves were actually the first creation of this world... the closest to the Mother Root," Liora''s face turned solemn. Aria frowned, ''Mother root? Does she know the gods?'' she wondered as if Liora knew what she thinking..... Liora said, "Of course, most rulers know there are two gods, so there''s no need to be shocked," Liora said with a smirk before continuing, "Moon Elves were one of the direct creations of the Mother Root. Due to that, they were unable to mix with other bloodlines created by the Arcane or even produce offspring. Their purity was both their strength and their downfall." Aria blinked, "How did I not know? I mean there was nothing in the nthareil''s Archive about this?" She just read along with Aether just a few days ago. "Hahah... Who knows... Maybe your mother didn''t want you to learn about that" Liora said with a small smile and looked up at the blue sky, her expression distant, "However, that''s not the only reason they went extinct. Since they were elves, they lived extraordinarily long lives." "Then what?" Aria asked, her frustration mounting. "It''s because of their power... a power that everyone wanted but no one had... Equivalent Exchange," Liora''s voice was almost a whisper. Aria''s face turned to dread, her heart sinking. "N-No... you can''t mean..." "Yes from the very beginning, Maelona was just a sacrificer for the Kaelith or more like High Elf tribe... That''s what this marriage to being with!" Aria''s mind suddenly went nk. "And now...." Thud "A life for a life..." Liora finished her words.She wasn''t particrly sad about this as she only wanted Aether nothing more. "NOO!!" Aria shouted, mming the door open with a force that echoed through the halls. Her heart pounded in her chest as fear and desperation overtook her. Thud Opening the door, Aria saw her mother looking pale and transparent, barely a shadow of her former self. "He is fine, dear," Maelona mumbled weakly as she gazed at Aether, who was peacefully sleeping without any cracks or wounds. Her voice was faint, almost ethereal. "M-Mom, P-Please..." Aria''s voice broke as she reached out, her hands trembling. "I love you, dear~" Maelona''s figure began to dissipate into particles of light, each one shimmering softly before fading away... leaving nothing behind. Aria copsed to her knees, with lifeless eyes, tears streaming down her face. "N-No, M-Mom, no... this can''t be happening....." Chapter 260: Yo! Motherfucker! An hour earlier, Inside the room, Maelona nkly stared at Aether''s naked cracking body. ''Equivalent Exchange'' It was a bloodline ability that Moon Elves had, which granted them the ability to exchange anything at a certain cost... From the Arcane. Not from Mother Root even though she was the one who created them. Anyhow, Due to this ability, others started seeking after the Moon Elves, imprisoning them and forcing them to use their ability....and thus their number started to reduce at an exponential rate.... in order to protect themself they entered a pact with High Elves who was a major force. The pact was simple all they needed to do was marry their descendants and if anything happened to the High Elf spouses then Moon Elf spouses needed to use their Ability. Yeah, their situation had not changed much, just not forced that''s all! Everyone... in a way selfish! Maelona who was thest of her tribe... more like thest of Mother Root''s creation. Rustle, Rustle Maelona gently removed her garments, revealing her pure dark blue skin. Her body was a vision of ethereal beauty: slender yet curvaceous, with soft, inviting curves that entuated her femininity. Her breasts were full and round, with dark blue, sensitive nipples that stood out against her smooth skin. Maelona''s waist tapered into a supple, round busty ass that spoke of both grace and sensuality... Her tight flower, adorned with small white leaves, was in in view! Maelona stood before Aether, closing her eyes and mumbling softly. "Zah-ee-vah-rah....." After a minute, her body suddenly... Crack, crack... Her body began to crack, every inch of it splintering like delicate shards of broken ss.Her skin, once smooth and wless, now seemed fragile and fragmented, each crack glowing with an otherworldly light. She looked far worse than Aether!! Suddenly, those cracks started to tremble before... Ssssshhhh... The cracks transformed into a swarm of blue butterflies, their wings shimmering like freshly polished gemstones. These butterflies, both mesmerizing and ethereal, seemed to hold a magical energy beyondprehension. They swirled around Maelona in a dazzling, spiralling dance, creating a spectacle of breathtaking beauty. Their wings, delicate and iridescent, flickered with a spectrum of blues, from the deepest indigo to the lightest azure. Among the swirling multitude, one butterfly hovered before Maelona''s face. Maelona gently opened her eyes, revealing that her once shimmering green eyes had turned a pure, radiant crimson. Her gaze, intense and filled with determination, met the butterfly''s. There was a silentmunication between them. A gentle smile adorned her face as she tilted her head cutely, saying, "My child will be sad without him, Mother...." The butterfly hovered for a few seconds, seemingly contemting her words. It stared at Maelona''s genuinely happy face, showing her readiness for whatever came next. Then, the butterfly shook in sadness before joining the others, swirling around Maelona once more as she murmured something softly. "Ray-lin" Soon, the butterflies floated over to Aether, swirling around him. As they descended onto his body, they covered him entirely, their magical energy radiating a sense of renewal and transformation. Aether''s entire body was covered with blue butterflies. Maelona nodded before, Sckkkk She began smashing the butterflies against his skin. Each delicate creature burst into a shimmering blue powder, which she meticulously rubbed onto Aether''s body. The sensation was strange, the blue coating itching slightly as it spread over him. Slowly and gently, Maelona continued to crush the butterflies, her hands moving with both urgency and tenderness as she covered every inch of Aether with their essence. The vivid blue colour seeped into his skin, transforming him into a figure that looked more like a Moon Elf than a human. The cracks in Aether''s body began to mend. Meanwhile, Maelona''s own body started to tremble and slowly disperse like a mist in the dawn light. "Good..." She whispered, her voice tinged with both relief and sadness. She then sat astride his stomach, her entire core exposed to him, a vision of ethereal beauty that Aether would love to see it. Maelona''s fingers ran through Aether''s hair, a tender, almost maternal gesture, "Please take good care of my daughter..." she murmured. Leaning down, her eyes locked onto his lips. A deep blush spread across her cheeks, her heart pounding slightly. She parted her lips, revealing the final butterfly resting inside her mouth. "Hmm~" Her lips met Aether''s, softly and tenderly..... She pushed the butterfly into his mouth. Meanwhile.... Aether''s consciousness was pulled into a ce he had never seen in his life, yet it felt oddly familiar... "Where am I?" He wondered aloud. Thest thing he remembered was being thrown out by ric, and now he found himself standing before... a baby? The surroundings resembled the outskirts of a vige, with a few small houses visible in the distance. "Did I teleport again?" Aether mused to himself, crouching down to inspect the baby wrapped in a white cloth. "Why is this baby alone?" Aether wondered, reaching out to touch it, only to find his finger passing through like a ghost. His eyes widened in surprise as realization dawned upon him: he was witnessing memories from the past! "Is that... me?" he questioned, pointing at the curious expression on the child''s face. He tried to observe more when suddenly, there was amotion. "Oi! There''s another child here!" Aether turned to see vigers hurrying towards them. "Another abandoned one!" "Sigh, what a pity!" "Just what''s wrong with these people?" "Yeah, this is the 30th child this month!" "Everyone move away, the Elder is here!" At the elderly woman''s arrival, everyone fell silent and bowed their heads. The elderly woman gazed at the baby with a wrinkled face, sighing softly, "What a cute child! How could anyone have the heart to leave this dear?" she mumbled, bending down carefully to cradle the child in her arms. After checking the child''s body the elderly noticed there was a ring on his neck... She sighed before, "From now on, his name is Ether..." the woman dered suddenly, her expression turning warm and motherly, "Let''s take him in... shall we?" The others nodded in agreement without objection, and then everyone looked at the child with curious expression. Aether, still standing there, was amazed to witness how readily they epted and embraced the child. "So it really is me..." he thought, looking at the infant''s face. After staring for a while, Aether couldn''t help but smirk. "Damn, I was really cute," he muttered, feeling a touch of narcissism creeping in. He reached out again to touch the baby when suddenly... The baby''s blue eyes snapped open, and it smirked mischievously, that''s not something that a child should have.... A chill ran down Aether''s spine. "Yo! Motherfucker!" Thud Aether was taken aback and fell onto his butt..... FUCKING SHOCK! "W-What in the fuck..." he managed to stammer out, but before he could say more, a gigantic blue butterfly burst forth from the baby''s face. It unfolded its iridescent wings with a shimmering sound, filling the air with a surreal glow. It flew over Aether in an instant, and everything around him changed in a sh.... A familiar ce he knew very well. White-ck Domain or rather... Ethereal-Umbra Domain! Chapter 261: Background Characters Must Die for the Character Growth! Ethereal-Umbra Domain Aether stood between the two vast and mysterious domains, his eyes fixed on a colossal blue butterfly that fluttered around him with almost ethereal grace. The creature''s vibrant wings shimmered with otherworldly colours, casting an iridescent glow. Aether''s mind raced with questions, wondering what in the actual hell was transpiring before him now. "What are you?" Aether demanded. However, it did not respond. Instead, it swirled gracefully a few times, its wings creating mesmerizing patterns in the air, before it moved away and began circling his transparent Arcane Card, which hovered in the middle of the domain junction. Aether felt an unsettling sensation creeping over him, something inherently wrong with this butterfly... Suddenly, "Interesting..." a soft, feminine voice erupted from the butterfly''s mouth, startling him. Its eyes, multifaceted and glistening like a thousand tiny sapphires, turned toward Aether. "An Imbnce trying to bnce... It''s amus" "Get out!" "Get out!" BOOOM!!! In an instant, the butterfly was sted into a thousand pieces, its delicate flesh sttering in all directions before being instantly absorbed into the domains, leaving no trace of its existence. Aether''s face contorted with bewilderment and frustration. "What the fuck is going on?" he muttered under his breath, then exhaled deeply before carefully asking, "Is anybody here?" He asked because he had heard those damned voices again, the ones that haunted his first step! Yet, there was no response, just an oppressive silence. Veins bulged on his forehead as his patience wore thin, "Enough with these hide-and-seek games! I''m really tired of your fucking games!" Yet, there was still nothing but silence. Aether''s lips trembled, his anger threatening to boil over. But he shook his head, mastering his emotions as he always did.... Read thetest tale on M-VL-em|p,yr "Tsk, Whateve--" "Survive Until The Beginning!" "Survive Until The Beginning!" The voices echoed in his ears once more, their tone both a stern and amand, before he suddenly disappeared from the domain, leaving an eerie stillness in his wake. However... "Arcane, should you interfere once more, the contract will meet its end." "Arcane, should you interfere once more, the contract will meet its end." A chilling warning reverberated around the domain, causing the very space to tremble as if it were on the brink of shattering. From the shadows, a blurry figure materialized out of nowhere, its form shrouded in mystery, neither male nor female, but an enigmatic blend of both. In its hand, it held a white flower, which stood out in stark contrast, its image crystal clear and strikingly beautiful. The figure walked along the domain junction line with an almost yful gait, a giggle escaping its lips, "Hehehe..." before it gently ced the flower in the Arcane Card. "Now she knows what''s happening... I''m certain she will begin her game... very soon~" ... ..... "Aarrrhh," Aether groaned, his voice raspy and filled with pain as his eyes fluttered open slowly, adjusting to the dim, unfamiliar surroundings. "Where am I now?" he muttered, his mind struggling to piece together the fragments of his memory. As he attempted to move, a sharp pain shot through his body, causing him to wince. "Damn!" he cursed, frowning deeply. He felt a strange, unfamiliar weight pressing down on his torso. Looking down, his eyes widened in shock at the sight of a tinum-haired, dark blue-skinned elf lying atop him... naked. However, "W-What in the...?" Aether''s voice was filled with confusion and rm as he took in the sight before him. The Elf, Maelona, who had always been a vision of beauty and strength, now appeared emaciated and frail, her once voluptuous form reduced to a sickly, thin shell. Her body seemed almost transparent as if something were consuming her from the inside out. "M-Mother-inw?" he called out, his voice tinged with dread. There was no response. Fear gripped him as he gently shook her shoulder, hoping to rouse her from her unnatural slumber. "Hmm..." Maelona groaned weakly before her eyes slowly opened. She looked up at Aether with a small, gentle smile. "Y-you''re awake," she managed to say, her lips dry and cracked. Aether''s heart shattered at the sight.... He had never seen her in such a state, so fragile and vulnerable! "W-What happened?" Maelona''s smile remained, though it was faint, "There is nothing for you to worry about..." she said softly, her eyelids growing heavy. "...P-Please take... care of my..." "W-Wait!!" Aether shouted, gripping her shoulder tightly, trying to keep her from slipping away. "Just what happened? Please tell me!!" His heart ached, seeing her like that! Maelona''s faint smile persisted. "It''s fin" "Maelona!!" Aether cried out, his voice filled with urgency and fear. Maelona flinched at the sound of her name. She looked at Aether''s face, seeing the depth of his concern. With a weak shake of her head, she began to exin the details of what had transpired, her voice barely above a whisper. [+500AP] As Aether listened, his shock and disbelief grew with each word. He stared at Maelona, the woman who had exchanged her life for his own. What shocked him even more was, "Haha..." Maelona chuckled wryly, herughter filled with a bittersweet resignation, "I never thought my life would not be enough to save yours." "W-What do you mean?" Aether''s eyes trembled with fear and confusion. Equivalent Exchange... That was her power. To heal Aether, she had to give something of equal value..... And Aether, being an irregr, required a steep price. "Everything..." Maelona mumbled softly, her voice tinged with sad yet happiness, "My life, my power, my levels, my Arcane Weapon, my bloodline, my body... Finally, my soul." Aether''s face twisted in horror as he struggled to process the enormity of her sacrifice. Maelona continued to smile weakly. "It''s fine... fine... Aether... as long as you are alive... Aria will be happy. She loves you so much, you know." Aether swallowed hard, his throat dry, unable toprehend the extent of Maelona''s sacrifice for her daughter. "H-How am I supposed to repay this debt?" he mumbled, his voice choked with pain, as he watched her body continue to wither, her skin clinging tightly to her bones. "N-Never let my daughter be sad," she mumbled weakly, her voice barely audible. "T-That''s..." Aether felt a wave of conflicting emotions wash over him. He knew he was far from perfect, a scoundrel at best, and that one day he would inevitably make Aria sad... He could already foresee it. "W-We could try something. I mean, there must be a way, right?" Aether asked, his expression hopeful, desperately seeking a solution. "S-Sorry, Aether. I know it might be hurtful, but there is nothing," Maelona said as she slowly closed her eyes, sensing her time was nearing an end.... But then, "No-No... I don''t like this!" he shouted, his voice filled with a mix of anger and despair. "A-Aria will be sad... She will cry and might hate me for taking her mother''s life," his face contorted with dread. Maelona shook her head weakly, "S-She won''t" "You said it was Arcane who made the exchange, right?" "W-What ar" "Hey, Arcane, speak with me... Now!" Aether said with a deadly serious expression. "If you don''t... I... I will do something... something that you won''t like... something..." he threatened as he slowly pierced his chest with his fingers. Maelona''s eyes widened in horror, "W-What are you doing?" she tried to move her weakened body. Aether knew he was important to Arcane and that was why he was miraculously alive.... Arcane wanted him to live. If not, why else would Maelona, thest of her tribe, be alive? It was all for Aether''s sake. It was just like in the novels where other background characters be a motivation to MC or whatever shit that was!! Aether understood this clearly, and that was why he was betting his life. His fingers slowly dug deeper into his chest, the pain coursing through his body, yet he continued. "S-Stop! Please stop!" Maelona shouted, her voice filled with pain. She had given her life to save Aether, and yet he was killing himself. Aether was just about to reach his inner organs when, !~Ding~! Chapter 262: Your Hands! !~Ding~! [Always fierce ~ahh~?? I absolutely adore that fierce part of you ~Darling~. Of course, It''s one of the many things I love about you~?? Especially that cute Elephant~??] [Anyhow~ This situation is a bit moreplicated than it seems. She sacrificed everything, and I am bound by thews that #######... Ahem... Anyway, I wish I could help.... but my hands are tied, Darling~ Sorry??] Aether gritted his teeth, frustration boiling within him. No matter what, he could not allow others to die for his sake!! The weight of the burden he wasn''t ready to carry it! "What the--" he began to voice his confusion but was interrupted... !~Ding~! [But... not your hands??. Think carefully, and you will find the answer you seek... Everything you need is within your reach. Look ahead and see the path before you] [You are not like the others!You are the first and thest #####... I will always be there for you~??] Aether suddenly felt his right hand being gently intertwined by an unseen force. A soothing, almost magical sensation washed over him, calming his racing thoughts and giving him the rity he desperately needed. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and let his mind focus... Maelona, almost transparent, with weak and heavy eyes, stared at Aether who had suddenly calmed down. Relief washed over her as she saw him finding calm again. But the sight of his bloody chest made her heart ache with deep, profound sorrow. Weakly, she moved her trembling hand to wipe the blood, but Aether caught her hand gently. His eyes were as calm as the sea as if his inner turmoil had finally settled. "Activate... Eternal Seal," Aether mumbled, the tattoo on his chest flickering with a bright white light. Maelona was bewildered, ''What is he talking about?'' she wondered !~Ding~! [Target?] "Maelona Zephyr," Aether responded, his voice steady and filled with resolve. Immediately, a screen appeared before Maelona''s eyes. She was taken aback by the sudden disy. "W-What''s this?" she murmured, her voice filled with confusion and a tinge of fear as she read the words... [Warning: You are entering the Eternal Seal Bond, which means you cannot break this even if you die... Your soul will always be bonded with Aether Forever to Eternity] [Warning: Are you willing to proceed?] "A-Aether?" Maelona, with her weak body, couldn''tprehend what was happening. Aether gulped, his hands gently cupping her cheeks, "I am sorry, Mother-inw... but this is the only way to keep you with us. Please ept it, not for me, but for your daughter. She will be devastated if you are gone. Please... Aria needs her mother too!" His voice was earnest, pleading, filled with a desperate hope that she would understand without questioning him too much. Why the Eternal Seal? Because of its limitations! [Limitations: The Eternal Seal is unbreakable once formed and cannot be dissolved by any means, not even by Arcane/Mother root/######## themselves.] Those words clearly indicated that not even those entities could intervene. Initially, he hadn''t thought much of it, but now he understood the gravity of the situation... His Log above the Laws!!! Now, once she epted it, her soul would be eternally tied to his, breaking the very Law of Nature! Maelona''s eyes turned teary. She knew her daughter would be heartbroken. She once again looked at the words, remembering Aria saying, "He is different, Mother! He will make the impossible possible. Just like him!!" The memory gave her strength and a glimmer of hope. Maelona sighed, feeling a mix of doubt and hope. She looked into Aether''s resolute eyes and nodded, "Y-Yes," her voice raspy and weak. [Where do you want the Eternal Seal?] "Well... Left Palm?" she said, her expression puzzled. She wasn''t sure what to expect but trusted Aetherpletely. [Initiating Eternal Seal] [Error!!!] [Initiating Eternal Seal] [Error!!!] [Initiating Eternal Seal] [Error!!!] ..... ... Aether''s face turned to dread, ''Is this wrong?'' he wondered, feeling a sense of panic rise within him as nothing seemed to happen. Maelona, trying to muster the strength to reassure him and offer somefort, was about to speak when suddenly, "Hmmfff!" Aether sealed her lips with his own. Maelona''s eyes widened in shock and surprise. Her body tensed as she instinctively tried to push him away with her feeble, trembling arms. But then, Sssssshhhhh She felt something ethereal and strange entering her mouth, an almost otherworldly substance that slowly travelled down her throat and into her insides..... Her mind turned hot and nk as the sensation overwhelmed her senses. [Initiating Eternal Seal] "Arrrrhhh!!" Maelona clutched her left hand tightly, her body trembling and groaning in excruciating pain. It felt as though something was scratching not just on her hand but deep within.... her very soul. Aether pulled away and looked at her, his heart pounding in his chest. He watched in both awe and horror as her once-transparent body slowly began to solidify and return to a more tangible state. "Arrrrrrhhhhhhhhhhh!!" She screamed in agony, unable to endure the searing, soul-wrenching pain of her essence being forcibly pieced together again. The sheer intensity of it was unlike anything she had ever experienced. Seeing her fragile body writhing in such torment, Aether''s eyes filled with a deep sense of guilt and sorrow. He gently hugged her. "Aarrrrrrrrrrrrhhhhhhhhhhhh!!" Maelona clung to Aether, her fingers digging into his back as she trembled with pain. Never in her life had she felt such intense agony. "-ha-ha-ha" After what felt like an eternity of crying out, her body began to stabilize, though it remained as thin and gaunt as a mummy. She was no longer transparent; her form was now fully visible. Her body bore the marks of invisible chains, faint but visible to Aether as they slowly faded away. Maelona felt a flood of unexinable emotions surging into her, a confusing mix of fear, relief, and a strange new energy she couldn''tprehend. !~Ding~! [Survival Rate: 32%] Aether''s survival rate had dropped by 5%, but he didn''t care. As long as Maelona was alive, that was all that mattered. Breathing heavily, Maelona looked at Aether with a shocked expression, ''H-he really did it...'' she thought, her mind racing with disbelief, awe, and a growing sense of gratitude. Yet, she noticed something was still wrong. "Your body is not returning to normal?" Aether frowned, his hand trembling as he touched her weak, skeletal frame. Despite the restoration, she was still as frail as a dying mummy. Maelona also felt her body weakening further, as if something was devouring her from the inside out. Desperately, she called her log and showed it to Aether, her vision blurred and unsteady: Name: Maelona Zephyr Sex: Female Race: Moon Elf [-] Level: 0 Title: The Last Moon Elf, Mother of Aria Zephyr, Temporary Ruler of High Elf Tribe, A Sacrificial Pawn, Bound to Aether, Decaying. Attributes: Strength: 0 Agility: 0 Intelligence: 0 Magic Affinity: 0 Charm: 0 Aether''s eyes widened in horror when he saw the word ''Decaying.'' "W-What is it?" Maelona asked, her voice barely more than a whisper, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and confusion. Her body was growing weaker by the second, feeling as though it was on the brink of copse, yet she was unable to fully expire. "..." Aether bit his lip, trying to suppress the panic rising within him. He understood that he had only managed to sustain her soul, but what about her powers, her levels, her bloodline, and.... her physical body? ''C-Come on!'' he screamed inwardly, his mind racing furiously for a solution. ''Everything you need is within your reach,'' he remembered the cryptic words, clinging to them like a lifeline. He clenched his fist, feeling a surge of desperation and determination. ''Come on, Arcane... I don''t know what to do...'' His thoughts trailed off as he looked at his hand, blinking several times in realization. "My hands?" He frowned, gulping as his eyes slowly travelled down to his crotch, clearly visible. ''D-Don''t tell m...e,'' he thought, a look of horror crossing his face as the realization dawned on him. But then, seeing Maelona''s body continuing to decay, he sighed deeply and said, "Give me a... minute or two.." before quickly heading to the bathroom. "??" Maelona tilted her head. Chapter 263: Nightmares...? Maelona, with her weak, tired eyes, stared at her left palm where a newly formed tattoo itched incessantly. She wasn''t entirely sure what had just transpired, but seeing Aether wield such extraordinary powers, powers that could hold her very soul back from the brink of oblivion, she understood just how unique and special her daughter''s chosen partner was. Witnessing Aether''s unwavering concern and dedication to her well-being filled her heart with an inexplicable sense of happiness and gratitude. [+500 AP] Her gaze drifted downward to her frail, skeletal frame, her body resembling that of a mummy. She waspletely naked! No Mother-inw wanted to show their body to their son-inw! She wanted to cover herself, but even the thought of moving her hand was exhausting and filled her with a sense of helplessness, ''I suppose it''s something inevitable then...'' she mused, resigning herself to her current state. Despite her physical frailty, she felt a warm swell of emotion as she considered Aether''s relentless efforts to save her. It was enough to understand the depth of his love for Aria. This realization made her both incredibly happy and profoundly sad..... She had never experienced this kind of love from her own husband. In truth, she wouldn''t have minded if her husband had had an affair, but as a woman, she too had yearned for a small measure of love that she never received. Unlike her, her daughter had been fortunate to receive love from both her parents and was now experiencing the deep, genuine love of her future husband. Maelona felt a deep sense of happiness for her daughter.... She had once worried that Aria might end up like her, but her daughter had found her happiness. Thousands of years spent in solitude and one-sided love had left Maelona feeling pitiable. "Lonely love..." she murmured in her raspy voice, the words carrying the weight of her long, sorrowful existence. The way Aether had looked at her at that time was not with pity, but with a deep understanding and empathy that almost brought her to tears. An old woman crying in front of a young man, she felt pathetic, yet relieved that someone finally understood her burden and her unrequited love. If there was to be a next life, she wished to be reborn as her daughter''s child, to experience the love and warmth of a family firsthand. ''W-What am I even thinking...'' she thought, an awkward smile forming on her lips. Just then, Aether arrived with a hurried expression, holding a small bottle in his hand. ''Time is running out!'' Aether thought frantically as he saw her body on the verge of copse. "Open your mouth," Aether instructed gently, lifting her head and cing it carefully on hisp. "Wwffhhh," Maelona tried to speak but found herself too weak. Aether''s lips trembled as he slowly parted her mouth and carefully poured the bottle''s contents into it. ''Gulp'' Aether gently rubbed her chest as she slowly swallowed the sticky, viscous fluid. After emptying the bottle, Aether''s face turned pale with worry when nothing seemed to happen immediately. ''So it''s not?'' he thought in despair, but then, "Grrrrrrr" A low, growling sound emanated from Maelona''s stomach. Suddenly, her mummy-like body began to rejuvenate, as if time itself were reversing. "Ha... haha..." Aether let out a joyousugh, tears welling up in his eyes as he watched her body slowly returning to a healthier state. Maelona gently opened her eyes, feeling her body bing healthier and more vibrant. Her once dried and cracked lips turned soft and supple as she asked, "W-What is happening?" She was beyond shocked. She knew she had given up everything, and yet... "T-Thank--" Before she could finish her sentence, Aether ced his finger on her lips and said, "Thank you for giving everything for me!" [+600 AP] Maelona blinked for a moment, then smiled and nodded her head in understanding... She should ept this geninue emotions! Then they looked at her log: Name: Maelona Zephyr Sex: Female Race: Moon Elf [-] Level: 0 Title: The Last Moon Elf, Mother of Aria Zephyr, Temporary Ruler of High Elf Tribe, A Sacrificial Pawn, Bound to Aether, Decaying [Halted]. Attributes: Strength: 0 Agility: 0 Intelligence: 0 Magic Affinity: 0 Charm: 0 "Halted... ah," they both mumbled in unison, realizing that this was not a permanent solution. "Anyhow, we have been able to stop it for now," Aether said thoughtfully. Though his efforts had stabilized her, it was clear that this was only a temporary reprieve. Aether chuckled softly to himself, his thoughts a mix of amusement and relief amidst the tense atmosphere. ''Looks like I need to increase my ''pee pee'' powers'' he mused inwardly. Maelona, her curiosity now piqued to its peak, leaned closer towards Aether. "What exactly did you give me?" she inquired, her interest growing stronger by the moment. She could sense something from him.... happiness and reliefthat spoke volumes about his feelings. Clearing his throat awkwardly, Aether adopted a serious expression. "It''s called Yang Energy," he replied, if cultivation novel spouts that bullshit then he could do so!! "Yang? What does that mean?" Maelona furrowed her brow, feeling an unexpected sensation stirring within her. With a slight cough, Aether maintained hisposure. "That''s a secret I can''t reveal!" he dered with a hint of yfulness, ready to leave. However, before he could make his exit, Maelona caught his hand in hers. "But then, what is this sensation I''m feeling?" Maelona pressed, her curiosity unabated. She couldn''t ignore the strange yet intriguing feelings coursing through her body. Now that the immediate crisis had passed, Aether''s mind returned to its usual state, though his gaze involuntarily drifted to Maelona''s still-recovering body... Maelona''s eyes widened as she felt an unexpected surge of arousal. ncing down, she realized she was still naked. Blushing deeply, she quickly covered herself with a bedsheet, her face glowing with embarrassment. [+600 AP] Sheposed herself quickly, refusing to react like a young girl.She was way too old for that. Aether, amused by her dignified reaction, smiled warmly and kissed her forehead tenderly. "Rest for now. Your body still needs time to fully recover," he advised gently. Maelona nodded silently, feeling too flustered to speak further. As shey there, the embarrassment still lingering, Maelona couldn''t help but wonder how she would face Kaelith after this. Her eyes grew heavy with sleepiness, and soon she drifted off into a peaceful slumber. Aether watched over her for a moment longer, ensuring she wasfortable, before quietly leaving the room. "Oh, you''re healed!" Liora eximed with surprise as she saw Aether emerge. [+4000 AP] Aether blinked, momentarily taken aback. "What are you doing here?" he asked, his confusion evident. "Really? How rude!" Liora replied with a hint of displeasure. She had expected a more appreciative response from Aether after saving him. "Of course, I''m the one who saved you guys!" she added, her tone slightly defensive. Aether''s eyes widened in realization, his concern shifting immediately to Aria, "Where is Aria?" he asked urgently. Clicking her tongue in annoyance, Liora pointed towards the adjoining room. "She suddenly fainted, so Iid her down there," she exined, her irritation evident. Her words were true, Aria had copsed from sheer exhaustion.... while they were in the middle of heated talk! Without hesitation, Aether hurried into the room and found Aria lying pale and exhausted, her brow furrowed in difort. "Aria?" Upon hearing his voice, Aria stirred awake, her eyes widening in relief and recognition. "A-Aether?" "Yes," Aether confirmed softly, his heart clenching at the sight of her distress. Aria immediately threw her arms around him, tears streaming down her cheeks. "M-My mom... she''s gone! She''s left us, Aether!" she sobbed uncontrobly. Aether blinked in confusion then, his voice gentle yet firm. "Your mother is safe, Aria." "..." Aria stooped crying and blinked in confusion. Aether smiled reassuringly, brushing a tear from her cheek, "It was just a bad dream. Your mother is fine; she''s resting peacefully, waiting for her daughter," he assured her. Chapter 264: Make me fall for you! "Mom..." Aria mumbled softly as she clung to her mother, seeking thefort and warmth of her embrace. The nightmare almost made her lose her mind so Aria needed the sce of her mother''s presence. She decided to sleep beside her mother who was also resting. Aether and Liora watched the mother and daughter duo with fond smiles before quietly exiting the room, leaving them to their well-deserved rest. "What did she exchange?" Liora asked, her curiosity piqued. She wondered what sacrifice Maelona had made to save Aether. "Everything..." Aether replied softly, his voice filled with admiration and respect. The depth of a mother''s love, willing to sacrifice everything for her daughter''s happiness, was a sentiment that deeply resonated with him.... He felt a profound respect for Maelona''s selflessness! "Everything?" Liora echoed, her eyes widening in surprise and shock. She looked at Aether with even keener interest, her curiosity intensifying. [+4000 AP] Aether stopped in his tracks and turned to face Liora, his expression serious. "What?" she asked, sensing he had something important to say. "Thank you," he said, bowing slightly in a gesture of genuine gratitude. "W-What are you--" "If you just wanted me, you could have saved only me. Yet, you not only saved me but also Aria. Truly, thank you," Aether said sincerely, lifting his head to meet her colourful eyes. "W-Well..." Liora shrugged awkwardly, not used to such heartfelt expressions of gratitude. Aether smiled but then frowned, a question forming in his mind. "How did you find me?" Liora''s eyes sparkled as she exined, "Since you left without saying anything, I decided to track you down and....Well, kidnap you if necessary." Aether blinked, taken aback by her straightforwardness. He gulped, looking at her with a mixture of amusement and disbelief. ''She is way too straightforward...'' he thought. Seeing that he wasn''t angry, Liora continued, "I marked you with my scent. I used my sense of smell to follow you." "Marked?" Aether frowned.She pointed to his lips, recalling the kiss they had shared. "I see..." he nodded in understanding. Then, looking directly into her eyes, he asked, "How do I repay this debt?" Liora smiled, appreciating his directness. Her tribe valued straightforwardness and honesty. She ced a hand on his crotch, her lips curling into a seductive smile, "You know what I want, right?" Aether didn''t flinch or get flustered by her bold touch. He knew she was driven by physical desire rather than any emotional connection. He also knew that yielding to his impulses could lead to his downfall..... just like her ex-husband. He needed a different approach for this fierce, barbarian woman! Liora, expecting him to pounce on her, was surprised when he looked into her multicoloured eyes and whispered, "You are incredibly hot, Liora~" [+4000 AP] Her tail stiffened at his words. His lips hovered close to hers as he gazed into her eyes with a mixture of love and danger. "There is no man in this world who could ignore a beauty like you..." Liora smirked, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and pulling him closer. "Then what are you waiting for? Ravage me~" she whispered, rubbing her body sensually against him. The heat between them was palpable. "Ravage you? Come on, woman, you underestimate me..." Aether said, grabbing her busty ass with firm hands. [+4000 AP] "Ah~" Liora''s eyes flickered dangerously. "I am not a man who would sleep with just any woman," Aether said with a serious expression. "Even though I saved you and your beloved?" Liora asked with an amused face, feeling his hands fondling her ass without hesitation. His words and actions seemed to contradict each other. Aether chuckled softly, "If you want me to repay you like this, sure, I will do it." Liora''s face lit up with happiness, but then he continued, "However, it would be only one time. I will never touch you again after that. Are you fine with that?" Aether asked with a smirk. A one-night stand should be one night, nothing more! Liora frowned, her expression thoughtful. A hint of hesitation flickered in her eyes, enough for Aether to understand she wanted more than a fleeting one night. He sighed inwardly, realizing there was an opportunity to enter emotionally to her. Emotionally? Why? Because her affection is stuck, she needs something more than physical stimtion. Before she could think too much, Aether leaned in and gently whispered, "Liora~," his eyes turning possessive. "!!" "Y-Yes?" she stammered, taken aback by his sudden change in demeanour. "You know I really love my Aria, so..." "It''s fine, you don''t need to love me," Liora interrupted. She wasn''t particrly interested in love, or so she thought.... Aether''s face suddenly turned pitiful. "Then it''s a pity... Even though you are beautiful and cute, I''m disappointed, truly disappointed." "What do you mean?" Liora frowned, though she secretly liked being called cute. Shouldn''t he be happy about gettingid with a beauty like her? She was pretty sure even ric sometimes looked at her lustfully. "I mean... You can fuck me," Aether said bluntly, adding, "I won''t move an inch. You can just take it out and you know the rest, right?" He motioned with his hand, his tone almost dismissive. "Aether..." Liora frowned deeper, her hands tightening over his neck. She didn''t like the way he was speaking. It felt wrong, cheap, and far beneath what she truly desired. "What? It''s not like you want my love, right?" Aether grinned and added, "Unlike Aria, who fought for her love... Compared to her, you look pale..... very pale, To be honest! I think I would never fall in love with a woman like you... Anyhow, let''s fuck." He leaned in to kiss her, his expression one of forcedpliance, his eyes showing disdain. Seeing his repulsed expression, Liora pushed him away. "I will be leaving," she dered, turning to leave. She was annoyed and on the verge of losing her temper, deciding it was better to walk away than to let her anger take over. Aether smirked before catching her arm, "Are you angry?" ".... I am not," Liora said. Why she would be angry? It''s not like she was angry being getting rejected for the first time! Of course Not! It should be him who lost his chance to be with her! ''Yeap, she is angry'' Aether thought which was good and then with a smirk he said, "Liora Darkfang... Make me fall for you." This statement would confuse most, as typically the man should make the woman fall for him... However, Aether knew if he pursued her aggressively, he might end up like Liora''s ex-husband. She had pride, was straightforward, and disliked weak-minded people..... To keep her interested, Aether needed to present a challenge, she needed to be checked otherwise his heart would be the next to leave his body. The fish was already on the hook; all he needed to do was reel it in before it managed to pull him under! "Huh?" "I''m not a man who sleeps with any woman. Make me fall for you, and You will achieve what you wa... No, I will give you everything you want," Aether said, pulling her into his embrace and kissing her lips gently. "~Hmm~" [+4000 AP] Liora''s eyes widened in surprise, she asked back "Why would I do that? most importantly, I thought you were disappointed?" Aether smirked, rubbing his nose against hers, "Yes, I am disappointed that a fierce andpetitive woman didn''t dare to fight for what she wanted." He gently rubbed her lips. "Liora~ You are a woman who loves to fight. Shouldn''t you fight for love and affection? Where is that fierce woman I saw that day? Was it all a dream?" [+4000 AP] [+4000 AP] Liora was surprised, realizing he wanted to see the fiery woman many feared. Her tail slowly wagged as she processed his words. Liora found herself unable to understand the whirlwind of emotions swirling within her. Aether, noticing the effect he was having on her, smirked inwardly. He knew he had to use this moment, to paint his influence over her. With a voice low and dripping with promise, he leaned in closer, "The moment you make me fall for you, Liora... I will shower you with a love you have never experienced before," he whispered, his dark eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. "You will suffocate in my love, drowning in the depths of my affection~" [+4000 AP] ''Gulp'' Liora gulped, the sound audible in the charged silence between them. Her body and core trembled as she stared into his possessive, yet strangely tender eyes. Her heart pounded in her chest, the rhythm echoing in her ears. ''Ba-dump, ba-dump,'' her heartbeat quickened, each beat louder than thest. For the first time in her life, Liora felt a mix of shock and...fear. Her cheeks turned a bright shade of red, a colour that was foreign to her usuallyposed demeanour. She tried to maintain her fierce exterior, but Aether''s next words shattered herst bit of resolve. "Liora is blushing~ How cute," Aether teased, his smirk widening into a triumphant grin. [+4000 AP] [+4000 AP] [+4000 AP] Liora''s eyes widened in mortification. Without another word, she spun on her heel and bolted, her tail literally between her legs.... Literally! Aether burst intoughter, the sound echoing down the corridor, "Hahaha...," he chuckled, watching her retreat. He smirked, ''Looks like she''s not that hard to crack after all,'' he thought to himself. But then, his expression grew serious as he remembered something crucial. "Oh, wait! I need to ask you something important!" he called out, his tone urgent. Chapter 265: Death is still scary! "Where have you been?" Maelona asked, her voice carrying a mix of curiosity and mild annoyance as she saw Aether entering the dining hall after being absent for most of the day. "Hmm?" Aether''s surprise was evident as he noticed Maelona eating alone, "Mother-inw, are you eating by yourself?" he asked, his concern quickly recing his curiosity, "Are you alright?" he added, hurrying to her side with a look of worry etched on his face. Maelona blinked, feeling a warm rush of emotion at his genuine concern. She nced at her palm where the tattoo itched, sensing the bond between them. Shaking her head, she smiled yfully, "Ara~ Are you worried about your mother-inw~?" she teased, trying to lighten the mood. Seeing her actions, Aether gently smiled and said, "Yes, I am." His sincere response startled Maelona for a second, calming herself, She motioned for him to sit and eat with her. "Hmm?" As Aether took his first bite, his eyes widened in delight. The dish was unlike anything he had tasted in this ce, bursting with vour and warmth. "This is amazing," he eximed between bites. "It''s my cooking. How is it?" Maelona asked, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. Aether swallowed the delicious food and gave her a thumbs up, saying, "My mother-inw is the best cook I''ve ever met!" [+600 AP] Maelona chuckled softly, her grin widening. "Of course, I am the best!" Aether, noticing her slightly different actions, asked, "Where is Aria?" "She is currently resting. Her body still hasn''t healed properly," Malone exined. Before Aether could inquire further, she added, "But don''t worry, she already ate some of my food." Aether blinked, then nodded, continuing to eat with gusto, "Your cooking is incredible" he said between bites as if he were eating grandma''s food that was filled with love! Maelona watched him silently, her heart warming at the sight of him enjoying her cooking. ''He sure likes my food,'' she thought, her eyes drifting to his lips. Her cheeks turned slightly red, and she quickly looked away, embarrassed by her thoughts. [+700 AP] Aether flinched slightly and blinked before noticing Maelona''s blush. He shook his head with a wry smile, thinking, ''Let''s hope nothing happens.'' After finishing the meal, Maelona stood up to wash the dishes. "Hmm? What about the maids?" Aether asked, frowning. He was used to seeing the maids handle such tasks. Maelona shrugged, "Since I cooked after a long time, I wanted to do the dishes myself," she said, turning to the sink. Aether frowned as he watched her, his eyes trailing over her back... ahem, He was looking at her healthy figure. That''s all!! He sighed inwardly, ''I suppose death is still scary...'' He walked towards her and slowly wrapped his arms around her from behind. "H-Huh?" Maelona was surprised but didn''t push him away. She knew he meant no harm. Aether tightened his embrace and whispered gently in her ear, "I am here, Maelona... I won''t let you die... I promise." Tkkk The te in her hand fell to the floor. Maelona''s eyes widened, brimming with tears. Of course, any sane person would act differently after seeing their own death, especially when it seemed inevitable. She was still hanging on the edge of life and death, her emotions in turmoil. So, of course, she acted differently... and Aether understood. He had been in that situation himself. "I... I... I don''t know wh--" "Sssh," Aether interrupted, cing his fingers gently on her lips. His expression was solemn, filled with unwavering determination, "No need to think about anything. I will take care of everything... Believe me!" Maelona''s heart calmed a bit, even though she was still in turmoil. His resolute expression was enough to offer her a fragile sense of security. She gently wrapped her hands around him and mumbled, "L-Let''s stay like this... just for a while longer." "Hah... Of course, anything for my beloved mother-inw," Aetherughed softly, hugging her tightly and drawingfort from the embrace. [+700 AP] After a minute or so, Maelona looked up at his handsome face, her thoughts drifting. A thought crossed her mind, one that she couldn''t keep to herself. /My daughter found a wonderful man/ The telepathic message echoed in Aether''s mind, causing his eyes to widen in surprise. She was using telepathy, which means.... His face turned awkward as he realized this was inevitable. He responded telepathically, /Aria told you everything?/ /Yes/ Maelona replied, confirming she had a small talk with her daughter after she woke up. /Everything?/ /....Yes/ Aether''s expression turned amused before he asked, "Then, are you fine with a ve like me?" "...." Maelona didn''t answer immediately, just stared at him, her eyes searching his. "???" Aether tilted his head in confusion. Maelona slowly parted her lips and said gently, "My son-inw... not a ve." Those words were enough for Aether to understand. He shook his head, recalling the simr response he got from Liora, though Liora had put it more bluntly, saying, "My future husband... not a ve!" Aether was initially surprised by their eptance. He never expected both Liora and Maelona to ept him, especially considering Maelona, who was prim and proper and followed the rules strictly. Aether tightly hugged her and whispered, "Thank you. It means more than you know." "Hmm..." Maelona nodded, her eyes softening. She was about to joke about incidents she heard from her daughter how he tried to help Aria during their encounter but almost hurt her.... But then, "Arh!" Maelona groaned in pain as her eyes turned blood red, and her face slowly started to decay. "Looks like the effect is wearing off," Aether mumbled, checking her face with a concerned expression. ''So the small bottlests for 12 to 14 hours,'' he thought before taking out another bottle, slightly bigger than before. "This bab-- ahem, I mean, this Yang Energy is double the amount, so let''s see how much longer it will work," Aether said as he gently cupped her cheeks and carefully poured the liquid into her mouth, rubbing her chest to help her swallow. [+700 AP] Maelona blushed, feeling like he was treating her like a child. After drinking the liquid, she licked her lips. "Hmm... It tastes surprisingly sweet for medicine," she mumbled thoughtfully. Her red eyes gradually returned to their natural green, and her body once again regained its healthy appearance. Aether awkwardly smiled at her words. As much as Maelona wanted to live, she was also a traditional woman who respected her rules and the bond with her husband. She would never allow such things to happen easily. So, Aether needed to lie. "If you don''t mind, could you tell me what this medicine is?" Maelona asked curiously. She wanted to know, and if the recipe were easy, she wouldn''t need to burden Aether. "W-Well..." Aether''s face turned awkward. "It''s fine if you don''t want to" Aether interrupted, "It''s something that only I can make... with my own hands," he exined, showing her his hands. Maelona nodded, understanding that Aether was different, just like her daughter had told her. She had witnessed it herself.... Hell, she was the living witness to his actions! Maelona gently caught his hands and slowly massaged them tenderly, "Thank you for your hard work, Aether. I can''t express how grateful I am." "..." Aether had an unexinable expression. He felt both sad and guilty. ''Tsk, what''s the point of feeling guilty every time?'' he cursed himself before grabbing Maelona''s hand and saying seriously, "We need to talk. There are some things you need to know." Though Maelona was taken aback, she nodded, seeing his serious face. "Alright, Aether. I''m listening." "I want you to..." Chapter 266: Alaric Fucked up! "Okay... I understand. I will talk to him," Maelona said with a frown, her face reflecting a mix of concern andprehension after hearing what Aether had asked of her. "Good," Aether responded, nodding with a reassuring smile. Still holding onto Aether, Maelona felt a strange sensation wash over her as she saw his smile..... It made her uneasy, causing her to flinch suddenly. She hurriedly stepped back from him, clearing her throat to regain herposure. "Ahem, I-I will be leaving then..." Just as she was about to turn and leave, Aether''s voice took on a stern tone, "Make sure to contact me as soon as you feel weak or tired." [+700 AP] Maelona blinked in surprise, feeling a wave of emotions she hadn''t expected. No, It wasn''t just a surprise.... rather, she felt cared for in a way that was unfamiliar. It was like the way parents warn their children to be cautious and take care of themselves. That was the kind of emotion she received from Aether. Her lips twitched into a slight smile. "Ara~ Are you my mother?" she asked, her voice tinged with both annoyance and amusement, trying to mask the deeper feelings that were stirred within her. "Well, I don''t mind, but I prefer ''Daddy,'' though," he said with a yful grin, his voice carrying an edge of amusement. His thoughts drifted into uncharted territory... At that moment, a new desire took shape in his mind... He wanted Selene to call him ''Daddy''... He pictured her, eyes glistening with unshed tears, her voice soft and trembling as she asked, "Am I being such a good girl for you, Daddy?" The vision was intoxicating. She was positioned just as he desired, her butt reddened from his firm, assertive hand. The scene stirred something deep within him; his member twitched and hardened!! Aria? He mused over the idea but quickly dismissed it. Aria had alwayse across as the nurturing, maternal type, and he couldn''t quite see her fitting into that particr fantasy. Selene, on the other hand, was a perfect match for the scenario and most of all she was a Younger one! ''Hehe'' Aether chuckled inwardly, a dangerous smile curling at the corners of his lips. But then he facepalmed himself, ''What the hell is wrong with me!'' he mentally screamed, feeling a wave of embarrassment. Meanwhile, at the Academy, Selene flinched as she scanned her surroundings, a mixture of fear and..... excitement? coursing through her. Her heart raced as she struggled to understand the unfamiliar feelings surging within her. ''W-What is this feeling?'' she wondered, swallowing nervously. Shaking off her disconcerting thoughts, she shouted before barging in, "Let''s sleep together, Helena!" "NNNNOOOO..." Something Amusing happening in the Academy. Anyhow, Maelona, who was still nearby, observed Aether''s subtle, lustful expression. Her face turned a deep crimson as shepletely misunderstood the situation. With a look of shock and disgust, she shouted, "I never expected my son-inw to act like this" before quickly turning on her heel and walking away in haste. "H-Huh? What...?" Aether was left bewildered and taken aback by her reaction. [+800 AP] Aether''s face was a portrait of confusion, his expression clearly reflecting a ''What the fuck?''. .. .... "Aria?" Aether tenderly called as he sat beside her sleeping body, his voice a gentle whisper that barely disturbed the stillness of the night. "Hmmm..." Aria murmured in response, her body instinctively shifting to find a morefortable position. "Haha..." Aether chuckled quietly, the sound almost inaudible. He leaned down, nting a tender kiss on her forehead. Reluctantly, he stood and moved towards the window, his gaze shifting to the moonlit scenery outside. Thendscape was bathed in silver light, trees casting long shadows that danced in the gentle breeze. However instead of enjoying this, His face, serene yet emotionless, reflected the turmoil within his heart. To be honest, it was just not Maelona who was terrified of death... but he, too, had been paralyzed by the fear of hell when he had brushed against the brink of death. Despite his calm exterior... In the end, he was also a sane person. The only reason he hadn''t sumbed to madness was Maelona''s sudden and selfless sacrifice. Her actions had jolted him, made him forget his own pain, if only for a moment. His mind then turned to Liora, He was almost always preupied with something, his mind never resting. Taking a deep breath, he nced at his mission tab. The fact that it wasn''t blinking provided some sce; it meant Helena was safe... for now. Thank goodness he had contacted Selene and Celestia to keep an eye on Helena. This realization made him ponder, ''So, I''m not really necessary to save the targets... ah,'' he thought. But he quickly shook off the thought. The word ''Save'' was still visible, indicating that Helena was currently in danger, though not deadly! His eyes then slowly fell on the..... survival rate. He still couldn''t get what it truly fucking meant. At times, it seemed to reflect his own life.... but more often than not, it felt like a random number fucking generator! Even when he had faced death, his survival rate hadn''t decreased! Yet, when he saved Maelona, his survival rate plummeted drastically! For what? Was Maelona going to kill him? Hell no! There was no way she would do anything after sacrificing everything for him! Then what? "The fuck if I know..." he mumbled, his face contorted in annoyance. The unpredictability of it all gnawed at him, a constant irritant that he couldn''t shake off. It wasn''t just about his survival rate... his affection points were also a source of growing confusion, a tangled web of emotions that made no sense. ''Ah, let''s not get into that shit... it''s even weirder,'' he thought, recalling Celestia''s situation and... ke''s second wife or whoever she was. "Anyhow..." Aether shook his head, trying to clear his mind. Thinking about everything almost drove him insane. His eyes suddenly turned cold as ice. "ric..." he mumbled, the name leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. To think ric woulde after him personally... No, he had kind of expected that. But he hadn''t anticipated ricing after him directly, unlike traditional viins who sent their minions to do their dirty work. What was more disturbing was that ric had targeted Aria..... His eyes darkened as he remembered how Aria had begged for his life, a memory that haunted him. No man would want to see their beloved beg!! Aether looked at his palm, where a small, very minute 1mm dark ck sphere appeared. This was the technique he had read about in an ancient book.... the one that had caused ric''s forehand to vanish. Voidus Atrium That''s what it was called in the old book. However, in Aether''s terms, it was just an extremely high gravitational pull or, more simply, a ck hole. What Aether did was use arcane energy as a catalyst to pull elements at a hyper rate. A very hyper rate, to the point where everything around them started to copse, much like matter, causing a bend in time and space. The sheer power of it was both exhrating and terrifying. To be honest, Aether wasn''t very proficient with it. He had managed to use it because of his high level of arcane energy control. Otherwise, no one at his level would have been able to pull off such a stunt. The effort required was immense control and Arcane energy! He had only used it at that moment because he knew he was no match for ric. ric, with his 1000 years of experience and power, was far beyond Aether''s reach. This disparity was both frustrating and... Exciting? "Hehe..." Aether let out an uncanny smile as he shot the ck sphere into the sky, causing the once clear night to turn cloudy. "You shouldn''t have done that, ric... Tsk, Tsk, What a pity....Heh.... I''m really pissed off now... Hehe... Let''s hope you won''t regret this..." His eyes werepletely shrouded in darkness. ric had everything: power, life, money... an empire. But what would happen if he lost everything? Would he feel despair? ric had lost his wife, so of course, he had felt despair... no, more like he lost his toy! So, ric was yet to feel despair! The image of Aria begging and in despair twisted Aether''s mind further... "Hehe..." Aether''s smile grew wider, more sinister... Just then, "Hmm?" Aria groaned as her eyelids fluttered open. She heard a small, uncannyugh and turned her eyes groggily to the side, seeing.... two blurry figures. "A-Aether?" Aria frowned, rubbing her eyes to clear her vision. Now she clearly and only saw Aether''s back as he slowly turned around. Aria smiled warmly, relief washing over her. But just then, THUNDER!!!! A lightning bolt struck, illuminating the room in a blinding sh. At that moment, Aria saw a ck feminine figure hovering beside Aether.... Its hands were wrapped around Aether''s neck, and even more terrifying... There was a huge white grin on its ck face, a grotesque mockery of a smile. "KKKYYYYYYAAAAAAAAA!!!!" Chapter 267 : We will take care of everything! The next morning, in a dimly lit, secluded chamber, Kaelith sat at therge oak table, his fingers tapping rhythmically on its worn surface. His eyes, sharp and probing, were fixed on Aether, who sat calmly across from him. "Don''t you think it''s quite... greedy of you?" Kaelith finally asked, his eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Aether, seeking any sign of hesitation. "Greedy?" Aria responded before Aether could speak, her voice steady yet defiant. "It''s not like no one has tried this before, Father." She sat beside Aether, her posture straight and unyielding. Kaelith sighed deeply, the weight of their words pressing down on him. He turned his weary gaze to Maelona, who sat on Aether''s other side. Her presence was a calming contrast to the tension in the room, "Do you really believe he can overthrow the Emperor?" he asked. Maelona smiled gently, "No, he can''t do it alone. That''s why he''s seeking your help," she replied softly. Kaelith rubbed his temples, feeling a headache forming. The fact that even Maelona was supporting Aether added ayer of seriousness to the situation he had not anticipated. "Sigh. It''s not just about me, Maelona. Do you realize that if word gets out about what we''re nning... our tribe will face dire consequences? Hell, we could all be hanged for treason!" Kaelith''s voice quivered with the fear of potential disaster. The boy he had once trusted was now pushing them all toward a perilous path. "It''s fine, Mr. Kaelith..." Aether leaned forward, his eyes zing with a strange intensity that sent a chill down Kaelith''s spine, "Why do you think ric is still the Emperor?" Kaelith frowned, puzzled by the question, "Because of his wisdom and knowledge in scrip" "Because he''s the Arcane King," Aether interrupted, "Or at least, he was." Kaelith blinked, "Yes, initially it was because of the Arcane King title, but heter earned many des on his own." "So?" Aether shrugged dismissively, "What if ric has wisdom and knowledge? Anyone can acquire those with time and effort." Kaelith''s frown deepened as he turned to Maelona, seeking rity, "Has he manipted you too?" Maelona shook her head, her expression resolute, "Manipted? No. He''s opened my eyes." "Opened your eyes?" Kaelith echoed, bewildered, "To what?" "Yes," Maelona''s voice grew firmer, "Our tribe once ruled this entire empire until ric became the Arcane King. It''s time we reim what we lost... just like how the Wood Elf tribe used ric to elevate themselves." Kaelith finally grasped what Maelona was implying, but a sense of reluctance still gnawed at him. He was tired of conflicts and desired a peaceful life with his beloved. That''s why, even though Liora offered him the chance to be with his beloved in their territory without hiding their rtionship as her tribe epted anything.... only if he stayed away during the duel, he rejected the offer and chose to appear. He knew he could not allow his tribe to suffer because of his negligence. Sensing his hesitation, Maelona''s eyes shed with determination, "If we overthrow him, you could legally marry whomever you wish." She made a promise just like a politician who would do it at the right time! "!!!!" Kaelith''s eyes widened, shock rendering him speechless. He never imagined she would bring up such a deeply personal matter. "I see... not bad..." Kaelith muttered, contemting the possibilities. He didn''t fully understand his wife, but he knew one thing: she always kept her promises. Seeing a small, satisfied smile creep onto Kaelith''s face, Aether nodded approvingly. He extended his hands, and Maelona and Aria lightly pped his palms in a gesture of triumph. Clearing his throat, Kaelith spoke up. "Well, since you insist, I will support you." The trio grinned, their relief palpable. "But," Kaelith continued, his tone serious, "you don''t think you can overthrow the throne with just Aria, right? You''ll need the consent of other tribes and what''s more Darkfang has Arcane King, I am pretty that woman would do-----" Suddenly, Thud The heavy door swung open, and amanding voice rang out, "What would I do?" Liora asked, her expression haughty as she strode into the room with a regal air. "What the..." Kaelith frowned, confused by her sudden appearance and bold statement. He had not expected any other visitors, least of all Liora. Liora, ruffling her hair, stood confidently before Kaelith, "As the Elder of my tribe, I give my consent to overthrow ric''s rule." Kaelith blinked, utterly baffled. He shot a look at Aether, wondering, ''Did he bribe her?'' Liora nced at Aether, then at Aria, and finally at Maelona. Nodding slightly, she moved closer, pushing Maelona aside with a determined shove and seated herself beside Aether, wrapping her arms possessively around his. Maelona stared, her shock evident. Her surprise deepened as Liora, clinging to Aether, looked at Kaelith and said, "With my son as the Arcane King, we can rally the lower-ranked tribes to our side..." She began detailing the number of tribes under her influence and how their Elders could be bribed or coerced into submission. "W-Well..." Kaelith was slightly taken aback by her words, his thoughts racing. ''S-She''s still a ruthless woman...'' he thought, ncing at Aria, who was staring at him with void eyes. Kaelith flinched, at the sight of his daughter''s expression... he felt weird as he remembered his beloved who also showed this expression. Aether cleared his throat, drawing everyone''s attention back to him. "Anyhow, since we have the Darkfang tribe on our side, we now have two chosen ones who oppose the previous Arcane King''s rule. Just like how the Wood Elf tribe yed their card, it''s our turn now. I''m confident it will be a matter of time before we secure the support of the other tribe elders, right?" Both Kaelith and Liora, as elders of high-ranking tribes, had influence over several lower-ranked tribes. However, to sessfully overthrow ric, they needed unanimous consent from all the elders. "And you don''t need to worry about the other elders," Aether interjected, her voice steady. "My mother-inw and I will handle them." Kaelith rubbed his temples even more vigorously, feeling as though everything had already been decided without his input. He was just thest to know. ''Well, it''s not like I can me her...'' he thought, before frowning and asking, "What about her son? I mean, he''s the Arcane King, right? Won''t he backstab us and fight for the position?" Lioraughed, her voice echoing through the chamber. "Hahaha... Don''t worry, Kaelith. We will take care of it," she said, ncing at Aether with a knowing look. Maelona and Aria frowned, their expressions mirroring each other''s concern. Kaelith sighed heavily before standing up, "Okay, then... I''ll ask my friends," he said, turning to leave. Just as he reached the door, Maelona called him into another room, saying there was something important they needed to discuss. In a separate room, Maelona bowed her head deeply before speaking. "Please forgive me..." she said, handing him a document. It was a divorce paper. Kaelith took the document, his face unreadable. "So, it''se to this..." he mumbled. Maelona bit her lip, just about to exin when, "FINALLY!" Kaelith shouted, his voice filled with unexpected relief. He reached into his pouch and pulled out an old, weathered document, handing it to Maelona. Maelona took the old paper, her eyes widening as she realized it was another divorce paper.... dated a thousand years ago. Her face twisted in disgust, and before she could say anything, "The moment Aria was born, I decided to leave you," Kaelith said, his expression serious. "But I couldn''t because I loved my daughter. I didn''t want her to be sad, so I held onto this..." Maelona blinked a few times, the veins on her forehead bulging with anger. ''So there was no hope for me from the very beginning? Yet I kept thinking this fool would love me one day!'' Her anger was palpable and understandable. Seeing the pure, happy smile on Kaelith''s face, as if he had been liberated from a long-held burden, she couldn''t help but snap back, "Yeah, I also found a wonderful man who loves me, enjoys my cooking, and even whispers sweetly to me like I''ve never been held before. He even went to Hell to get me back!" Kaelith was surprised but then smiled genuinely. "Good for you, then!" he said, walking away with a spring in his step. Maelona stood there, mouth agape, unable to believe this jerk was so selfish!!!! But then she remembered what she had just said, her cheeks turned red with embarrassment. "What the hell!!" she shouted in shock. [+800 AP] Meanwhile, Aria nkly stared at Liora, who was sniffing Aether without hesitation. Her mind suddenly shed back to the events of the previous night... Chapter 268 : Lioras shyness! Last night, after the fearful scream, Aether tenderly took care of Aria, believing her exhaustion was the primary cause of her distress. They then engaged in a deep conversation about her mother''s precarious situation and Liora''s equally troubling circumstances. Ariaprehended that what Aether had aplished was nothing short of miraculous. She was profoundly grateful that her mother was still alive. Despite the fact that her mother''s soul was now irrevocably tied to Aether, Aria was immensely thankful. Without his intervention, she would have lost her mother forever, and that thought filled her with a mixture of relief and gratitude. Regarding Liora, Aether had revealed the truth... or at least a partial truth. He recounted how Liora had almost cornered him, attempting to leverage the situation to her advantage and nearly managing to mate with him. However, Aether, ever loyal to Aria, made a specificpromise: he would only be with Liora if she could genuinely make him fall for her. Thispromise left Aria feeling both relieved and powerless.... She knew from the very beginning that the woman was after Aether and she was really grateful that due to her keen sense for Aether, she saved them.... still, She felt utterly helpless in this situation! She knew Aether was trying his best to keep Liora on the bay so that their tribe would not cause any problems. Anyhow, Aria nced at Liora, who was attempting to bite Aether''s neck as if trying to mark him. Aria''s lips twitched in irritation before she dered, "Let me tell you this, no matter what happens, I will never let you have my husband!" Her expression was stern and cold, underscoring the seriousness of her words. Liora simply smiled in response and said, "We will see about that" The veins on Aria''s forehead bulged in anger. Sensing the escting tension, Aether decided to intervene. "So, did you get the coachman''s details?" he inquired, referring to the coachman who had driven them previously. "Yes, but it seems he''s a local who works for anyone as long as he gets paid. And the group that attacked you initially appears to be an old mercenary group that works for money... in every empire" Liora exined thoughtfully. Aria snorted, "Well, You are useful to my husband..." before Aria''s expression turned serious and cold as she replied, "Only two people knew that I had that particr item. One is Kai Frostde, and the other is" "No, the Princess wouldn''t do that," Aether interjected, his face grave. This made Aria twitch her lips in frustration as she responded, "Aether, I know she''s important to you, but she''s just as opportunistic as anyone else." Aether shook his head firmly, "I know the Princess better than you do, Aria. Yes, she might be cunning, but she would never harm me in the process and... never go back on her word" Aria clicked her tongue in annoyance. ''Looks like that viinous bitch brainwashed him perfectly'' she thought bitterly. Aether could sense what she was thinking but chose not to address it, wanting her to believe that there was indeed something more between him and Aqualina. "Then it leaves Kai" Liora mumbled under her breath. "No, it''s not him either," Aether stated with certainty. "Hmm?" Both Liora and Aria frowned, puzzled by Aether''s unwavering conviction. Aether chuckled softly before slowly wrapping his arms around their waists, pulling them closer, "Kai has a twisted sense of selfish justice. He wouldn''t do something like that" "But it" Aria began, but Aether interrupted, "He doesn''t have the brain to make such decisions....It must be either his father or his grandfather." Both Aria and Liora fell silent, processing his words. They might not know much about Kai and his family dynamics, but they understood that Aether was familiar with them, so his insights were likely urate. Suddenly, Thud Maelona burst into the room, her face etched with annoyance. "What happened, Mom?" Aria asked worriedly. Instead of responding directly, Maelona marched over to the trio, staring intensely at Liora before demanding, "Mind telling me why you''re fawning over my son-inw?" Liora, rather than answering the question, retorted, "Did he finally dump you?" Veins popped on Maelona''s forehead as she gritted her teeth and replied, "He didn''t dump me! I dumped him!" she dered with a mix of annoyance and satisfaction. Both Aria and Aether were taken aback before they started smiling, understanding that Maelona was finally starting to move on from her past. "Ahem." Maelona cleared her throat awkwardly before continuing, "A-Anyhow, move away," she said, attempting to push Liora away from Aether. But, "Nah!" Liora hugged Aether even tighter, whispering seductively, "He''s my hubby~" Both Aria and Maelona''s lips twitched in irritation as they tried to pull Aether away from Liora. "Let him go, Bitch!!!" "He''s my son-inw!" Meanwhile, Aether wasn''t sure whether to be happy or not but clearly enjoying the different softness. ''Hehe...'' ... After a long and exhausting fight, Aria found herself sitting on Aether''sp, while Maelona and Liora settled themselves on either side of him, each trying to im their space. "" "" "" The silence was thick, and everyone''s faces turned slightly red, embarrassed by their intimate positions in front of each other. Yet, none of them were willing to relinquish their spots. Aether sighed, breaking the ufortable silence. He leaned towards Aria and asked gently, "What are you going to do now?" Aria lowered her eyes, her heart heavy with the knowledge that her treasured item was lost. She felt a deep sense of loss and frustration. Maelona sighed deeply before saying, "If I''m being honest, I don''t think they will trade Aether for it. They secretly sent people to steal it, so I highly doubt they''d consider a trade, from the very beginning." "" Aria bit her lip, feeling her one chance to get what she desperately wanted to slip away. She struggled to process the situation, her mind swirling with conflicting emotions. Sensing her distress, Aether hugged her tightly and said, "It''s not like I''m going anywhere, am I? So there''s no need to dwell on it too much." Hearing hisforting words, Aria felt a glimmer of hope. She gently smiled and nodded. If she had lost her chance, so what? She had many other paths to explore and would find another opportunity... Clearing another trail! She needed to remain patient, just as she had been all this time. "Yes, I will be patient then" Aria mumbled. The trio nodded in agreement. Then, Liora, her curiosity piqued, asked about the treasure Aria had mentioned. "It was a flower" "Flower?" "Yes, a flower that I nted when I was caged by him. It was my only sce in that haunted ce a White Spider Lily, a rare species," Aria exined, her eyes distant as she recalled the memory. Aether had a shocked face before remembering he talked with Lia who didn''t even know about the Lily flower so he asked, "A White Spider Lily? I''ve never heard of it" "Me neither," Liora added, looking puzzled. Aria smiled softly and looked at her mother, "It belongs to Mother" Maelona nodded, adding, "Yes, it was a seed used in ancient times, passed down through our lineage" "I see" Aether nodded thoughtfully, ''Looks like the Moon tribe and Earth humans from either side were rted somehow'' he mused. Aria''s expression turned serious, "Anyhow, it was ric, right?" she asked with a nk expression, her tone devoid of emotion. Aether didn''t answer immediately, but his silence was enough for the trio to understand. Seeing their expressions, Aether asked with an amused expression, "Not going to ask any questions?" "Haha I believe in my Aether!" Aria dered confidently, her eyes shining with trust. "Hmm I believe in my son-inw!" Maelona added with a proud smile. "" Liora remained silent, hugging Aether tightly. Seeing one person staying silent, the trio looked at Liora, who was just hugging Aether. "What?" Liora asked defensively, knowing why they were looking at her. "" Only silence answered her, their expectant gazes piercing through her. "Sigh, I don''t know It''s not that I don''t believe, but I don''t care whether it''s the truth or a lie. It doesn''t matter to me" Liora''s face turned awkward. "I mean I don''t know how to say it like you guys, but" She awkwardly scratched her head, trying to find the right words. It wasn''t that she didn''t believe Aether; rather, just as she said, she didn''t care. It indicated she was ready to stand by him through thick and thin, but she couldn''t express it since she wasn''tfortable showing her feelings so openly.... if it was mating and fighting she would be the first one but something like believing, and supporting was different to her. Aether understood. Seeing her awkward face, he sensed she might be feeling a little lonely. He subconsciously leaned in, kissed her forehead, and said with a teasing smile, "Aren''t you a little shy~" Liora flinched before averting her eyes, her cheeks flushing with colour. Liora mumbled, "I''m not shy just not good with words" Her tail wagged slightly as she looked at Aether with puppy eyes, silently pleading with him not to tease her too much. Aether chuckled softly, his heart melting at her innocent expression. "Damn, girl! You really are a cute one!" he mumbled, unable to hide his amusement. Liora''s lips trembled, she knew her acting was working on him... Yet, a mixture of emotions swirling inside her. She felt a strange, unfamiliar sensation clenching her heart. She was supposed to be the one making Aether fall for her, yet here she was..... feeling something profoundly different... Her heart beat crazy when he called her cute... [+4000 AP] and, "OUCH! "OUCH!" Aether was pinched by two sets of fingers, both Aria and Maelona ring at him with death stares. Chapter 269: ~Bonus Chapter (~￣3￣)~ After Liora left the house, Maelona her attention to Aether, her gazes filled with doubt and suspicion. "Are you sure you didn''t fall for that bitch?" Maelona asked, her face sceptical, eyebrows furrowed in disbelief. Aether sighed, knowing this conversation was inevitable, "I said before, I unconsciously did that," he answered honestly, his voice steady. He believed honesty was the best policy, especially with these two strong-willed women. Yet, Maelona''s expression didn''t change. "Yeah, I don''t believe it" she said bluntly, her face remaining stern. Aether felt a twinge of frustration, "Then what should I do? Kiss you too?" he asked casually, his tone light-hearted, attempting to defuse the tension. His words had an immediate effect on Maelona. Her heart skipped a beat, and her face flushed a deep red. [+800 AP] "Hmph! You are too young for that, b-brat!" Maelona stammered, clearly flustered, before quickly turning on her heel and walking away at a hurried pace, her steps echoing through the room. As soon as she left the room, Aether turned his attention to Aria. She simply smiled at him, a look of unwavering trust in her eyes, "I believe in you!" she said warmly. Though her trust stung Aether''s heart, he managed a smile. He was just about to respond when Aria''s expression darkened. Her eyes filled with a menacing determination as she muttered, "Fu~Fu~ I will kill that bitchter!" Aether shut his mouth and shook his head, He knew how to handle her as he picked Aria up and pushed her onto the bed. He hovered over her, his breath hot against her ear as he whispered with possessiveness, "Aria~" "Y~Yes~" Aria''s voice trembled, her body responding instantly to the possessive glint in Aether''s eyes, and her yandere tendencies lowered down. Aether''s gaze roamed over Aria''s body, taking in every curve, every line. With deliberate slowness, he began to peel away her clothes, revealing her soft, inviting skin. He paused to admire her two full, luscious breasts, his mouth watering at the sight. Her pink nipples stood erect, tempting him. "Someone is ready~" He whispered. Leaning down, he licked one of her hardened nipples, savouring her taste, feeling the pebble-like texture against his tongue. "~ahh~" Aria moaned, her fingers instinctively threading through his hair, pulling him closer, "S~Suck me more~Aahhh" Aether grinned the fire in his eyes growing as he took her nipple into his mouth, biting gently before sucking harder, his tongue swirling around the sensitive peak. His free hand moved to her other breast, pinching and rolling her other nipple between his fingers, making her gasp with pleasure. "~aaahh~Yes~aaahh~Suckkkk~~meeeee~" Aria''s back arched, her body pressing up against him, her breathing in ragged gasps. Her long elven ears twitched slightly, a sign of her heightened arousal. She could feel the heat pooling between her legs, her flower opening, aching for his touch. "~ahh~" Aether''s hand trailed down her body, his fingers brushing against her inner thighs, teasing her. He spread her legs, revealing her glistening pussy, the delicate petals already wet with desire, "You''re so beautiful," he murmured, his voice thick with lust. Aria''s eyes fluttered open, meeting his gaze, "Please~ Aether... I need you," she pleaded, her voice a soft whimper. With a deep, hungry groan, Aether lowered his head between her legs, inhaling her intoxicating scent. His tongue flicked out, tasting her nectar, "Mmm... so sweet," he murmured, his tongue delving deeper into her folds,pping up her juices. Slurp "~mmm~" Sqluech "~aahhh~" He licked and sucked on her outer lips before gently parting her folds with his fingers, revealing her swollen clitoris. "~MMM~" His tongue circled around it, applying just the right amount of pressure. "~Ahh~ Aeeettther~aahhh~" Aria cried out, her hips bucking against his mouth. His hands gripped her thighs, holding her steady as he feasted on her, his tongue exploring every inch of her sensitive core. "~N-No~ aahh~sloow~" He sucked on her clit, his tongue swirling around the swollen nub, driving her wild with desire. His fingers moved to her entrance, slipping inside her wet warmth, pumping slowly as his mouth worked her clit, "I~I''m ssso ~aaammm~close~" she gasped, her body trembling. Aether''s tongue moved faster, harder, pushing her closer to the edge. "AAaaaahhhh~" With a final, deep lick, Aria shattered, her orgasm washing over her in waves. Aether drank her nectar, savouring every drop as she writhed beneath him. He wasn''t finished. With a mischievous glint in his eyes, his finger teased her puckered entrance. Aria gasped, her body tensing with anticipation, "Aether, what are you" But before she could finish, his tongue flicked out, circling her clitoris. She moaned, her hips pushing back against him as he licked and teased her sensitive ring. His fingers continued to work her asshole and some even went inside her, circling her asshole walls.... "~oh God~ Aether~" Aria was lost in sensation, her body trembling as he licked and sucked on her, driving her wild with pleasure. She could feel another orgasm building, her body teetering on the edge.... But Aether stopped. Aria pouted! He climbed back up her body, capturing her lips in a searing kiss. She could taste herself on his tongue, "I need you inside me~" she whispered against his lips. Aether positioned himself between her legs, his hard vigour shaft pressing against her entrance. "Ah~ Don''t tease me~" He teased her, rubbing the tip against her slick folds, making her squirm with anticipation. "Then Tell me how much you want it," he whispered, his lips brushing against her ear.... Her ears twitched crazily before she "I~I want it... I want you inside me~ Deeeeeppppp" Aria gasped, her hips bucking against him. With a deep groan, Aether thrust into her, filling herpletely. They both moaned at the sensation, their bodies moving in perfect harmony. Aether''s hands gripped her hips, guiding her as he moved deeper, faster, their moans filling the room. "Ahh~" "~aaahhh~" "Yessss~" Aria''s nails dug into his back, her body trembling with each thrust. "Oh~ Fuck~ Aether... yes... r~right there~aahhh~mmm~" she cried out, her legs wrapping around his waist, pulling him deeper. Aether could feel her walls tightening around him, her body on the brink of release, "Cum for me, Aria," he whispered, his voice raw with passion, "Let me feel you." as he pinched nipples! "~aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh~" With a final, powerful thrust, Aria screamed his name, her body shattering in ecstasy. Aether followed momentster, his release spilling into her as they copsed together, their bodies entwined, their breaths mingling in the aftermath of their shared pleasure. But their passion was far from over. Aether rolled them over, pulling Aria on top of him. "Ride me," hemanded, his eyes dark with desire. Aria with a little tired expression positioned herself over his hard cock, sinking down onto him with a moan. "~mmm~" She moved slowly at first, savouring the feeling of him filling herpletely. Aether''s hands found her breasts, squeezing and teasing her nipples as she rode him. "Ahh~" "~aaaahhh~" Sqluech "You''re so tight," he groaned, his hips thrusting up to meet her movements. "~AAAHH~ Don''t move!!!" Aria felt her inside almost break her apart and yet she pped her ass on his thighs as she moaned while riding him! "Fuck!!~" Aria''s pace quickened, her hands braced on his chest as she moved faster, harder. Aether''s hands slid down to her hips, guiding her, and pushing her closer to the edge. Seeing her trying her best, and those giggling boobs, Aether twisted her nipples, making her gasp and arch her back. "AHH~No~ I''m g~going to~aaahh~" Aria gasped, her body trembling with the intense sensations coursing through her. "Do it," he urged, his voice strained, "Cum for me, Aria." "Ahhhh~" With a cry, Aria came again, her body convulsing around him. A pool of nectar formed around his abdomen as Aria trembled in pleasure, unable to move. Aether smiled before thrusting into her once more. "W~Wait ~I haven''t calm do~aaahhh~" "~ahah~" "~aaahh~" "Aethhheerr tttooo much~" Aether didn''t relent, his movements were relentless and deep. "Too much?" he teased, his voice low and husky. "N~No~aaahh~" Aether smiled at her trembling face before piston deep inside her, his release spilling into her in a hot rush. "Arrrh~" "~AAHHHH~" Aria came again, her body withering in pleasure, and yet she could feel his hardness still pulsing within her. Slowly, she withdrew, her pussy dripping with theirbined juices. She looked at Aether lustfully before giving a long,nguid lick to his still-vigorous shaft, savouring the taste of both their nectars. "I am gonna eat it~" she whispered before kissing the tip, her tongue flicking out to taste him. "~chu~" "Arrh~" She kissed the tip again before biting it gently and licked it like it was her favourite lollipop... But then... Knock, knock Both Aether and Aria were momentarily annoyed by the interruption, but then a maid''s urgent voice came through the door. "Young Miss, Her Grace fainted in the corridor!" Chapter 270: His Thing is... little weird! "It hasn''t even been 12 hours, and yet her body has already started to decay..." Aether mumbled as he carefully poured Yang Energy into Maelona''s mouth, his fingers trembling slightly. Aria watched with a worried expression, biting her lower lip, "So, you''re saying... it''s not working?" she asked, her voiceced with concern. She knew exactly what that white liquid was. Aether had exined everything to her about Maelona, leaving no detail unspoken. Though Aether was often a scumbag, he didn''t want to hurt Aria with his situation involving Her mother. He hadid everything bare before her. To his surprise, Aria had nodded with a calm and understanding expression, one he certainly didn''t expect. "I can''t say without testing... Previously, itsted longer, so I think it might not be rted to the quantity..." Aether mumbled, recalling how he had given Maelona double the usual amount of Yang Energy this time. Aria''s eyes wandered to his crotch, which was still bulging since they had stopped midway. Her eyes flickered with a mix of curiosity and realization before she spoke again, "Could it be about the quality then? Whether you''re aroused or not?" "Hmm?" Aether frowned, his mind racing to make sense of her words. "I mean... maybe it depends on how aroused you are or something..." Aria said, a slight blush colouring her cheeks. She couldn''t believe she was discussing this in front of her mother, who was still unconscious. "That''s a good theory. Why do you think so?" Aether asked, now deeply interested in her line of thought. "I mean... it wasn''t every time you came inside me that I felt rejuvenated.... I mean, It was only sometimes, when you were very aroused, that I felt the energy was stronger.... Other times, it was mild," Aria exined, trying to piece together her thoughts as she spoke. She struggled to find the right words to express what she felt. "Interesting..." Aether mumbled, ''I feel like something''s wrong with me... sigh.'' He nodded thoughtfully and looked at Maelona. "Looks like she''s not waking up... Why don''t you help me?" he suggested with a smirk, his eyes gleaming with mischief. Aria licked her lips before replying, "Do you even need to ask?" She pulled him towards the bathroom, her grip firm and eager. Meanwhile... ''What the heck is going on?'' Maelona screamed inwardly while maintaining her unconscious facade. She hadn''t actually fainted; she had simply stumbled and fallen when her body got tired and dizzy. She was lying there to avoid Aether''s wrath for not contacting him sooner. But who would have thought she''d overhear something so.... important? "W-What are they talking about? His? Aroused? Quality? I don''t understand," Maelona thought, her mind racing with confusion and curiosity. After what felt like an eternity, Aria and Aether emerged from the bathroom, their bodies still glistening with sweat. Maelona, quietly peeking through her barely opened eyes, noticed their clothes were dishevelled, and Aria''s mouth was drooling slightly. ''Gulp'' She swallowed hard, ''D-Don''t tell me...'' Her mind struggled to process the scene. Meanwhile... Aether examined the two bottles filled with Yang Energy. No matter how closely he looked, he couldn''t see any difference without a microscope. "I don''t see anything different..." Aether mumbled, frustration evident in his voice. Aria took the two bottles, licking her lips sensuously. "I think this one is more potent," she said, holding up one of the bottles. "Hmm? How can you tell?" Aether asked, puzzled. He was sure he hadn''t seen any difference. "Dear, there are things only a woman can understand~," she whispered, rubbing his crotch teasingly.... She was still hungry, unsatisfied by their brief encounter in the bathroom. Aether shook his head with amusement, but then a thought struck him. ''What if...'' He focused on the Arcane energy, like how he did to absorb others'' arcane energy. His vision shifted to ck and white, revealing one of the bottles flickering with a bright white light while the other only slightly flickered. "Fuck..." Aether mumbled, astonished. The bright white light bottle was from Aria''s special service, while the flickering one was from his own hands. "Aria, you are fucking awesome," Aether said, amazed at her intuition. "Hm?" Aria was taken aback but then grinned with a happy smile. "Aren''t I?" she said, hugging him tightly and kissing his neck, her desire rekindled. "A-Aria? Your mother..." "It''s fine, she''s just sleeping... and it''s just a simple kiss," Aria said, before kissing his lips passionately, savouring his taste. Meanwhile, Maelona was crying inwardly. She couldn''t believe her shy daughter was doing this in front of her..... just because she was horny. ''Where did I go wrong...?'' she thought, her mind spiralling with confusion and disbelief. She slightly opened her eyes and peeked, seeing Aria pushing Aether against the wall and kissing him vigorously. Aether''s hands roamed over Aria''s body, fondling her ass as he slowly slid inside her. "Ah~" "...." Maelona was taken aback, her cheeks turning red before she tightly closed her eyes again, her heart pounding in her chest [+800 AP] Aether immediately stopped and stared at Maelona, sensing something was off. ''D-Did he find out?'' Maelona screamed inwardly, panic rising. Aether sighed deeply before kissing Aria''s forehead, "Aria, snap out of it!" he said sternly, his voice firm. Those words were enough to bring Aria back to her senses. She blushed deeply, lowering her head in shame. She couldn''t believe she had lost control in the heat of the moment. ''Thank goodness Mom is still sleeping..'' she thought, feeling a mix of relief and embarrassment. Then Aether walked toward Maelona and carefully poured the brighter liquid into her mouth. As she drank it, her body instantly rejuvenated, as if it were brimming with newfound energy. Maelona, knowing she couldn''t hide anymore, slowly fluttered her eyes open, pretending to wake up. "M-Mom!" Aria cried out, her voice trembling with a mixture of relief and fear. She immediately hugged her mother tightly, tears streaming down her face. "I-I was so scared, Mom! I thought I was going to lose you!" Her grip was almost desperate as if she feared letting go would mean losing her mother forever. Maelona gently patted Aria''s back, her expression one of incredulity and tenderness. She couldn''t believe how quickly Aria had switched from the passionate girl she had seen earlier to the scared, loving daughter she was now. Where had the horny girl she saw before gone? She wondered but didn''t dare ask. Seeing Aether staring at her with an amused expression, her cheeks turned red before she averted her gaze. His smirk made her feel exposed and embarrassed, yet also oddlyforted by his confidence and presence. "Ahem," Aether cleared his throat, breaking the tension in the room, "I told you to contact me as soon as you felt dizzy, didn''t I?" His tone was firm but filled with concern. Maelona lowered her head, feeling a mix of shame and gratitude, "I-I thought I was able to keep up... but the tiredness suddenly washed over me," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. Aether shook his head, his expression softening with understanding. "I know, Mother-inw, what you''re thinking," he said gently, his eyes meeting hers with a knowing look. "Hmm?" "You think you''re a burden to me, right?" Aether''s words were direct, piercing through her insecurities and hitting the core of her worries. Hearing that, Maelona lowered her head even more... Aether shook his head again, understanding her all too well. Maelona, who had lived her life alone and loveless, was easy to read, "Mother-inw, you have lived your life alone, A husband who abandoned you and A daughter who was caged.... It''s easy to understand why you feel this way, but you''re wrong." Aether then hugged both women, pulling them close with a warmth and sincerity that was undeniable, "We are family, Mother-inw. If you think you''re a burden, then you''re not thinking of me as your family..... Family means supporting each other, no matter what." Maelona blinked, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, "I-I''m sorry," she said, her voice breaking, "I''ll try to think differently." Her heart was a whirlwind of emotions, battling between past fears and new hopes. Aria, still holding her mother tightly, added, "It''s fine, Mom. You can trust him... You can trust this MAN!" Her voice was filled with conviction and love. She knew her mother still hadn''t gotten over the fear of being abandoned by a man, so her hesitation was understandable, "He''s not like the others, Mom. He''s different. He''s here for us, always." Aria said with a determined face as she knew Aether would be there for them! Maelona''s eyes turned even teary before she nodded, her heart swelling with a mixture of relief, hope, and a sense of belonging she hadn''t felt in a long time, "I am sorry, dear... I-I will try," she said. Hearing that, Aria smiled brightly, "Thank you, Mom. That''s all we ask," she said, her voice soft and loving. Aether nodded approvingly before kissing Maelona''s forehead, then Aria''s, and hugged them both tightly. [+900 AP] Maelona smiled gently, feeling his protective emotions..... She felt a warmth spread through her heart, a sense of belonging she hadn''t felt in a long time. Chapter 271: Returning to SSA Aria and Aether stood before the carriage, its polished surface gleaming under the mid-morning sun as they prepared to depart once again. "Take care and be sure to eat well, my dear," Maelona said, her voice trembling with emotion. She wrapped her arms around Aria, pulling her into a tight hug. Tears shimmered in her eyes, threatening to spill over. Aria returned the embrace, her own eyes misting with unshed tears, "Yes, M-Mom," she mumbled, her voice choked with emotion. She reluctantly pulled away and stepped into the carriage, her movements hesitant. She knew that if she stayed any longer, she might break down, and she couldn''t afford to cry in front of her mother. She had to stay strong. With a determined look, Aria vowed silently, ''I will do everything in my power to bring you back to normal, Mom.'' "I will be leaving then, Mother-inw. Please use the medicine carefully and inform me as soon as you get tired," Aether said, his tone firm but filled with concern. Maelona''s lips twitched at Aether''s worried demeanour. With an amused smile, she teased, "Ara~ Are you not going to hug your pitiful mother-inw? What a bad son-inw I have." Aether chuckled and shook his head. He stepped forward and hugged Maelona, holding her close. As he stared into her eyes, he whispered, "Of course, I would love to hug my mother-inw." Maelona grinned, but then she felt Aether tightening his embrace. She couldn''t help but tease him further, "Fu~Fu~ Aren''t you hugging me a little too tightly?" Aether smirked, "Well, you are asking for it." "I am asking?" Maelona frowned, but her eyes widened as she realized her emotions were being transferred to Aether. Her cheeks flushed a deep red, a warmth spreading across her face. Flustered, she pushed him away gently. "G-Go!" [+900 AP] "Haha..." Aether chuckled, a deep, resonant sound, and kissed her cheek. He then turned toLiora, who stood nearby, watching silently. "I will be leaving... Liora," Aether said, standing before her. His heart worried at the thought of leaving her behind, knowing that her affection had not yet reached its limit... but he couldn''t have time. Liora stared at Aether for a few moments before slowly wrapping her arms around him. "I... I am not sure if you were pleased or not, but I gave my best," she whispered, Her hand brushed against his crotch, a bold but tender gesture. With a determined look, she added, "I will definitely make you fall for me, no matter how long it takes." with a happy and grinning face. "~Hmm~" Liora pulled him closer, her lips meeting his in a fierce, passionate kiss. Maelona''s eyes widened in surprise, but Liora didn''t care. Her tongue danced with Aether''s in a battle for dominance, their breaths mingling as they slowly parted, breathless and flushed. "~Ha~" "~Ha~" "Soon you will be mine," Liora dered, her voice serious and filled with determination as she licked her lips. "I am waiting then," Aether replied with a gentle smile. He kissed her forehead tenderly, he then walked back to the carriage, his steps slow and deliberate. Maelona watched the carriage leave, a small smile ying on her lips. As she turned to go, she noticed Liora biting her lip, her expression sad and her tail and ears drooping like an abandoned dog. "Why do I feel like my son-inw is the one who is after her..." Maelona mused, blinking in surprise. With a sigh, she encouraged quietly, "Do your best, my daughter!" She then addressed Liora, "We shall proceed with the n, Liora." Liora took a moment before nodding, her expression turning fierce. "It''s time to butcher some bitches!" she dered, her voice filled with a fierce determination. Maelona''s lips twitched in amusement before she chided, "Mind your words! You barbarian woman!" ..... .... Inside the carriage, "Hmm~" "Hmm~" Aria straddled Aether''sp, her lips locked with his in a deep, passionate kiss.... as if she was trying to purify him! After a moment, Aria pulled away, resting her head against his chest. She listened to the steady beat of his heart, findingfort in its rhythm. "She will be fine for a week, right?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry. "Yes, if the quality doesn''t change by our estimation," Aether replied, his tone soothing. He gently stroked her hair, noticing the sadness and fear in her eyes. "It''s fine, Aria... We will definitely cure her." "Hmm..." Aria nodded, though the worry didn''tpletely leave her face. Her fingers yed with the fabric of his shirt, seeking reassurance. "Hmm?" "Yes?" Aria tilted her head, looking up at him with soft eyes. "Aren''t you forgetting something?" Aether asked, knowing there was a question she hadn''t yet asked, one he knew she was curious about. Aria smiled warmly and snuggled closer to him. "As I said before, I will wait until you are ready to reveal everything. It doesn''t matter whether you are Victor, a ve, a hidden prince, or whatever... I love you, and that''s all that matters." "I see..." Aether smiled, touched by her unwavering devotion. He ruffled her hair gently and leaned down to kiss her lips. "I love you too," he whispered, his voice filled with emotion. "But you better not approach Victor." "Hmm? Why is that? Here I was thinking I could have some lovey-dovey moments in the ssroom," Aria teased, her expression soft and sly. She traced her finger along his jawline, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Oh? He is an arrogant and unapproachable person, so no! And lovey-dovey... Aren''t we doing that now?" Aether replied, a yful smirk on his lips. "Hmm? Where?" Aria asked innocently, but then, "ahh~" Aether pinched her ass, making her squeal softly. He grinned as they continued their yful banter, the carriage rolling steadily towards their destination... Sovereign Arcanum Academy Deep Inhale Aether took a deep inhale, feeling a wave of familiarity wash over him as they approached the grand gates of Sovereign Arcanum Academy. Beside him, Aria watched his reaction with a warm smile, understanding his emotions without a word. "Come on, Aether," Aria urged, gently pulling his arm. "Okay!" Aether nodded, and as he stepped inside the ornate gates, !~Ding~! [Say: Log] "...." Aether blinked a few times, taken aback by the sudden notification. He sighed, anticipating what was toe. ''Can''t you just wait a little bit?'' he thought inwardly, hoping to dy whatever was about to happen. To his surprise, the words vanished as if responding to his silent plea. Aether''s lips curved into a surprised smile before he continued walking with Aria to her dorm. After helping her settle into her room, he made his way to Aqualina to report his arrival. "Princess, I am back!" Aether announced with an energetic expression as he entered her room without knocking. "A-Aether? You came back!!" Aqualina, who had been engrossed in her study materials, looked up in surprise. Her face lit up with joy, her previous sombre expression reced by genuine happiness. Without a moment''s hesitation, she leapt into his arms. "That''s dangerous!" Aether eximed though he caught her with ease, his expression shifting from surprise to affection. ''She must have felt lonely,'' he thought, holding her close. "Haha... I knew my Aether would catch me," Aqualina said, her voice filled with trust as she hugged him tightly. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she whispered, "I missed you a lot..." Aether chuckled inwardly, thinking, ''Look at the once prideful princess, now so cute and adorable.'' He hugged her back, feeling her warmth seep into him. "I missed you too..." "Hmm," Aqualina smiled contentedly. However, Aether''s brow furrowed when he noticed the dark circles under her eyes. "Have you not been sleeping enough?" he asked, concern evident in his voice. Aqualina smiled weakly, saying, "Yes, because someone left me all alone!" She felt a warm rush of happiness that Aether noticed her condition immediately.... unlike Kai, who was often too busy. But the real reason for her sleeplessness was her recurring nightmares, which she had kept to herself. "Sigh," Aether sighed deeply before picking her up in a princess carry, surprising Aqualina. She looked at him with wide, astonished eyes, noting how much he had grown. His face had be more charming and... he looked undeniably hot! A deep blush spread across her cheeks, her heart beating wildly in her chest. [+7000 AP] ''H-He is a little too bold,'' she thought but kept silent, not wanting to miss the chance to be close to him. Aether, ignoring her shocked expression, gentlyid her on the bed and covered her with a soft bedsheet. With a stern yet caring tone, he said, "Now sleep!" "H-Huh?" Aqualina snapped out of her trance, objecting, "I-I need to know what happened, and it''s not even night!!" "Nope! Everything can wait, but your sleep is more important right now. And I also brought you souvenirs," Aether said, his face firm but his eyes gentle. Aqualina awkwardly shook her head. She wanted to know everything.... Did he enjoy the new culture? Did he have fun? Did he miss her? Did he tease any girls? And especially, did he do anything with Aria? These questions were more important than her mere sleep. However, suddenly, a wave of dizziness washed over her, making her eyelids feel heavy. She looked up at Aether, who was gently ruffling her hair. "S-Sleep with me..." she murmured, patting the space beside her. Aether was startled but shook his head, replying softly, "You know I cannot do that, right?" Aqualina bit her lip before sighing, extending her hand towards him. It was a silent plea that Aether understood immediately. He took her hand and squeezed it tightly. "Hmm..." Aqualina nodded, Her eyes slowly closed, her breathing evening out as she drifted into a peaceful sleep. Chapter 272: Hello, Mother! Thud Aether quietly closed Aqualina''s room door, ensuring it didn''t disturb her peaceful slumber. A serene smile lingered on her face, a testament to the beautiful dreams she was undoubtedly having. With a contented sigh, Aether turned away... As he walked, his gaze briefly lingered on Helena''s door. He nced at his mission tab, noting it wasn''t blinking. ''She can wait...'' he thought, making his way to the lower floor and heading straight for Selene''s room. The moment he entered, "AETHER!!!!!" Selene''s ecstatic scream filled the room. Sheunched herself at him with such force that Aether staggered, but he quickly caught her and swung her around in a joyous embrace. "Hahaha..." Selene''s giggles were infectious as she clung to him tightly. "I missed you soooo muuuuuchhh!!!!" she cried, her voice echoing with heartfelt emotion. "Haha... I missed you too!" Aether mumbled, hugging her back. Selene''sughter rang out as she nuzzled closer, her happiness palpable. "Hug me tight!" she demanded, her voice a mix of urgency and affection. "Hmm, Hmm," Aether nodded, tightening his embrace. "Even Tighter!" "Hmm, Hmm" "Tighter" ".....That''s really gonna break you, you know," Aether said, amused by her insistence. Selene giggled even more and whispered provocatively, "I don''t mind~" Aether''s lips twitched in a mischievous smile. "Seems like someone is being naughty~" he teased, his hand slipping down to grab her ass firmly. "~Sss~" Selene hissed, a tingling sensation shooting through her. She grinned, licking her lips seductively. "You don''t like naughty girls?" Aether leaned in, capturing her lips in a heated kiss. "~Hmm~" Selene moaned softly, her body melting into his. "Of course, I like naughty girls," Aether whispered against her lips before deepening the kiss. He pushed her onto the bed, their bodies intertwining in a fervent embrace. "~ahh~" Selene moaned again as their hands roamed over each other, exploring the familiar yet always thrilling territory. After a series of passionate kisses, Selene rested her head on Aether''sp. He gently ruffled her hair, a gesture she loved. "I''m not sure why you asked me to protect her, but there was no incident around Helena," she said softly, her fingers tracing circles on his thigh. "I see..." Aether nodded thoughtfully. "Did anything happen recently? Any weird incidents?" he asked, his mind working through potential threats. "Hmm, I don''t think there was anything weirdWait! I think the Archpriestess visited the academy," Selene recalled, her brow furrowing in thought. "Archpriestess... ah," Aether''s nodding slowed, and his eyes widened with a flicker of fear. "Y-You mean that Archpriestess?" he asked, trying to keep his voice calm while inwardly screaming with rm. "Yes, the same woman who visited Kai''s engagement function!" Selene confirmed. ''Gulp'' "I see..." Aether nodded again, more slowly this time, "Is she... still here?" "Nah, she already left" "I see...." Aether mumbled as he tried to piece together the information. Selene noticed his hesitation and frowned, "Is... Helena rted to your mission?" she asked, her voiceced with concern. Aether remained silent, his expression unreadable. Selene sighed, sensing his reluctance to share. She snuggled closer, her voice taking on a childlike pleading tone, "I want you to spend the night with me!" Her expression, however, was anything but innocent. Aether smiled, kissing her forehead tenderly. "I need to inform Master Kai and the Principal," he said softly. Selene pouted, her lower lip jutting out adorably. Aether couldn''t resist pinching her bubbly cheeks, making her giggle like a child. They spent the next few hours talking about everything they had missed during his absence. Aether recounted his adventures, and Selene eagerly listened, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and admiration. .... ... "So, you''re saying that Miss Aria and you were attacked by some people, which is why you werete?" Kai asked, his arms folded tightly across his chest. He was trying to maintain hisposure, but the subtle tremor in his hands betrayed his anxiety. Aether nodded, his expression calm andposed. "Yes, Master. We were ambushed by a group of mercenaries. They were highly skilled, but Ms. Aria managed to fend them off." Kai''s eyes narrowed as he processed the information. He hadn''t expected Aria to be capable of taking down professional mercenaries, especially those sent by his father. The thought unsettled him deeply. "And these mercenaries... they were all killed by Aria?" "Yes," Aether confirmed. "She fought bravely and managed to defeat them all." Kai stared at Aether for a long moment, trying to gauge if there was any deception in his words. Finally, he waved his hand dismissively. "You can leave now." "Understood," Aether replied, turning to leave. But as he reached the door, Kai''s voice called out once more. "Ether," he said, his tone stern andmanding. "You belong to me... don''t forget that." Aether paused, a small, defiant smile ying on his lips, "Of course!" Kai watched Aether''s retreating back with a mixture of frustration and fear. He turned his attention back to the letter from his father, which indicated that the mercenaries were not responding. His father had decided to send another batch. Kai shook his head as he wrote a reply, exining that Aether and Aria had returned and that Aria had killed all the mercenaries. A bead of sweat formed on Kai''s forehead. ''If she was able to kill a Level 35 Golden Aptitude Mercenary... she must have grown significantly stronger,'' he thought, struggling toprehend how Aria had advanced so rapidly in such a short time. He knew he had to keep up. If he fell behind, he would be left eating others'' dust. He needed to sharpen his skills and power, or he would never live up to his grandfather''s legacy. A fleeting thought of handing Aether over crossed his mind, but he quickly dismissed it, recalling his father''s stern warning. ..... ... Inside Aether''s room, "Hmm~" Two bodies intertwined on the bed as they passionately kissed, their movements a blend of urgency and affection. "~ah~Aether~" Celestia moaned, her voice filled with desire as Aether bit her neck and fondled her ample ass without mercy. "Hehe..." Aether chuckled, pulling back to whisper, "I can feel you, Celes... I can feel you~" Through their connection, Aether could sense Celestia''s longing and love, making her blush adorably. Celestia huffed, feeling both teased and aroused.... She wanted him to reward her for doing every work so she reiterated her efforts, "I disguised myself as Victor sometimes, then helped Princess, helped Selene, and even secretly watched over Helena... I worked really hard, you know!" "Hmm... Hmm..." Aether nodded, "That must have been tough for you," before kissing her lips again and asking, "Good girl~ What do you want?" Celestia chuckled at being called a good girl, her blush deepening. She grinned and said, "You know what I want, right?" Aether stared into her eyes, sighing. "It''s not easy to go after the Empress when I''m still weak... Why don''t we just do it?" Celestia had promised herself that until her big sister was truly happy, she would not allow herself to be. This promise kept both Celestia and Aether from crossing the final line. Celestia pouted, her frustration evident. "Then it''s a no-no for now?" Aether chuckled, feeling her emotions. He knew she desperately wanted to be with him yet was holding herself back... as if she was trying to hurt herself. "Well, it''s not li" !~Ding~! [Say: Log] Aether''s entire vision was suddenly blocked. He couldn''t see anything. ''I suppose you held back quite a bit...'' he thought before informing Celestia, "I''ll be unconscious for a few minutes or maybe an hour." "Huh? Why?" Celestia asked, her worry clear. "The mission," Aether replied. Those words were enough for Celestia to understand. Her expression turned stern as she carefully made sure Aether was lying down properly. She sat beside him, ready to assist if he needed anything. Aether chuckled at her sudden change in demeanor, saying, "Log." In the next moment, Aether''s consciousness was transported to.... the Origin Pirs, surrounded by a beautiful greenndscape. "Congrattions, The Lost One," a mechanical voice echoed from the centre of the circr pirs. Aether stood firmly on the ground, unlike thest time when he walked on the ceiling. With a respectful smile, he bowed slightly. "Hello, Mother." [+1 AP] !~Ding~! [Survival Rate: 30%] Chapter 273 : Mothers Embrace Aether blinked a few times, not expecting to receive affection from the.... so-called Mother. "There is no need to be surprised, The Lost One..... I am a little grateful that you saved my child," The mechanical voice echoed, its tone carrying a hint of warmth despite its robotic voice. "Ah! I see... Maelona," Aether nodded in understanding. She was thest of her tribe which was created by Mother. "Yes, you saved my child," the mechanical voice continued, then murmured, "Even though you are the cause to begin with" Aether''s lips twitched, "What do you mean by that?" he asked. "Anyhow, since you won the trial, you can ask me any one question you want," the mechanical voice said. Soon, Aether''s sternum shone, and a beautiful, ssy white spider lily appeared, floating before him with an ethereal glow. ''Fuck, it''s beautiful!'' Aether thought, staring at the flower, a deep longing stirring within him. He reached out, his fingers brushing against the delicate petals, feeling a connection to its mysterious allure. The flower then gently floated towards the centre of the circr pir where a bright light was emanating, casting intricate shadows on the walls. "What are you going to do with that?" Aether asked with a curious expression. He wondered about the flower''s purpose, its significance... for the trial. "Is that your question?" the mechanical voice inquired. "Tsk," Aether clicked his tongue with an annoyed expression. ''What should I ask?'' he wondered. He never expected he would win the trial, much less have the opportunity to ask a question of such importance. Aether closed his eyes and pondered... To be honest, he had a lot of questions..... He wanted to know who Mother really was, the true identity of Arcane, and the mysteries surrounding his Log. Why was he forced to seduce and save others instead of gaining power himself? How would he survive after seducing others? Did he have a ce in Hell? Did Hell even exist in the first ce? He had so many questions, each one a tangled thread in the tapestry of his mind, pulling him in different directions. However, there was one basic thing he wanted to know, a very core question he needed to understand. "Who am I?" Aether asked with a serious face, his voice slightly trembling. "Hmm... That''s quite an unexpected question," the mechanical voice responded, a note of surprise evident. "Unexpected?" "Well, I thought you would ask how to save Maelona for your beloved''s sake or something," the mechanical voice exined. Aether gently smiled, a bittersweet expression crossing his face, "Yes, I would love to ask that, but I know you are bound by thew just like Arcane. So there is no point in wasting the question. I will do whatever is necessary to keep Aria''s smile and Maelona''s life." "Hmm..." the mechanical voice hummed, contemting his words. Seeing the prolonged silence, Aether''s expression hardened, his mind racing. ''It seems what I thought might be correct?'' he pondered, a mix of excitement and apprehension swirling within him. What did he think? Of course, just like anybody who reads novels, Aether thought with a little excitement, or maybe over-excitement, that he was some kind of reincarnator. He imagined a grand past life where he was a powerful entity, one who governed over nature''s order. He envisioned power-hungry (Mother and Arcane) who betrayed and killed him. But he, being stronger, used some ancient reincarnation method, vowing to return and reim what was his. The Log, he believed, was a remnant of his past powers, guiding him back to his true self. ''Then why is Arcane helping?'' he wondered. Though there were some plot holes in his theory, he believed the story should be like that, right? However, "You have quite an imagination," the mechanical voice said with amusement, breaking his reverie and bringing him back to the present. "Is that not it?.... Wait, how did you know I was thinking" Aether had a shocked expression. "The Lost one, you are in my sanctuary," the mechanical voice said with pride, cutting him off. Aether understood she was reading his mind. ''Fuck! I cannot think anymore...'' he thought, his frustration mounting. Hesitantly, he asked, "So, it''s not?" "Of course, it''s not!" the mechanical voice dered. "Tsk," Aether clicked his tongue, his disappointment palpable, "Then tell me, who am I?". "Well, then you are Aether, the one and only Aether before or after, Simultaneously!" " I see" Aether smiled quietly, a fleeting warmth filling his heart as he remembered Selene''s words. She really told the truth.... But then he frowned, puzzled. "Simultaneously?" he repeated, trying to grasp the full meaning, "H-How is that possible? If I am the Aether here, then why couldn''t I" Before Aether could finish, the mechanical voice interrupted him abruptly. "Why don''t you just die?" the mechanical voice said, the words cold and final. "H-huh?" Aether stammered, his mind reeling from the sudden and jarring shift in tone. "You You are destined to die no, you should already be dead by now. The dead should not walk, and yet" The mechanical voice turned irritated, an edge of anger seeping through, "Let me warn you, your fate has already been altered. I have seen your pain, Aether. Believe me, what you have gone through is not over and what you are about to go through is going to be worse. As a Mother, the creator of every child, I want my children to be happy. I will give you eternal sleep. Come to Mother''s embrace, childe, I will embrace you with warmth and gentleness." Suddenly, the mechanical voice softened, transforming into a soothing, feminine one. "What are y" Aether''s body suddenly went lifeless, moving on its own as he neared the pirs. "Yes,e to me, child. You don''t need to force yourself to seduce others. You don''t need to care for other women. You don''t need to worry about their deaths; it''s not in your hands. If they die, then it''s their problem no one can avoid death. A death should be dead!!" Step, step Aether, with lifeless eyes, was about to step on the bright light inside the middle of the circr pirs when, Trrrrr The cave trembled violently. !~Ding~! Aether''s eyes turned pure ck before returning to normal. He blinked a few times, disoriented, looking down. "WHAT THE!!" he shouted, horrified, when he saw a creepy, brownish-ck hand trying to touch his hovering leg. He immediately jumped back, heart pounding. "Tsk," the mechanical voice clicked its tongue in annoyance. Aether''s face was drenched with sweat. It wasn''t just the sight of the creepy hand that terrified him; rather..... he felt that if he touched it, he would cease to exist a primal fear gripped him, emanating from the very core of his soul! "YOU BITCH!!" Aether shouted, his anger boiling over. He had wanted to speak respectfully and find somemon ground, but now, "This fucking bitch! You almost killed me!" The mechanical voice simply replied, "You are already dead. You are just a H#########. Come to me, or you will suffer." Aether gritted his teeth. "Suffer? You bitch! You don''t know how much I''ve suffered!!" His voice echoed throughout the cavern, filled with pain, anger, and defiance. "That''s why I am telling you toe." Veins bulged on his forehead, "To die?" "Incorrect! You are already dead." Aether shook his head vigorously. "Nothing you say makes any sense at all. Why do you care whether I die or not?" "It is my duty to bnce everything. That''s my purpose and also.... Arcane''s." "Tsk, I don''t care. It''s my life. I will decide when to die or live. If you dare to pull this stunt again" "What can a weak being like you do?" the mechanical voice mocked, a sneer evident even without a face. ''Weak ah?'' Aether suddenly smirked, a dangerous glint in his eyes, "They call you Mother, right? Of course, you must be a woman; otherwise, why would they call you that Unless you are into gender bender..." Aether slyly smiled, leaning into his provocation. "Hehe ''Duty,'' you say? Then it''s my duty to teach a bitch like you a lesson." "You have been disrespecting me," the mechanical voice said, but there was a noticeable hint of irritation now. Aetherughed bitterly, "Disrespecting? You''re worried about that?" Aether had an amused expression on his face, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous light. He then leaned in closer with a wicked grin, "You know, if I ever see you, I''ll show you who your ''Daddy'' is. I''ll smack your ass until you can''t sit on anything other than my dick. Bitch!! I''ll make sure you beg me to fuck you..... You''re going to moan under me, you little bitch!!!" !~Ding~! Chapter 274 : Second Trial.... Begins! Aether had an amused expression on his face, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous light. He then leaned in closer with a wicked grin, "You know, if I ever see you, I''ll show you who your ''Daddy'' is. I''ll smack your ass until you can''t sit on anything other than my dick. Bitch!! I''ll make sure you beg me to fuck you..... You''re going to moan under me, you little bitch!!!" !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 35%] Trrrrrrr This time, instead of the cave itself, the pirs trembled violently, as if barely containing an immense anger that threatened to explode. Suddenly, a voice boomed, filled with an unmistakable fury... "GET OUT!!!" Aether''s smoke-like body disappeared in an instant, dissipating into thin air..... Yet, even as he vanished, a smirk remained on his face, an uncanny, confident smile. As soon as Aether was gone, the pirs ceased trembling, the cave settling into an uneasy silence. This quiet was soon broken by a soft, feminineugh, echoing eerily through the stone walls. "Fu~Fu~" Theugh was filled with a sinister delight, the sound chilling and mocking. "Tsk, you can do whatever you want, Arcane! But at the end of the day, when he sees a twisted woman like you I''m pretty sure he will abandon you just like I did. You need to stop this now and kill hi" The mechanical voice was cut off abruptly. "Hehe By the time he reaches me, he will be ready to ept a twisted woman like me," the feminine voice interrupted, filled with confidence and amusement. It echoed around the cave. The mechanical voice hesitated, a pause filled with contemtion and a hint of frustration. It knew that Aether was changing slowly His once good and truthful heart was gradually adapting to this new, twisted life filled with lies, deception, and the eptance of women with strange tendencies. The transformation was evident when he thought wickedly about smacking Mother instead of killing her.... Sensing the hesitation, the feminine voice teased, "Here I was, waiting for him with my BIG ass, ready to tease his cute little elephant. Tsk, tsk You must be thrilled that he wants to spank your butt instead of killing you. Tsk, tsk, now I feel annoyed that he chose you before me. I want him~ Hmm I wonder how it feels, it must be exciting, right?" The words dripped with sarcasm and jealousy, each syble a taunt designed to provoke. And it worked perfectly! "ARCANE!!!!" The mechanical voice roared, reverberating through the cavern and causing the pirs to tremble once more. "I will teach him what his fate means The time has begun" The voice was filled with determination. Sssssssshhhhhhiiinnnnnggggggg As the words echoed, the spider lily flower suddenly crushed into a fine powder, shimmering like tiny sparkling stars. The powder spread around the pirs, which began to glow with an otherworldly light, as if they were powering up for something monumental.... "Fu~Fu~ Indeed, the time has begun" the feminine voice said with a tone of finality, her words hanging in the air before fading into the darkness. THUD The cave door suddenly swung open, the sound echoing through the cavern... A mechanical voice, filled with authority and an eerie calmness, reverberated through the air, "It''s time for the second trial and also." TRRRRRRRRRRRRR A deep rumble shook the ground, causing dust and small rocks to fall from the ceiling. The tremor was unlike any other..... !~Ding~! [Mission updated: Survive until the beginning:- Time remaining: 300 days 24 hours 60 minutes 60 seconds] In Aquaris Naiadae Empire, Empress Marisandra Naiadia, who had been sitting regally on her throne, felt a subtle tremor beneath her. Her eyes widened, and she frowned as she looked outside her grand pce. Her entire empire or the entire world, was trembling... as if there was an earthquake. Her face turned stern, then a slow, amused smile spread across her lips. "So, it''s begun finally!" she whispered to herself. It wasn''t just her empire; other empires felt the same subtle earthquake. Each and every ruler turned their expressions grave. Across thends, the Emperor and Empress of each empire and world uttered the same word in unison: "The Beginning....." Meanwhile, the Principal walked with determined steps toward the underground, the Chosen Ones trailing behind her. "Looks like someone finished the trial Who might it be?" the Principal mused aloud with a smile, though inwardly she was deeply concerned. ''This is too soon. What happened exactly that it started this early..? Students are not read yet....'' she wondered, her mind racing with possibilities and strategies. Kai nced at Aria, his expression one of defeat and frustration, ''So, she just used it without even confirming with me?'' he thought bitterly, knowing he hadn''t yet cancelled his deal with Aria. Aria, on the other hand, stared daggers at him. ''This bastard!!'' she seethed inwardly. She couldn''t believe Kai had stolen her precious treasure and had the nerve to walk so haughtily before her, ''Grrr, I am only holding back because of Aether, otherwise.'' Her thoughts were a whirlwind of anger and resentment. Noticing the silence and the tension, the Principal shook her head, trying to alleviate the unease that hung in the air. "It''s fine. If you don''t want to reveal yourself, no one is forcing you Be secretive~" She understood the reluctance; the person whopleted the trial didn''t want to be targeted by others, and that waspletely understandable. Aqualina nced at Kai, then at Aria, her mind racing with thoughts of strategy, ''Since Aether was still under Kai''s control, she must be the one. Grrrr'' she gritted her teeth, feeling the need to step up her game and prove herself worthy otherwise she might lose Aether to his Elven bitch! They soon reached the door. THUD! As it closed behind them.... However, this time Aether wasn''t there. The mechanical voice echoed once more, filling the chamber with an authoritative presence, "Your Second trial is.." Meanwhile, In the Pyra Fulgur Empire..... a world that filled with majestic mountains and shadowy, mysterious valleys... Within one such valley, deeper and deeper.... As the descent continued, the roots that held the backbone of the empire began to reveal themselves. At first, they appeared as slender, tentative tendrils, but with each further plunge into the depths, they grew more robust and imposing. The roots thickened, intertwining in aplex web. Finally, at the very bottom of the valley, the roots coiled together in a nearly imprable mass, obscuring all vision and enveloping the area in an almost tangible darkness. Shhh... A sudden burst of colours pierced the gloom, a dazzling rainbow of colours radiating from a crystal the size of a big palm. This crystal appeared within the tangled roots and emitted a soft yet powerful light, its glow gradually illuminating the oppressive darkness. Crack A sharp sound echoed through the valley as one of the mighty roots splintered. From within the knotted chaos, something stirred.... A low, guttural growl reverberated through the dense air, "Grrrrrrllllll..." The growl grew louder, resonating through the roots and the surrounding rock. The light from the crystal flickered.... Chapter 275: Yanderes becoming friends "Sigh...." "What''s with that heavy sigh, Victor?" Ashara Nightfire tilted her head curiously, her crimson eyes narrowing as she studied him. Victor was beside her exhaled heavily, lost in thought, his brows furrowed in contemtion. Yesterday, his n had gone awry.... A total Mess! He had intended to establish a friendly rtionship with the so-called Mother, but everything went haywire, and he fucked up. ''Tsk, it''s not my fault to begin with. She''s the one who nearly killed me. How was I supposed to react calmly to that?'' Victor thought with an annoyed expression. He had been trying to create a friendly rtionship, thinking it better to have an ally than an enemy, yet he let his emotions get the better of him and fucked up. ''Sigh, what should I do now?'' He wondered as he nced at his mission tab: [Survive until the beginning:- Time remaining: 300 days 6 hours 45 minutes 22 seconds] Something was going to happen within the year, and he didn''t know what it was, but he was certain he needed to be ready. Otherwise, he wasn''t sure what would happen, but seeing the timer ticking like a bomb... he knew when it exploded, he would either be dead or in a seriously fucked up situation. ''Before that happens, I need to remove my ve Seal and then--'' "Sssh!" Victor suddenly hissed, a pained expression shing across his face as he snapped out of his thoughts. He turned his head to see Ashara pinching his hip, her finger pointing towards the front. "Are you not interested in my ss, Mr. Victor?" The professor''s voice rang out, sharp and filled with disapproval. He stood at the front of theboratory, arms crossed, his eyes narrowed in annoyance. Victor looked up, meeting the professor''s gaze with an indifferent shrug. "... Well, yeah," he admitted, not bothering to hide hisck of enthusiasm. The professor had been lecturing on the mechanics of basic technologies, like connecting circuits and the functions of Artificial crystals simr to the ones that were seen in Helena''s bathroom. Actually, that crystal broke not because of Helena pouring in extra energy, but because Aether caused the problem..... It was pretty amusing that after reading that old book in the archive, he understood most of the principles and functions; all he needed was a guide for practical use. Victor was not interested in learning theories. The professor''s lips twitched with annoyance at Victor''s arrogant and casual response. "Then why don''t you demonstrate your understanding by connecting the circuit? I want to see a fire crystal from your team," he said, his tone strict, though there was a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Fine then..." Victor agreed with a nonchnt nod, hisck of concern further irritating the professor. "W-Wait, I haven''t done anything!" Ashara protested, her eyes widening in surprise but it never reached no one.She nced around at the other teams, who were watching with amused or pitying expressions. Except for two individuals who were ring at her as if she hadmitted a grave offence. Theboratory was set up for experimental training, with students paired up toplete the tasks. Ashara, being Victor''s (forced) friend, had been (forced) to team up with him. She sighed, resigning herself to the situation. Victor ignored the stares and looked at Ashara, who wore a shocked expression as she watched him pick up a small, ball-sized crystal that was transparent. "Hey, Victor, are you serious? Do you even know how to connect the circuits or add the function?" Ashara asked, her curiosity piqued despite herself. Victor hummed in response, not looking up. He ced the small, transparent white crystal ball under a device resembling..... a surgical microscope, equipped with a controller. To program the predetermined function into the crystal, he needed to use this precise equipment. He inspected the crystal under the magnified lens. No cracks on the surface? Checked! No dents? Checked! Victor carefully used the controller to manoeuvre the tiny pins towards the crystal, then nced at Ashara, "Show me the circuit structure for the fire function," he asked, his voice steady. Ashara nodded, "Here it is. But, Victor, are you sure about this? Can''t you just apologize to the professor? It might make things easier," she suggested, her voice low and concerned as she gestured towards the professor, who still looked irritated. Victor dismissed her concern with a slight shake of his head, focusing intently on the task at hand. He began etching the circuit pattern into the small crystal, using the pins like a delicate pen. The process required precision, as any mistake... such as an extra scratch or a pin going too deepcould result in failure. The pins scratched the surface of the crystal, releasing a small amount of ink-like substance. Some etchings were deeper, some shallow, and each line had to be perfectly executed. Ashara watched Victor''s meticulous work with a sense of awkwardness, feeling somewhat useless as she hadn''t contributed much to the task. Though she knew that Victor had caused the situation they were in, they were still a team, and she wanted to support him. Seeing how focused he was, she decided to help in a different way and gently wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief. "BIT----" "BI---" Two furious voices suddenly rang out, but they were abruptly cut off. Ashara turned her head and saw that it was Selene and Aria, who had been paired together for the task. Selene and Aria were on the verge of breaking out in anger, if not for Aether''s stern advice to avoid contacting Victor while he was in ''Victor mode.'' ''That damn subus! If she tries anything funny, I will...'' Selene''s thoughts trailed off in fury. ''That damn subus! If she tries anything funny, I will...'' Aria''s thoughts echoed Selene''s sentiment, both fuming silently. Suddenly, they both received a telepathic message individually: /Selene/ /Aria/ The telepathy seemed to calm them, and they reluctantly returned to their work, pouting slightly as they did. Selene nced at Aria, unsure whether this woman was Aether''s target or not. Kai had told her that Aether was here for trial purposes, so she wasn''t exactly sure about Aria''s role. "Ahem," Selene cleared her throat, drawing Aria''s attention. "Hmm?" Aria looked up, her expression questioning. "I... Well, why did you ask my brother to have Aether apany you?" Selene asked, pretending to read her book but clearly probing for answers. "... Did your brother say anything to you?" Aria inquired, her tone guarded. "...Yes," Selene replied, trying to sound casual. "Then, it is what it is," Aria said nonchntly, returning to her book while holding the crystal ball. She knew she couldn''t reveal the true nature of her rtionship with Aether, especially not to Selene, Kai''s sister. She was sure Kai would take drastic actions if he found out. Selene''s lips twitched in annoyance at Aria''s evasive answer, "If you dare hurt Aether, I won''t stay silent..." Aria blinked, surprised by Selene''s protectiveness. She thought to herself, ''I guess she might actually be a good person...'' Aloud, she said, "Well, since he''s stronger than my other servan--" but Selene interrupted her, her face lighting up with pride. "Isn''t he?!!" Selene''s face radiated pure bliss as she boasted about Aether''s strength, clearly proud and joyful. "He is! He is even better than I expected," Aria agreed, smiling with pride as well. "Yes, he is the best!" Selene dered with conviction. She added, "That time, he defeated the bears with a single spell and flew through the sky with utmost precision... He is the best!!" Aria smiled gently, feeling a kinship with Selene. "Not only that, but he''s also very capable of learning new things quickly, and his curiosity... it''s like a child''s!" Seleneughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Haha... Yes, once his curiosity gets the better of him, he acts like a child, which makes everyone want to pamper him." The two women found themselves bonding over their mutual admiration for Aether. The wavelength between the two Yanderes seemed to sync perfectly... at least initially! Selene and Aria continued their conversation, exclusively talking about Aether and the situations surrounding him. As they grew closer, they decided to have a separate chat,ughing and smiling quietly together. "T-That time, hah... He almost broke that bully''s hand and... Pfffftttt!!" Selene started, struggling to contain herughter. "He broke the hand? And?" Aria prompted, eager to hear more. "Yeah, and... the bully wet himself inside the carriage, ahahaha.... and...ha... they never even approached him again. Heck, they even licked his shoes and followed him like a dog... ahaha," Selene recounted, both of them bursting intoughter. "Hahaha--" Suddenly, there was a loud explosion. BOOM!!! "I AM SORRY!!!" Chapter 276: Should I walk in naked to impress him? "I AM SORRY!" Ashara shouted, bowing her head deeply in apology as Victor brushed the dust off his clothes. After the explosion caused by Victor''s team, the professor, already annoyed by Victor''s antics, promptly threw them out of theboratory. "I really am sorry, Victor. I shouldn''t have poured so much energy into it," Ashara mumbled, her face clouded with sadness and guilt as she noticed Victor wasn''t responding to her apology. Victor sighed, shaking his head. "It''s not your fault," he said, trying to reassure her. In truth, it was mostly his fault. When Helena''s crystal broke, it was due to the arcane energy within his body. The energy had disrupted the circuit when he handled the crystal, leading to its malfunction when Helena tried to power it... That''s what he concluded after reading the details. Simrly, after he finished etching the circuit into the crystal this time, he assumed it would be fine as long as he didn''t rub it against his body. However, the moment he touched it, the circuit broke. Ashara, wanting to test it, poured her energy in, causing the crystal to explode. Still, She believed it was her fault, but Victor knew otherwise. "I''m really sorry," Ashara repeated, her voice pleading. Victor sighed again and walked away silently, heading toward the restroom to clean the dust from under his mask. Ashara bit her lip, misinterpreting his silence as anger directed at her. She felt a pang of disappointment; To be honest, she had been genuinely happy when Victor insisted on teaming up with her. She wasn''t particrly close with the others, and due to her nature, people tended to keep their distance. Though they didn''t treat her badly, there was always a barrier. It wasn''t entirely their fault; they were wary of her uncontroble power. Ashara was thrilled when Victor showed her the crystal, but her curiosity had led to this mess. She nced back into theboratory, where the others were working, and with a determined expression, she re-entered the ss. ... .... After cleaning up, Victor headed back to theboratory, musing to himself, ''So, I can''t even touch those things... How am I supposed to manage my building-up energy?'' He looked at his hands, contemting the situation.... He needed to do something about this otherwise he might be a balloon-filled Arcane energy. As he approached, he noticed Ashara peeking out from the ssroom door. "Victor!" she called out, her eyes bright with excitement. "Hmm?" "Come inside! I spoke to the professor, and he said he''ll allow us back in if we can impress him," Ashara said, her voice filled with pride and a childlike eagerness, clearly expecting praise. "Impress him?" Victor repeated, his eyebrow arching higher in mild surprise and amusement. The idea seemed absurd, especially given the professor''s obvious dislike for him. ''Should I walk in naked to impress him?'' he thought with a wry smile, amused by the thought. As they entered theb, the professor, catching sight of Victor, wasted no time setting the terms. "If you don''tplete the task I assign, you won''t be allowed back in my ss until the semester ends!" he dered, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. Victor blinked, then nced at Ashara, who quickly looked away, avoiding his gaze. /Selene?/ He telepathically reached out to Selene, asking for rification, /Well, she actually begged the professor to let you back in. She imed the explosion was all her fault and.../ /And?/ /She even offered to withdraw from the ss if he allowed her only friend to stay./ Victor paused, blinking a few times in surprise. He looked at Ashara, then at the professor. "You''ll be surprised, professor," he said confidently. The professor snorted, not particrly interested in allowing Victor back, but he had relented because of Ashara''s plea..... A subus, after all! Of course, He didn''t express his thoughts openly, but he was intrigued; he''d never encountered a subus before, if he yed his cards correctly, he might taste a subus and the prospect excited him. As they returned to their station, Ashara showed Victor aplex circuit diagram. "He wants us to create... this," she said.... Theplex circuit diagram was surely going to take a lot of time and concentration which was not avable as the period was about to end. "Compressed air?" Victor frowned. It was a simple basic concept but filled withplexity which might take a long time to even itch it on the crystal and most of all.... that was professor hadn''t even covered in ss. ''That bastard...'' Victor thought, gritting his teeth as he nced at the professor, who was watching them with a smug grin. At that moment, "Hehe..." Victor let out an uncanny smile, one that sent a shiver down the professor''s spine. He quickly skimmed through the book material, "We are doing this," he dered with a smirk. "Huh? This? Victor, this is advance--" she stammered. "Yes, it is an advanced concept, but it''s a simple circuit, that we can finish before the time runs out," Victor assured her, his voice steady and reassuring. Ashara wasn''t convinced. She knew that this task was far beyond their current level of training. She nodded weakly, still unsure but willing to follow his lead. Victor carefully selected a crystal, going through the same meticulous checks as before. Just as he was about to begin etching the circuit, he paused and looked at Ashara. "Take this side," he instructed, pointing to the crystal. "Just etch the part where I say." "Me?" Ashara blinked in surprise, her uncertainty palpable. "Who else then?" Victor replied with a raised eyebrow, a hint of a smile ying on his lips. "W-Well, I''m not sure..." Ashara hesitated, clearly afraid of making another mistake. "We are a team, right?" "Yes" "And you are my friend, right?" ".... Yes" "Thene on," Victor encouraged, giving her a reassuring nod. Ashara awkwardly scratched her head before slowly leaning towards the right eye side piece, while Victor took the left. Their faces were mere millimetres apart, and the proximity made Ashara''s heart race. Determined to prove herself, Ashara focused intently on her task. As they worked in tandem, Victor whispered softly, "Thank you, Ashara." Ashara flinched at his words, her heart warming at the unexpected gratitude. A gentle smile curled on her lips. [+1 AP] Just as they were about to finish the etching process, Victor added some additional knowledge he had gleaned from an old book, refining the circuit even further. The professor, making his rounds, finally arrived at their station. "Time''s up, pretty boy," he announced, amusement evident in his voice as he nced at Victor, expecting failure. "J-Just give us a minute?" Ashara pleaded, but the professor was not inclined to wait. "Either show it to me now or get out," he said, turning to move to another group. "Finished," Victor dered, just as the professor was about to leave. The professor frowned, clearly sceptical, ''He must have done it half-heartedly,'' he thought, ready to dismiss their efforts. Victor, however, gestured to Ashara. "Do the honours, Ashara," he said, indicating the crystal they had prepared. "Me? I-I don''t think it''s a good idea..." Ashara hesitated, her anxiety rising. Thest thing she wanted was to cause another mishap, especially after they had worked so hard. But Victor insisted on her. Ashara reluctantly picked up the crystal, which had turned a deep blue after the etching process. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as she concentrated on channelling her arcane energy into the crystal. ''Please work, please work, please work...'' she repeated in her mind, bracing herself for the worst. "Open your eyes," Victor said gently. Ashara slowly opened her eyes, and her breath caught in her throat. Sssshhh A small, beautiful blue me danced atop the crystal, its colour a mesmerizing, ethereal blue. "Wow..." Ashara whispered, her eyes wide with wonder. "What ''Wow''?" The professor''s face twisted into a scowl, "I asked you to makepressed air, not fire! Do you think I''m an idiot?" "W-Well..." Ashara stammered, looking to Victor for support. At that moment, a voice cut through the tension. "It''s a blue me, which is considered the highest level of heat and is very rare to create..." The voice was feminine and authoritative. Everyone turned to see a dark red-haired woman, wearing sunsses despite being indoors... Victor frowned seeing that woman. Chapter 277: Devil... Victor, along with everyone else in the room, was taken aback by..... Raven Noir. She was a woman known for her silence, rarely speaking to anyone, so it was surprising to hear her voice now. The professor frowned, clearly displeased by the interruption, "What''s the matter, Ms. Raven Noir? I''m addressing this team, not yours. Please return to your ce," he said, trying to maintain authority. Ignoring the professor, Raven looked directly at Victor and made an unexpected offer. "I will give you 1000? for this," she said, her voice calm and measured. Victor blinked behind his mask, puzzled by her sudden interest, ''What is she up to?'' he wondered. Seeing Victor''s silence, Raven upped the amount, "2000?," she offered, her tone unwavering. "..." "3000?" "..." Continue your journey with m|v-l''-NovelBin "4000?" "..." Still, Victor did not respond. Raven sighed and finally said, "5000?. That''s my final offer." The entire ss fell silent, stunned by the escting bids. ''Is she serious?'' everyone thought in unison, unable toprehend the situation. ''That might be worth it, but isn''t she spending too much without even negotiating?'' Aqualina thought, her eyes wide with disbelief. Meanwhile, both Selene and Aria, seemingly out of sync with the gravity of the moment, whispered to themselves, "He is the best!" "He is the best!" They then looked at each other in surprise and chuckled simultaneously, "Haha..." "Haha..." and wondered why they were even chuckling at each other. Anyhow, Victor, squinting his eyes, thought, ''Is she trying to rub her wealth ''I am filthy rich!'' at me?'' He then remembered seeing a poster about a masked person with a hefty reward and.... wondered who it might be. Inwardly, heughed at the absurdity of the situation. "I think you misunderstood my silence, Ms. Raven..." he finally said, breaking the tension. "Hmm?" Raven nudged her sunsses up. Victor then turned to the professor, who was still trying to process the situation, "Why don''t you check it, Professor? This is not an ordinary firestone... Didn''t I say it was a surprise?" he said, gesturing for Ashara to hand over the crystal to the professor. The professor snapped out of his daze, ncing at the crystal sceptically. "I''m sorry to say this, Mr. Victor, but I won''t" "Tsk, are you even listening, you clueless idiot?" Victor interrupted, his toneced with irritation. Veins popped on the professor''s forehead as he red at Victor. "Idiot? Are you referring to me?" he asked, barely able to contain his anger. "Of course... Not" Victor replied quickly, shaking his head. He then turned to Ashara, putting on a show, "Idiot! Do you think you''re some kind of big deal? Do you even understand what I''m trying to say? Or should I tell the principal what an idiot you are? Not able to handle it" he said, his voice dripping with fake frustration. "Pffft---" The ss erupted in suppressedughter, everyone covering their mouths to stifle their amusement. It was clear that Victor was actually mocking the professor.... That only increased Professor''s anger. Meanwhile, ''W-What did I do?'' Ashara, initially confused and hurt by Victor''s harsh words, quickly caught on when she saw him wink at her. Realizing the act was a ruse to provoke the professor, she yed along, watching as the professor struggled to keep hisposure. "What did you say, Mr. Professor?" Victor asked innocently, his face the picture of politeness. "Grrrrr," the professor growled, gritting his teeth as he fought to control his temper. "If this doesn''t surprise me, everyone from this ss will be banned from my lectures!" Thalia, tried to object, "That''s not fair" but the professor cut her off sharply. "SHUT UP!" he barked, silencing her immediately. Determined to prove Victor wrong, the professor poured his arcane energy into the crystal, thinking, ''Let''s see what this arrogant brat has done!'' Ssssshhhh The atmosphere in theboratory grew tense as the blue mes erupted once more from the crystal. The professor, his face twisted in amusement, nced at Victor and asked, "That''s it?" His voice dripped with condescension, clearly expecting something more. "Haha..." Leon and Kaiughed haughtily, "Are you trying to show off?" they asked. The other students were ready inform to the principal as they didn''t want to be banned from the ss just because of Victor. Victor, maintaining hisposure, simply instructed, "Pour more energy." The professor mockingly shrugged, channelling even more arcane energy into the crystal. However, despite the increased power, nothing seemed to happen. "Tsk" The professor''s face began to glisten with sweat from the effort, and just as he was about to stop, there was a sudden change. Sssshhh--- The blue mes abruptly ceased, reced by a strange sound: ''BURF!'' "...." A moment of stunned silence followed. The professor''s lips twitched as if suppressing augh, and then he burst out, "Just a fart? Hahaha!" He gripped the crystal tightly,ughing uproariously. The other students caught off guard, couldn''t help but feel a mix of amusement and confusion. "Hahahaha... Loser!" Leonughed even more. The professor, wiping tears ofughter from his eyes, said, "You really have a unique sense of humour, Victor" But before he could finish, Victor interrupted, "Surprise!" He gestured the peace symbol with a small, knowing smile. Spark ZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz "AAAAARRRRRRRHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!" The professor let out a piercing scream as his entire body was enveloped in electric sparks as if struck by continuous lightning. Raven and Ashara, standing nearby, watched in shock as the blue crystal in the professor''s hand crackled with white sparks and slowly covered the entire crystal. Raven''s eyes widened, realizing the ingenious circuit, ''Two different circuits in a single crystal... Quite impressive. He seems to have a good understanding,'' she thought, her eyes scanning Victor with newfound interest. "I will give you 10,000? for this product" Raven announced with a determined face. ".... Seriously?" Victor never thought that a small thing could cost this much. "W-We need to stop!!" Kai and Leon, seeing the professor in distress, rushed to help him, but were nearly struck by the erratic lightning. ZZZZzzz "FUCK!" Kai eximed, narrowly dodging the electrical arcs Victor, wearing a sly grin, remarked, "Oh, I forgot to mention... Hehe... The lightning won''t stop anytime soon... because he poured too much energy." His words sent a chill through the room, and the students murmured in unison, "Devil..." as they witnessed the professor''s ordeal. Raven''s eyes widened even more, ''T-This is not just two circuits he.... it has three circuits and functions... Awesome'' she then shouted, "50,000?" Victor was taken aback it was at this moment an idea popped into his head, ''Fuck! Why didn''t I think before....'' he mused by the idea that just popped up.... as a sly smile appeared on his face, "Hehe..." as he looked at Professor whose skin started to change dark. Did he feel sorry? Hell, NO!! ''This fucker looked at my Aria.... in a different way'' Victor thought, when they arrived at theboratory the professor lustfully looked at Aria though it was for a second, it was enough to get Victor''s eyes. And Of course, Aria knew about it but she didn''t want to cause a scene and as a woman who just divorced her husband, she knew how this world going to look at her so she decided to take careter but.... ''He is cute~'' Aria thought, her eyes turned soft and gentle and felt really warm. Jack Sparrow who watched the scene with quite an interesting face thought, ''He might not be bad... should I ask him?.... hmm.... Tsk, Let''s wait and watch''. Helena, horrified, was about to intervene when Finnian stopped her, shaking his head. "Why? He is suffering!" Helena protested, pointing at the professor, whose body was beginning to cken. Just then, "What''s going on?" ric burst into theboratory, his eyes widening in shock at the sight before him. With a swift motion of his hand, he shattered the crystal, ending the torment and leaving the professor''s charred body slumped on the floor. The pungent odour of burnt flesh filled the air. ric''s face contorted with fury, "Who dares to do this" He stopped mid-sentence, his eyes locking onto..... Aria, who was gazing at him with an unsettlingly serene expression. "How?" ric''s subconscious voice trembled, his face paling. It was as if he had seen a ghost. He couldn''tprehend how she was standing there, seemingly unscathed by the events that had transpired. Aria''s voice was cold as ice, dripping with barely restrained anger, "How? What are you talking about, Professor... A.l.a.r.i.c?" Her eyes were lifeless, filled with a dark intensity. She knew he was the one responsible for nearly losing her beloved and the dire situation involving her mother. "I-I..." ric stammered, stepping back in fear, his breathing in short, panicked gasps. ''It''s not possible,'' he thought frantically, ''There was no way they could have survived... I nned everything perfectly! There was no way!!! It must be a sou'' His thoughts were abruptly interrupted as Helena, who had been tending to the injured professor, shouted, "We need to take him to the infirmary immediately!" Chapter 278: Molester! In the Principal''s Office... "...." "...." The Principal sat at her desk, her eyes fixed on Aether, who lounged casually in a chair across from her. He was whistling a light tune, spinning a mask in his hands as if he wasn''t rted to the incident that almost cost a life. Despite the chaos he had wrought, the Principal felt no anger. Yes, The principal didn''t get angry. She''d spent enough time with Aether to understand his peculiar nature and... his relentless tendency to flirt with her during their interactions which was something she found both amusing and exasperating. And most of all, She couldn''t help but be fascinated by his rapid progress, ''In such a short span of time, he''s already grown this much... truly favoured by the Arcane, I suppose,'' she mused silently. With a resigned sigh, she broke the silence, "I suppose Professor Kennedy must have done something to provoke you, right?" Aether, still absorbed in ying with the mask, nodded and replied, "Yes, he did." The Principal leaned forward, resting her elbows on her desk. "Even so, attempting to harm a professor within the academy grounds is a serious matter. You do understand that, don''t you?" Aether shrugged, seemingly unbothered, "It was an ident," he stated, his tone casual. "The Professor failed to check the experimental object, which was created by a student. So, really, it should be ssified as an unfortunate mishap rather than an attempted murder." A small, almost imperceptible smirk appeared on his lips. No matter what others said, it was, after all, an experimental object. It was indeed Professor Kennedy''s duty to check it before using it, so... this was undeniably his failure. The Principal sighed again, rubbing the bridge of her nose in frustration, "Technically, you''re right. It was Kennedy''s responsibility to ensure the safety of the materials before use. However, the fact remains that you nearly killed him. This is not something we can ignore." She nced at Aether, who seemed utterly unbothered by the gravity of the situation. She needed to administer the correct punishment... Otherwise, other students might start to imitate this behaviour, which was certainly something no one wanted. But, Aether had created something truly remarkable, which indicated he had a knack for technology. Punishing him might discourage other technology enthusiasts from trying new things, fearing the repercussions... As she pondered her options, Just then, Knock, Knock At the sound, Aether quickly moved to put on the mask, but the Principal held up a hand to stop him. "Come in," she called, her voice steady. Aether turned in his seat, curious to see who had entered. However, something blocked his vision, "MMAASSSSTTTEERRRRRRRRRR!!!!!"'' [+4000 AP] Suddenly, a small, cute snake darted into the room, flying straight towards him. Aether caught the snake mid-air, grinning, "Snowke! How are you doing? I''m sorry I couldn''t get to you yesterday. I was a bit busy" he apologized, his tone genuine as he cradled the snake in his hands. Snowke stared at him with an intense gaze, clearly displeased. She had been lonely! You know! [+4000 AP] [+4000 AP] [+4000 AP] "Hateee~" Snowke softly said as she was still displeased by his actions, before slithering up towards Aether''s face, her tongue flicking out to lick him, "W-Wait! Hahaha... that tickles... hahaha... no, no!! That''s my mouth!! Don''tmmff...." Aetherughed, trying to gently dissuade her. Delphine, who had entered with the snake, observed the scene with a mix of amusement and concern. [+400 AP] She nced at Aether and sighed seeing him doing fine, then turned to the Principal, her expression turning serious. She handed over a small document. "Principal, you need to see this," she said, her voice steady but urgent. The Principal frowned as she epted the document, "What is it?" she asked, opening the file. Her eyes scanned the contents, slowly widening in... shock. She looked up at Delphine, her voice low and controlled, "Who?" Delphine hesitated, then shrugged, looking down at her feet. The Principal noticed Delphine''s shadow flicker before disappearing. The Principal''s gaze shifted to Aether''s shadow, which now flickered momentarily. Her eyes narrowed as she connected the dots, ''I see...That maid....ah'' she thought, her mind racing, ''Did Aether already knew?'' she wondered She returned her focus to the document, her expression hardening, ''To think that bastard was molesting a few female students... under my very nose...'' She clenched her fists, anger boiling within her, ''How could I have let this happen? Pathetic!'' "We need to gather evidence," she said, her voice cold and decisive, "Summon the students who might have been affected. We need their testimonies." Delphine bit her lip, clearly troubled. "They might be hesitant to speak up, Principal. Many of them aremoners... and they might fear... you know" The Principal''s eyes shed with fury. She understood the implications all too well. Even if they dismissed Kennedy and imprisoned him within the academy''s walls, his noble status could still intimidate the victims. His friends and family might seek retribution. She took a deep breath, steeling herself. "Tell the students that once the investigation isplete, I will personally ensure that Kennedy is stripped of his nobility and.... end his life. Their identities will be protected. No one should fear speaking the truth." "..... Understood, Principal" Delphine nodded, her resolve firming. "FUCK!!!" Both Delphine and the Principal turned their attention back to Aether, who was now wriggling in his seat, trying to stop Snowke from slithering under his shirt. "D-Don''t Bite!" Read exclusive chapters at m_v-l''-NovelBin "Ouch!" "W-Wai- OUCH!" "S-Snow, I promise I''ll never leave you alone again, so please don''tOUCH!" Aether cried out as Snowke nipped at his torso beneath his shirt, her small fangs leaving tiny marks on his skin. "Hah.." "hah..." Both Delphine and the Principal couldn''t help but chuckle softly, a sense of satisfaction bubbling up within them. They exchanged amused nces, remembering how Aether''s antics had often left them both exasperated and embarrassed in the past. Aether, struggling to contain the writhing snake, finally tore his shirt open in frustration. "Where is she?" he muttered, scanning his upper body, which was now covered in small snake bites. Both Delphine and Principal had a pitiful expression seeing the bite marks but still, they felt immense satisfaction. But then, His eyes widened as he realized Snowke wasn''t there, "Huh?" he frowned, confused. Then, feeling a movement lower down, he froze. "HI!!" he yelped, looking down to see a subtle movement under his pants. "S-Snowke," Aether called gently, his voice taking on a softer, more coaxing tone. This was a delicate situation, and he needed to handle it carefully.... very carefully, "There''s nothing there... pleasee out," he pleaded, his voice almost a whisper. "Pffttt...." The sight of Aether''s sudden shift in demeanour sent both Delphine and the Principal into fits ofughter. They couldn''t help themselves; the usually confident and cheeky Aether was suddenly so cautious. "This is not aughing matter!" Aether shouted, ring at them. Both women quickly stifled theirughter, their smiles turning awkward as they were about to help him when, "This is not only my future but also yours, IDIOTS!!" [+400 AP] Both women flinched once again. Delphine''s face turned bright red as she finally grasped the full meaning of Aether''s words. The principal, too, frowned, understanding his implication. ''He''s only indicating Delphine, right?'' she thought, a flicker of doubt crossing her mind. [+300 AP] Just as the tension in the room seemed to peak... "Snaaaakkkkeeeee~" Snowke suddenly shot out from under Aether''s pants, leaping towards Delphine. The snake disappeared into the folds of her dress, hiding in her cleavage, trembling slightly. Everyone blinked in surprise, the room falling silent for a moment. Then, Aether sighed in relief and said with amusement, "She must have been scared of another snakeWait! Delphine!!!" "Principal is here, You perverted bastard!!!!!!!" Her voice echoed and, BOOMMM!!!!! .... ... Victor rubbed his jaw with a pained expression, ''I couldn''t believe she almost dislocated my jaw... tsk, tsk,'' he thought, shaking his head in disbelief. His eyes then settled on Snowke, who was wrapped around his neck with a pouty expression. He sighed deeply, ''Looks like I need to treat her...'' he thought, resigning himself to the task. Making up his mind, he headed towards a nearby restroom. Once inside, he transformed into Aether and walked out into the now-empty corridor, the echoes of his footsteps the only sound in the stillness. Just then, a voice pierced the quiet. "Father!!" someone shouted. Aether flinched the sudden call startling him. He turned around quickly and saw... Kaelen Darkfang. "I''ve been looking everywhere for you!" he eximed, his voice tinged with urgency. Chapter 279: Good Family? "Here... Father" Kaelen said, his voice tinged with fear! He held out a bouquet of vibrant, exotic flowers, their colours and fragrance filling the air. Aether blinked in surprise, his eyes darting between the bouquet and Kaelen. "Father?" he echoed, pointing to himself in disbelief. It was a strange and ufortable title for him... Yes, he did love children... but they were children, not a full-grown adult calling him father. Kaelen''s face flushed with embarrassment and a touch of fear and pitiful expression, "M-My mother told me to call you that... or else... ''gulp''" He gulped, visibly ufortable. "Please... Father," he added, forcing the word out, feeling both awkward and ashamed to be addressing a younger man in such a manner. Aether sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose as if trying to ward off a headache. He took the bouquet from Kaelen, ncing at the flowers before meeting Kaelen''s eye, "You don''t have to force yourself," Aether said gently. "You can just say ''no'' if it makes you ufortable." Kaelen snorted, a mix of frustration and resignation evident in his expression. "You don''t understand," he muttered, "You haven''t seen bitahem, I mean, Mother. When she''s annoyed or if someone disobeys her... they either end up in a fight to the death or... reduced to a lowly servant," he exined, his voice trembling slightly with the fear of past experiences..... His eyes hinted at the trauma he had either witnessed or narrowly escaped. "Pfft--" Aether stifled augh, covering his mouth to hide his amusement, "Well, sounds like you need to stand up for yourself, young man," he advised, as if imparting fatherly wisdom. Kaelen''s lips twitched, clearly not finding the situation as amusing as Aether did. Sensing the tension, Aether decided to take his leave, still feeling awkward about being called ''Father''. However, Kaelen quickly stopped him, "You need to respond... Father," Kaelen insisted, motioning to the bouquet where a small note was tucked among the blossoms. Aether raised an eyebrow, intrigued. He carefully pulled out the note and unfolded it, reading the message written in elegant, flowing script: __________________________ Hello, My Dear Husband, How have you been? I hope this message finds you well. As for me, I am doing well. I heard humans enjoy receiving flowers as a token of affection, so I hope you like this and.... I picked these with my own hands, just want to point this that''s all! Today, we had a meeting with a few tribe elders. Only one was wise enough to see reason and join our cause. The others... well, they won''t be causing any more trouble.... I just finished off, Praise me!!! But, It seems I''ve pissed off Maelona again.... she''s such a sensitive soul. Hahaha..... Watching her squirm in difort over my mistake, was quite the entertain-ahem.... anyhow, we are doing fine, it will be a matter of time before we take down ric. Anyhow... Hmm... Well, I love you, I guess. I''m sorry, I heard people say ''I love you'' here and there to prove their love which is something I don''t believe... Anyhow, so I just wrote it for the sake of it. And... I want to mate with you.... So, Pretty please~ fall for me, Darling~ The wait is bing unbearable, and all I want you inside him.... Please fall for me faster!!! And then we can mate to our hearts'' and.... bodies'' content! __________________________ Aether chuckled softly, shaking his head in amusement, ''She is so bold and really true to her desires,'' he thought, a warm smile spreading across his face as he imagined the beautiful, fierce wolf woman who had written the letter. "She certainly trying her best...." Aether murmured to himself, his voice filled with a mixture of admiration and amusement. Actually, He had nned to visit her soon anyway, as she was one of his targets and maintaining a minimum of 10 affection points daily was crucial for the seduction process. He decided he would surprise and tease herter. "Okay, then I will answer itt" "I need to deliver it today," Kaelen interrupted, his face filled with dread. His mother had been very clear: the response had to be delivered by the end of the day, and any dy would result in severe punishment..... He was already losing precious time. Aether blinked, surprised by the urgency, ''Is she for real?'' he thought, sighing heavily, "I don''t have a pen or paper" "Here," Kaelen interjected immediately, taking a pen and paper seemingly out of nowhere. Aether sighed, shaking his head at the boy''s eagerness. He nced around for a surface to write on, but before he could decide, Kaelen bent down, offering his back as a makeshift desk. ''Really?'' Aether''s lips trembled with barely suppressedughter. The situation was so absurd, it was almost too much. Nheless, he took the pen and paper, writing a response. He decided to use some cute and yful words, aiming to boost her affection points without needing to visit in person. After a few moments of scribbling, Aether finished the letter. He folded it neatly and handed it to Kaelen, "Here, do not open it!" he warned, his tone serious. "Of course... Father," Kaelen replied hurriedly, taking the letter with a nod. He transformed into his wolf form, the shift was seamless and swift. Within moments, he was speeding off down the corridor, a blur of fur and motion, eager toplete his mission and avoid his mother''s wrath. Aether blinked, then chuckled softly, shaking his head in disbelief, "She''s really turned her son into a personal courier boy... and he''s okay with that," he muttered to himself. It was both amusing and sad to see Kaelen so resigned to his role, seemingly unfazed by his father''s death and now helping(Forced) his mother in her pursuit of a new husband. Truly amusing family! And Aether got involved with this! Aether wasn''t sure whether to be amused by Kaelen or saddened by his cowardice. He decided not to dwell on it and walked away, his mind shifting to more pressing matters. He needed to think about the 50,000 ? amount he had received. Yes, he had sold the crystal to Raven, though he still wondered why she needed it so desperately. With the substantial sum now in his possession, he resolved to advance his ns, ''But for that, I need those tools... Should I ask the principal?'' he pondered..... just as ric appeared, walking in the opposite direction. Aether''s expression hardened, eyes narrowing slightly as he watched ric approach. ric didn''t even nce at him as he approached... Step, Step, Step... The corridor echoed with the sound of heavy footsteps, and nothing more.... Not even the breeze dared to move. They were inches away from each other and... .... Step, Step ... passed each other without a word, the tension palpable. Neither man broke stride. Just as they were about to leave, ric paused and spoke without turning, "Don''t think you''ve escaped," he warned his voice cold andced with menace. None of them spoke anything just walked away.... However, they halted at the same time and without turning back, ric said, "Don''t think you have escaped?" Aether responded with a low, eerie chuckle, "Hehe..." The sound was unsettling, as he continued walking without looking back. ric snorted, trying to provoke him, "I dare you toin to your master," he sneered. ric, who believed Aether was Empress Marisandra Naiadia''s servant, was a little worried.... no, really worried. He didn''t want Aether to report the Empress anything that could cause trouble for him. That''s the reason trying to provoke as he knows Aether has a huge ego for a servant!!! If the Empress got wind of it, ric might face severe consequences, and even the principal might get involved. Aether merely shook his head, his voice cold and dismissive, "Don''t worry; your end isn''t in my hands or the Empress''s..." He walked away, leaving ric ring after him. [Survival rate: 36%] ric nced back and watched Aether retreating back, eyes narrowed, "We''ll see about that..." he muttered, his voice filled with icy determination as he turned and walked away. Returning to Aqualina''s side, Aether fell into his usual routine, helping her with various tasks. However, today felt different... Aqualina, with an uncharacteristic seriousness, insisted that he recount everything that had happened in the Faerie Arbor city. As a servant, Aether, of course, said everything.... mixed with tales. As he stepped out of her room, Aether sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. ''I hope everything goes as nned...'' he thought, ncing towards Helena''s room. His mission indicator wasn''t blinking, which offered a smallfort. He quietly knocked on her door and softly called her name but there was no response, After a few seconds of trying he sighed, ''She must be somewhere else...'' he thought and decided to postpone her n. He exited the girl''s dorm andwas about to call it a day when a familiar voice rang out. "Aether!" Lia''s voice was bright and cheerful, startling him slightly. Before he could react, she rushed up and yfully covered his eyes with her hands, "I have a surprise for you~" she whispered slyly, her breath warm against his ear. "Surprise?" Aether''s lips curled wondering what she was talking about and.... really curious. Chapter 280: Lia really surprised him.... But she also shocked!! "It''s taking a while, isn''t it, Lia?" Aether asked, his tone filled with a mix of curiosity and slight impatience. Though he was blindfolded, his other senses were heightened. The distant murmur of people and the tantalizing aroma of street food drifted through the air, painting a vivid picture of a bustling, lively ce. It was clear they weren''t anywhere near the academy. Lia turned to him, a yful smile dancing on her lips. Instead of answering his question directly, she asked, "Tell me something... I''m your friend, right?" Aether''s brow furrowed in confusion at the sudden shift in the conversation, "Of course, you are, Lia," he replied, sincerity evident in his voice, "Why would you even need to ask something like that?" His confusion deepened, and he couldn''t help but wonder what had prompted this unexpected question. Lia''s smile softened, though a hint of seriousness crept into her expression, "Then care to exin why I had to hear about your departure from others?" she asked, her voiceced with a subtle note of hurt, "Why didn''t you tell me yourself? I thought we were closer than that." She took a step forward in the queue, gently pulling Aether along with her as she did so. Caught off guard by the sudden confrontation, Aether hesitated, "I-I thought it would just be a quick trip, maybe a day or so," he began, his voice faltering as he tried to find the right words. "My schedule was really tight, and I didn''t think... I mean, I was already being pulled in different directions by others..." He trailed off, realizing how inadequate his excuses sounded. But in reality, he hadn''t given much thought to how his sudden departure might affect her. Lia listened intently, her expression remaining unreadable. She maintained her smile, "I see..." she murmured, almost to herself. She couldn''t shake the feeling that, despite his busy schedule, he could have at least left a message with Selene. Instead, she had been left in the dark, forced to hear about his departure from others. It hurt more than she cared to admit, and the sting of it lingered. Aether swallowed hard, ''She seems really pissed off...'' he thought, noting her tone. He sighed inwardly, he wondered what kind of surprise/punishment she had in store for him now. As she ced something on his head.... a soft, cloth-like object... and began tying his hands, his curiosity mingled with a growing sense of nervousness, ''What''s she nning? It''s not like she''s going to hurt me... right?'' "NEXT!" The voice was authoritative... and felt familiar. Aether frowned slightly, Lia stepped forward, her grip on his arm firm, and he followed her lead, his mind racing with possibilities. Lia slowly removed the blindfold, her voice filled with excitement and a touch of mischief. "Surprise!" Aether blinked rapidly, his eyes adjusting to the sudden influx of light. As his vision cleared, he stared in shock at something... or someone! ''FUCK!'' Raven Noir stood nearby, looking at Lia, who was grinning broadly. Beside her, a person wearing a criminal mask, with only their blue eyes visible, stood ominously. Seeing Aether''s surprised expression, Lia''s grin widened even more. They had joked about the Million Zenith (1,000,000?) bounty for using him, but they had never actually gone through with it. Since Aether had been clearly against itst time, she had decided to teach him a lesson by defying his wishes... and maybe make some money on the side. Lia held up a poster, pointing towards Aether, "You''re looking for this person, right?" she asked, her toneced with feigned innocence, "He looks just like him, so take him and give me the reward money..." she joked, intending to give Aether a scare. Of course, she was just joking around there was no way she would do it. However, Aether internally screamed, ''Fuck, fuck, fuck...!'' ''He doesn''t just look like me, it''s literally me, you idiot!!!'' He wanted to shout, but he maintained hisposure, hoping to keep the situation under control. He was 50% sure Raven wouldn''t recognize him and another 50%... Well, he could only hope, as Raven''s keen eye for detail might indeed recognize him.... since able to paint his eyes clearly. Raven Noir stared at Aether, then looked back at the poster, and again at Aether, as ifparing the two images.... especially those eyes! Seeing Aether clenching his fists in distress, Lia nodded with satisfaction as if she had aplished something significant, ''I hope he learned his lesson and never forgets this... Hmph!'' she thought inwardly, deciding to take him and leave when, "Good," Raven Noir nodded approvingly, turning to Lia with a small smile, "Here''s 50% of the amount!" she said, handing Lia arge handbag. Lia blinked in confusion as she looked down at the heavy bag filled with money, her eyes widening in disbelief..... She blinked repeatedly, stunned as if she had just stumbled into a situation far beyond her control. Like an idiot who had achieved something they shouldn''t have!! Ignoring Lia''s shocked expression, Raven Noir turned her attention back to Aether, her smile widening. Ting! "What are you doing?" Lia eximed, her voice a mix of shock and fury as she blocked Raven''s thin sword that had nearly pierced Aether''s chest. Raven frowned slightly, her expression one of mild annoyance, "I''ll give you the remaining amount by tomorrow morning," she stated matter-of-factly. Lia''s lips twitched with frustration, "It''s not about the money!! Why are you trying to kill him?!" she demanded, her voice rising with urgency. Raven shrugged nonchntly, "That''s none of your business. Now, leave!" ''This bitch!!'' Lia thought, her anger ring as she clenched her fist, gripping the red sword tightly. She was just about tosh out when, "Yes, police officer! Catch them!!" Everyone turned in the direction Aether was pointing, including Raven.... but then she clicked her tongue in frustration as she realized she had fallen for Aether''s trick.... Again!! She turned back, only to see that both Aether and Lia had vanished. She jumped slightly, scanning the area, and spotted a blurry figure running away. Her lips curled into a smirk. ''It''s really him...'' she thought, setting off in pursuit. Meanwhile, Aether, carrying Lia in a princess carry style, was shocked to see a long line of people wearing criminal-like masks... all for the promise of reward money. They even decided to be a criminal just for the money, Money really was something!! He sighed, ncing down at Lia, who seemed stunned by his actions, "A-Aether, you''re fast I mean, I''m sorry," she stammered, her face clouded with guilt. She had never anticipated that Raven would try to kill Aether... It was supposed to be a lesson for Aether, a bit of fun, and yet... "Yeah, you must be!" Aether replied, without a hint of hesitation. Lia''s lips twitched, feeling the sting of his words. ''He''s so mean!!'' she thought, but then she spoke, "I-I think she mistook you for someone else. If we exin, and that person isn''t you" "He doesn''t just look like me, it''s literally me, you idiot!!!" Aether shouted, his frustration boiling over. Lia blinked again, her shock deepening. She was starting to feel more surprised than Aether himself. Her eyes widened in realization, "Y-You mean..." "Yes, the person she was searching for... it was me," Aether said with a defeated smile, crouching down just in time to avoid a de aimed at his neck. Lia''s eyes widened in rm as she nced to the side, seeing Raven running swiftly beside Aether. ''Shit! She''s fast!'' she screamed inwardly, "Run faster, Aether," she shouted, hugging him tightly... instead of helping him. [+400 AP] Aether''s lips twitched. ''This girl... is enjoying, isn''t she?'' he thought, just as his instincts kicked in, allowing him to twist and narrowly avoid another attack. The situation was turning into a real-life Tom and Jerry chase! With so many people around, Aether couldn''t use his magic or run at full speed without risking colliding with others. And most importantly... "You''re heavy!" Hearing that, Lia''s face turned crimson with anger as she shouted back, "It''s not me, you jerk!! It''s this money bag!!" She held up the bag, clutching it as if her life depended on it. "...." Aether... really had no words. ''Is she really a noble?'' he wondered, bewildered. Meanwhile, back at the Academy, Aqualina stood inside Aria''s room, her eyes flickering with a dangerous intensity, while Aria wore a smirk. She asked, "Ara~ Is something the matter, Ms. Princess~?" Her tone was mocking, almost mirroring her mother''s when she taunted Liora. Chapter 281: Innocent Aether.... Dead!! Aqualina stormed into Aria''s room, her face had a tempest of emotions... sense of loss, annoyance, anger, and outright hatred. She couldn''t believe it.... Aria had tricked the innocent Aether into sleeping with her! The very thought was almost too much for Aqualina to bear. Upon hearing the details from Aether, Aqualina had nearly lost her sanity. The way he described it, his confusion, his vulnerability.... it had all been too much. The realization that Aria had found a loophole in her carefully crafted orders and exploited it so cunningly left Aqualina seething with rage. She felt an intense wave of anger and disgust, not just at Aria, but at herself for not anticipating such a move. "Are you going to stand there and stare at me all day?" Aria asked, her voice dripping with mockery and amusement. She leaned casually against the edge of her bed, her posture rxed and unbothered. Her gaze was fixed on the fuming Aqualina, who stood at the doorway, her body rigid with barely contained fury. Aria''s nonchnt demeanour only added fuel to the fire burning within Aqualina. Aqualina, struggling to contain her emotions, clenched her fists so tightly that her knuckles turned white. Her voice trembled as she spoke, "D-Did you...?" She paused, taking a deep breath, clenched her teeth, forced herself to calm down, and then asked again, more clearly and forcefully, "Did you... trick him into sleeping with you?" Aria''s response was a small, knowing smile. That single, infuriating gesture was enough for Aqualina to understand the truth. BOOM!! Aqualina''s killing intent exploded around her, causing the ground beneath her to ripple as if caught in a seismic wave. A blue de of energy materialized around her feet, humming with the force of her unleashed anger. Aria, still wearing that infuriating smile, casually summoned her bow. She notched an arrow and aimed it directly at Aqualina, her eyes glinting with a mixture of amusement and challenge. The tension in the room was palpable, a heavy weight that pressed down on both of them. Neither woman looked away, their eyes locked in a fierce, unyielding stare. Suddenly, TING In a sh, Aqualina''s blue de shot towards Aria''s heart, and Aria released her arrow. The two forces collided with a brilliant sh of light, the arrow deflecting the de. Aqualina continued to re at Aria, her chest heaving with suppressed fury..... Her weapons dissipated into thin air.She turned sharply, her movements stiff with anger, and started to leave, her footsteps echoing in the heavy silence. Your journey continues at m v|l-e''m,p| y- r Aria smirked though she couldn''t see Aqualina''s defeated face but she was sure a viiness like her would be fuming inside. As she reached the door, Aria''s voice rang out, filled with a confident, almost smug tone. "I will win the trial and be the sovereign," she dered, her words dripping with determination and arrogance. Aqualina halted in her tracks. "And then..." Aria continued, her voice dropping to a darker, more possessive tone, "He will be mine and MINE alone. No one else will have him..." If others want to take everything from her.... then it would be over her dead body!! Aqualina turned slowly, and stared at Aria for a few seconds before her lips curled up into a mocking smile, "Yours? Hahaha... Oh, please, bitch!" Sheughed, a harsh, bitter sound that echoed through the room. "You think just because you''ve bedded him, you own him? Aether isn''t some prize to be won by the likes of you.... hahah" Her voice was filled with disdain. "Laugh all you want... but the winner will be the one whoughsst, and of course, that will be me!" Aria retorted, her face serious. Yet, "Pity~" Aqualina said, her amusement giving way to a cunning expression. "I will show you who I am, bitch!... Aether belongs to me... Me only!" Aria''s eyes darkened with a possessive gleam. She licked her lips seductively, her voice a sultry whisper, "He... tastes so good..." She ran her tongue along her gloved finger as if savouring the memory. "Very tasty~" Aqualina''s eyes widened in shock and fury, her hands shaking with barely contained rage. "You...!" She choked out, her voice a mix of disbelief and anger. Veins bulged on her forehead as she clenched her teeth, struggling to keep herposure. Without another word, she spun around and stormed out of the room, mming the door so hard it nearly splintered. SLAM!! Aria watched the door crack under the force, a satisfied smirk ying on her lips. She shrugged nonchntly, "I''ll have to inform the door manager about that," she mused aloud, her tone almost casual. But beneath her calm exterior, a flicker of fear surfaced in her eyes. Yes, even though she was determined and confident, a part of her knew that Aqualina held a significant ce in Aether''s heart. Could Aqualina''s importance to Aether be a problem? The thought unsettled her, making her question the certainty of her ns. ''Let''s hope it doesn''t...'' Aria thought, pushing the unsettling notion aside. Meanwhile, in her own room, Aqualina was a whirlwind of destruction. She threw objects across the room, smashing furniture and decorations with a ferocity that mirrored her inner turmoil, "That fucking bitch, she touched My Aether!!" she shouted, her voice echoing in the chaos. She grabbed a table and hurled it across the room, the sound of splintering wood punctuating her anger. THUD She was exactly like her mother.... Aqualina slumped onto her broken bed, her breathing in ragged gasps. Her mind raced with thoughts of Aria''s sudden surge in power. What could have caused such a drastic change? It was unsettling, to say the least. After what felt like an eternity, Aqualina''s rage subsided, leaving behind a cold, hard resolve. She sat up, her eyes dark with determination. Yes, she was sure she could win Aether back. Even if he wasn''t as innocent as before (she tried to think of it as just a dog bite), she was confident she could reim what she wanted. However, the thought of Aether''s love for that bitch gnawed at her. Itplicated things in a way she hadn''t anticipated. If she acted rashly and killed Aria, she risked losing Aether entirely. That was a risk she couldn''t afford. ''I certainly don''t want that...'' Aqualina thought, her face heavy with contemtion. As she considered the uing sovereign trial, and Mother''s words came back to her: "A frail heart can''t withstand a strong heart, and a cowardly heart can''t grasp the essence of a true heart... Be yourself." "Discover a shattered heart atop the highest peak, forged by the depths of the deepest valley." Aqualina sighed deeply. Those words were the clues for the second trial. She understood the first part..... it meant this trial was a test of their hearts'' true nature. In simple terms, those who wished to be sovereign needed to have strong, honest hearts. This trial would reveal the true nature of each participant, whether good or evil. There would be no hiding behind false pretences. Without revealing their true selves, they couldn''t hope to win this trial. Even the Principal had warned that the Test of the Heart''s Nature was the hardest trial. In her era, it had exposed some truly appalling truths about people that were rather disgusting that she didn''t want to share. ording to historical records, the Heart''s Nature trial was supposed to be the final test. But now, Her face grew grim as she thought, "So, the earthquake really did signify ''The Beginning''... This changes everything." As for the second clue... Everyone already knew what it referred to... The Pyra Fulgur Empire was the only ce known for its towering mountains and deep valleys. They had informed the Principal of their n to head to that Empire, but she had asked them to wait for a month. They weren''t sure why, but as she was the Sovereign, they trusted her judgment implicitly. "Looks like she''s trying to prepare us..." Aqualina mumbled to herself. From today onward, their schedule had been entirely different. Training would intensify, and everyone would work on increasing their levels and skills. Aqualina sighed again, trying to focus on the tasks at hand. Yet, her thoughts kept drifting back to Aether. "Aether..." she whispered, her voice tinged with sadness. The thought of Aether''s virginity being taken by someone else, by that "random bitch," as she thought of Aria, gnawed at her, filling her with a sense of loss and helplessness. Chapter 282: First timer... Meanwhile, elsewhere in the bustling city streets, "Just how long is that woman going to keep following us?!" Lia eximed, her frustration evident in her voice. She nced over her shoulder, spotting Raven trailing them like an unwavering shadow. It was as if they couldn''t shake her, no matter how hard they tried. Aether, running while holding Lia, shrugged nonchntly, "Beats me," he mumbled, dodging a sh attack with practised ease. ''Is she really after me just because I hurt herst time?'' he wondered, baffled by her relentless pursuit. Lia, catching her breath, suddenly had a thoughtful expression. Her eyes lit up with an idea. "I have an idea!" she announced, her voice filled with excitement. Aether''s curiosity was piqued, "Which is?" he asked, his eyes narrowing with interest. A mischievous smirk spread across Lia''s face, "I''ll show you," she said, reaching into her bag. She pulled out a single Zenith cash, a significant amount of money, and shouted, "Free money!" as she threw it into the air. The people around them nced at the single Zenith and... returned to their activities, uninterested. Aether stared nkly at Lia, his expression a mix of disbelief and disappointment. His face seemed to silently scream, ''Are you fucking serious?'' Lia frowned seeing her n not working, perplexed by theck of reaction from the crowd. ''Shouldn''t people be rushing to grab the money and fighting for it?'' she muttered, more to herself than to Aether. She shook her head in disbelief, ''If I were there, I would have been the first to dive for it!'' "Tsk, we just wasted money," Lia said, clicking her tongue in annoyance. Aether, still processing the absurdity of the situation, looked at her with an unreadable expression before saying, "If you don''t grab a whole bundle of cash and throw it in the air, I will literally throw you next." Lia jerked in surprise, seeing the seriousness in Aether''s eyes. He looked dead serious, as if he really would throw her if she didn''tply. "A-Aether, a bundle? That''s almost 1000?---HIIIKK!" she stammered, her voice rising in pitch. Before she could finish, Aether lifted her slightly into the air and then caught her, as if emphasizing his point. "Do.it!" hemanded, his tone leaving no room for argument. He dodged another of Raven''s attacks before picking up speed, moving faster than before. ''Tsk, he''s getting faster,'' Raven thought, her eyes narrowing as she tried to keep up. Meanwhile, [+400 AP] Lia gulped, her hands trembling slightly as she reached into her bag and pulled out a bundle of cash. With a heavy heart, she threw the money into the air. This time, Aether shouted dramatically, "Oh my goodness, it''s a money rain... Hahahaha!" Hisughter was over-the-top, echoing through the street like the maniacal cackle of a viiness. The street''s atmosphere changed instantly. The sight of cash floating down from the sky caught everyone''s attention. "MONEY!" someone shouted, and the chaos began. "OMG!" "It''s mine, bastard!" "Don''t step on the bills, you idiot!!" "Hey,dy, that''s my--aarhhh!" "FUCK YOU, BITCH!!" The entire street erupted into a chaotic scramble, people diving and pushing to grab as much money as they could. It was like a scene from a wild market brawl, with fists flying and curses being hurled. "Tsk!" Raven clicked her tongue in irritation as the crowd thickened, blocking her path. It became increasingly difficult to pinpoint Lia and Aether in the midst of the chaos. ''I will definitely get you!'' she vowed silently, her frustration mounting as she turned away. [+1 AP] Meanwhile, in a quiet, empty alley... "H-Ha-Ha-Ha..." Aether panted heavily, pulling off the criminal-like mask he''d been wearing. He leaned against the wall, trying to catch his breath. Lia, on the other hand, was practically bouncing with glee, "Hahaha... Aether, we got the money!" she eximed, her eyes shining with excitement. Aether''s face twitched, torn between amusement and disbelief. He looked at Lia with a stern and slightly disappointed expression. Lia''s exuberance faltered, her face turning awkward. "Haha... ahem," she coughed, trying topose herself. "Wait here, I''ll bring some wate--" "I am sorry," Aether interrupted with a heavy sigh. His voice softened, filled with genuine regret. "I''m sorry for not telling you... I won''t ever do this again." The sincerity in his words was palpable, his apology heartfelt. [+400 AP] Lia''s eyes widened, her expression softening. She finally smiled gently, her eyes misting slightly, "You finally said it..." she murmured, walking towards him and hugging him tightly. Her voice trembled with emotion. "You might not understand this, but I was really sad and hurt when you left me without saying anything.... I know what I did now was not right, and I''m sorry for that, but still, you''re my only friend. How could you leave me like that?" Feeling the genuine emotions radiating from Lia, Aether felt a pang of guilt. He realized how deeply she cared about him, how much his actions had hurt her. He gently stroked her hair, his voice soft as he said, "I''m sorry, Aurelia Scarlet." He used her full name, acknowledging her feelings. [+400 AP] They stayed like that for a moment, a silent understanding passing between them. Lia''s crimson eyes flickered with a strange light as she inhaled his scent. Her nose twitched, her throat going dry. Abruptly, she pulled away, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. [+500 AP] ''Cough'', Lia coughed, trying to cover her embarrassment. "Ahem, are we good now?" Aether asked, patting her head gently, a small smile ying on his lips. "M-Maybe," Lia stammered, still flustered. Her eyes darted away, avoiding his gaze. "Maybe... huh? How am I supposed to calm down my little sister?" Aether teased, pinching her cheeks yfully. Lia''s face turned an even deeper shade of red, and she swatted his hand away, shouting, "I am not your sister, jerk!!" "Yeah, yeah..." Aether responded, grinning at her reaction. His amusement was clear, and Lia''s frustration only grew. Unable to meet his eyes, Lia muttered something under her breath, but it was loud enough for Aether to catch, "Kiss," she said, her voice barely above a whisper..... Realizing what she had said, her eyes widened in shock. "Hmm?" Aether blinked, unsure if he had heard her correctly. Lia''s mind raced as she tried to think of a way out. Her eyes darted around before she pointed to her cheek, her voice shaky as she rified, "On the cheek... Yes- I mean, kiss me on the cheek." Aether chuckled softly. "I see..." he said, nodding. If a kiss was what she needed to feel better, he was more than willing to oblige. As Aether leaned down, Lia''s heart pounded in her chest. As her blood rushed every inch of her body..... Her body slowly turned cold due to her Vampiric nature, her breath came in shallow gasps, and her cheeks were beet red. She closed her eyes, anticipating the touch. "~chu~" ''Ba-Dump'' [+600 AP] The kiss was soft and warm, a gentle peck on the cheek. Lia''s heart skipped a beat, her breath hitching. It was the first time a man had kissed her cheek, and the sensation was surprisingly pleasant. ''It''s warm...'' she thought, touching her cheek where his lips had been. Meanwhile, Aether touched his lips, a puzzled frown on his face. He felt a strange coldness when he kissed her cheek, but before he could voice his confusion, Lia cleared her throat loudly. "Ahem, now we''re even!" she dered, trying to sound confident. Her face, however, was still flushed with embarrassment. Aether sighed in relief, d the tension between them had eased. However, his relief was short-lived. "Hehe... we''re filthy rich, Aether," Lia said, her voice filled with glee as she held up the bag of money. A sly grin spread across her face, and she seemed to relish the sight of the cash. Continue your journey on m|v-l''e m,p| y- r "... Are you... are you really a noble?" Aether asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. He couldn''t believe what he was seeing. And the money... it had to be illegal, given the circumstances. Lia puffed out her chest with pride, "Of course, I belong to a noble family!" she dered, her tone dripping with arrogance. But her actions told a different story as she buried her face in the cash, inhaling its scent with a satisfied sigh, "I love this smell." ''I am really not a thief!'' Aether screamed internally, feeling a mix of guilt and amusement. His lips twitched as he tried to process the absurdity of the situation. Still, money was money, and technically, they hadn''t stolen it. It was rightfully his, as he was the person on the wanted poster... or so he told himself to ease his conscience. Just as they were about to leave, Lia suddenly asked, "You haven''t told me why she''s after you." Aether sighed, recounting the events leading up to their current predicament, "Well, it started when I first came here..." he began, exining everything to Lia as they walked toward the academy. Lia listened attentively, her expression shifting from concern to fury. She wasn''t just angry at Raven, who had nearly sliced Aether, but also at the source of the problem.... Kai. "I cannot believe that jerk made you walk such a long distance and then wanted others to hunt you... That bastard... grrrr," she grumbled, clenching her fists in anger. But then she frowned, her mind racing. "But that doesn''t exin why she''s so dead set on finding you." Aether shrugged, just as clueless. They continued walking until they reached the academy gates, and... "Fuck!" Aether cursed under his breath, pulling Lia to the side. "Hmm? What happened?" Lia asked, confused. Aether pointed at..... Raven, stood at the gate with an air of calm determination. "Why is she...?" Lia''s words trailed off as she realized the answer. "Oh, fuck!" she eximed, her face paling which amused Aether. The duo had forgotten one important thing..... Aether had been wearing a criminal-like mask, but Lia had shown her face. And since Raven was in the same ss as Lia, she knew where Lia would be. "What should we do now?" Aether asked, frowning. It was clear they couldn''t get into the academy without confronting Raven. Suddenly, Lia''s eyes lit up with an idea. "She only knows me. I''ll take care of it, and you... take this money and wait for my signal." "Hmm?" Aether tilted his head, confused. But Lia just winked at him with a smug grin before heading towards the gate, her expression transforming into one of exhaustion and sadness. Aether watched, curious about what Lia was nning. Suddenly, a notification popped up in his vision, !~Ding~! Aether frowned, looking at the mission notification. Helena''s mission started to blink slowly. Just then, he spotted Helena and Finnian walking out of the academy and heading away. "..." Aether hesitated, holding the bag of money. He nced back at Lia, who was putting on an Oscar-worthy performance.... pretending to swim, fight, and crawl in front of Raven. Aether wasn''t sure what the hell she was doing, but Raven seemed to be listening intently. Seeing that things were under control, Aether clenched his fist, He decided to follow Helena. Chapter 283: No Face-Slapping! Aether quietly trailed behind Helena and Finnian, who were walking with a steady, purposeful pace through the bustling streets. The mission tab began to blink faster, its urgency matching the growing tension he felt. ''What''s going to happen?'' Aether thought, his mind racing as he prepared himself for any unforeseen events. Helena and Finnian suddenly veered towards a high-ss restaurant, the kind of establishment reserved for nobles and royalty. Aether''s eyes widened slightly; he had never been inside such an exclusive ce before. His mission tab blinked even more frantically now, a silent rm that quickened his heartbeat. He hesitated briefly at the entrance, gathering his courage, when "Excuse me, sir," a polite voice interrupted his thoughts. He looked up to see a neatly dressed receptionist behind a sleek podium, "May I see your reservation number, please?" She eyed him up and down, her expression one of practised politeness masking thinly veiled suspicion. Aether blinked, momentarily caught off guard, "No," he replied simply, "I don''t have it" Explore hidden tales at m,v l''-NovelBin The receptionist''s face fell slightly, though her professional demeanour didn''t waver. "I''m sorry, sir, but we cannot permit entry without a reservation." Aether''s mind raced. He hadn''t nned for this. "Then... make a reservation for me now," he said, almost pleading. "Certainly, sir," the receptionist replied, smiling pleasantly. "The reservation fee is 10,000?." "Okay, I wi---", Aether''s eyes widened in disbelief. "Excuse me? What did you say?" He felt as though he must have misheard her, maybe his ears ying, but then... "The reservation fee is 10,000?," she repeated, her tone patient. "...." Aether nced at his mission tab, its frantic blinking almost mocking him. He gritted his teeth, feeling a wave of frustration. He had never dined at such a ce, not in this life nor the previous one, even though his parents had frequented VIP restaurants he had only seen on television. With a resigned sigh, Aether reached into the bag and pulled out the required amount. As he handed it over with a heavy heart, he couldn''t help but feel a pang of regret..... not realizing the receptionist was simply exploiting him. The receptionist blinked in surprise at the prompt payment, a brief flicker of something unreadable crossing her face before she resumed her professional facade. She nced at Aether once more, then processed the payment. "Thank you for your patience, sir," she said, handing him a small card. "Here is your reservation number, and your table will be avable... next month." Aether, who had been preparing to enter, stopped dead in his tracks. "Next month?" he echoed, his voice rising in disbelief. "Yes, sir," she confirmed, her smile never faltering. "..... I asked ''now'', Miss" "You requested a reservation now, and I have made it for you." ''What the fuck...'' Aether felt a surge of frustration and confusion. "Miss, I needed the reservation for now, not next month. What are you trying to pull here?" The receptionist''s smile remained, though her eyes betrayed a hint of condescension. Just then, a man in a crisp suit strode confidently into the restaurant. The receptionist immediately bowed and let him pass without a word. Aether blinked, his eyes narrowing. "He just walked in without any reservation, didn''t he?" "Please, sir, let''s not cause a scene," the receptionist replied, her voice soothing yet firm. Aether''s patience snapped, "The hell with causing a scene! Bitch!! This is bullshit! You can''t just" "What''s going on?" A man arrived with a deep frown etched on his face, his eyes scanning the room with a mixture of confusion and annoyance. The receptionist immediately bowed, her movements swift and practised, before she began to exin what had transpired. "That''s all, Manager," she concluded, stepping back to allow the man to speak. The manager, a tall figure with an air of authority, looked Aether up and down. His eyes lingered for a moment before he offered a smile that didn''t quite reach his eyes, "I am sorry, sir. It''s our policy that only guests with reservations can enter. Since you just made your booking now, it means you will get your table next month." Aether''s face turned red with frustration, and veins popped on his forehead. "You could have told me before I paid the money!" he eximed, his voice rising in anger. The manager, still maintaining his polite but distant smile, replied calmly, "Everyone is aware of our policy, sir. It is clearly stated on our board and in our terms and conditions. So..." He trailed off, his expression indicating that there was nothing more to be done. At that moment, a voice interrupted his thoughts, clear and urgent in his mind. /Aether/ He frowned, recognizing the telepathic voice. /Celes?/ /Come to the nearby alley. Quickly./ /Now? What''s going on?/ /No time to exin. Hurry!/ Aether hesitated for a moment, then turned away from the receptionist and the restaurant. The manager, who had been watching the exchange with a smirk, whispered something to the receptionist. "What could a lowly servant could do?" They mumbled...They exchanged a knowing look, their smiles smug. Aether reached the alley and found Celestia leaning against the wall, her expression calm andposed. "What is it?" he asked, slightly out of breath and still fuming from the encounter. Celestia looked him over, noting his in servant''s attire with a sigh. "Aether, you must understand that in this world, appearances often dictate how people perceive and treat you. Whether fair or not, Rich or poor, clothing can make a significant difference." She gestured, and in an instant, his clothes transformed into a stylish ck-and-white ensemble. She stepped closer, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead and smoothing it back. "How long have you been watching me?" he asked, a mixture of curiosity and awkwardness "Always," Celestia replied with a soft smile, her eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. Aether sighed awkwardly, It was always hard to pinpoint her presence like she was a shadow watching over him. After ensuring his appearance was impable, she reced his simple money bag with a more elegant one. Her expression grew serious, "Those smiles weren''t just professional courtesy; they were mocking you, treating you like a naive child to be toyed with. I hope this experience has taught you a lesson." She could have intervened earlier to prevent him from being humiliated, but she had deliberately held back.She wanted him to experience the world.... After all, ''Words never fully capture the actual experience,'' as they say. However, she had been prepared to step in if the situation had taken a more dangerous turn. Aether nodded slowly, absorbing her words. "... I see," he mumbled, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow. The encounter had been a stark reminder that he needed to be decisive, to act swiftly and appropriately, even when situations seemed dire. "Should I present myself as Victor?" he inquired, contemting the persona that would best. Celestia chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Aether, there''s no need to distinguish between Victor and yourself..... You are Victor, and Victor is you. Embrace that. Just do things your way, with your unique ir, and everything will turn out fine.... Just, Whatever your situation is, do not lower yourself" Aether blinked, her words resonating deeply. He nodded, a smile touching his lips as he leaned down to kiss her softly, "Thank you~" he murmured, his voice filled with gratitude. He then winked at her, a yful glint in his eyes, before turning to leave. With a casual wave of his hand, the Mask materialized on his face. Celestia watched him go, a proud smile ying on her lips before she vanished into the shadows. Victor''s shadow flickered briefly. As Victor entered the restaurant, the receptionist, struck by his elegant and imposing presence, quickly bowed her head in respect. His strides were measured and calm, exuding an air of authority that made her nervous. [+100 AP] Victor, however, paid her no mind, his focus elsewhere. The receptionist''s face paled as she hurriedly summoned the manager, her voice tinged with urgency. The manager arrived promptly, his eyes widening at the sight of Victor. The young man''s aura was undeniably chilly and arrogant,plemented by his costly attire that spoke of wealth and status far beyond the manager''s reach, ''We must have a very important guest here!'' the manager thought, quicklyposing himself. He bowed slightly, offering a cool drink with a deferential smile, "Young Master, please enjoy this drink," he said, his tone courteous yet anxious. Victor nced at the manager, his face impassive. He wanted to face-p him but decided against it, not finding the situation worth his effort. His gaze then shifted to Helena and Finnian, who were seated nearby. He chose an empty corner table, a strategic position that allowed him to observe the room. "I''d like a hot chocte mixed with strawberries," Victor ordered, his voice steady and clear. The manager blinked, momentarily taken aback. ''Hot chocte with strawberries? What is that?'' he thought, puzzled. Swallowing his confusion, he responded politely, "Young Master, pardon me, but I''m unfamiliar with that particr drink." Victor''s expression darkened slightly, a frown creasing his brow. He stared at the manager, who began to fidget under the weight of his gaze, "I-I apologize, Young Mast--" the manager stammered, his voice trailing off as he struggled to maintainposure. "Tsk," Victor clicked his tongue in mild irritation. "Just bring me your best drink," he ordered, his tone cold and dismissive. The manager''s face turned even paler, and he nodded hastily, retreating to the kitchen. Victor smirked a hint of amusement in his eyes. Though he hadn''t intended to humiliate the staff, his annoyance had gotten the better of him. He turned his attention back to Helena and Finnian, only to notice, for the first time.... a woman sitting across from them. "Archpriestess?" Aether murmured, surprise evident in his voice. Chapter 284: Single glance! Aether had genuinely believed that the Archpriestess had left the academy, yet here she was, right before his eyes. ''Gulp'' He swallowed hard, trying to steady his nerves. It wasn''t fear exactly... well, maybe a littlebut the presence of the Archpriestess as an opponentplicated matters significantly. How was he supposed to navigate this now? Meanwhile, the Archpriestess, cloaked in a magical overcoat that concealed her presence from others, gazed at Helena and Finnian with tender eyes, "I''m sorry for the sudden summons," she said, her voice gentle but carrying an undercurrent of authority. "N-No, it''s perfectly fine! Archpriestess, we are always ready to serve you, whenever you need us!" Finnian responded, his voice almost rising to a shout before the Archpriestess discreetly created a soundproof barrier around them. Helena shook her head and looked at the Archpriestess earnestly. "We are your faithful followers, Archpriestess. Please, use us as much as you need." The Archpriestess smiled outwardly, but inwardly her thoughts churned with anger. ''This Bitch!... "Use us as much as you need"? And yet, she''s opening her legs to seduce my beloved!'' The Archpriestess barely contained her fury. A few days earlier, the Archpriestess had decided to visit her beloved after a month of absence, only to find out that he was not at the academy. Feeling a pang of disappointment, she had been about to leave when she heard the Saintess was going through some troubles. And of course, As the Archpriestess, it was her duty to listen to her followers'' confessions and guide them back to the right path. However, the Saintess''s words had struck a nerve: "He entered my room." "He taught me about... love and that there''s another way to create b-babies." "He k-kissed my forehead." "My h-heart skipped a beat." "He helped me with a problem in the bathroom shower." "A-And he saw my... d-drenched body." "My heart r-aced as it never has before." "I-I want to see him... not just for a day, but every day..." "I''m sad when he''s not around me..." "It makes my heart ache when he talks to other girls..." "Am I sick, Archpriestess?" Those words were enough..... The Archpriestess had understood immediately what kind of ''sickness'' the Saintess was experiencing..... and how many ways she could kill this bitch for it. She had barely managed to restrain herself, under the watchful eye of the Principal. Direct action had been out of the question, but indirectly, she had tried to deal with Helena. However, a bluish-ck-haired girl had intervened every time, frustrating her ns. Though she had been tempted to kill that girl as well, she wasn''t so unreasonable or irrational as to take such drastic measures. So, she had left the academy, nning to deal with Helena alone. What sin had Helenamitted that warranted her death? Of course, Trying to steal the Archpriestess''s beloved... It was a sin beyond forgiveness. ''She got kissed, helped, and.... he even saw her in her innerwear!'' The Archpriestess gritted her teeth, seething with..... jealousy. Her beloved had never done such things with her... except for that one kiss... maybe two. Anyhow, Not that she doubted her beloved''s loyalty; he had proven it when she had forcibly kissed him... Still, it had been a month since he''d seen her, and anything could happen in her absence. right? The thought of being cuckolded by her follower was unbearable.... She really didn''t want that!! This was why she intended to end this bitch before the situation escted further. However, as she looked at Finnian, she gritted her teeth again. ''This fool!'' she thought. She had explicitly asked Helena toe alone, yet here Finnian was, tagging along uninvited. Turning her attention to Helena, the Archpriestess asked calmly, "I specifically called only you. So, why is he here?" She gestured towards Finnian. Both Helena and Finnian flinched, surprised by the direct question, especially since the Archpriestess had tolerated Finnian''s presence in the past and never questioned him. Helena''s face turned anxious as she nced at Finnian, who shook his head, silently urging her not to speak. However, she feltpelled to be honest, "He told me I should inform him whenever I was going to meet with you, Archpriestess," Helena confessed truthfully. Finnian''s face turned pale. The Archpriestess nodded, her thoughts racing, she wasn''t sure why but now the real question was, ''What should I do now? Should I dy her death?'' she wondered. But then, "Archpriestess, today, Aether knocked on my door," Helena mentioned, her face curious. Both the Archpriestess and Finnian flinched at the revtion. Finnian frowned. "Why did he knock on your door" he began, but the Archpriestess interrupted, her tone serious. "What happened?" she demanded. "Well, he knocked on the door, but I didn''t open it. Since, you know, you said I shouldn''t see him or talk to him, and I''ve strictly followed that" Helena exined with a smile, though a hint of sadness lingered in her eyes. Before the Archpriestess could respond, Finnian interjected, "Why on earth was he looking for you? And what do you mean ''since then''? Have you been seeing him secretly?" "Well, it''s not like I wanted to hide it. I just felt there was no reason to," Helena replied awkwardly. Veins bulged on Finnian''s forehead, and before the Archpriestess could intervene, he shouted at Helena, "You! You let a man into your room?" The Archpriestess''s lips twitched, ''Bastard! Let me ask her details first!!'' staring nkly at Finnian. "Is that wrong?" Helena asked, her gaze doubtful. Finnian''s veins bulged even more as he retorted, "Of course it is! What if he had done something inappropriate?" "Finnian," the Archpriestess called out quietly, yet her voice carried a weight of authority... She didn''t like the way that he called her beloved. "I can''t believe you let a lowly servan" "F.I.N.N.I.A.N!" The Archpriestess''s voice cut through the air like a knife. The duo turned and saw her eyes were dark and devoid of emotion, "The next time you call him a servant, I will ensure you understand what it means to be one." The cold, emotionless words struck Finnian''s heart like a dagger. His face turned ashen, fearing he had crossed a line and earned her irea situation he desperately wanted to avoid. Your next read awaits at m,v -NovelBin "A-Archpriestess" he began to stammer, seeking forgiveness, but the Archpriestess turned her attention back to Helena, asking the one thing that truly mattered to her, "Was he sad when you didn''t open the door?" Her voice wasced with a mix of concern and dread. She hoped it wasn''t as she feared! Yet, Helena remembered how Aether had looked when he turned to leave. "Yes... he looked tired," she admitted, her voice soft. ''That''s it. She must die.'' The Archpriestess concluded, her resolve hardening. There was no more room for hesitation. Helena was encroaching on her beloved''s heart, a sin of the highest order. The Archpriestess had been the first to recognize Aether''s good heart, so she knew that Helena was somehow slowly making her way into his affections. It was an unforgivable transgression.... a sin among sins. As these thoughts raced through her mind, she felt a surge of darkness well up within her. She no longer cared for Finnian''s presence; her focus was solely on Helena. With every fibre of her being, she channelled her power, intending to eliminate this threat to her future happiness. Her hand reached out, inches from Helena''s face, ready to unleash her wrath..... but then, "Please forgive me, Young Master!!!" The loud cry shattered the tension, drawing everyone''s attention to its source. They turned to see the manager kneeling before a striking figure.... a white-haired, masked man, radiating an aura of mystery and power. ''Ba-Dump'' [+10,000 AP] The Archpriestess''s heart skipped a beat, a sudden rush of emotion overwhelming her. Helena and Finnian recognized Victor and realized he was causing yet another scene.... Not wanting to get involved, They turned back to their conversation, but Helena noticed something strange. The Archpriestess''s hand was hovering near her face, almost touching her. "Archpriestess?" Helena asked, her voiceced with concern and confusion. The Archpriestess snapped out of her daze, quickly withdrawing her hand. She stammered, "Ahem, w-well, there was... some dust. Yes, just a bit of dust," she said, awkwardly brushing at Helena''s hair in an attempt to justify her actions. Helena''s expression softened, and she offered a gentle smile. "Thank you so much for your care," she said warmly, her voice filled with genuine gratitude. Those words cut into the Archpriestess''s heart like a dagger. Forcing herself to maintainposure, she replied, "I-It''s fine... really..." Chapter 285: Bonus Chapter ?(???)?(50 GT) A few moments earlier, "I couldn''t quite catch what they were discussing, but..." Victor frowned as he observed the Archpriestess''s eyes growing cold and dark, her expression shifting ominously as if she were on the brink of taking some drastic action. Aether nced at his mission tab, the alert blinking furiously, signalling urgency. He feltpelled to intervene directly and was just about to stand up when "Here is your or--" Thud The manager, bncing a cup filled with a vibrant red drink, collided with him, causing the drink to spill over Victor''s ck coat. The sudden ssh drenched him, and before Victor could voice his displeasure, the manager fell to his knees, panic evident in his eyes. "Please, forgive me, Young Master!" the manager pleaded, his voice trembling with fear. His outburst drew the attention of the nearby patrons, turning all eyes towards the scene. "Tsk," Victor clicked his tongue in irritation, ncing down at his soaked coat. He was in no mood to deal with this inconvenience and was about to walk away when !~Ding~! [+10,000 AP] Victor blinked in confusion, momentarily distracted by the sudden notification. He looked at his mission tab, which had stopped blinking. His gaze then shifted to the Archpriestess, who was now smiling gently at him..... a smile that sent a shiver down his spine. "H-How did she know...?" he mumbled under his breath, still reeling from the unexpected turn of events. "Y-Young Master?" The manager''s voice quivered as he looked up, his eyes filled with hope and desperation, clearly seeking forgiveness. Victor''s lips twisted into a faint, forced smile. He took a deep breath, removed his ck coat, and spoke with a stern tone, "Since you have shown humility by kneeling, I will let this slide." The manager''s face brightened with relief, but Victor wasn''t done. "However," Victor continued, his voice cold, "you must ensure that the stain ispletely removed from my coat. If not, there won''t be a restaurant heree tomorrow." "Y-Young Master?" The manager''s relief quickly turned to fear, his face paling. "Here," Victor said curtly, tossing the coat to the manager. The man hesitated for a brief moment, but seeing the serious expression on Victor''s face, he quickly sprang into action, eager to rectify his mistake. Victor sighed inwardly, feeling the weight of the situation. He nced towards the table where Helena had been sitting.... only to find it empty. "Where did they" Victor''s frown deepened, but before he could specte further "Are you looking for someone?" The Archpriestess''s voice cut through his thoughts. She had taken a seat across from him, her face lit up with a small, mischievous grin. Victor maintained hisposure, masking his surprise, "What do you mean by that, Miss?" he asked, his voice steady. "Miss?" The Archpriestess feigned a pout, her lips curling into an amused smile, "Come now, there''s no way I wouldn''t recognize my beloved!" Her foot tapped lightly on the ground, and for a moment, Victor''s shadow seemed to flicker and vanish, ''It seems that bitchy Empress really has set her sights on my darling husband~'' she mused inwardly, annoyance shing briefly in her eyes. Victor''s frown deepened, "Beloved?" He kept his voice even, trying to mask the unease creeping into his chest. "What exactly are you insinuating, woman?" The Archpriestess''s grin widened a hint of yfulness in her eyes. "Of course, it''s you, darling~," she cooed, letting her leg brush seductively against his under the table. Victor felt his pulse quicken. He nced at her, taking in the sight of her small grin and the way she leaned forward, her cleavage prominently disyed. He swallowed hard and averted his gaze, sighing deeply. "How?" he asked, struggling to keep his voice steady. The Archpriestess struck a triumphant pose, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "It''s because of my love" she began, but Victor''s stern expression made her pause. She cleared her throat, pointing to his white shirt, "Those clothes are enchanted, crafted by my own two hands. Of course, I would recognize them instantly," she exined but it was a half-truth because she indeed felt because of her love.... inexplicable connection to him as if fate itself had drawn them together..... or maybe because Aether visited the Mother recently. ''Enchanted?'' Victor''s thoughts raced. He hadn''t realized that the clothes sent by Ste were enchanted by her sister. ''Damn it!'' He rubbed his temples, trying to process this new information. Just then, a waiter arrived, interrupting his thoughts. "Please forgive us, dear sir. This is our special dish for the day," the waiter said, cing a beautifully presented te beside Victor, "Enjoy it while we attend to your coat." Victor nced at the waiter, noticing the beads of sweat forming on his brow. The man was clearly nervous. Meanwhile, the Archpriestess watched Victor intently, her gaze softening. She marvelled at how much he had changed in such a short time. ''He''s be... more manly~,'' she thought, a mix of admiration and longing in her eyes. "Sigh, whatever," Victor muttered, dismissing the waiter''s nervousness. He turned to the Archpriestess and said, "Bring another te." "Sir?" The waiter looked puzzled, ncing at the empty seat. "I said, bring another te!" Victor''s voice held an edge of impatience. "O-Of course, sir!" The waiter bowed quickly and hurried off, eager toply. "Haha..." The Archpriestess chuckled softly, herughter carrying a melodic quality. "And what''s so amusing?" Victor asked, slightly irritated by her lightheartedness. "Well," she began, her eyes twinkling with amusement, "even though you hate me, you still worry about myfort." Her tone was teasing, but there was a note of sincerity that caught Victor off guard. ''Of course I worry,'' he thought to himself, ''if I don''t, who knows what chaos she might unleash?'' The Archpriestess reached out, gently taking Aether''s hand in hers. Her voice softened, a rare vulnerability showing as she whispered, "I''ve missed you... so much." Aether blinked, surprised by the raw emotion in her eyes. It felt as though they had been separated for centuries, not just weeks or months. He almost smiled, caught up in the intensity of the moment, when [+10,000 AP] ''Yep, that''s exactly why I''m on edge,'' he thought, realizing the implications. Those readings meant the Archpriestess''s feelings were genuine and intense, bordering on obsessive. If he gave her any sign of encouragement, she would surely take it as a green light to act on her desires. She would be riding on him!! Well, to be honest, he wouldn''t mind having a great beauty, but something about her was unsettling... What''s more, there was Ste, who was a weak girl, so he wondered how she would feel first... That''s why he was hesitating. Victor pulled his hand away, trying to maintain a neutral expression. The Archpriestess''s face fell slightly, a shadow of disappointment passing over her features. Victor sighed, feeling the weight of the situation, and awkwardly said, "I... I also missed you." Hearing this, the Archpriestess''s eyes lit up, her smile growing wider. She knew he was only saying it to keep her from feeling too hurt, but even this small acknowledgement was enough to make her day. Just then, the waiter returned, cing another te before Victor. Victor frowned slightly and opened his mouth to speak, but the waiter quickly bowed and retreated, clearly wanting to avoid any further reprimand. "Tsk, what a subpar establishment," Victor muttered under his breath, pushing the dish towards the Archpriestess, whoughed softly, her eyes never leaving his face. She was well aware that others couldn''t see her, thanks to the magical overcoat she wore. But why could Victor see her? Maybe it was love? Hell No! it was the enchantment she had ced, allowing Victor to see her just as clearly as Helena and Finnian could. The Archpriestess watched Victor eat quietly, her gaze lingering on his features. "What''s wrong?" he asked, noticing her not touching her food. "Well... I haven''t seen your face... so," she said, her voice trailing off, her expression hopeful. Victor shook his head, indicating he couldn''t reveal his face since others might see him. But then the Archpriestess snapped her fingers, and a thick barrier appeared around them, cloaking them in privacy. The world outside seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them. Victor sighed, resigning himself to the situation. He slowly removed his mask, revealing his face, and ran a hand through his hair, a small gesture that seemed to heighten his allure. ''Kyu!'' The Archpriestess''s heart was pierced by a heart-shaped arrow. Her grey eyes locked onto his piercing blue ones, and she felt a wave of heat wash over her. His handsome face had matured, bing even more striking than she remembered..... She could feel her body reacting, her throat going dry, and a tingling sensation coursing through her. She rubbed her thighs together, struggling to maintain herposure, fighting the overwhelming urge to leap across the table and [+10,000 AP] [+10,000 AP] [+10,000 AP] [+10,000 AP] Victor, too, was feeling the tension. He knew she was a lost cause, but her affection seriously amused him.... He couldn''t help but smile slightly, and in that moment Snap She lost control. Without warning, she reached out, grabbing Victor by the cor and pulling him close. "~Hmm~" Their lips met in a searing kiss, filled with all the pent-up emotions she had been holding back. ''It''s his fault for being this irresistibly handsome!'' she screamed inwardly, savouring the moment before reluctantly pulling away, her eyes searching his face for any sign of response. Victor sighed wearily, his expression a mix of exasperation and resignation. "It seems you truly do love me... ah." "H-Huh?" The Archpriestess was momentarily taken aback by his weary tone but felt a surge of happiness at his acknowledgement of her feelings. Yet, there was a part of her that hated how easily he epted it as if it were a given.... She turned sad as if she lost something. But then, "If you truly love your little sister, could you please tell me whether she would be happy to share her husband?" Victor asked, his voice calm but serious. [+10,000 AP] Chapter 286: Bonus Chapter ???????? (500 PS) "If you truly love your little sister, could you please tell me whether she would be happy to share her husband?" Victor asked, his voice calm but serious. [+10,000 AP] Victor felt a surge of anticipation mingled with a flicker of unease. He had thought that mentioning Ste would calm the Archpriestess, but instead, it seemed to ignite a deeper, ''I really don''t understand her...'' he mused, both intrigued and puzzled. Meanwhile, the Archpriestess felt a thrilling rush. For a moment, she had feared that Aether, disguised as Victor, might have changed. But his evident concern for Ste, spoken with such earnestness, reassured her. It was as if nothing had changed.... he was still the same caring soul, and this realization made her heart race with joy.... far more exhrating than a simple kiss could ever be. Clearing her throat, the Archpriestess replied with a yful, yet sultry smile, "Ahem, of course, she would love to share her husband." She reached out, her fingers lightly grazing his hand, sending a tingling sensation through her. Victor shook his head, his gaze steady and prating. "I won''t believe it until I see her and hear it from her, said with genuine conviction." The Archpriestess pouted, her lips forming a delicate, enticing curve, but her heart fluttered wildly. His insistence, his firmness, only fueled the fire of her desire, intensifying the strange, electrifying connection she felt towards him. [+10,000 AP] Victor, ignoring her pout and the strange surges of affection points, focused on his meal. Actually, The dish was delicious... The Archpriestess, her face now showing a satisfied expression, picked at her food, her eyes never leaving Victor. As she noticed a bag beside him, curiosity red. "What''s that?" she asked, her voice dripping with intrigue. Victor flinched slightly, then nced at the bag containing the illegal money. He hesitated, his mind racing for a usible exnation, before he smiled, a hint of mischief in his eyes, "I was nning to donate this to an orphanage, but I''ve been hesitant, unsure if they are trustworthy." The Archpriestess paused, her breath catching as she processed his words and, [+10,000 AP] [+10,000 AP] [+10,000 AP] [+10,000 AP] [+10,000 AP] [+10,000 AP] ..... ... Her eyes widened, filling with a mix of admiration and longing. ''He hasn''t changed at all!'' she thought, a thrill running down her spine. Calmly, she said, "Why don''t you give it to me? As the Archpriestess, I oversee several orphanages." Victor pretended to consider her offer, then nodded. "Please, take it," he said, handing the bag over to her. The Archpriestess snapped her fingers, making the bag vanish. She didn''t care about the amount; it was the thought of her beloved''s goodness that sent her heart soaring. Her expression softened, her eyes gleaming with a mix of affection and desire..... She found herself craving another kiss, her mind racing with thoughts of how to orchestrate it. Meanwhile, Victor sighed inwardly, ''I''m sorry, Lia, but that money doesn''t belong to us...'' Yet, there was also another hidden agenda that he liked to see. Just then, the manager arrived, looking flustered and anxious. He scanned the room, searching for Victor, only to find the ce seemingly empty, "W-Where is he?" His voice trembled, fear creeping into his eyes. Then, with a sudden start, he noticed Victor reappear, the invisible barrier around him fading. ''An invisible barrier? Only a strong individual can do that! Thank goodness!'' he thought, bowing deeply as he handed over the freshly cleaned coat. Victor inspected the coat meticulously while a waiter approached with the bill. Before the waiter could speak, the manager pped the bill from his hands and turned to Victor, his voice trembling, "Please forgive him, Young Master. The mistake was mine, so there''s no need to pay." Victor looked at him coldly, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Do you think I can''t afford to pay?" "O-Of course not, Young Master," the manager stammered, his face paling. "Hmm..." Victor sneered, "Then why did you take 10,000? from my servant just to book a table here?" The manager''s face drained of colour, realizing his grave error.... He had scammed Victor''s servant, ''Oh! Fuck!'' "Not going to answer?" Victor''s voice was a low growl, filled with a threatening edge. "T-That... I...I-It''s a mistake... W-We will refund it now" The manager''s voice quivered, unable to meet the intense gaze directed at him. The Archpriestess, who had been watching the exchange with interest, asked curiously, "What''s going on?" Of course, Victor told her why he was there because he knew she really wanted to ask as she was a little doubtful about the coincidence.... So he told the story of a low-level person who worked hard to earn money just to eat what he loved in a high-ss restaurant. However, he was scammed, and in order to enter it, that low-level person changed his attire to the highest ss so that he could eat what he wanted. Truly a wonderful story! Hearing this, the Archpriestess''s expression darkened, her eyes narrowing with cold fury. ''They scammed my beloved?'' Her thoughts were a storm of anger and protectiveness. Her lips curled into a dangerous smile, her mind already plotting something. Victor noticed her reaction and smiled inwardly. There was no need for a simple face-pping when you could just.... obliterate it entirely, right? And Victor was all too willing to take that step. The Archpriestess gently pulled Victor away from the restaurant, the manager too terrified to speak, fearing any words might worsen his plight. ''T-Thank goodness....'' As they walked away, he sighed in relief, believing he had narrowly avoided a disaster, unaware that the Archpriestess''s followers were already on their way to shut down his business permanently. Meanwhile, on the empty night road, the Archpriestess clung to Victor, her grip tight and possessive. [+4000 AP] Victor frowned at the sudden change of affection points, ncing at the Archpriestess who giggled softly, her eyes alight with joy and something deeper, more primal. Then remembered something... ''Looks like our courier did his job,'' he thought, nodding in satisfaction. Suddenly, with a swift motion, the Archpriestess pulled Victor into a dark alley, pinning him against the wall in a ssic kabedon pose. Her eyes, dark with desire, locked onto his lips. "I''m worried now," she whispered, her voice a husky, tremulous note. "Hmm?" Victor tilted his head, curiosity and a flicker of anticipation in his eyes. "W-Well, what if my little sister doesn''t want to share you with me? I-I can''t think of anything else... I''m a little worried... no, I''m afraid," she confessed, her voice shaking with genuine fear and a hint of desperation. Victor nodded, understanding her turmoil. ''I suppose she really is worried,'' he thought. He removed his mask, revealing his true face, and gently cupped her cheek. "Seraphina Ashwood," he murmured softly, his voice carrying a tender, reassuring tone. Seraphina''s eyes widened, surprise flickering across her face as Aethernow fully himselfcalled her by name. "There''s no need to be scared... I''ll be there," Aether said, his thumb brushing over her skin, leaving a trail of warmth. "For me?" she breathed, hope and longing in her gaze. Readtest stories on m_v-l''e|-NovelBin "Of course... for Ste," Aether replied, a yful smile dancing on his lips. Seraphina''s face twitched with a mix of emotions before she yfully punched his chest. "You!!" she eximed, her voice tinged with a mix of frustration and fondness. Aether chuckled, the sound rich and warm. "I love Ste, and there''s no way I could ever betray her trust. If she doesn''t want to share me, I have to respect her wishes." Seraphina smiled, her heart swelling with happiness. She admired Aether''s loyalty.... [+10,000 AP] "T-Then, can I get a kiss? As ast memory of you and me?" she asked, her voice breaking with emotion, her eyes pleading. Aether sighed and said, "If you truly want me... We could talk to Ste. Since she''s your sister, I think she might ept you if you try hard enough." Seraphina nodded with a smile but still, she asked, "Please a single kiss" Aether sighed, ''I suppose I should be happy that she didn''t force herself..... Let''s do it before she gets out of control and.... might rape me'' he thought as he gulped inwardly. He looked at her seriously, his gaze unwavering, "I will definitely tell Ste about this. Are you okay with that?" as he tried to use hisst hope but, [+10,000 AP] "Yes!" Seraphina''s voice was filled with joy, her eyes shining with a mix of triumph and longing. As Aether leaned in, her breath hitched, her heart pounding in her chest. "~Hmm~" Their lips met in a passionate, electrifying kiss, sending shivers down their spines. Aether''s hands slid down to her hips, pulling her closer, while Seraphina wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing herself against him, desperate to feel every inch of him. "~Hmmmm~" The kiss deepened, their bodies moulding together. Seraphina''s lips parted, inviting Aether''s tongue into a heated dance. She sucked on his tongue, savouring his taste, as if she could drink in his very essence. Aether''s hand slipped to her backside, squeezing gently her ass, "~ahh~" Aether''s breath hitched at the sound, and he kissed her more deeply, lost in the moment. Meanwhile, Celestia, watching from a distance to avoid the Archpriestess''s wrath, thought with a mix of amusement and excitement, "He''s really ying with fire... I love him!!" She nodded in satisfaction. Always ying with fire... She was more excited than Aether, wondering how many sisters she was going to have... Chapter 287: Bonus Chapter ?(????)? (500 PS) After spending quite a good time with Seraphina who seemed to be calm and avoided getting raped... for now, she reluctantly left his side and Aether returned to the Academy. Now, it''s time for his night training session with the Principal. When he finally arrived, he found the Principal ring at him with a furious expression that sent a chill down his spine. "What happened?" he asked cautiously as he settled onto the sofa before her. He was certain he hadn''t done anything to warrant such anger, but the intensity of her re made him second-guess himself. The Principal snapped out of her thoughts with a heavy sigh, her shoulders sagging as if the weight of the world rested upon them, "Nothing," she muttered. "Come on, Principal~ I am your favourite disciple," Aether said with cheerfulness, trying to lighten the mood. The Principal snorted, her eyes narrowing. "Favorite? You are just a pain in the butt, bastard!" Aether felt a sharp pang of hurt at her words. He hadn''t done anything wrong... yet. So, with a mixture of pride and defensiveness, he retorted, "I never poked your ass." How could she say that! Hmph! He had not done any anal... Yet! Even with his ex.... He had NEVER done it! The Principal''s face twisted with disgust. "That''s the worst thing a disciple can say to their master," she spat, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and disbelief. She couldn''t believe the audacity of his words. Aether snorted again, though this time it was tinged with frustration, "You called me a pain in your butt, right?" The Principal''s face twisted further in anger. "That doesn''t mean you p" She cut herself off with a curse. "Fuck!" She was on the verge of losing her temperpletely. Talking to him was like walking through a minefield. No matter what he said or did, he always managed to get on her nerves, as if he was doing it on purpose. The Principal massaged her temples, trying to stave off the headache that was beginning to form. Today''s incident with Kennedy''s problem wasn''t helping either. Aether stared at her tired face, his heart softening. ''Looks like she is really tired...'' he thought, feeling a surge of empathy. He stood up and walked around to stand behind her. "If you''re nning a prank, don''t do it now. I''m really not in the mood to y around..." she said wearily. But then she flinched when Aether''s hand gently touched her shoulder. She frowned and was just about to turn and ask when, "Hmm~" She groaned, her eyes widening in surprise at the sudden relief that washed over her. "Please enjoy your disciple''s yahem... skilled fingers," Aether said with a serious, professional masseur''s face as if he didn''t have any hidden agenda. The Principal felt a wave of weirdness at the situation. "No, thanks!" She would be an idiot if she didn''t know what he was up to. However, Aether, still maintaining his professional demeanour, said, "Believe me, Master, I''m trying to help you...." He then smiled slyly, adding, "Or... are you having any naughty--" "Do it, brat!" the Principal snapped, her face flushed with a mix of annoyance and reluctant amusement. She really hated it when he yed with words, but she couldn''t deny the relief his touch brought. Aether nodded with a satisfied smile. He slowly pressed his fingers on her shoulder, his touch firm yet gentle. He may not have known massage techniques, but his knowledge of human biology gave him an advantage. He expertly targeted the pressure points, massaging slowly and methodically. "Hmmff~" The Principal let out a muffled, satisfied moan, her eyes widening in surprise, ''To think this brat is good at this... tsk, tsk, the woman who marries him is surely going to have a hell of a life...'' she thought as she let herself rx, closing her eyes and leaning her head backfortably. ''Hmm~ Not bad getting a disciple...'' she thought. Seeing her rx, Aether quietly asked, "Mind telling me what happened?" ".....~mmff~" Seeing her still tense, Aether said softly, "You know, the massage would feel very good if I touched the skin directly." The Principal opened one eye, staring into Aether''s eager, truthful, innocent eyes..... They only had one goal... to help her. She was feeling good, so.... She loosened the first button of her shirt, pulling it slightly aside to reveal her bare shoulder. Aether, without any naughty thoughts, touched her shoulder, his fingers gentle and warm against her skin. "Hmm~" The Principal moaned softly, her body shivering at the sensation. His direct massage was indeed good, and she couldn''t help but rx further under his skilled touch. Read new adventures at m_v-l''e|-NovelBin Meanwhile, ''Holy moly... that''s the Holy Grail!!!'' Aether screamed inwardly when he saw her deep cleavage, deeper than any valley he had ever seen. He could feel his heart racing as he tried to keep hisposure. The sight was both mesmerizing and distracting, making it difficult for him to maintain his focus on the task at hand. ''That''s bigger than Delphine!'' he noted, the image etched clearly in his mind. He gulped, feeling his mouth go dry as he wondered how it would feel to be enveloped by those magnificent knockers. He gulped again, but then chastised himself, ''Bad Aether!! You are supposed to relieve your Master''s stress... Not yours, bastard!!'' he screamed inwardly, forcing himself to refocus. He needed to attain a state of selflessness.... He couldn''t let his desires get the better of him, especially not now when the Principal needed him to be professional and focused. ''Come on, Good Aether, you can do this!'' Aether thought as he took a deep breath in... out... in... out... trying to calm his racing thoughts and errant desires. Not realizing his hands were slowly lowering themselves.... Trying to touch heaven but then SLAP "Ouch!" Aether winced in pain as the Principal pped his hand away, the sharp sting bringing him back to reality. She didn''t say anything, and Aether also remained silent, refocusing on the task of helping her... while his eyes couldn''t help but drift back to her cleavage. It was a constant battle to keep his gaze and thoughts in check. Let''s be clear, he was just checking for any signs of red marks that might appear due to the massage. He needed to be careful and ensure her well-being, right? So, he needed to check thoroughly on her bustahem, her chest. Just to be sure he needed to treat her if anything seemed off. That''s all!! Nothing more! "~hmm~ You know...." "H-huh? Y-yes?" Aether''s hands almost slipped, his eyes instantly darting to the ceiling as if he were analyzing its construction like a civil engineer. The Principal slowly opened her eyes and sighed, her breath warm and slightly ragged, "The woman who was molested by Kennedy is not opening up... mm~ even though I told them I would personally deal with him mm~" Her voice was filled with frustration and helplessness. Aether frowned, his eyes darkening with concern, "Molested? What do you mean?" he asked, his voice dropping to a serious tone. The Principal had a surprised expression, ''Looks like she didn''t tell him...'' she thought before exining everything that had been going on. As she spoke, Aether''s hands continued their skilled work on her shoulders, kneading the tension away with a blend of gentleness and precision. His touch was firm, yet tender, and the warmth of his fingers seeped into her muscles, coaxing them into rxation. After hearing everything, Aether''s face turned dead serious, "So those women are hesitating toe forward and tell the truth, right?" he asked, his eyes staring at her with pure anger. "Yeah..." The Principal was surprised to see his seriousness. She wasn''t used to seeing this side of him, and it made her heart flutter unexpectedly. There was something about his earnestness that was incredibly endearing. [+400 AP] Aether''s eyes stared intently, his expression one of unwavering resolve.... which certainly surprised the Principal. It''s not like she thought poorly of Aether; rather, she assumed he wouldn''t care about such matters. ''Looks like I was wrong again..'' she thought, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. He always managed to surprise her with his talent, his personality, and even... his flirting! There was a depth to him that she was only beginning to understand. [+500 AP] "Can I ask them?" he asked. Chapter 288: Principal was Molested? The Principal instantly dismissed Aether''s proposal, despite the evident difficulty she and Delphine faced inmunicating with the girls. It was a challenging situation, and she questioned what a man could possibly contribute under these sensitive circumstances. Those girls had endured molestation and might understandably harbour a deep-seated fear of men, which made the Principal hesitant to endorse Aether''s suggestion. However, Aether was determined, "Please, just give me the opportunity to meet with them," he pleaded, his voice earnest. "I know it''s a delicate situation, but let me at least try..." The Principal shook her head, her expression firm, "I''m sorry, Aether. It''s not that simple. There are protocols and considerat~~Ahh~!" Her sentence was cut short as she moaned, bringing a hand to her mouth in surprise. Aether had inadvertently pressed too hard on her shoulder... that felt really good. She shot him a death stare dagger at him, but Aether only smiled, his touch bing more gentle and reassuring, "Just give me a chance," he repeated, his tone softening. "I know I can make a difference, even if it''s just with one girl. Let me prove it... Please." The Principal looked into Aether''s eyes, seeing the sincerity and determination there. Finally, she asked the question that had been on her mind since the beginning, "Why are you so interested in helping them?" Hearing the Principal''s question, Aether''s eyes softened as a vivid memory surfaced..... one that had profoundly changed his life. "P-Please help me!" a girl trembled in fear, her voice quivering as she tried to stop the hand that was attempting to grope her. "You fucking bastard, you rotten monster!!!" a boy shouted as he charged at the adult man harassing the girl. With a swift, powerful kick, he struck the man''s crotch and spat, "Why don''t you grope your mother and sister?! You fucking monster!!!" The boy then turned to the girl, who had teary eyes, and snapped, "The fuck! Why are you crying like an idiot? Huh? Kick his balls, girl. Every man has those weak points! Crying won''t help you next time. Man up, girl... or Girl up, girl, tsk, whatever." He shrugged with an annoyed expression before delivering another brutal kick to the man''s crotch, enjoying the man''s screams of pain with an evil smile. That was the beginning of a transformation, where a weak girl turned into someone more resilient, stubborn, and determined..... qualities that wouldter break through the boy''s stone heart and be a pain in the butt. "....er?" "Aether?" The Principal called, bringing him back from his reverie. Snapping out of his past, Aether replied with an amused face, "To be honest, I just want to kick his balls." The Principal blinked a few times in surprise before bursting intoughter. "Hahahaha..." Sheughed so hard that tears almost started to spill out,pletely taken aback by his unexpected answer. [+500 AP] Seeing the Principalughing so heartily, Aether couldn''t help but smile. ''Looks like she''s letting loo...se...'' His thoughts trailed off as his gaze inadvertently fell on her busty boobs, which seemed on the verge of bursting through the straining second button of her shirt. The tantalizing sight set his pulse racing! ''Holy moly Come on, button!!!'' Aether screamed inwardly, his heart pounding with anticipation. He was consumed by an overwhelming desire, hoping for somethingsomething beyond even the realm of scientific possibility. The bulge was almost there. The time hade... his perverted lucky time... the button holding his very hope... it was as if the universe itself was making him bet everything he had. Aether held his breath, his entire body tense with excitement, as the moment of truth revealed itself. ''We shall see the holy grail!!!'' he shouted inwardly, the words echoing through his mind with fervent desire. But then... Your next chapter awaits on m v|l--NovelBin "Then what should we do about a student who was harassing his teacher and principal?" The Principal stoppedughing and asked with a knowing smile, her eyes twinkling as if she had seen exactly where his gaze had wandered. Aether flinched before looking away, attempting to change the topic. "Ahem, what are you talking about now? Kennedy, right?" The Principal grinned wider, her expression turning almost predatory, "Nah, we''re talking about the student who was harassing his teacher and Principal. Should we also kick his balls?" Her eyes flickered dangerously as if she might actually follow through on the threat. ''Gulp'' Aether swallowed hard, fully aware of who she was talking about, "T-There''s no need to go to such lengths. I''m pretty sure that both the teacher and Principal were enjoyi-ahem I mean, the ones harassing him." "Oh!" The Principal nodded a few times, clearly unconvinced. She was about to say something when Aether hastily intervened, sensing that his manhood might face unprecedented danger, "So, can I speak with one of the girls?" he blurted out, desperately trying to change the subject. The Principal stared at him for a long moment before sighing. "Well, since you begged" "I didn''t beg, though," Aether corrected her, his voice tense. "Well, you will..." she continued, undeterred. "That''s not goin" The Principal cut him off, her voice turning stern and cold, "I will give you one of the girl''s details, but be sure that if she says no... do not pressure her under any circumstance!" Her tone left no room for argument, her gaze piercing as if she would personally ensure he obeyed her orders. Aether nodded hurriedly, his eyes gleaming with determination. "You don''t need to worry, Master. Your disciple will break those ballsahem, I mean, get the truth!" The Principal''s lips twitched in a mix of amusement and exasperation. "Now I''m really getting worried..." she murmured under her breath, her gaze lingering on Aether. Aether, who had been diligently massaging her shoulder, leaned in closer, his touch bing more intimate. "You know, Master~" he began, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. The Principal flinched slightly at the unexpected tenderness in his tone. Her heart skipped a beat as she thought, ''What is he up to now?'' "Y-Yes?" "You must feel really sore in your shoulders, right?" he asked, his fingers kneading her flesh with expert precision. "Yes... I wonder why..." the Principal responded, her tired face softening as her breasts jiggled slightly with each movement. ''I know why...'' Aether thought, his heart racing. He swallowed hard, summoning the courage to continue, "You know... There''s a full-body massage technique I know..." "Hmm?" The Principal tilted her head curiously, her eyes narrowing as she tried to decipher his intentions. Her mind was already racing, calcting what he was going to say next. "Why don''t you lie on the table?.... I''ll massage your busahem, your back.....thoroughly," Aether suggested, his innocent expression and wide, baby eyes making him look both earnest and innocent, "If you want, feel free to lie naked. I promise I''ll cover my eyes," he added, his voice filled with sincerity as he made a promise he intended to keep... even if the world breaks apart. "...." The Principal stared at Aether, who still maintained his innocent and helpful expression. He was really trying to help her. It was all for her sake! No one wanted their master to feel tired, so there was nothing wrong with Aether''s innocent helpfulness. And yet, "Fuck off!" the Principal snapped, her face flushing with a mix of disgust and something she couldn''t quite name. She turned her head away, annoyance clear in her expression. And yet, [+600 AP] The Principal''s lips curved slightly upward, a small smile ying on her lips. Aether, though dejected, had lost his chance, but still, getting those points was enough to push his spirits. He moved before her, kneeling down like a knight, his hands outstretched as if receiving a sacred sword from a majesty. "Principal!!" "Y-Yes?" The Principal was taken aback and jerked as she wondered why he was suddenly acting like this. "This is the only way that you won''t feel any soreness in your shoulders!" he dered with pride, his voice ringing with conviction. He moved his hands slowly, deliberately, his eyes locked on hers. He was about to touch her underboobs, "Let me hold the HOLY GRA...I...L..." he shouted, his face a mask of righteous determination, every fibre of his being focused on helping his Master. And then, his hands touched her underboobs... No, that''s what he thought before his vision blurred and he fell unconscious. ''M-Maybe that''s too much...'' Those were his final thoughts before everything went ck. "THIS BASTARD!!!" the Principal screamed, her teeth gritted and her cheeks ming red. She couldn''t believe she almost let him touch her underboobs, even for a second. Her body trembled with a mix of anger and something she didn''t want to acknowledge. She wasn''t sure why she even let her guard down before this pervert jerk!! She snorted, ready to leave Aether there to suffer in the cold. But as she stared at his innocent, unconscious face, she clicked her tongue, exasperated. Against her better judgment, she picked him up like a sack of potatoes. [+700 AP] "I am gonna break his body in the next training!!" she vowed through gritted teeth. Chapter 289: A Flower and A Human "Why are you following me? Don''t you have a ss to attend?" Victor inquired, his voice tinged with curiosity as he nced over his shoulder at Ashara, who was trailing behind him with an inquisitive look. "Well, don''t you have a ss to attend too?" she responded, her toneced with a mixture of curiosity and yful defiance. Ashara had found her own ss rather dull and boring so she decided to follow Victor who had a serious expression. Victor chose not to answer. He continued walking, his steps measured and deliberate which made her really curious. As they approached the senior ssroom, Victor paused briefly to peer inside. He observed that the room was absent of a professor, with students casually engaging in various activitiessome were chatting, others working on assignments, and a few were simply idling. Without a moment''s hesitation, Victor strode into the ssroom. At first, the students didn''t notice his presence, too absorbed in their own tasks, but then, "Ahem, Hello!" The students'' attention snapped to him, the unexpected authority in his voicemanding their focus. They saw Victor standing at the front, a figure ofposed confidence, with Ashara just behind him, her eyes wide with curiosity as she took in the scene. "Who are you?" a student finally asked, breaking the silence with a note of confusion and challenge in his voice. Instead of providing a direct answer, Victor scanned the room, his eyes locking on his targeta particr student who was still seated among the others. Victor allowed himself a small, inward smile before speaking, "My name is Victor, a first-year student, Seniors." A ripple of recognition spread through the room, the students exchanging nces of surprise and interest. One of them eximed, "I know him! He''s the one who made the ''chosen ones'' eat dirt!" "Oh! Is it really him?" another chimed in, excitementcing their voice. "Thank goodness, he''s really cold and... hot~" a female student murmured, her voice carrying a note of admiration. [+100 AP] [+100 AP] [+100 AP] [+100 AP] ... ... Having captured their attention, Victor nodded, a small but enigmatic smile ying on his lips. "I wonder if the seniors would indulge me by listening to a small story from their junior...." Though most students were puzzled by the situation and unsure of Victor''s intentions, a few nodded in agreement, their curiosity piqued by the prospect of something unusual breaking the monotony of their day. "Good," Victor''s smile widened slightly, the expression softening his features and adding an almost charming allure. The women in the room, in particr, seemed captivated by his presence... Pouring their affection to him! He began his tale, his voice steady and clear, each word carefully chosen: "Once upon a time, there bloomed a flower of unparalleled beauty. Her petals were delicate and vibrant, their colours so vivid they seemed to shimmer in the sunlight. Anyone whoid eyes on her would pause, mesmerized, and whisper in awe, ''Beautiful...'' Her petals would dance gracefully in the breeze, a living testament to the admiration she received. She was like a joyous child, full of life and innocence, basking in the warmth of the world''s praise. The bees, drawn to her allure, danced around her, their buzzing a gentle hum of appreciation...." Victor''s gaze moved over the room, his expression softening as he spoke. There was a subtle shift in his tone, a hint of something deeper, almost wistful. Behind him, Ashara furrowed her brow, trying to grasp the meaning behind Victor''s words. Victor continued, his voice taking on a more sombre note, "But one day... a greedy human, consumed by desire, wanted to im the flower for himself. He looked around furtively, ensuring no one was watching, before reaching out with a rough, careless hand to pluck her. The flower, sensing danger, tried desperately to sway away from his grasp... her petals trembling in fear. Despite her efforts, the human managed to tear away one of her petals. She cried out in pain, "Please, stop!" But her pleas fell on deaf ears; the human could not understand her sorrow" As Victor narrated, the ssroom grew quiet, the weight of his words hanging in the air. The students were transfixed, caught up in the vivid imagery of the story. "Just then, a bee arrived....." Victor continued, "....and, seeing the flower''s plight stung the human''s hand in defence of the flower. The human yelped in pain and fled, leaving the flower behind" ''Sigh...'' A collective sigh of relief seemed to sweep through the room as Victor described the bee''s intervention. "However.... Though the human didn''t achieve what he wanted, Still.... the damage was done... She was scared.. She was lost... She felt disgusted.... Most of all, she felt a profound sense of betrayal of ''humans'' and... lost a part of herself!!! No matter how much water and care she received, the flower could no longer shine as she once did. It wasn''t just the lost shine.... it was more like that she no longer wanted to shine. She feared that if she allowed herself to bloom brightly once more, she might attract more harm. She didn''t want to risk it.... didn''t want to be hurt again. Even though the bee promised to protect her from any future harm..... the flower could no longer trust anyone. She stopped her joyful dance in the air, her spirit crushed by the weight of her fear and distrust!!! The bee, heartbroken and helpless, could only watch as the once vibrant and joyous flower withered away, consumed by sadness and fear. Other humans who passed by no longer paused to admire her beauty; they did not even nce at the flower now wilting in sorrow, oblivious to the story of her suffering and loss. In the end, the flower''s light went outpletely, her once dazzling presence extinguished... forever....!!!" "...." The entire ss turned dead silent. "Meanwhile," Victor continued, his voice barely above a whisper, "the human, oblivious to the pain he had caused, moved on to pluck another flower, repeating the cycle without a second thought." With those final words, Victor gave a slight nod, signalling the end of his story, and turned to leave the ssroom. Ashara caught up in the intensity of the moment, hesitated for a moment before following him, casting ast look at the silent, contemtive faces of the students left behind. The students were left in a profound silence, each lost in their own thoughts, grappling with the implications of the story. Continue reading at m|v-l''e -NovelBin It was as if something had pierced their hearts, leaving an indelible mark that would linger long after Victor had gone... As they sat in stunned silence, a small, barely audible sound broke the stillness... ''Drip, Drip'' A tear fell from the face of one of the girls, glistening in the dim light of the room. Meanwhile, Victor had found a quiet spot on a bench, a little distance away from the senior ssroom. He sat there, seemingly lost in thought, his gaze distant. Ashara, unable to contain her curiosity any longer, approached him, "Why did you do that?" she asked, staring at Victor, trying toprehend the meaning behind his actions and the story he had told in the senior ss. Victor remained silent, his expression inscrutable. This silence only fueled Ashara''s frustration and curiosity, making her pout in annoyance, she tried to touch the snowke who was sleeping on his shoulder but she hissed which scared a hell out of her. As they sat there, the moments stretched on. Then, Victor''s lips curled into a subtle smile as he noticed a girl slowly walking towards him. Her steps were hesitant, her bodynguage conveying fear. "H-hmm...." The girl came to a stop in front of Victor, her legs wobbling slightly, her lips trembling as she tried to find the courage to speak. Ashara frowned, puzzled by the girl''s behaviour. She was about to speak up when Victor nced at her, a single, calm look that conveyed so much without words. Ashara understood immediately and fell silent. After what felt like an eternity, the girl finally managed to speak, her voice shaking with emotion. "W-Why... did the flower... die?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper, yet it carried the weight of a deeply personal question. Victor, still gazing up at the sky, replied softly, his voice tinged with a quiet sadness, "Because she was scared, lost her trust, and... didn''t want to live anymore." The girl''s eyes welled up with tears. She nodded repeatedly, trying to process his words, and then turned as if to leave. But something in Victor''s tone stopped her in her tracks. "If only she had epted the bee''s help," Victor continued, his voice gentle yet firm, "she might have shined brighter than before... much brighter than ever." His words hung in the air, resonating deeply within the girl. The girl''s lips trembled even more. Without turning to face him, she asked, "W-What if... what if... that humanes again? W-What could a bee alone do against a human?" Victor smiled gently, a warm, reassuring expression. "The bee is not alone," he said, standing up slowly. The girl flinched slightly at his movement, stepping back instinctively. "Bees are never alone, and..... neither are flowers," Victor continued, extending his hand towards her, "That human would nevere again... all the bees need is for the flower to ept their help." The girl stared at Victor, then at his outstretched hand. Her eyes filled with tears as she gulped, her throat dry and constricted. She hesitated, torn between her fear and the strange,forting presence of Victor, who seemed to understand her pain more than anyone else had. However, overwhelmed by her emotions, she abruptly stepped back. "I-I am sorry!!" she eximed, her voice choked with tears, before turning and running away. Chapter 290: Succubuss Pheromones Victor clicked his tongue in mild frustration as he watched the girl walk away, a hint of disappointment in his expression. He was hoping for a different oue, but it seemed the situation was more delicate than he had anticipated. Ashara, who had been piecing together the details, finally understood the full picture. "So, she''s a victim of some kind of assault?" she inquired, her voice tinged with concern and empathy. She paused, waiting for Victor to confirm her suspicions. When he didn''t respond, she pouted slightly and added, "You know, if I were a victim... I don''t think I would trust someone who hides behind a mask." Victor blinked a few times, turning to face her with a curious expression. "Do you think so?" he asked.If his mask was the problem... then he might not be able to help her. Ashara''s pout deepened her expression a mix of annoyance and yfulness. "Now you''re talking to me!" she eximed, slightly exasperated. She felt a bit miffed that Victor only talked with her when it suited him... especially since she considered herself his friend. She felt he should talk to her more openly and regrly, not just when he needed something. Victor sighed, pondering what approach he should take next. He was genuinely concerned about the girl, but he was also frustrated by the limitations of his own methods. ''Damn, I don''t think she''lle back...'' he thought. Sensing Victor''s unease, Ashara sighed softly, her expression softening into one of understanding, "I''ll ask you onest time. Tell me the details... I might be able to help," she offered. Victor hesitated for a moment, weighing his options before sighing again and exining the situation to her... As she listened, Ashara nodded in understanding. "I see..." she said thoughtfully as she nkly stared at Victor. [+10 AP] Ashara smiled gently, "Well then, I''ll help you," she dered confidently. Without waiting for Victor''s response, she turned and headed in the direction the girl had gone. "Wait--" "Don''t worry," Ashara interrupted, ncing back at him with a reassuring smile. "I won''t pressure her... I know how to handle this." Her tone was confident. With that, she continued walking away with a determined look on her face. Victor sighed deeply, feeling a mix of hope and apprehension. He trusted Ashara, knowing that as a fellow woman, she might have a better chance of reaching the girl. He sat down on the bench... Waiting for her. Meanwhile, Ashara approached the girl, her voice soft yet assertive as she called out, "Excuse me!" The girl flinched, turning around with wide, fearful eyes. She seemed ready to bolt at any moment. "I-I''m sorry, please!!" the girl cried out, her voiceced with panic, just as she was about to run again. Ashara quickly intervened, her tone filled with empathy and shared pain, "I''ve experienced something simr..." she said, her voice tinged with sadness and a deep understanding. "Just because I''m a subus, people often harass me..." Hearing this, the girl froze, her eyes widening in shock.... .... .. Stay connected through m-v l|e''-NovelBin After a minute or so, Ashara returned... along with that girl. Victor blinked, genuinely surprised to see them both. The girl looked at him with a shy but sincere smile. "Thank you, Victor.... You''ve earned my trust," she said softly, her voice trembling slightly but filled with gratitude. [+10 AP] "O-Oh! Thank you..." Victor replied, still caught off guard by the sudden sincere. He nced at Ashara, who gave him a knowing wink and a thumbs-up, her expression triumphant. Victor then carefully asked, "Are youfortable speaking to the Principal?" His voice was gentle, trying not to pressure her but also wanting to ensure she received the help she needed. The girl hesitated, ncing at Ashara for reassurance. Ashara nodded encouragingly, "He will be with you until the end," she promised. The girl nodded slowly, gathering her courage, "I-If you are there Victor then...Y-yes... I will..." she agreed, her voice shaky but resolute. Victor nodded in acknowledgement, leading the way to the Principal''s office... Soon, they arrived at the Principal''s office. The Principal listened intently to the girl''s story. Her eyes welled up with tears as she hugged the trembling girl, offering herfort and support. "You are a strong girl, my dear..." she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. She then looked at Victor, nodding with a proud expression. [+900 AP] Victor smiled softly, feeling a sense of aplishment and relief. He quietly stepped out of the office, closing the door behind him. Thud Outside, he found Ashara leaning against the wall, waiting for him with a serene expression. "You could havee in, you know," "Nah, I''m fine out here," Ashara replied nonchntly, shrugging as if it was no big deal. Victor shook his head, a small smile ying on his lips. He reached out and patted her head. [+10 AP] As they walked away, Victor couldn''t help but ask, "What exactly did you tell her?" He was genuinely curious about what had transpired. Ashara nced at him, "To be honest, I didn''t do anything, she was already moved by your story... it''s just she needed an... someone like her so..." she began, her voice steady and serious, "I shared some truths about how people sometimes harass and molest me..." "And that''s it?" "Yes, most victims need just one person to step up and show understanding," Ashara exined, her expression earnest. Victor was impressed, thinking to himself, ''Not bad, I suppose...'' But then, Ashara added with a mischievous grin, "And... I might have added a few lies, saying that you helped me like a hero, saving a damsel in distress and killing those filthy pigs for me, even wearing a mask so I wouldn''t get scared. I made you sound like a really trustworthy guy..." Victor blinked in surprise, "That''s not a few... that''s a lot of lies..." Ashara just giggled. Victor smiled as they continued walking silently.... He then asked quietly, "Are others still harassing you?" His tone was serious. "Hmm? Well... Yes," Ashara answered truthfully. Even within the academy, there were a few students who tried to take advantage of her because she was a subus. Victor''s expression turned serious. "... Next time, if theye after you... tell me," he said, his voice firm with care. Ashara paused for a moment, blinked a few times and then nodded with a soft smile, "Of course! That''s what friends are for!" [+100 AP] "But you know..." "Hmm?" "To be honest, I can take care of myself..." "Is that so?" "Yes, I always kick their balls!!" She said with a grin, mimicking a kicking motion that made Victor chuckle in surprise. "You are quite an amusing one..." Victor said, ruffling her hair gently. He was surprised by how soft her hair felt and, without thinking, leaned down to take a... ''Sniff'' Smell it. "Hmm..." Victor''s eyes went nk for a moment, a distant look overtaking his features. Ashara immediately pushed him away, rmed by his sudden change in demeanour. "Are you alright?" she asked. As a subus, Ashara''s body naturally emitted pheromones.... acting like an aphrodisiac. Her pheromones affected both men and women, often leading to uncontroble desires making their minds filled with procreation. She worried that Victor might have been influenced by her pheromones and might act out of character, not just towards her but potentially towards others nearby. She readied a spell, her heart pounding as she watched Victor closely. He seemed to be in a daze, staring nkly at the walls. "V-Victor, please snap out of it," Ashara pleaded, her voice filled with urgency and worry. She didn''t want her only friend to sumb to such a state. She had always been vignt about her pheromones, but she had let her guard down around Victor. However, in reality, something else was happening... Victor, or rather.... Aether, found himself standing between two domains again! Drip, Drip... Aether stared at the white drop of liquid staining his Transparent Arcane card and then, !~Ding~! The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 291: New Powers? When Aether handed the money to the Archpriestess, he did it with a deliberate purpose, driven by two distinct reasons. First, the obvious one: he had a strong displeasure at how he had acquired the money and..... yet to notify Lia. Second, it was a test... a crucial experiment. For his Ethereal Domain, it was essential to aid the pure beings who were in dire need of assistance. The first thought that came to his mind was the orphanage. The orphanage was a ce filled with pure beings, children, who were innocent and in desperate need of support. They were the embodiment of purity, untouched by the corruption andplexities of the adult world. So, he decided to give the money to the Archpriestess, hoping it would find its way to the orphanage. He wanted to see if there was a possibility that this money would truly help the children in need in their lives. As he had hoped, the money did reach the children who needed it the most at the moment. When Aether saw his Arcane Card etched with a pure white drop, he couldn''t help but smile. The bnce between the ck and white energies within him was bing more equal. Then, a notification sounded, !~Ding~! [Tolerance of a 15% difference between the domains is Maintained!] [Initiating ####### Card] The card that had been hovering in the middle of the domains suddenly flickered before swirling around Aether like a tornado. It then dispersed into countless particles... Ssssshhhhhhh These white and ck particles quickly entered Aether''s body. His form glowed ck for a moment, then white for another, as immense power coursed through him, making him feel as if he was about to burst. "What in the..." he muttered, frowning as he tried to process the overwhelming sensation. Then, another notification chimed, !~Ding~! [Upon summoning your ####### Card, you will be able to utilize Origin/Desired weapons from the seduced individuals listed in the ''Log''] !~Ding~! [Ste: Error!! Unable to use due to Your Current Level] [Aria Zephyr: Origin Weapon:- Twilight Eclipse] [Aqualina Naiadia: Origin Weapon:- Oceanic Tempest] Aether blinked a few times before ecstatic, ''Fucking OP!!! I can really use others'' weapons...'' he screamed inwardly. He never thought this was possible!! But then his excitement turned to confusion as he looked at Ste''s details. ''Is she really more powerful than me?'' he wondered, his brow furrowing in thought. No matter how he looked at it, Ste had always seemed weaker than him..... However, something had changed. ''Maybe her healing powers have increased now...?'' Aether thought, his gaze doubtful. Suddenly, his body glistened, and his Arcane Card appeared. Aether stared at the transparent card. Only a small portion (Half an inch) of it was filled with white and ck diagonally. He let out a wry smile, ''It''s really going to take a long time... isn''t it?'' he mused. !~Ding~! [The aforementioned actions ur only when you maintain tolerance; otherwise, you cannot use the weapons!] "I see..." Aether nodded in understanding. "Looks like I need to maintain them equally..." Just as he was about to move to touch his card hovering in the middle, his consciousness returned to his body, and... "V-Victor?" Hearing a trembling, feminine voice, Victor snapped back to reality and looked down.... only to see Ashara. Her face was red, shy, and teary-eyed. She was backed against the wall, cornered by him.... It was like a cute little puppy caught by the Lion! Seeing her vulnerable expression, Victor inwardly gulped. He wanted to move away, but he needed to maintain his arrogant facade. Gently, he took a strand of her grey hair, startling Ashara again. She watched as Victor sniffed her hair, her breath hitching. "W-Wait! Don---" Her words were cut off when, "Hmmm... Your smell is really unique and quite exciting..." Victor mumbled softly. He wasn''t saying this to escape; he genuinely meant it. Her scent was intoxicating, stirring something deep within him. ''Maybe it''s because of her subus lineage?'' Victor pondered, his thoughts racing. Meanwhile, Ashara''s eyes widened in shock. She couldn''t believe what she was hearing and seeing. Her lips quivered as she nervously asked, "A-Are you alright?" "Hmm... Of course." "Really?" Ashara leaned in closer, scrutinizing his face for any signs of abnormality. If it had been Aether, he might have stepped back, but as Victor, he stood his ground and replied, "Yes, is something the matter?" "Huh? N-Nothing!" Ashara quickly backed away, her face turning a bright shade of red as she felt his warm breath against her skin. [+200 AP] Victor couldn''t help but grin at her reaction, "Your blushing face... it''s kind of cute~" he teased, his voice filled with yful. [+200 AP] Find adventures at m_v l|e-NovelBin Ashara''s face instantly flushed an even deeper shade of red. She hurriedly pushed him off and shouted, "A friend shouldn''t tease another friend!" before turning and walking away... more like running away. Victorughed, the sound deep and resonant, before turning his attention to the principal''s house..... He had something important to test. Since the principal''s house was technically his own, he had keys and entered without drawing attention. ric, who was watching from a distance, gritted his teeth in jealousy as Victor entered what he considered his beloved home. Victor stood inside the training room, a spacious area designed for honing one''s skills. He took a deep breath, and summoned his Arcane Card and, "Twilight Eclipse," he murmured, his voice filled with anticipation. The card suddenly dispersed, transforming into a pure whitepound bow with a sleek ck string.... It was identical to Aria''s, except for the colour. Victor''s face lit up with amusement and excitement, "If she saw this, she''d be over the moon, knowing her beloved had the same weapon as hers..." He pulled the string, and an arrow materialized out of thin air. Remembering Aria''s teachings, he took a deep, steadying breath. Aria had always emphasized the importance of focus and precision: "Your aim should not be on the target; rather, it should be on the mark." She meant that when aiming at an object... like a deer, his target was the deer, but that didn''t mean he could fire the arrow anywhere on it. He needed to focus on a specific spot.... The mark. Every target had a mark. If you wanted the target to suffer, the mark was where it would die a painful death. If you didn''t want it to suffer, the mark was where it would die instantly. A true hunter! Victor smiled her words echoing in his mind. He aimed at the apple, focusing intently on... the mark, and released the arrow. Ssssshhh Thud "Hehe..." Victor giggled, a sense of aplishment swelling within him when the arrow hit the stem. He was satisfied with his progress, but his training was far from over. He nocked another arrow, aiming at a series of targets at varying distances and powers of the arrows... She told him she could put a magic spell on the Arrow so, He was about to nock another arrow when, /Aether!/ /Sel?/ Victor frowned, sensing the urgency in Selene''s telepathic message. /Could youe to the library? It''s urgent/ Hearing her serious tone, Victor immediately abandoned his training and hurried to the library. As he arrived, he was met with a shocking sight... Aqualina... NTRed! Chapter 292: Aqualina... NTRed! "~Hmm~" Victors face contorted in shock as he peeked through the bookshelves. The scene before him was utterly unexpected..... a boy with bluish-ck hair kissing a girl with bright yellow hair. "Brother..." Selene mumbled her voice barely a whisper as she mirrored Victors shock. She, too, had caught a glimpse of the intimate moment. Her eyes widened, reflecting a mix of disbelief and confusion. Have I seen her before....? Victor pondered, his expression growing serious. The girl seemed vaguely familiar, yet he couldnt quite ce her. "~hmm~" The sound of their escting intimacy broke through Victors thoughts. Instinctively, he covered Selenes eyes. He pulled her back gently, not wanting her to see any more. "I-I cant believe this is happening..." Selene stammered, her voice tinged with disbelief and a deep sadness. Her expression twisted with pain, her eyes reflecting her inner turmoil. "I-I thought he would at least be loyal to Princess Aqualina, but..." Her voice trailed off, and her sadness morphed into anger, "First, he betrayed my friend, hurting her deeply, all because our father found him a better match. And now... Hes kissing an unknown girl behind his fiances back. Truly repulsive!" Her voice grew harsher, almost as if she might retch, but Victors steady presence helped her maintain herposure. Victor.... Well, he never imagined Kai would act on his own without any prompting from his father. It seems the boy is growing up... but in the worst possible way, he mused silently, ncing back to observe the scene. The couples fervent kiss seemed to escte both sucking each others tongues with quite eager expressions. "W-What should I do?" Selene asked Victor, her voice quivering with uncertainty. Should she tell Princess Aqualina about this betrayal?.... Or should she stay silent and protect her brother, despite his obvious wrongdoing? She knew her brother was wrong, but he was still her brother.... As she wrestled with her emotions.... Suddenly something popped into her mind... a cunning idea formed in her mind. S-Should I ckmail him? The thought was tempting, almost intoxicating. She could use this information as leverage to gain ownership over Aether. Her lips curled into a sly smile as she entertained the idea, Not bad... brother, youre inadvertently working hard for your sisters sake... She chuckled inwardly. Just as she was about to put her n into action, "Ahem!" The sound snapped Selene out of her thoughts, and she turned to see... "P-Princess?" she blinked, her voice shaky with surprise. It was as if she couldnt believe her eyes, unsure if she was seeing the real Aqualina or if her mind was ying tricks on her. "Yes?" Aqualina nodded, her gaze briefly flicking to Victor, who had stepped away from Selene and was now pretending to read a book, seemingly indifferent to the unfolding drama. "I-Is something the matter?" Selene stammered, trying desperately to block the view of the scene behind her. Her heart raced, knowing that if Aqualina saw what was happening, her n totally fucked up. Aqualina frowned, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "I could ask you the same, Is something the matter?" she repeated, her tone carrying a hint of suspicion. "H-Huh? Of course not! Princess Aqualina" Selene eximed.... no, more like a bit too loudly. She was determined to keep the secret, at least long enough to figure out her next move. Losing this opportunity to gain leverage over her brother was not an option. Meanwhile, the couple behind them remained blissfully unaware of the brewing storm, lost in their own world as they continued to kiss passionately, seemingly oblivious to everything else. IDIOT! Selene screamed inwardly, feeling a surge of frustration. Aqualina, noticing Selenes odd behaviour, raised an eyebrow. The princess was no fool; she could sense that something was amiss. "Anyway, let me through; I need to get some books," she said, moving to step past Selene. "P-princess, theres something I need help with. Could you please assist me?" Selene asked, her voice filled with desperation. She needed to buy more time, to somehow divert Aqualinas attention away from thepromising situation behind her. Victor, watching the scene unfold, couldnt help but grin inwardly. He sensed an opportunity brewing, one that could y to his advantage. This was a chance he could not afford to let slip through his fingers.... He soon going to get the Princess! Aqualinas frown deepened at Selenes erratic behaviour, Something is definitely off... she thought, growing more suspicious. With a determined expression, she pushed Selene aside, ignoring her pleas. "W-Wait!" But Selenes desperate cry fell on deaf ears as Aqualina stepped forward and... "~hmmm~" She stood frozen, her eyes widening in disbelief as she took in the sight of Kai and the unknown girl locked in a fervent embrace, kissing with a passion that left no room for doubt. Aqualinas face remained unreadable, her expression carefully controlled. Selene, on the other hand, gritted her teeth, feeling her carefullyid ns went hell! Victor, now thoroughly engrossed, watched with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation. He was eager to see how this situation would unfold. The drama, however, was far from over... "Sel!!" Selene flinched at the sharp call, turning to see.... Lia approaching. Lia looked annoyed, her brow furrowed in irritation, "Do you know where Aether is?" she asked, her voice tinged with frustration. She had been searching for him after he mysteriously disappeared, leaving her to manage aplex situation alone..... An Oscar-level performance to trick Raven... which somehow worked to her surprise. Caught off guard, Selene hesitated, then raised her hand toward Victor, who immediately coughed to draw her attention. His subtle signal snapped her out of her confusion, "Ahem, Aether? Hes currently busy outside, buying a few things," she ryed smoothly, repeating exactly what Victor had telepathicallymunicated to her. Lia sighed, clearly exasperated. "Well, let me know when he returns..." she said, her tone resigned as she turned to leave. Both Victor and Selene let out a breath of relief, thinking they had narrowly avoided another crisis. However, "Aqualina?" Lia suddenly noticed the princess standing eerily still, her back to them, and her demeanour unnervingly calm. Fuck! Shit! Both Victor and Selene cursed inwardly, realizing that the situation had just taken a critical turn for the worse. Even Victor, who didnt care for Kai... felt a pang of pity for Him. His Ex, His current Fianc... Really bad situation. Selene tried to intercept Lia, but thetter, like Aqualina, sensed something was wrong. Ignoring Selenes weak attempts to block her path, Lia pushed her aside and stepped closer to the scene. "Whats going o..." Her words trailed off as she froze, her mouth dropping open in shock. There, in in view, was Kai, deeply engrossed in a passionate kiss with an unknown girl. Lia, unable to contain her reaction, looked from Aqualina to Kai and..... back again, her face a picture of disbelief. Finally, she burst intoughter, a mix of incredulity and amusement, "Youre being cucked by some random girl... Pffftttt...." she nearly doubled over, struggling to contain herughter. Her reaction snapped Aqualina out of her stunned silence. Not only snapped Aqualina but also the love birds who were in their world snapped back. Aqualina nced at Lia, who wore a pitiful yet amused expression. Lia patted Aqualinas shoulder, attempting to console her but failing to suppress her giggles. "Be strong... Pfffttt..." she mumbled, her amusement barely contained. Never in her wildest dreams had Lia imagined seeing her once-rival Aqualina in such apromising and humiliating situation.... just like her. Explore new worlds at freewebnovel The irony was almost too much to bear! Victor and Selene were surprised by Lias reaction, Looks like she really moved on... they thought in unison.... Just seeing her expression, they could understand Lia didnt even care for Kais actions. This is what they call karma... Lia thought, her gaze shifting from Aqualina to the unfortunate couple..... She felt oddly fortunate, having escaped such a public disgrace herself. As for Aqualina, her fianc kissing another girl was a sight that would haunt her. Lia could only silently pray for Aqualinas shattered heart, though the situation also amused her greatly. Aqualinas lips twitched as she brushed Lias hand off and stepped forward with measured deliberate steps. Meanwhile, Kais face drained of colour. He felt as though he was about to cut off... like a chicken! His body trembling with fear and guilt... The girl with yellow hair, her face paling, clung to Kais shirt, her eyes wide with fear. Aqualina stood before them, her gaze piercing as she looked the girl over, noting her twin braids, She... looks familiar, Aqualina thought, her brow furrowing, Isnt she one of the girls who teamed up with Kai during the Capture the g event? Recognition flickered in her eyes. Just then, Kai stepped forward, cing himself protectively in front of the trembling girl. Noticing his movement, Aqualina snapped out of her reverie. Just as Kai opened his mouth to speak, to offer some kind of exnation or..... apology, "A-Aqualina, I-its not..." he began, but Aqualinas attention had already shifted. She turned her head to the side, her eyes scanning the bookshelves as if searching for something specific. Ignoring Kais desperate attempt to exin, Aqualina calmly perused the books, her demeanour cool and collected. Kais face fell, the realization of her indifference hitting him hard. "..." After what felt like an eternity, Aqualina spoke, but "Ah! I found it," she said softly, pulling a book from the shelf. She turned to leave, her expression serene, as if the whole situation had not affected her in the slightest. Seeing Aqualina not even ncing in his direction, Kais face drained of colour, his expression one of sheer terror, "P-Princess" he began, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and uncertainty. Aqualina, without turning around, halted in her tracks and said, "You have the freedom to do whatever you want; no one is going to control your life...." Kais heart skipped a beat at her words. Relief washed over him like a tidal wave. He exhaled deeply, a mix of gratitude and disbelief in his eyes... feeling that he had found an understanding woman. He was truly grateful that Aqualina was taking this lightly and hadnt made a mess out of it. "A-Aqualina..." he began, his voice filled with tentative hope, If she is okay with this, then I have both of them... even Lia he thought. His heart melted once more for her.... However, Aqualina continued, her voice taking a cold, indifferent voice, "Let me remind you... Just like you, I also have my freedom. As the future Empress, I could have as many consorts as I desire... I hope you understand that," she said, her tone chillingly calm. Without another word, she walked away, leaving Kai and the girl standing there in stunned silence. "..." He was beyond shocked and his world shattered. Chapter 293: Eunuch or a brain-dead MC Aqualinay on the bed, staring at the ceiling with an indescribable expression. The events of the day yed back in her mind.... To be honest, She was genuinely shocked by what she had witnessed. She never imagined Kai would act so impulsively, kissing a random girl without any regard for hismitments. ''I suppose humans do change...'' Aqualina muttered to herself, feeling a strange mix of emotions. There was anger, disappointment... That''s all! Her thoughts drifted to Lia, who had appeared at the scene and couldn''t contain herughter. ''That bloodsuckerughing her ass off...'' Aqualina thought with an annoyed expression. However, she couldn''t deny that Kai''s actions had given her an unexpected opportunity. Kai''s impulsiveness helped her to achieve what she wanted... So she was a little grateful for Kai''s impulse act! She was really happy that she found a way to execute her n. Aqualina smiled slyly to herself, a n forming in her mind. ''Hehe... soon everything will fall into my hands...'' She chuckled, the sound low and sinister, like a true viiness basking in the anticipation of her schemesing to fruition. Thud A sudden sound snapped her out of her thoughts. She looked over to see Aether arranging some materials for the day. He seemed engrossed in his task, oblivious to her gaze. Aqualina watched him intently, her thoughts shifting to something more personal and unexpected. "I wonder what a kiss feels like..." she murmured, almost to herself. The words hung in the air, causing Aether to stop what he was doing. He turned around, his innocent face flushed with embarrassment. Aqualina repeated her question, her cheeks tinged with a rosy hue, "I wonder what a kiss feels like..." Aether, clearly flustered, stammered, "W-Well, it feels... slippery, soft... tasty." His face reddened further, and he looked away, clearly ufortable with the topic. Aqualina''s eyes widened in surprise and shock... no, not because she was shocked by the Aether''s exnation... Maybe a little! Anyhow, the real one was... She couldn''t believe how he had answered, ''Is he serious?!'' she screamed inwardly, her thoughts racing. She had expected him to be more assertive, to perhaps take the lead and show her, as she believed a man should. That''s what man was supposed to do!! Yet.... here he was, blushing and shy, far from the boldness she had imagined. ''Tsk, how in the world did he manage to seduce Aria with that innocence?'' Aqualina wondered, but as she looked at his gentle, smiling face, she felt her irritation melt away. There was something endearing about his innocence, something that drew her in despite herself.... [+7000 AP] ''M-Maybe... it''s because of that innocence,'' she thought, her expression softening. She found herself falling for him again and again... Clearing her throat, Aqualina spoke gently, "Aether?" "Hmm?" "Could you listen to me... please?" Aqualina''s voice was almost pleading, a rare softness in her usuallymanding tone. "Of course!" Aether replied immediately, standing up and walking over to her. He stood beside her bed, looking down at her with concern. Aqualina smiled and patted the space next to her, inviting him to sit. But Aether hesitated, shaking his head slightly. Aqualina sighed, feeling a mixture of frustration and affection. She decided to be more direct. "I order you to lie beside me," she said firmly. "P-Princess?" Aether stammered, clearly taken aback. However, heplied, albeit reluctantly, lying down beside her. Aqualina''s heart raced as she looked at him, taking in his handsome face and gentle expression.... Being this close to him made her heart skip a beat, and she felt a tumultuous mix of emotions she couldn''t fully understand or control. His proximity stirred something deep within her, a longing she had kept when he left her... Suddenly, Aqualina reached out and touched Aether''s hand. He flinched at the unexpected contact, his instinct to pull away strong, but she held his hand tightly, not letting go. After a few moments of struggle, he rxed, letting her hold his hand. The warmth of his skin against hers sent shivers down her spine. Aqualina grinned inwardly as she felt Aether slowly start to hold her hand back. She began to tell him about the events of the day, her voice filled with emotion. "You know, Aether... Kai... your master... he cheated on me," she said, her eyes turning teary and sad. Aether''s eyes widened in shock, "C-Cheated on you? Master Kai?!" "Y-Yes," Aqualina stammered, her expression pained as she fought back tears. Seeing her pained expression, Aether tightened his hold on her, his own emotions swirling. The sight of her suffering ignited a fierce protectiveness within him. Aqualina''s face became even more teary as she continued to describe how Kai had cheated on her with some random girl. She recounted how she had confronted him, but he had coldly ignored her, saying, ''I am in love with her!'' before pushing her away. The memory of that moment nearly broke her heart anew.... She had cried in front of everyone, feeling belittled and looked down upon. The embarrassment and shame had been nearly unbearable. Continue reading at m|v-l''e -NovelBin As Aether listened to her heartfelt story, he gritted his teeth, his anger simmering just beneath the surface. He was ready to kill anyone who made his Princess sad. The thought of Kai causing her such pain made his blood boil!! "You don''t need to worry, Princess! I will take care of that woman! Even killing her!! Master Kai will love you once again," Aether said with determination and worry, his voice a mix of anger and resolve. Aqualina, with teary eyes, looked at Aether and said, "B-But isn''t that wrong?" Aether gently smiled as he rubbed the corners of her teary eyes with his thumb, "Right or wrong doesn''t matter," he said, his eyes turning sad and gloomy, "I cannot watch you suffer alone..." ''Ba-Dump'' [+8000 AP] Aqualina''s lips trembled with a mix of happiness and sadness, her emotions overwhelming her, "I-I am really happy that at least you are by my side... ''sob'' ''sob''," she started to cry, her voice breaking into soft, heart-wrenching sobs. "P-Princess!!" Aether was shocked to see her cry for the first time. This was the first time he had seen her vulnerability, and it almost shattered his heart. The woman who had always been so strong, so resilient, now seemed so fragile and in need of protection. Veins bulged on his forehead as he barely held his anger back, "I am gonna kill that woman!!!" he shouted furiously, his fists clenching tightly. He was just about to stand up when, "N-No!!! P-Please don''t leave me a-alone!! Aaaaaaw!!" Aqualina cried out in pain, pushing him back onto the bed with surprising strength. She jumped on and held him on the bed and clung to him tightly, her sobs growing louder as she buried her face in his shoulder. She held him as if her life depended on it, fearing that being alone would drive her to unwanted thoughts and despair. Seeing her crying, Aether''s heart broke even more. He bit his lip in pain, his hands moving tofort her. But knowing their difference in status, he hesitated. He knew he was just a servant, and she was a princess. Yet, the sight of her suffering was too much for him to bear... still, he lowered back but then, "Aaaaw!!" Aqualina''s cry prompted him to move and hug her tightly.... abandoning all thoughts of status. "I-I am here, Princess.... I won''t leave you... Ever!" Aether quietly whispered in her ear as he embraced her trembling small body. He felt her pain, her sorrow, and he wanted nothing more than to take it all away. "Aw.... ''Sob'' ''Sob''..." Aqualina cried softly in his tight embrace, her..... magic tears drenching Aether''s shoulder. She thought inwardly, ''Hehehe... How is my acting?'' She grinned inwardly while continuing to hug him tightly. Meanwhile, Aether stared at the crying girl and thought, ''I will give her 60 marks... not bad... Not bad at all...'' He sniffed her hair, savouring the scent of hervender smell, before using a spell to create a water flow from his eyes. Then he softly called her, "P-Princess, are you alright?" Aqualina, who had been using the water spell to fake her tears, stopped and lifted her head from his drenched shoulder. ''That''s too much...'' she thought when she saw his shirt, almost half of it soaked. She turned to look at Aether.... only to be shocked by what she saw. "W-What? A-Aether? Why are you crying?" Aqualina''s heart skipped a beat when she saw Aether''s tears. She had never seen him cry before, and the sight stirred something deep within her. "B-Because you are hurt and crying... ''sob''," Aether stammered with a pained expression, which made Aqualina feel a little guilty. She hadn''t expected him to react so strongly. [+9000 AP] ''How cute, my innocent Aether~'' she thought, her pained expression turning inwardly yful, ''But I need to do this, otherwise... I will lose him forever...'' She gently rubbed Aether''s tears away, her fingers tenderly brushing against his cheeks before travelling towards his... lips. "I wonder what a kiss feels like..." she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. Her eyes locked onto his, filled with a longing she could no longer suppress, "Aether... I..." Aether blinked a few times, seeing her leaning at his lips. Even a dense character would understand the situation, and if not, then he was either a eunuch or a brain-dead MC.... Their lips were about to touch when Aether was about to pull his next n... "WAIT!!" Aqualina shouted suddenly, stepping back abruptly. Chapter 294: Lights, Camera and.... Action! "Wait a second!" Aqualina''s voice trembled with urgency as she dashed into her bathroom. Aether watched her retreat with a puzzled expression, blinking a few times before shaking his head in confusion. Inside the bathroom, Aqualina''s heart raced. She leaned over the sink, desperately sniffing her breath. "It doesn''t smell, does it?" she muttered to herself, anxiety bubbling up. The thought of her first kiss being tainted by bad breath made her stomach churn. She couldn''t bear the idea of that moment being anything less than perfect, especially with Aether, the man she adored. She took a deep breath, relieved that there was no unpleasant odour. But as she nced at her toothbrush, doubt gnawed at her, "Better safe than sorry..." she murmured, grabbing the toothbrush and hastily brushing her teeth. Find exclusive stories on m_v l|e-NovelBin Rinsing her mouth, she hurried back out, only to find Aether engrossed in his work, his back turned to her. The sight made her heart sink. Had she missed her chance? Was her meticulous nning for nought? Aqualina rubbed her temples, trying to dispel the rising panic. She had worked so hard, crafting the perfect scenario to confess her feelings... just to lose everything for the breath? "A-Aether..." Her voice was soft, almost timid, as she called out to him, trying to gauge his mood. "..." Aether remained silent, his focus unwavering. Aqualina swallowed hard, her throat dry with fear. Had she ruined everything with her momentary hesitation? The thought made her chest tighten. This was supposed to be her moment, the culmination of all her efforts to win him over. Aether slowly mumbled, "I-I am not a substitute for Kai..." Hearing that Aqualina flinched, ''Shit! He got everything wrong!'' she screamed inwardly... Aqualina answered, "I-it''s not like th---" Her worst fears were confirmed when Aether spoke, his voice low and distant, "I''m in love with Aria, Princess." The words hit her like a physical blow, her heart clenching painfully. A wave of nausea washed over her, and she felt her face contort with a mix of disbelief and disgust. She had known about Aether''s feelings for Aria, which was why she had approached him cautiously, nning every step to perfection. She needed to ensure that his eyes were only for her, that his heart belonged solely to her. Yet, ''Fuck!'' Aqualina screamed inwardly, anger and frustration boiling over. How could she have let this happen? She gritted her teeth, feeling the sting of lost opportunity. She had been so close, and now it felt like everything was slipping through her fingers. "I won''t betray my love," Aether continued, his tone resolute, his expression that of a man deeplymitted. A most loyal one!! His words,ced with a quiet determination, were like daggers to her heart, cutting deep and leaving her breathless. Aqualina''s mind raced. This unwavering loyalty of his was what she had feared the most. It was why she had been so careful, so deliberate in her actions. She knew Aether better than anyone and knew his fierce loyalty to those he cared about. It was both his most admirable trait and..... her greatest obstacle. She clenched her teeth, her mind whirling with desperate thoughts. She didn''t want to force him, but she was running out of options. She had to make him choose, to see where his true loyaltiesy. Her voice quivered as she spoke, her eyes wide with feigned vulnerability, "S-So, you love Aria more than me?" Aether''s eyes widened, caught off guard. He stammered, "P-Princess, please" "Answer me, Aether!" Aqualina''s voice rose, a mixture of pain and desperation. She needed to hear him say it, needed to know where she stood. "..." Aqualina pressed on, her voice trembling with barely contained emotion, "A..Are you going to abandon me?" Aether''s reaction was immediate and intense, "Of course not!" he shouted, the force of his words startling them both. His eyes zed with a fierce protectiveness. "Then tell me who you love the most," Aqualina insisted, her eyes boring into his, searching for the truth. Aether''s expression twisted with anguish. "P-Please... don''t make me choose," he pleaded. "JUST ANSWER ME, DAMN IT!" Aqualina''s voice cracked, her frustration and heartbreak pouring out in a raw, scream. Her body trembled with the intensity of her emotions, tears welling up in her eyes. Aether bit his lip, lowering his head in silence, unable to meet her gaze. Aqualina took a step closer, ''Little more push...'' she thought to herself, her mind calcting. Meanwhile, Aether, couldn''t help but think with an amusing face, ''She''s really cooking something... Let her cook!'' Standing right in front of him, she gently lifted his chin, forcing him to look at her. Aether''s breath caught in his throat as he saw the tears glistening in her eyes, threatening to spill over. "P-Princess..." he breathed, reaching out instinctively to wipe away her tears. But before he could touch her, she pulled back, her eyes cold and hard. "If you don''t love me anymore, don''t touch me," Aqualina said, her voice like ice, freezing the moment between them. Aether''s hand hovered in the air, trembling. He hesitated, torn between his feelings and his loyalty, "P-Princess... why are you doing this? I just don''t want to see you sad..." His voice was a mix of confusion and pain as if he were struggling to understand her actions. "I told you not to touch me if you don''t love me!" Her voice was stern, but there was a crack in her resolve. Aether clenched his fists, feeling a knot of fear tighten in his chest. Seeing his hesitation, Aqualina felt a pang of panic. Was Aria''s hold on him stronger than she had anticipated? Was she losing him? The thought was unbearable. She needed to act, to pull him back to her. She used herst trick..... Drip, Drip Aether''s eyes widened as he watched the tears flow freely, the drops glistening like diamonds as they slid down her cheeks, she nkly stared at him as she asked with a shaky voice, "N-Not L-L-Lo-Love m-me anymore..?" To be honest, he was actually really shocked, ''Is she for real?'' he wondered. He couldn''t tell if she was acting or.... if she was truly on the brink of despair. Without thinking, driven by an instinct tofort her, Aether reached out and wrapped his arms around her. He pulled her close, holding her tightly against his chest. Chapter 295: He is definitely not innocent! Aether hugged her tightly! Aqualina blinked, momentarily stunned, before trying to push him away, "W-Why are you hugging me? N-No love" Her protest was cut short as Aether, his voice low and intense, firmly whispered, "S-Sorry... I-I''ve always loved you... before, now, and until myst breath... Aqualina." He held her tightly, his embrace conveying a depth of emotion that words could barely touch. Her eyes widened in shock, then softened, her lips curving into an inward smile, ''YEAH!!!'' she screamed inwardly, tion flooding her. She wrapped her arms around him, holding him close as her true, joyful tears spilled over. At this moment, she wanted to shout to the world that this man, this wonderful, loyal man, was hers and hers alone!!!! Especially to that Elven Bitch who had stolen his love. ''Hmph!! What can that bitchy old hag do now?'' Aqualina thought triumphantly, a victorious expression spreading across her face. As they slowly separated, Aqualina looked up at him with shining eyes and asked, "R-Really?" "Yes," Aether confirmed, his voice warm and sincere. "Haaa~ My Aether~" Aqualina whispered, her voice dripping with affection as she ced a hand on his cheek, leaning in closer. But then she noticed the conflicted look on his face, his hesitation palpable. He still struggled with his loyalty to that elf, that obstacle in their path. Gritting her teeth inwardly, she decided to shift next tactic, gently probing, "You love me, right?" "Yes," Aether answered firmly, making her heart skip a beat. Then, in a softer voice, he asked, "Does Princess also...?" Seeing his worried face, Aqualina giggled softly, a sound full of warmth and reassurance. "There is no man in my heart except you~ From the very beginning, to now.. until myst breath.... You are definitely not anyone''s substitute!!" she dered, her voice smooth and seductive. "P-Princess!!" Aether''s eyes widened, his cheeks flushing a deep red. His eyes shone with a mix of love and desire as he leaned in, almost unconsciously. But then, he hesitated again, caught in his internal struggle. Aqualina felt a surge of confidence, she didn''t need to worry anymore.... She had him now; she just needed to y her cards right, ''You used your tricks to get close to him, didn''t you, bitch?'' she thought of Aria, her face twisting with cunning determination. ''I''ll show you what real tricks are~'' she inwardly chuckled. cing her hands on Aether''s shoulders, she let her cheeks flush with a deliberate touch of vulnerability, "You''re not cheating, Aether," she whispered, her voice soft and persuasive. "Hmm?" Aether looked at her, puzzled. "Yes," she continued, her voice a sweet, teasing murmur. "I am your Princess, your Master. So, of course, I have rights over you. Kissing me... that''s not cheating. You''re just following my orders... No cheating, not at all!" Her words were like a devil''s temptation,ced with the promise of something forbidden yet irresistible. "Oh! Really?" Aether asked, his curiosity piqued. Inwardly, he thought, ''Not bad...'' Seeing his curiosity and the subtle shift in his demeanour, Aqualina smirked inwardly. She knew he was falling for her words, "Yes," she affirmed, her voice honeyed and smooth. "If you feel bad, you can just say I ordered you..." To be honest, She wanted him to tell the truth to Aria, to see her fume with the same jealousy and frustration she had felt. "But..." Seeing his hesitation, Aqualina quietly hugged him and said, "You can say anything... I am here for you~" she gently whispered. "I love you and... also Aria.... So I don''t know what t--" Before Aether could say anything, Aqualina ced her fingers on his lips and gently whispered, "It''s fine Aether... You don''t need to think too much... Just let us handle the situation" Aether blinked curiously before asking one that he wanted to know, "So, You will be fine if I kiss Aria? because she isn''t ordering me, right?" Aqualina''s lips twitched as her lips trembled before forcibly nodding, she thought, ''For now... this is enough... I will slowly make him look only at me!'' she vowed inwardly before saying, "I don''t care... Because My love for you is more than you think..." "I see..." Aether nodded, his eyes darkening with a dangerous intensity as he gazed at her lips. [+8000 AP] Aqualina''s heart raced, her cheeks flushing a deeper red. "Aeth-Hmmmffff~" She barely had time to react before Aether moved in, capturing her lips in a heated kiss. Aqualina''s eyes widened in surprise, then fluttered shut as she surrendered to the sensation. Her first kiss... and it was everything she had dreamed of and more. ''It really tastes sweet and slippery...~mm~'' She thought with a satisfied face.... She finally got her kiss! "~mmfff~!!!" But then, Aether''s hunger became more apparent, his lips moving against hers with a voracious appetite. He sucked on her lips, his teeth grazing her lower lip before he bit down gently, sending a shock of pleasure through her. "Hmmff~ Aeth~ mmff~" Aqualina''s muffled moans escaped as she felt his hands move down, squeezing her ass with a possessive grip. The unexpected touch sent a jolt of electricity through her, making her knees weak. "~aaff~" ''W-Where is my innocent Aether?!'' she screamed inwardly, though she couldn''t deny the thrill of his newfound boldness. She was caught in a whirlwind of emotions, torn between the shock of his assertiveness and the intoxicating pleasure of his touch. After what felt like an eternity, they broke apart, both panting heavily. A silver string of saliva connected their lips, a testament to the intensity of their kiss.... "~ha~" "~ha~" Aqualina looked at Aether, her face flushed and her breathing in shallow gasps. ''H-He''s a monster...'' she thought, her body still tingling from the kiss. Just as she began to move, trying to catch her breath, Aether suddenly pushed her onto the bed with a swift, fluid motion. Thud Aqualina''s heart raced, its frantic beating echoing in her ears. "~ha~" She looked up at him, her eyes wide and vulnerable, her legs instinctively bending in a defensive posture. The look in Aether''s eyes was primal, raw, and unrestrained like a ravenous lion finally set free after days of starvation. There was no hint of the gentle, familiar Aether she knew; instead, he was a force of untamed passion. "You really taste good... Princess~" Aether whispered. "I-is that so?... I am d you liked it..." "You?" "Well.... Yeah, It''s not like it taste good or anything but l-liked it too" Her eyes averted as her cheeks painted red as she unconsciously swirled her hair with her finger. "I see... Then Let''s taste more...." As his hands slowly travelled towards her cheeks. She was scared now.... "A-Aether, l-let''s stoHmmffff~ WWaitmmmfffff~" [+8000 AP] His lips were on hers again, silencing any protest she might have had. Her words were muffled, lost in the heat of his fervent kisses. "~mmm~T~time out~TIME OU~MMMFFF~" "~ha~" Aqualina gasped for air as Aether momentarily pulled away, his chest heaving. But before she could speak, he was on her again, capturing her lips in another searing kiss. "Time ou~mmmf~T~mmff~Time....~mmmff~!!!" Continue your journey on m|v-l''e -NovelBin "No! Let me taste you more~ Princess!!" "Nooooo!!!!!~Ahhh~" At that moment, as Aether''s hands roamed over her body, and his kisses grew more demanding, She felt something entering her mouth.... Aqualina realized the truth: her innocent Aether was no more. The man before her had transformed into a creature of raw desire, a being awakened by the very mistakes she had made!!! "~mmmfff~" Her legs became tangled with his as their bodies twisted and turned on the bed. Every movement between them was a fervent dance of urgency and unrestrained longing. "Princess!!" "Sl~slowfff~" His hands roamed over her with a desperate intensity, exploring every inch of her body as if he were discovering a hidden treasure. His fingers traced along her ass, each caress igniting a trail of heat that surged through her. The sensation was overwhelming, leaving her body quivering with a mixture of pleasure and anticipation.... Her body responded instinctively, her cute flower trembling with every touch and kiss. Chapter 296: Alarics sudden visit After thoroughly teasing the trembling, haughty princess.... Now it''s Aether''s time to tremble. "Stop it! Principal!!" Aether''s voice echoed through the training hall, filled with pain and frustration as the Principal twisted his body with her bare hands. What for? Supposedly, it was all part of his training regimen! At least, that''s the excuse she kept giving..... Aether knew better; she was exacting revenge for yesterday''s event, where he''d ''identally'' embarrassed her. "Oh? Come on, Aether... If you can''t handle this, how are you going to manage when I start breaking bones for real?" The Principal''s grin was as sharp as a de, her eyes gleaming with a dangerous, almost predatory intent. ''This old hag!'' Aether cursed inwardly. His thoughts must have shown on his face because the Principal''s lips curved into a serene smile, "Did you think something bad about me?" "O-Of course nottttrrrarrrrhhhhhh!!" Aether''s denial turned into a scream as she twisted his body further. The pressure on his bones intensified until he heard a sickening crack. Crack, Crack... "FUCK!!" Aether yelled, paning his voice at the sound of cracking bones. Before he could react, the Principal flung him across the room with a force that would have shattered anyone else. Instead of crashing to the ground, Aether''s body moved with an unexpected fluidity. Hended smoothly, his feet barely making a sound. "Huh?" He looked at his hands, then back at the Principal, astonished by the newfound grace in his movements. The Principal smirked, a hint of pride mingling with her amusement, "Did you get into a fight with someone of a higher level?" she asked, her tone both curious and knowing. Aether furrowed his brows, confusion clear in his expression. "What do you mean?" "Your muscles and bones were stiff as if they''d been broken by strong one and healed repeatedly. They were quite rigid, so I twisted your body a few times to loosen everything up," she exined, her voice as casual as if discussing the weather. Her eyes narrowed slightly, studying his reaction. "Did you fight someone stronger?" "... Yes" [+900 AP] "Did you win?" "Sadly... I lost. Utterly defeated, couldn''t even scratch their body," Aether confessed, bitterness evident in his tone. [+900 AP] The Principal studied him intently for a moment, then walked over, her steps deliberate and measured. Aether tensed, every muscle in his body on alert. He didn''t know what to expectanother brutal lesson, perhaps? But instead, the Principal did something unexpected: she gently patted his head. "You did your best and survived... I''m Proud," she said, her voice surprisingly soft though she wasn''t sure what happened but she did guess after seeing his growth in a small amount of time. The unexpected kindness in her words struck a chord deep within Aether. His eyes welled up with tears, and before he knew it, he was rushing towards her, seekingfort like a child. "Principal!!" he cried, trying to hug her, craving the warmth and reassurance of her praise. But the Principal''s expression hardened. "Hell no, brat!" she snapped, catching his face in her hand and shoving him back with enough force to send him sprawling. She wasn''t fooled; she knew when he was acting, and her eyes narrowed with a mix of annoyance and amusement. Aethernded on the ground, unscathed. He clicked his tongue in frustration, "Tsk," he muttered, ring up at her. She never let her guard down, not even for a second. It was infuriating. But then, out of nowhere, a sharp, piercing sound filled the room. Ding~Dong ..... .... The principal sat gracefully on the plush sofa, her eyes keenly fixed on.... ric sat before her, "What a sudden surprise, ric! What''s the reason for this untimely visit?" the Principal asked, her tone measured butced with curiosity. ric returned the smile, though it didn''t quite reach his eyes, "I apologize foring without prior notice, Principal. I hope I haven''t interrupted anything important" A sharp voice cut through the air, dripping with irritation. "Tsk, you interrupted my private training session with my only Principal," Victor interjected, his tone filled with barely concealed disdain. ric''s smile faltered, his face turned ugly as his focus shifted to Victor, who lounged a little toofortably beside the Principal. There was something about Victor''s casual proximity that set ric on edge. "Victor, respect your elders," the Principal admonished, her voice carrying an edge that demandedpliance. Victor merely shrugged, turning his head away in a dismissive gesture that only deepened ric''s anger. The sight of Victor, so casually close to the Principal, made ric''s blood boil.... He never even had that chance!! ric could feel the veins on his forehead pulsing, but he forced himself to maintainposure, "It''s fine, Principal. As your sole disciple, it''s natural for him to exhibit some arrogance. After all, without it, one risks being overrun by others. He''s a.... good student," ric remarked, his voice smooth like his ass! Victor looked at him as if he was licking her foot like a dog. "Anyhow, tell me the reason for your visit," the Principal said, steering the conversation back on track. ric''s expression grew serious as he cleared his throat, "I''vee regarding the matter of Professor Kennedy.... " His voice trailed off as he noticed Victor inching closer to the Principal. "Go on," Principal said. "Ahem, I''ve heard that one of the victims has made a full confession..." ric paused again, his jaw tightening as Victor''s hand casually rested on the sofa behind her back and slowly that hand subtly brushed the Principal''s shoulder. The sight made his blood boil!!! "ric" "Y-Yes, where was I? Ah! I was wondering if I could speak with the victim," ric continued, trying to keep his voice steady despite the anger simmering beneath the surface. His eyes flickered with a dangerous glint, barely holding back his rising fury. The Principal''s frown deepened slightly, "I''m sorry, ric, but I cannot disclose details about the victim. It''s a matter of confidentiality," she exined, her tone firm and unyielding. ric pressed on, his voice taking on a pleading edge. "Principal, like you, I want to support our students. I believe it''s important for me to understand the full context" Before the Principal could respond, Victor, who had been silently observing the exchange, interjected, his voice sharp and usatory, "And what exactly do you intend to discuss with the victim?" Experience exclusive tales on m v|l e''-NovelBin Chapter 297: Someones framing me! Victor, who had been silently observing the exchange, interjected, his voice sharp and usatory, "And what exactly do you intend to discuss with the victim?" ric''s lips twitched in irritation at the interruption, but he quickly masked his annoyance with a tight smile and before he could respond, Victor continued, "Are you a therapist? No, right? Then there''s no need for you to interfere after the Principal herself has handled the matter," ric clenched his teeth, feeling the conversation slipping from his control. Just as he was about to argue further, Victor leaned forward with a grin, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Or... are you trying to help your... Professor?" Victor''s tone was dripping with insinuation, his words a carefully aimed barb. ric''s eyes widened in surprise and outrage, "No, Principal! I''m not siding with a molester. I simply want to uncover the truth!" he eximed, turning to the Principal with a desperate plea. His voice was earnest, but beneath ity a seething fury directed at Victor. The Principal looked between Victor and ric, her expression inscrutable. There was a moment of silence, before "I believe you, ric. However, as I''ve said, I cannot share the details with anyone that includes you," she finally said, her tone measured and firm. ric sighed, a mix of relief and frustration washing over him. He was about to thank the Principal and leave when Victor''s voice cut through the air once more, "Oh, but I do know..." Victor''s smirk widened, his eyes flickering with amusement. "It seems the Principal trusts me more than the Vice-Principal," he muttered, loud enough for everyone to hear. The Principal''s eyes narrowed, her gaze shifting to Victor with a hint of displeasure. ric, on the other hand, felt a surge of disbelief and anger.... no, not because of Victor''s words... Maybe a little but more importantly, Victor''s thigh was now subtly touching and tapping against the Principal''s. Fury surged through him, his body tensing with rage. Veins bulged on his forehead and arms as he clenched his fists, barely holding back the urge tosh out. "Have a nice day!" he spat out through gritted teeth, before storming out of the room, his footsteps echoing with anger. As the door closed behind him, Victor wore a satisfied smile, as if he''d won some great victory. The Principal, however, was not amused, "Ouch!" Victor winced as the Principal pinched his thigh, her eyes shing with annoyance. "You have quite a nerve, annoying an Arcane King... Do you have a death wish?" she scolded, her voice low and dangerous, a clear warning in her tone. Victor shrugged, his expression nonchnt. "He''s the one..." "Hmm?" "He''s the one who I fought before and... almost died!" Principal''s eyes widened in big surprise, [+1000 AP] ... ... Meanwhile, ric marched through the academy''s corridors, his mind a whirlwind of anger and frustration. Each step felt heavy,den with the weight of his seething emotions, "That lowly being! Just because you have her recognition doesn''t mean you can touch her so casually, you filthy wretch!" he seethed, his voice a low growl of barely controlled rage. The image of Victor''s leg on the Principal, so casual, reyed in his mind, fueling his anger further. He clenched his teeth, his fists shaking with barely restrained fury, "Just you wait... I''ll make sure neither you nor that filthy servant will remain in this world or any other!" he muttered darkly, his voice a venomous whisper..... The taste of blood filled his mouth as he bit down on his lip, his rage so intense it was almost palpable. As he reached the academy''s prison, ric''s eyes burned with a cold fury. He strode purposefully towards a particr cell.... where a baldy middle-aged man wearing sses.... Professor Kennedy awaited. The man''s face lit up with a hopeful expression as he saw ric approaching, his hands clutching the bars of the cell. "V-Vice Principal! Have you found out who it is?" Kennedy asked eagerly, desperation clear in his voice. There was a gleam of hope in his eyes, as if ric''s presence could somehow change his fate. ric stood just outside the cell, his expression unreadable. He shook his head slowly, his voice carrying a note of finality. "No, it seems the Principal isn''t interested in sharing anything," he said, his tone cold and detached. Kennedy''s face twisted with anger and disbelief, "That fucking bitaarrrhhh!" His insult was cut short as ric''s hand shot through the bars, gripping his throat with a vice-like grip. Kennedy''s eyes bulged in shock and fear, his hands scrabbling at ric''s arm in a futile attempt to free himself. "What?" ric''s voice was icy, his eyes locked onto Kennedy''s with a chilling intensity. "N-No, ''cough'' cough'' arrrhhh---thing," Kennedy choked out, his voice barely a whisper as he struggled to breathe. His face was pale, eyes wide with terror as he felt the strength of ric''s grip. ric tightened his grip for a moment longer, his eyes never leaving Kennedy''s. Then, with a look of disdain, he released the man, who copsed to the floor, gasping for air. "Cough, Cough" Kennedy coughed violently, tears and snot running down his face as he struggled to regain his breath. "V-Vice Principal, please believe me! I didn''t do it! Someone''s framing me! If you bring the girl to me, I can make her tell the truth! You''re the only one who can help me..." Kennedy''s voice was desperate, his eyes pleading as he looked up at ric from the floor. ric''s expression remained cold and distant, his eyes hard as stone. He shook his head slowly, a look of disappointment crossing his face, "I''m sorry, but the Principal is personally handling the investigation. There''s nothing I can do," he said, his voice emotionless as he turned to leave. Read new adventures at m_v-l''e|-NovelBin "V-Vice Principal?!" Kennedy''s voice was filled with disbelief and betrayal, "You... you how dare you! I helped you every time you asked, created numerous crystals, and did all the dirty work... and this is how you repay me? Bastard! You filthy bastard!" Kennedy screamed after him, his voice echoing down the cold, stone corridors. ric walked away, a small, content smile ying on his lips... But then, Tang Chapter 298: Death Spells "No, that''s not possible, Aether," the Principal stated firmly, her face set in a stern expression. She had just listened to Aether''s story, and her reaction was one of unwavering disbelief. "What do you mean?" Aether''s brow furrowed in confusion, he literally told her how he and Aria were almost killed by ric. "ording to the timeline of your attack.... ric was already here," the Principal began, her voice steady and calm, "We were engaged in a discussion with the Archpriestess at that time... and Hell, ric had arrived at the academy well before the incident urred." Her gaze bore into Aether''s. "Seriously?" Aether''s face contorted into an expression of disbelief and bewilderment. He couldn''t fathom how this could be true. "Yes," the Principal affirmed, her nod slow and deliberate. "You didn''t see the attacker''s face, did you?" she inquired Aether hesitated, a lump forming in his throat. He had to admit it. He hadn''t seen the attacker''s face, just heard the voice..... those angry, hate-filled words. Yet, in his mind, there was no doubt, "I didn''t," he finally murmured, the words feeling heavy on his tongue. The Principal''s eyes softened with empathy, "I can''t say for sure... Maybe you misunderstood," she suggested, her voice gentle yet firm. She was trying to be reasonable, to offer a logical exnation, but Aether''s expression showed he was far from convinced. "If that''s the case, then who was that person, and why did theye after us?" Aether''s voice echoed with a mix of confusion and anger. "... It will be difficult to determine," the Principal admitted, her gaze bing distant as she considered the implications, "Their n was executed wlessly. Whoever they were..... they knew exactly what they were doing," she added. "You mean?" The Principal looked at Aether for a long moment, as if weighing her words carefully, "There were three death spells cast on you," she finally said. "Huh?" Aether''s eyes widened in shock. ''Death spells? What on earth does that mean?'' he thought. The Principal sighed, rubbing her shoulder, her eyes filled with tiredness after training Aether....as if she indicating something. Aether''s lips twitched into a half-smile, ''Just you wait... You''re the one who''s going to be rubbing my... hehehe...'' he thought, his mind briefly wandering to a more dangerous thought. He stood and began to massage the Principal''s shoulder and of course, his eyes ''unconsciously'' drifted to her cleavage. Death Spells: These arcane incantations are typically cast on a person, allowing the caster to know instantly when that individual dies. This magic is often used by noble houses to monitor their heirs and ensure their safety. Death spells are not easily performed; only those who have deeplyprehended the mysteries of life and death can wield them. There are a few exceptionally talented casters who also gain a vision of the person''sst moments, providing them with a fleeting glimpse of the death scene. "Oh!" Aether eximed, absorbing the information. He then asked, curiosity piqued, "So, three people cast the spell on me?" "Mm~ Yes..." the Principal confirmed, her eyes studying Aether''s reaction. She chuckled softly, her amusement tinged with a hint of warmth. "But don''t worry too much; this spell isn''t harmful. Whoever cast it wanted to protect you," she reassured him. "... How did you know there were three spells?" Aether asked, eager to understand the intricacies of the magic involved. The Principal smirked, a proud glint in her eyes, and replied with a single word, "Sovereign." Aether nodded, his expression one of amused respect.... He had an inkling of who the other two might be: ''The Empress, the Archpriestess... and...'' he thought, then said aloud, "You too, right?" The Principal chuckled warmly before nodding, "Of course, I wouldn''t let my disciple die without me knowing!" she dered, her voice filled with a mix of pride and protectiveness. Aether smiled, as he stared at her, meanwhile, she also stared at Aether... Her eyes gleamed with something as she looked at Aether, her gaze lingering on the faint glow of the three different arcane energy signatures enveloping his body. She was still amazed at the confluence of energies!! When the Principal first encountered Aether, she was taken aback to see a servant enveloped in a single death spell..... Initially, she thought it might be the Empress. However, the Empress had only cast the spell after the contest, upon witnessing his sacrifice to save her daughter..... then finally it was she who cast it... so she only knew two out of three. ''Who could the third be...?'' she wondered the question gnawing at her, she frowned as she thought of the recent actions of the Archpriestess..... Suddenly, "But I still think it was ric," Aether insisted, his tone unwavering. He couldn''t shake the feeling, the certainty that it was ric who had confronted him. The Principal sighed deeply, a sound full of weariness and resignation. There was no concrete evidence, and without seeing the attacker''s face, it was all spection. She decided it was best to steer the conversation in a different direction, "Since you helped with Kennedy''s case, I''d love to reward you... so, what do you want?" she offered, her voice lightening, trying to bring some levity to the situation. Aether blinked a few times, caught off guard by the sudden change in the topic.... Enjoy more content from m-v l''e|-NovelBin Then a grin slowly spread across his face. This was the moment he had been waiting for. The opportunity to ask for something valuable, something he had been nning for. Yes, He genuinely wanted to help the girls, but he also had another motive... to have the Principal owe him a favour. He had grand ns for his future, ns that required specific things from the principal... or rather from the academy. That was of course to get those tools from theboratory.... for his ns!!! Meanwhile, the Principal watched him, her brows furrowing slightly. She could see the, the hesitation in his eyes, ''I know exactly what you''re going to ask for.... Tsk, Tsk you perverted bastard,'' she thought with a mix of amusement and exasperation. It was obvious; he''d always asked for a hug in the past. The Principal shook her head, a smile tugging at her lips. ''Well, it''s just a hug...'' she thought, before saying, "I''ll let you hug me, though it''ll only be for a seco..." "Well, since you''re pestering me, I want tools from thebora..." Their voices ovepped, trailing off as they both looked at each other in surprise. They spoke simultaneously again, the confusion palpable. "What did you say?" "What did you say?" "..." "..." [+1000 AP] They stared at each other, the silence stretching, before bursting intoughter. "Haha... Y-You go first, Aether," the Principal finally managed, still chuckling. "Haha... N-No, no! It''s always Master first!" Aether insisted, hisughter infectious. "Haha... It''s fine, you don''t need to hold back," the Principal urged, trying to coax him into speaking. "Haha... I respect my Master more than anything!" Aether retorted.... They started to act like weirdos.... The Principal''s lips twitched, a mix of amusement and exasperation. ''Respect? Him?'' she thought, incredulous. She sighed, shaking her head, and then asked, "Are you not going to tell me?" Aether immediately nodded, his expression serious again, causing the Principal to sigh once more. With a determined look, she suggested, "Let''s say it at the same time again, on the count of three?" Aether nodded, his smile returning. "Of course..." "One!" "Two!" "Three!!!!" "..." "..." Neither of them spoke, the silence filled with a mixture of anticipation and awkwardness, their lips twitching in mutual annoyance. "I thought we were going to say it?" "I also thought that..." The Principal sighed deeply, seeing this wasn''t getting anywhere. With a resigned look, she said, "I said I would let you hug me." Aether blinked rapidly, processing her words. He opened his mouth to speak but found himself at a loss for words, ''Come on, Aether! You need the tools first! Say it, damn it!'' Aether screamed inwardly, yet his mouth refused to cooperate. The Principal watched him struggle, a small, amused smile ying on her lips. ''He''s really amusing...'' she thought, her eyes softening as she observed his internal battle. [+1000 AP] ''Come on, Aether, focus on your future!! YOUR FUTURE, NOT WOMEN!!!! BE A SIGMA MALE!!!!!!'' Aether shouted inwardly, trying to steel his resolve. He needed to prioritize his long-term goals, to use this opportunity wisely... Boing, Boing But then his gaze fell on the Principal''s busty bust, and his mind went nk as he watched the gentle and tantalizing movement.. ''Future?'' ''Tsk, Fuck off! I''m living in the moment, not for the future!'' Aether shouted inwardly, his resolve crumbling. Without warning, he lunged toward the Principal, shouting, "I want a hug, Principal~" The Principal''s lips twitched, then curled into a dangerous smile, ''Yep, I knew it!!'' she thought before, BOOOM!!! A powerful gust of wind erupted from the Principal, sending Aether crashing into the wall with a heavy thud. "P-Prinicipal?" Aether gasped, his voice tinged with shock and betrayal. The Principal cracked her knuckles, her eyes narrowing dangerously, "Tell me what you really wanted," she demanded, her voice cold and unyielding. "... Hehe--" BOOOM!!! Chapter 299: A man could have as many as he loves!! After being physically and emotionally battered by the Principal, Aether found sce in the tender care of Celestia. Her gentle ''touch'' and soothing ''Songs'' eased the pain that lingered in his body, and he felt a strange mix of relief..... Next Morning, "Here!" Aqualina''s voice broke through his thoughts, her tone sharp and indifferent. She handed over her bag to Aether, her movements brisk and precise. Aether epted the bag without a word, his expression neutral. Selene, standing nearby, noticed Aqualina''s demeanour as well, her frown deepened, ''Is she still upset about something?'' Selene wondered, her eyes narrowing as she observed Aqualina''s stiff posture and tense expression. However, In reality, Aqualina struggled to keep her flustered cheeks in check!! Her lips were slightly swollen and wounded, and she fought to maintain herposure, her anger bubbling just beneath the surface. She red at Aether, gently rubbing her lips, still shocked by how forcefully he had bitten them, leaving a bruise she hadn''t noticed untilter. The memory of his aggression sent a shiver down her spine, a mixture of fear and.... unexpected excitement. She red at Aether, a mix of anger and confusion swirling in her eyes, ''I knew he was corrupted, but I never realized just how deep it went''she thought, biting her lip to hold back the torrent of emotions threatening to spill over. She felt a strange mix of emotions: anger at his actions, a desire to set him straight, and a longing to bring back the innocent Aether she once knew. ''W-Well, I-I don''t mind if he acts sometimes... aggressive,'' she thought, her emotions conflicted and turbulent. To be honest, she really liked it when Aether pushed her to the brink. His aggressiveness and needy actions were totally different from the Aether she knew.... as if he wanted her more than she did..... Of course, she was over the cloud and she found herself irresistibly drawn to this new side of him. Her stomach tingled with sensitivity, a sensation that spread through her entire body. She stared at his lips before biting her own, She wanted... She wanted to devour him. And yet, her mother was in the path, a constant reminder of her royal responsibilities. As a royal princess, she knew her purity was more important and sacred. She couldn''t just let it slide, which would surely anger her mother and might even... kill Aether! That''s something she couldn''t allow!! So, for now, she needed to draw a line, ''Only kissing!'' she told herself strictly, her resolve hardening despite the tumultuous feelings within her. After the sses were over, she was going to ask Aether to teach her how to kiss, so that she could also devour just like he did yesterday. The thought sent a rush of excitement and anticipation through her, making her cheeks turn bright red. She immediately lowered her head and took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. She could not allow herself to show emotions; otherwise, she would be losing as a princess! "Hahaha..." Hearingughter, Aqualina snapped out of her thoughts and looked over to see Selene closely hugging Aether. Aqualina shrugged as she was already used to this scene.... However, this time felt different, ''FUCK!! I forgot about this crazy bitch!!'' Aqualina screamed inwardly in surprise and shock. Until now, she had been used to Selene''s antics and had forgotten there was not just one rival but rather two! Your next read awaits at m,v -NovelBin ''How the hell did I not notice this before?'' she screamed inwardly, clenching her fist as she saw Selene''s boobs pressing against her beloved Aether''s arm. The sight ignited a fierce sense of possessiveness within her!!!... Not a Yandere level though! ''Is she trying to seduce him?'' she thought, annoyed, before walking forward and ring at Selene, "Don''t you think it''s inappropriate to hug a ''servant''?" Selene frowned, her eyes shing with annoyance, ''What the hell? Didn''t we agree on our deal?'' Selene thought, wondering why Aqualina was suddenly acting so weirdly now. "I can do whatever I want!" Selene said with a straight face, her tone defiant. Veins bulged on Aqualina''s forehead before she nced around, her heart pounding. Hesitating for only a moment, she took Aether''s other arm, determined to stake her im.... she was not going to lose what was hers! "... What the hell are you doing?" Selene''s eyes turned dark and void, an intensity that made Aqualina flinch and let him go however, she immediately caught Aether''s hand again, refusing to back down..... She needed to be more assertive, and more dominant. "I can do whatever I want... He is my servant!" Aqualina haughtily dered, her voice filled with determination and defiance. Selene gritted her teeth, her thoughts racing, ''I-Is this bitch trying to use my Aether to annoy my big brother? Or... has she finally opened her eyes and seen my Aether''s greatness and decided to steal him from me?'' The more she thought about it, the more her emotions became a tangled mess of anger and jealousy....her emotions started to mess up. Meanwhile, Aether, who was enjoying the attention of two girls, couldn''t help but grin inwardly, ''Looks like my n is going perfectly...'' Just then, Taylor loudly coughed, "COUGH!" and said, "Master Kai." Everyone startled, separating from each other. The trio looked into the distance and saw Kai standing with his servant, Timmy, along with his BFF, Leon and... new chick, a twin-tailed yellow-haired girl. Aqualina''s eyes turned stern as she quietly, with measured steps, walked towards them. Upon seeing Aqualina, Kai immediately called, "Aq-- Princess!" Aqualina halted her steps and said, "Good morning, Kai," with a small smile. Kai sighed in relief, seeing that Aqualina didn''t seem angry anymore. He nced at Leon, who gave him a thumbs-up, before turning his focus to Selene. ''She''s growing even more beautiful,'' he thought as he stared at her. Meanwhile, Kai gulped before stepping forward and motioning towards the yellow-haired girl to introduce her. "Her name is Vesperine." The girl stepped forward, her nervousness palpable. She bowed deeply, her voice trembling as she spoke, "H-Hello, Princess Aqualina! I''ve heard a lot about youyour elegance, beauty, knowledgeeverything from Kai. He really adores you! I-I hope we can be friends!" She extended her hand, her eyes filled with hope and fear. "..." Aqualina stared nkly at her. The silence was deafening, and Vesperine gulped in fear but didn''t lower her hand. She held her breath, waiting for Aqualina''s response, her heart pounding in her chest. Seeing the tension, Kai stepped forward with a serious and pleading expression, "I really hope you two can be friends..... Please," he said, his voice almost begging. Selene, Aether, and Taylor shook their heads in denial, clearly understanding what Kai was hoping to do. They had only one thought, ''Really? You are doing this after getting caught?'' Especially Aether, who thought with an amused expression, ''Does he really think that''s going to work? Even an idiot would understand what he''s trying to--'' He found the situation ironic... "Yeah, I don''t mind," Aqualina said with a smile, her voice surprisingly soft and weing. "..." Everyone blinked in surprise, especially Kai, whose face turned into pure joy and happiness. ''S-She is really an angel!'' he screamed inwardly when she epted. Kai really started to feel blessed, believing that everything would turn out fine. Aether blinked continuously as he saw Aqualina shaking Vesperine''s hand. ''Is that... all it needed?'' he really wondered. If it was that easy, he would have already done it by now. Aether frowned and calcted this move for a second, then nced at Selene and Aqualina, ''I can only imagine the bloodbath I will be facing...'' he thought with a wry smile. Just then, Aqualina''s voice echoed with a cold edge, "You came only after you were caught red-handed, right?" "A-Aqualina?" Kai was shocked, his relief quickly turned to anxiety. "If you hadn''t been caught, would you have reallye here and introduced her to me?" She asked again, her eyes piercing into Kai''s. Kai gulped. "I-It''s not like that... I-I really intended to say something as soon as possible, but before I could, you..." His words trailed off when he saw her staring daggers at him, her gaze unwavering and intense. It was then that Leon, ever confident and brash, stepped up with pride, "A man could have as many as he loves. That''s what it means to be a man!! And he proved his worth, Aqualina! You need to acknowledge him and help him gain affection at times like this, or else others will take your ce and you might be a concubine!" Leon''s words hung in the air, heavy and provocative. He nced at Selene, believing that she would be impressed because he was helping her brother when he needed it the most. He expected admiration, perhaps even gratitude. ''Hehe... Did she fall for me?'' Leon thought when he saw Selene staring nkly and indifferently at him. Aqualina gave Leon a death re, her fury barely contained, before walking away, her steps resolute and unwavering. "H-Huh? What''s wrong?" Leon wondered aloud, baffled by the reactions of the others. He watched in confusion as Selene, looking at him like he was garbage, turned and walked away without a word. Chapter 300: He is my Friend! Rustle, Rustle... Rustle, Rustle... Delphine stared at Aether, who was changing clothes in her office room without a hint of embarrassment or shame. His movements were confident and unhurried as if he had every right to be there. "I heard... you helped that victim girl?" Delphine asked curiously. She had only heard about it from the Principal and not from Aether, who usually took every opportunity to show off before her just to spend time with her. But now, things seemed different.... Aether simply nodded, "Kind of..." and continued changing his attire without borating further. Delphine''s lips twitched as her finger tapped on the table. An annoyed expression crossed her face, and she bit her lip hard before sighing. She knew she needed to avoid him for his sake, and yet, her heart pained seeing him act indifferent to her. [+400 AP] She bit her lip once more before asking, "I-I see you''re doing well..." Her voice was softer, tinged with a mix of frustration and longing. "Hmm," Aether responded nonchntly, his attention still focused on changing his clothes. His indifference was like a knife twisting in her heart. "I mean... aren''t you a little too close with Aria nowadays?" Delphine asked curiously, recalling how she had seen him spending time alone with Aria in the yground. Previously, she hadn''t cared much because Aria was a married woman, but now.... she was a little worried. Others might try to trick Aether, and most of all, when she saw him happilyughing together with that woman, her heart ached with jealousy. "Yeah, she is teaching me," Aether answered without providing further details. His terse response only fueled her anxiety. "Teaching? What is it?" Delphine''s face turned curious, her frustration growing as he remained evasive. "..." Sensing no answer, Delphine''s face twitched as she said with an annoyed tone, "I could teach better than her..." Her voice wavered slightly, betraying her insecurity. "Is that so," Victor said, just about to exit the office room. His disinterest was palpable, making her feel even more insignificant. "W-Wait!" Delphine called out, her voice trembling. Victor halted but didn''t turn back. "I... I.... am really...." Words stuck in her throat. Victor sighed before saying, "Break is about to end... I am leaving," and he exited the room without another word, leaving her feeling abandoned. "... Aether," Delphine mumbled with sadness. She really started to miss those happy days when he would banter with her. She was really missing those happy days, those moments that now seemed so distant. .... ... Victor grinned as he walked towards his ss, ''She needs a little more push,'' he thought before walking into his ss. Then, "OH!!" "IT''S HIM, GUYS!!" "Look at him, Walking in hot~" Victor blinked a few times when he saw a group of unknown women shouting at him as he entered the ss. Their enthusiastic reactions caught him off guard and piqued his curiosity. He nced at his ssmates, who simply looked at Victor with surprised and shocked faces as if they couldn''t believe what they were seeing. "Hello, Mister Victor," a beautiful girl stood before Victor and smiled warmly. [+500 AP] As she touched his chest seductively, she said, "I hope you are doing fine~" Her voice was sultry, dripping with an underlying intention. "..." Victor still didn''tprehend what was happening here, but he knew he needed to stop her before two dangerous entities... shattered her into pieces. But then, "Stop harassing my friend!! He didn''t like to be touched!" Ashara interrupted, taking the girl''s hand from Victor. Her intervention was timely and assertive. Victor raised his eyebrows in surprise before nodding to himself, ''Looks like I really found a sidekick for me,'' he thought with approval, appreciating Ashara''s boldness. The girl frowned at Ashara before her face turned disgusted as she swatted Ashara''s hand away and said, "Tsk, know your ce, bitch," as she used water magic to wash her hands. Her disdain was evident and harsh. Ashara smiled awkwardly, clearly ufortable with the situation but not backing down. Then her group suddenly shouted, "Kenley, are you alright?" "Did that subus corrupt you?" They looked at the beautiful girl, Kenley, with concern, their worry palpable. "It''s fine! I already removed that filth!" Kenley said with a disgusted face as she looked at Ashara. "Tsk, I cannot believe they are now even allowing a whore to study..." Her words wereced with venom and prejudice. "Shh! Come on, Kenley, didn''t she say she was his friend? You need to calm down!" One of her friends said in a hushed tone, trying to diffuse the tension. Kenley clicked her tongue, looking at the handsome man. She already knew they were more than just friends, "Tsk, that whore is just a toy for him. There''s no way she is a friend," she spat, her eyes filled with contempt. Kenley looked at Ashara with even more disgust as she motioned her hand ????, "How is it? Is it good?" Her tone wasced with something deep and sinister, almost mocking. Ashara frowned, gritting her teeth. "H-He is just my friend!!" she dered, her voice filled with determination and hurt. "Yeah, yeah..." Kenley had an amused expression before saying, "A friend who can fuck you anytime and anywhere, right?" Her words were crude and cruel. Ashara clenched her teeth. This discrimination and harassment was something she faced everywhere she went, just because she was a subus! "Senior, please refine your words..." Helena, who had been watching this, said with a frown. Her tone was authoritative and disapproving. Kenley turned back and saw it was the saintess and chosen one, "Pardon me, Saintess... I was simply trying to set her on the right path," Kenley said with a fake smile, trying to mask her true intentions. "Right path?" Helena frowned, not buying Kenley''s act. Her scepticism was clear. Kenley smiled even more, "Yes, since she is a whore, we need to teach her what it means to be a woman and how a woman needs to close her leg---" Thud Thud Thud Before Kenley could finish, her entire group was kneeling down by the pressure, their faces turning from disgust to shock. An ice-cold voice echoed in the ss, "Choose your next words wisely..." Victor leaned toward Kenley and whispered, "There won''t be a mouth for you to speak or... even suck a dick, slutty bitch!" Even though he whispered, his voice echoed everywhere, causing a ripple of fear to spread through the room. Kenley''s eyes widened in shock and shame. She couldn''t believe this man had called her a bitch, "How dare yo---" CLAP!!!! A loud p echoed, creating a vibration around the ssroom. Drip, Drip Blood dripped from Kenley''s right.... Ear! Kenley, with shock and fear, looked at Victor who had just pped his hands near her ear.... All she could hear now was, ''Sssssssnnnnnnnnnngggggggggggggggggg.'' Victor, with a cold smile, said, "Choose your words..." Kenley gulped, ''H-He is really stronger than... us, seniors?'' she wondered before saying, "I-I would like to talk with you about... ''That Girl.''" Her voice was shaky, and her confidence was shattered. Chapter 301: It’s getting messy... Victor led Kenley and her friends down the deserted corridor, its cold, empty silence amplifying their footsteps. Ashara, shadowing them, kept her eyes darting between Victor and the group, her concern palpable. "So?" Kenley and her friends, emboldened by Victor''sposed demeanour, attempted to make their move. Kenley, ever so forward, reached out to touch him. Yet, Ashara was quick to intervene again, her voice firm and protective, "I''ve told you before, he doesn''t like others touching him." Kenley''s frustration was palpable as she gritted her teeth, her eyes shing with a mix of anger and defiance. She wanted tosh out but found herself restrained by Victor''s unwavering gaze. With a huff, she said, "Anyhow, I heard that girl, Kyra, falsely used my uncle." Victor''s brows furrowed, "Uncle?" "Yes, my uncle, Professor Kennedy," Kenley replied, her voice dripping with pride. Her uncle was a revered figure in their noble family, held in high esteem for his achievements. Victor regarded Kenley with a steady gaze before replying, "Falsely used? He got what he deserved." "Deserved?! The hell!! Do you even know who he was?!!" Kenley''s voice rose in frustration, her disbelief evident. "A noble, so what?" Victor''s tone was tinged with annoyance. He felt the problem, which he thought was resolved, was dragging on unnecessarily. "What the..." Kenley''s frown deepened, her patience wearing thin. She nced at her friends, who immediately understood their cue. The first girl stepped forward, her tone filled with reverence, "Kennedy de was a baron nobleman who forged his own path and developed revolutionary artifacts. He was appointed directly to the academy for his intellect and creativity. He created most of the equipment that functions in this academy!" The second girl chimed in, her voice filled with admiration. "He elevated his house''s rank from baron to duke! He married a beautiful wife and had arge family, living a life filled with love and joy. His only passion was his work with technology. Hecked for nothing!" Kenley then interjected, her tone dripping with disdain. "Do you really think that a man who had such a fulfilling life, with a loving wife and everything he could wish for, would bother with a....moner girl?" Her words carried ayer of contempt. Victor''s expression remained serious as he stared at Kenley, then nced at Ashara, who was observing him with curiosity, "A man can have many sides and conceal them carefully... even if they are closely rted." Kenley frowned at his response, her patience wearing thin. She hadn''te for philosophical debates, so she cut straight to the point, "Whatever... I just want you to withdraw theint from the Principal." "I don''t think I have any right" "Yes, you do have that right... because you''re the reason thatmoner girl falsely used my uncle," Kenley interjected with a serious expression, her voice hardening. She added with a smirk, "Why don''t you visit that girl and see if she wants to withdraw herint or not?" Victor''s frown deepened. "What do you mean?" Kenley''s lips curled into a malevolent smile as she said, "Just visit her departement..." and turned to leave. Victor and Ashara''s faces fell as they began to understand the gravity of the situation. Just as they were about to leave, "Especially that woman''s restroom~" Kenley called out with a sinister smile and smirk, revelling in the distress she had caused. "Aarrrhhh!!" As soon as they were out of sight, Kenley let out a scream of pain, clutching her right ear. "Kenley!!" Her friends shouted in rm, rushing to her side. "Tsk, let''s get to the infirmary quickly!" Kenley shouted through gritted teeth, her pain evident, ''That bastard....'' Meanwhile, Ashara and Victor sprinted towards the senior department, their urgency was apparent. Reaching the nearby restroom, Ashara said, "You wait here" but before she could finish, Victor was already inside, moving with a single-minded purpose. "V-Victor!!" Ashara''s voice was filled with worry, fearing that her friend might be mistaken for a pervert. But as she entered, she found the restroom empty except for a distressing scene. Drip, Drip A girly unconscious on the floor, her body drenched in water. Strands of hair were pulled from her head, her clothes were torn, and blood seeped from a wound on her head. Victor nkly stared at the grim sight, his expression unchanging. Ashara moved swiftly to check the girl''s pulse. "We need to take her to the infirmary!" Ashara eximed urgently. "No..." Victor shook his head, his face serious. The situation had worsened, and taking her to the infirmary now would attract unwanted attention. The old woman would surely note the incident and inform the professors, risking exposure of the girl''s identity.... which certainly this girl didn''t want. Ashara, still concerned, protested, "We don''t have time, Victor! She might die if" "Get Helena," Victor instructed firmly. Ashara hesitated for a moment before running off to find Helena. Meanwhile, Victor stared at the girl before shifting to the mirror and staring at his image, "Who are you?" he asked, directing his question to the reflection of his own image. Yet, there was no answer. "If you think you can hide your presence with such a pathetic skill... then you are far from reaching her level," Victor''s voice was cold as he addressed the mirror. Yet, There was no response whatsoever. The silence that followed was unsettling. Victor stared at the mirror, then tilted his head slightly to the right. It was then that Victor in the Mirror suddenly smirked and a mechanical voice filled the room, dripping with amusement, "Oh! You are really able to sense me... ah," the Mirror Victor said, its tone yful. "What are you?" Victor asked with a frown, his patience wearing thin. "What are you?... Ah, that''s quite a good question. But... the same could be said for you.... Aether. What are you?" The Mirror Victor asked back with argument. "..." Victor''s expression remained neutral, his mind racing with thoughts. "Haha... don''t worry, I didn''t harm this girl, but those girls really hurt her lot.... What a pity, What a pity.... and I am not your enemy," The Mirror Victor shook his head with a pitiful expression. Victor smirked, "Yeah, and I''m not your friend either, right?" "Haha... yes, yes... you''re right," The Mirror Victor also smirked as his voice replied with a hint of arrogance, "There is no need to concern yourself with who I am or what I am. I am merely curious... about how ''The Beginning'' is going to start. That''s all... Just remember, everything goes ording to Mother''s wish. Whether you like it or not, fate cannot be changed, and That''s thew!!" The Mirror Victor smiled haughtily, "I hope you understand one day, H#########" Crack, Crack The mirror shattered into a million pieces, the sound echoing through the restroom. Victor stared at the broken mirror before calling, "Celestia." Celestia appeared as if from nowhere, wrapping the girl in a cloth and lifting her with ease. "Where to?" she asked. "..... Principal''s house," Victor replied. Celestia nodded and vanished in an instant. Victor took a moment topose himself, sighing, ''It''s getting messy...'' He shook his head, reminding himself of his mission. It wasn''t his ce to get involved in other matters. His task was to seduce the women. That was all that mattered!! Chapter 302: He is moving on with his plan Every academy had its ghost stories... and SAA was no exception. Students often recounted eerie encounters, whispering about strange urrences in hushed tones. They spoke of mirrors that seemed to have a life of their own, reflections that would suddenly speak, their spectral voices sending shivers down spines. Sometimes these supernatural merely scared them..... but there were times when they offered cryptic warnings, leaving the students bewildered and terrified. This unsettling phenomenon had persisted at SAA for years. It was a mystery that no one, not even the most powerful sovereigns, could unravel. Some believed it was that ''Arcane/Mother'' was trying to reach out to the students, perhaps ying tricks on them or delivering messages from beyond. "I see..." Victor murmured, his voice tinged with curiosity and concern as he absorbed the details from Celestia. "Even the Principal couldn''t pinpoint the cause... really?" Victor''s brows furrowed in surprise. He hadn''t imagined that such supernatural beliefs held in this world. "Yes, it''s not just the current Principal. Even the previous Sovereigns, with all their wisdom and resources, couldn''t find an exnation," Celestia replied, her tone serious and thoughtful. She had always followed Victor discreetly, observing him from the shadows, but this situation was unprecedented. Hearing the disembodied voice using Victor''s image had unnerved her, sending chills down her spine. It was really creepy how the ghost used Victor''s image!! Even more, she didn''t even notice its presence and yet... ''Let''s not tell the truth, otherwise, he will tease me'' She thought to herself and deeply wondered how Victor was able to sense it. Victor turned to Celestia, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. He handed her a list of items he needed, peculiar items that piqued her curiosity. Just as she began to question the list, Thud "Victor!" The sudden voice made both of them start. Ashara hurried over, concern etched on her face as she saw Victor standing alone, leaning against the wall, deep in thought. "How is she?" Victor asked, his voice betraying a mixture of anxiety and guilt. He noticed Celestia''s sudden disappearance and thought to himself, ''I''d love to learn that technique... but Celestia said she won''t teach me until I find her.'' Ashara gestured towards the room, her expression softening. Inside, Victor found Kyra lying peacefully on the bed, her body now healed. The sight brought a wave of relief over him, but he still couldn''t shake the feeling of responsibility weighing on his shoulders. He turned to Helena, who was watching over Kyra. "She''s doing fine, right?" he asked. Helena nodded, offering a reassuring smile, "Yes, the wounds have healed perfectly. She just needs rest now." Victor let out a long sigh, the relief palpable in his voice. "Sigh," he breathed, feeling some of the burden lift. Helena''s gaze sharpened as she looked at Victor. "You... What exactly is going on here?" she demanded, her tone firm but not unkind. Victor remained silent, and Helena frowned, stating, "If you don''t say anything, I''ll inform the Principal." Before Victor could give her an excuse, Ashara immediately said, "She is the victim of molesting" Victor almost facepalmed, He looked at Ashara, who was now biting her lip nervously. She met his gaze with wide eyes, unsure if she had blurted out. "S-Should I not have said that?" she asked hesitantly. Ashara really had a good impression of Helena.She had thought Helena would be able to situation carefully. Victor sighed deeply, He began to exin everything that had happened, recounting the events in detail. Helena listened, her expression shifting from confusion to shock as she processed the information, "I... I can''t believe Professor Kennedy would do something like that," she said, her voice trembling with disbelief, "Should I... should I confront those seniors?" she asked, her tone hardening with anger. The injustice of what happened to Kyra was unbearable to her. Victor shook his head, "No, that would only make things worse. For now, we need to handle this carefully," he cautioned, knowing that any rash actions could escte the situation. Helena nodded, though her face showed she was far from satisfied with the situation. She excused herself, heading back to her ss, leaving Ashara and Victor alone with Kyra. Ashara looked at Victor, a pang of guilt gnawing at her. She remembered her words from yesterday, telling Kyra that Victor would handle everything. And now, seeing the weight of the situation, she felt responsible for putting that burden on him. She opened her mouth to speak, then closed it, uncertain of what to say. Victor noticed her distress and offered a gentle smile. "You should get back to ss, Ashara. If you don''t, ric will start looking for you, and we don''t need moreplications right now." [+200 AP] Ashara hesitated, ncing at Kyra onest time before nodding and leaving. She walked away, her mind swirling with thoughts and emotions. Left alone with Kyra, Victor felt a deep sense of guilt. He approached her bed and quietly said, "I''m sorry." The words felt heavy, echoing in the still room. Kyra stirred, her voice weak and tremulous, "S-So, you dide... huh?" she murmured, her eyes slowly opening to reveal tears. She looked at Victor, her expression a mix of relief and pain. [+10 AP] Victor''s heart clenched at the sight of her. Her pained expression was like a dagger to his chest. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "I-I didn''t expect this to happen---" he began. Kyra shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper, "It''s fine... It''s all my fault," she said, her gaze fixed on the ceiling, her eyes zed over with tears. "No! You didn''t do anything wrong... It''s me, I should have been more vig---" Victor insisted, his voice rising with frustration. But Kyra cut him off again, her voice trembling, "No, it''s on me. I was the one who went after them... I thought I could help the others," she confessed, her voice breaking. She exined how she had approached the principal, trying to gather the other victims so they could speak out together. She hadn''t handled it as discreetly as Victor might have, which had led to her being targeted by the Kenley group. They had cornered her and... hurt her in unimaginable ways. Victor fell silent. He watched as tears streamed down Kyra''s cheeks, "I-I just wanted to help... to give others the courage you gave me... But... I... I... failed," she choked out, her voice filled with despair. Tears streamed from her eyes. Victor clenched his teeth before moving closer and sitting beside her... keeping a small distance. Seeing her trembling hand, Victor gently, slowly, touched her finger with his own... Kyra flinched before allowing Victor to touch her finger. [+100 AP] "Aa..." she whimpered, the sound filled with pain. She relived the horrors she had endured, alone in that restroom, beaten, her hair pulled, and her dress torn. The memory was a torment she couldn''t escape. Anyone in that situation would have been scared, and she was no different... As she cried, Victor quietly listened. .... ... Eventually, Kyra''s tears subsided, and she drifted into a fitful sleep. Victor watched her for a moment, then quietly left the room, heading to... theboratory. Yes, the Principal had granted him ess to theb, allowing him to borrow one of the tools, though it was understood he had to return it when requested. These tools were the property of the Academy, after all. And.... He failed to get his hug! As he entered the room, a strange sense of foreboding washed over him..... Theboratory was quiet, almost eerily so, and the dim lighting cast long shadows that flickered ominously. Victor moved towards a specific piece of equipment, used for etching Transparent Crystals. He needed one more, but... he was content with this! It was only a matter of time before... he would execute his n. A slow, unsettling smile spread across his face as he thought about what was toe. "Hehe..." he chuckled softly, the sound echoing in the empty room. But then, Thud His smile faded when he heard that sound. Chapter 303: Getting even Creepier Thud "Hehe---" Victor''s eerie chuckle abruptly stopped as he turned around, his eyes scanning the room for the source of the noise. A sense of unease crept over him, and he swallowed hard, ''I-I am alone, right?'' he thought, feeling the weight of the silence pressing in around him. He nced at Snowke, who had been sleeping peacefully on his neck, suddenly awakened and was now staring intently at a particr corner, her small brows furrowed in suspicion. Victor''s heart rate quickened. To be honest, he had never been one to fear ghosts or other paranormal phenomena... until now. The Academy''s ghost stories had always seemed like just that.... stories. But this eerie silence,bined with the unsettling happenings, was beginning to get to him. He started moving cautiously towards the source of the sound. Theboratory was tightly sealed, with only a few small windows that allowed in just enough light to create long, creeping shadows. ''Come on, Victor! You can do this!!'' he mentally screamed at himself, trying to muster the courage to confront whatever was causing the disturbance. He approached a set of curtains that were... oddly bulging. ''Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck!!!'' he cursed inwardly, Whether it was a person or... something else, he knew he would likely be scared out of his wits. Just as he was about to pull the curtain aside, his eyes half-closed in anticipation, Thud Both he and Snowke''s heads snapped towards the new sound. ''Gulp'' Victor''s mouth went dry as he peered into the seemingly empty room.... ''Don''t turn, Don''t turn, Don''t turn....'' Victor told like a mantra, ording to the Horror movie he knew what was going toe, so he used every ounce of energy to not turn. Despite this, curiosity got the better of him, and he slowly turned his head back... only to find the bulge in the curtain had vanished. "...!" Victor clenched his eyes shut for a moment, then quickly pulled the curtain aside and then he saw... something. A transparent fluid on the floor!! Victor nudged his nose. He didn''t care whether it was genuinely water or something else. If others wanted to have fun, it was their right! So he wasn''t going to bark at them. However, he was really curious about who was having fun around here. ''Who the fuck is fucking around?'' he thought before stomping on the ground and immediately appearing behind the equipment cupboards. Victor''s eyes widened in surprise when he saw....A twin-tailed girl with yellow hair crouched down, covering herself with her hands in a futile attempt to hide... It was Vesperine, of course. However, since Victor didn''t know who it was, he asked with a cold voice, "What are you doing here?" Vesperine flinched at his cold tone, her eyes wide with fear. She looked up and saw his masked face, her own eyes welling up with tears. Discover hidden tales at m,v l''e-NovelBin [+100 AP] "H-Help me!" she cried out, her voice trembling. Victor''s frown deepened, ''What is she talking about?'' he wondered. "Help? With what?" he asked, his voice still cold and stern. Vesperine, shaking visibly, pointed back at the curtain, "T-There''s something there..." she stammered, her voice filled with dread. Victor felt his lips twitch in irritation. "Okay? But why are you here in the first ce?" he demanded. But Vesperine only repeated, more urgently, "There is something there!!!" Her eyes darted around the room, clearly terrified. Victor''s gaze only stared at hers, and he noticed her legs were glistening with droplets of liquid. Vesperine quickly tried to cover her legs, her face flushing with embarrassment. "I-It''s not what it looks like... I-I was just a little scared..." she mumbled, her voice barely audible. [+500 AP] Victor couldn''t help but smirk slightly, ''So, she wet herself?'' he thought with a mix of amusement and pity. "There''s nothing there except a wet floor," he said, his tone softening just a bit. [+600 AP] Vesperine''s blush deepened, but she insisted, her voice more desperate, "I''m telling the truth! I saw something, I swear!" Victor sighed, just about to reassure her when, Thud "HIKK!!" Vesperine shrieked, cowering even more. Victor frowned, his eyes darting towards the sound. "Alright..." he muttered, turning back to Vesperine. "Wait here, I''ll go check it out..." His voice trailed off as he noticed... Vesperine disappeared and, Another puddle of transparent fluid on the floor! ''What the hell is going on?!'' Victor screamed internally, his nerves fraying. He grabbed the equipment he needed and, without another word, hurried out of the room. It wasn''t that he was scared... well, maybe a little. But something was definitely off, and he had no intention of sticking around to find out what. As he left, he thought, ''What''s going on here?'' Vesperine had vanished as mysteriously as she had appeared, leaving only the strange fluid behind. Victor recalled seeing her flushed cheeks and slightly panting face, her bodynguage betraying a mix of fear and... something else, ''Was she aroused?'' he wondered, his mind racing to piece together the bizarre scene. Her nipples had been visible through her clothes, a detail that only added to the confusion. "Tsk, whatever..." he muttered, shaking his head as he exited theboratory. He mmed the door behind him, plunging the room into darkness. Thud ..... Thud In the silence that followed, a sudden ''Thud'' sound and a soft chuckle echoed, "Heheh..." The sound was eerie, a mix of amusement and menace. "Come to daddy~" A shadowy figure reached out, its hand passing over the equipment shelves. One by one, the tools and crystals disappeared, the room growing emptier and eerier by the second. Meanwhile, Victor had changed his outfit. "Master Kai," Aether greeted with a bow, his eyes flicking to Kai, who was sitting on a yground bench, enjoying a meal with Vesperine. Kai looked up, his face darkening slightly. His sweet moment had been interrupted. "What is it?" he asked, his toneced with annoyance. Aether nced at Vesperine, his curiosity piqued, "I was wondering who this lovelydy is beside you?" he asked, his voice polite but probing. Kai frowned a hint of confusion on his face. He had introduced her earlier, hadn''t he? though it was directed at Aqualina still... Just as he was about to wave Aether off, "Hello, my name is Vesperine," Vesperine introduced herself with a bright smile, holding a spoonful of food towards Kai. "I''m his lover," she dered proudly. Kai blushed, taking the offered bite with a tender expression... The air around them seemed to shimmer with a soft, romantic glow... Bubble effects! "Oh!" Aether eximed, feigning surprise. He bowed deeply, "Hello, Madam Vesperine. My name is Aether, and I serve Master Kai and Princess." Vesperine smiled gently, her eyes softening. "Please, take good care of my Kai," she said, her voice sweet and caring as she caressed Kai''s cheek. Kai''s face flushed even deeper, his eyes reflecting the warmth of her affection. "Vesp... I love you~" he murmured, his voice full of emotion. Aether nodded, watching the couple''s tender exchange. Yet, his gaze was sharp, observant. He scanned Vesperine, looking for any signs of something amiss. Seeing nothing out of the ordinary, he clicked his tongue in mild disappointment. But then his eyes fell on Kai''s shoes... There was a small, wet stain. Of course, it could have been water... but there was a chance it was something else, right? ''Are these two...?'' Aether''s mind raced with spection. Chapter 304: Selene Failed Yet again! Celestia looked at the list of items Aether had requested her to buy, her curiosity piqued. "What are these for?" she asked, her voice tinged with intrigue. Aether smiled a hint of nostalgia in his eyes, "Long-distance rtionships are really hard, you know," he replied, his tone both wistful and knowing. Celestia tilted her head, trying to understand the deeper meaning behind his words. Before she could ask more, a familiar voice broke the quiet of the corridor. "F-Father!" Kaelen called out, his voice carrying a mix of urgency and respect. Aether''s lips twitched in mild annoyance as he turned to face Kaelen, who handed him another bouquet. Aether shook his head slightly, bemused, and took the flowers. He unfolded the attached letter, his eyes scanning the words. Kaelen watched intently, his mind shing back to the night he had delivered Aether''s letter to his mother. ''I-I never saw her smile before...'' he thought, recalling the night after delivering Aether''s letter. It had been the first time he had seen his mother smile like a young girl, a sight even his father had never elicited. Kaelen''s eyes drifted to Aether, filled with a mix of wonder and confusion, ''Is he really that great?'' he mused. It baffled him how a mere servant could evoke such a reaction in his mother, something not even his father had achieved. The thought left him unsettled, yet oddly fascinated! Aether, finishing the letter, handed arge package to Kaelen, "Here, give this to your mother," he said, slipping his own letter into the package with a thoughtful expression. Kaelen nodded, his face neutral. He didn''t need to know the details; as long as his mother was happy... he would be happy and safe!!All he wanted was a rest from her relentless training sessions. "You know, you can call me by my name," Aether said, a slight awkwardness in his voice. He never feltfortable being addressed as ''Father''added, "And it''s not like Liora was watching us" Kaelen hesitated but then nodded, turning to leave. ..... .. Aether''s steps led him towards the girls'' dormitory, his thoughts a tangled mess of strategy and concern, ''Helena... she''s not even responding to my call. What should I do now?'' he pondered, trying to devise a n. It was clear Helena was avoiding him for some reason and it made it difficult for him to approach her. ''Tsk, How should I deal with her now...?'' He wondered. Just as he was about to enter the dormitory, "Aether?" "Aether?" "Ae---" "Aether?" Four voices, each distinct andden with emotion, called out to him in unison. He turned around, finding himself face-to-face with.... Selene, Aria, Helena, and Lia. His mind momentarily nked, overwhelmed by their sudden group appearance, ''Everything is going ording to the n... right?'' he reassured himself, though a part of him wasn''t so sure. Before he could react, he was swept into a nearby restaurant. He found himself seated between Aria and Selene, while Helena and Lia sat across from them. "So, that girl, right? She really pissed me off," Selene began, her voice dripping with annoyance. "Yeah, I''ve never seen a woman who flirts so tantly with strangers!" Aria added, her expression mirroring Selene''s displeasure. "Isn''t she?!" Selene agreed, recalling the incident where Kenley had touched Victor. If not for Ashara''s intervention, Selene might have killed that bitch! "I think she''s is the real whore!!" Aria spat, her voice filled with disgust. She remembered the scene vividly and however, she didn''t want to kill that bitch instead, she thought about putting a few arrows through Kenley to ''increase the holes in the bitch''s body.'' Aether, feeling the weight of their words and the intensity of their emotions, quietly ate his food, ''When did they be friends?'' he wondered, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. The situation was spiralling, and he needed to keep these two yandere in check otherwise... Destruction!! "Hmm? Why are you silent, Helena?" Selene asked, noticing her ''New'' friend''s quiet demeanour. She quickly realized that Helena''s attention was focused solely on Aether. "It''s fine, Helena. He''s more like family to me than a servant; there''s no need to hesitate." But Helena wasn''t silent because of hesitation. It had been days since shest saw Aether and her heart was pounding in her chest.... Really crazy! [+400 AP] [+400 AP] [+400 AP] [+400 AP] [+400 AP] [+400 AP] ..... ... Her heart raced, as if she had just run a marathon, ''Why is he so handsome?! W-What am I thinking!! Please forgive me Archprie---KYAAAAAA!!!!!!! He''s looking at me!!!'' she screamed internally, though outwardly she maintained aposed and serene expression. She took a napkin, ced it delicately on herp, and smiled before starting to eat. Aether, catching the subtle changes in Helena''s demeanour, smirked inwardly. ''Not bad... Not bad at all!'' he thought, pleased with the turn of events. He nced at Selene, giving her a quick wink, silently thanking her for creating an opportunity he thought was blocked. Seeing him wink, Mistook for his flirting, Selene blushed and telepathicallymunicated with him, /C-Come on, Aether! People are here! W-We can do itter~/ Despite her words, Aether could sense her excitement and arousal. He shook his head in amusement. The situation was both amusing andplicated. Complicated? Yes, When Celestia had informed him that Selene was attempting to brainwash Helena, he had been shocked. He had asked Selene and Celestia to keep an eye on Helena and that was enough for them to understand she was one of his targets. Thus, Selene had devised a cunning n!! A n to keep Helena under her control. Selene wasn''t naive; She understood why Aether kept details about the other women from her; he didn''t want them to hurt each other. She clearly understood that... And it''s not like she was going to hurt those bitches or anything... She just needed to have a talk. Just talk! That''s all!! Aether was nothing like Kai; he was honest with her, sharing his intentions and ns. He wasn''t cheating; he was on a mission to save these women who might die. He had a gentle heart and couldn''t bear to see them suffer, so he was doing this for their sake and his freedom. Aether wasn''t like Kai!! Aether had told her everything, so it wasn''t considered cheating. But she worried, ''What if he really develops feelings for them?'' She was concerned because Aether, with his gentle nature and a soft spot for women, might fall for them. This was the part she loved most about him, the reason for her love and yet now hated the most! If things got out of hand, she feared there would be a side chick sitting beside Aether, which was surely dangerous... not knowing there was already someone beside him. ''What if she tricks him and makes him forget about me?'' she wondered in fear. That''s why she had decided to brainwash the women who were Aether''s targets with the simple message: ''Aether belongs to Selene! Others below Selene!!'' That''s all! Yet, she couldn''t brainwash Helena. No matter what she tried, Helena''s will remained unbent, as if a stronger belief was blocking her. Experience tales at m v|l e''-NovelBin ''Archpriestess...'' Aether thought amusedly. He was the only one who knew Helena had already been brainwashed by the Archpriestess. Helena was an insanely devoted follower of the Archpriestess. So, no one could brainwash her! "!!!" Aether suddenly flinched, feeling something touching his thigh. Meanwhile, Lia red at Aether, remembering his words, ''I donated the money for the greater good!'' When she had heard that, she had almost punched his face. ''My money... ''sob'''' she cried inwardly, unable to believe his reasoning. Chapter 305: Almost got caught!! Aether''s mind raced as he felt Selene''s and Aria''s hands inching up his thighs, their touch sending a mix of fear and excitement through him. ''Oh! Fuck, Fuck, Fuck...!!!'' he screamed internally, trying to maintain hisposure. Aether gritted his teeth, he needed to pull some stunt here otherwise there would be a blood bath. Aria leaned closer, her lips brushing against his ear as she whispered, "You need to eat more, Aether. Otherwise, you won''t grow up~" Her voice was dripping with seductive promise. Selene added a piece of meat to his te, her eyes gleaming with mischief, "Yes, here, take this too... You need more energy... for all the things we''re going to do~" she purred, her breath warm against his neck. "T-Thank you..." Aether managed to stammer, his voice shaky. His lower half trembled not just from fear, but from the thrill of the situation. Their hands were dangerously close to his most sensitive area! Aria and Selene had a satisfied face as they noticed Aether''s trembling. They hadn''t even reached their main target yet, and he was already reacting. Their hands continued their teasing dance, revelling in the power they held over him. Across the table, Lia watched the scene unfold with growing confusion. The atmosphere felt off, and she noticed Helena''s asional nces at Aether, filled with a mix of longing and restraint. Aria and Selene, however, seemedpletely absorbed in Aether, their eyes never straying from him. Aether who seemed to be lost in a moment or something. ''What''s going on here?'' she wondered... she clearly felt something wrong here... she felt she was the odd one here. As Lia pondered the odd dynamics at y, something dropped onto her foot. She looked down to see Helena''s kerchief, which had slipped from herp. Helena didn''t seem concerned, instead shyly ncing at Aether. Lia sighed and bent down to retrieve the kerchief. As she did, her gaze identally wandered under the table.... Her eyes widened in shock!! Selene''s leg was entwined with Aether''s left leg, and Aria''s with his right. Their hands were caressing his inner thighs, and... there was a noticeable bulge in Aether''s pants! She quickly straightened up, her face flushed. The trio seemed lost in their own world,pletely oblivious to her presence. ''What the... fuck is going on here?'' she thought, her heart pounding in her chest. She bent down again as if needing to confirm what she had seen. Just then, she saw Aria''s hand reaching for the zipper of Aether''s pants and "KYAAAAAA!!!" Her sudden outburst jolted everyone back to reality, and all eyes turned to her, questioning. "Is something wrong?" Aria asked her face a picture of calmness. "Did you not like the food?" Selene inquired, her expression friendly. "You look scared. Is something the matter?" Helena asked, her voice genuinely curious. Aether''s heart raced. ''Fuck! Did she see?'' he wondered, his mind reeling. He couldn''t believe how lost he had gotten in the moment. Well, it''s not his wrong to begin with... Any sane man would be swept away by two beautiful women touching him, even more, those parties didn''t even know what others were doing.... It was kind of a excitement that rarely urs. Aether also felt frustrated knowing Aria almost came near but... ''Well, I will get itter...'' he thought. Lia, her face bright red, stammered, "I-It''s nothing... I just need to go to the washroom." She hurriedly excused herself, her mind a whirl of confusion and disbelief. Once inside the washroom, she let out a frustrated scream. "What the fuck was that?!" she shouted to the empty room. The sight she had witnessed reyed in her mind, and she grappled with the implications, "D-Don''t tell me, both Aria and Selene are into Aether?" she muttered, frowning as the pieces started to fall into ce. But then, A new thought struck her, one that made her heart sink. "Or... are they harassing him?" she wondered, considering the possibility. Selene was clearly in love with Aether, and perhaps she had reached her limit, leading her to act out. As for Aria, Lia spected, that maybe loneliness and unfulfilled desires of a widow were driving her actions. "No!" Lia shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. "I need to observe them more closely before jumping to conclusions. If it''s the first case... I... I..." Her voice trailed off, her emotions tangled and heavy. But then a resolve formed within her, "If it''s thetter, I need to save my friend!" she dered, feeling a sense of duty. "Of course, this is for my friend... only a friend!!!" she added, convincing herself of her motives. ... .... After dinner, the group left the restaurant, the atmosphere tense and silent. As they walked back to the academy, Helena noticed something strange. "Hmm, is that restaurant being demolished?" she asked, pointing to a nearby building. It was the same ce where they had once met the Archpriestess, and she felt a pang of curiosity about the changes. As she pondered, her eyes drifted to Aether, who was ncing at her with a soft smile. Her heart skipped a beat, and a wave of warmth spread through her. [+400 AP] Her cheeks flushed red. She quickly looked away, trying to calm her racing heart. /Aether/ Suddenly, Selene''s voice echoed in Aether''s mind through telepathy, /I think... Aria is into you/ Aether''s heart skipped a beat, and he was about to respond when, /Aether/ This time, Aria called him telepathically, /I think... Selene is into you/ Aether''s eyes widened in shock, /W-What makes you think that?/ he asked, trying to keep his voice steady. Yet, Their responses came simultaneously, as if rehearsed. //She''s always talking about you, only you, and I think she always stares at you with dangerous eyes... as if she''s devouring you with her gaze... also felt little weird in her tone when she offered you food// Aether gulped even more when he heard their words were perfectly synced and he also could feel their killing intent slowly but surely growing. As of now, he has no ns to deal with two yandere at the same time so he needs to divert one of them otherwise... Sigh! /Aria, I think Selene is just being kind. She probably feels sorry for me because I''m her brother''s servant and all.../ Aria''s frown deepened, but her killing intent lessened slightly. However, the threat wasn''t entirely gone. Aether sighed inwardly, That was enough, for now, he decided, before reaching out telepathically. /Selene, yes, Helena is my target./ Those words were enough to halt Selene''s intense focus on Aria. The cold, calcting intent that had been radiating from her seemed to vanish, reced by a sudden shift in attention. But "!!!" Helena flinched visibly, her entire body tensing up as she felt the piercing, void-like stare from Selene. Aether observed the scene and sighed inwardly once more, feeling a pang of guilt. With a firm, controlled voice, he spoke again through the telepathic link, /I need your help to be alone with her./ Selene''s eyes widened in shock and disbelief, a myriad of emotions shing across her face. She couldn''t believe what Aether had just asked of her. Her mind raced, grappling with the implications. Her lover, the one she trusted and cherished above all, had just asked her to facilitate being alone with another girl! It felt like a betrayal, something deeply and fundamentally wrong! It was incredibly and ludicrously wrong!!! Yet, When she locked eyes with Aether and saw the raw, sincere emotion therehis sense of betrayal, the pain etched into his expressionshe began to understand. Aether was forcing himself to do something against his will, to seduce another woman, out of some grave necessity. The weight of the situation was crushing, and she knew all too well the dire consequences that loomed if he didn''t seed. It was beyond anyone''s hand!! This was a trial, a cruel test given to her by Arcane, she was certain of it. A trial she had to ovee. No, not just had toshe would ovee it! Suddenly, the intensity of the moment was broken by a rush of warmth. "!!!" Selene felt Aether''s loving affection flood through their bond. Her heart skipped a beat, a familiar rush of warmth spreading through her. Despite everything, she understood that he still loved her more than anything. He was being forced into this situation.... truly forced, and it pained her to see him in such a predicament. Tears welled up in her eyes, a mixture of sadness and determination. She nodded her head, a silent promise. He was indeed the most pitiful creature in the world, caught in a web of circumstances beyond his control. That''s why she needed to protect him, to stand by him through this ordeal! /Anything for you, Darling~/ she responded through telepathy, her voice tender yet resolved. Aether''s smile was warm, though tinged with guilt. She could feel the heavy burden of his emotions, and in response, she smiled back warmly, reassuringly. /There is no need to feel guilty. I am with you until the end... No matter what./ Hearing her words, Aether''s smile grew, a soft glow of relief... Find your next adventure on m_v l|e-NovelBin Meanwhile, from a distance, ''Yup, something''s definitely going on...'' Lia thought, her curiosity piqued as she noticed Aria and Selene''s hands subtly reaching out toward Aether''s. Chapter 306: Devil and Angel Part-1 "...." "...." Aether and Helena stood in the dimly lit room, an awkward silence hanging between them. After separating from the others, Selene had sneakily pulled Helena into her room, insisting it was important. It seemed like a good idea to be alone with Helena, who had been avoiding Aether''s gaze. It was indeed a good idea.... If not Selene was lurking behind the bathroom door, her eyes fixed on them with an intensity that was hard to ignore. ''Ssssttttaaarrreeeeeeee'' Experience exclusive tales on m v|l e''-NovelBin Aether felt Selene''s gaze like a physical weight and sighed telepathically. /I thought I said alone, right?/ Selene flinched, her tone defensive as she replied telepathically, /Come on, Aether, what if she tries to escape? That''s why I''m guarding the door./ Her voice was filled with righteous determination, but Aether knew better. ''Guarding the door? Which door?'' He really wanted to ask but sighed again, thinking, ''Well, let''s make the best of this.'' He decided to turn this into a lesson, a way to show Selene how hard he was working and perhaps gain her support in the future without her bing Yandere mode.... He turned to Helena, trying to break the ice. "Hello, Miss Helena." "..." "It''s been a while since we talked, right?" "...." "Looks like you don''t want to talk to me anymore. I wonder why?" "....." Selene, who had been watching quietly, couldn''t contain her frustration, "He''s talking to you!!" she snapped at Helena, her voiceced with impatience. ''Just fall for him, bitch!'' she thought, gritting her teeth. She was really unreasonable now! Aether shot Selene a nk stare, and she quickly lowered her head in silence. He turned back to Helena, his tone softening. "Did I do something wrong?" "...." The silence from Helena was palpable. Aether studied her, noting her avoidance. ''Looks like the Archpriestess must have influenced her,'' he thought, deciding to change his approach. Aether''s expression turned pained, and he spoke in a low, vulnerable tone, "You know, it hurts when you don''t talk to me... like I''m some kind of sick person." [+500 AP] Helena''s eyes widened in surprise, her defences momentarily dropping. "Y-You too" she started but quickly covered her mouth. Aether grinned inwardly, sensing an opening. ''It was the Archpriestess, after all,'' he mused. He continued with a sympathetic tone, "You too? You also feel this way? It must be painful, right?" He ced a hand on his chest, feigning a wince. Helena nodded vigorously, her eyes shining with shared understanding. ''Y-yes, it was really painful!'' she thought, though she didn''t say it aloud. Aether grinned inwardly seeing Helena slowly answering him though not by words, still, it was a great improvement. Aether pressed on, "I see... You know, I''ve felt this sickness ever since that day I helped you..." He let the sentence trail off, watching her reaction. [+500 AP] Helena''s eyes widened even further, "Me too" she began, then mped her hands over her mouth again. "You too?" Aether echoed, feigning surprise. He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "So, you have the same problem as me, and it started at the same time..." then his expression turned horrifying as he added, "Maybe we got sick together!" Helena''s eyes widened in shock and realization. "It is possible," she murmured, nodding a few times, her mind racing to piece together the situation. Aether smirked, pleased to see her finally speaking as her hands lowered. Her mind raced through various possibilities, ''If we got the same sickness, it might be because of that time when he helped with my bathroom shower and we both got drenched... Maybe the sickness came from that.'' But then she frowned, ''But I used purification, and even the Archpriestess used purification... Yet the sickness is still here...'' Her frown deepened as she considered the unsettling possibility that this disease was a new variant she had never encountered before. "Maybe we should inform the Archpriestess together. She might be able to identify this sickness before it spreads to others!" Helena''s voice grew increasingly urgent,ced with worry for the potential spread of this unknown ailment. "..." Aether''s lips parted, but no sound came out. ''Inform the Archpriestess? You''d be dead in a matter of seconds, and She will matter me in a matter of seconds,!!'' he screamed inwardly before shaking his head with a wrily smile. He quickly said, "Did you ask her about this sickness before?" Helena nodded, her expression turning serious. "Yes, I told her everything, and she said I should avoid you and stop speaking..." Her eyes widened in horror as she pped a hand over her mouth. She couldn''t believe what she''d just done... Going against the Archpriestess was sphemy! She needed to confess and atone for her sin immediately! Meanwhile, Aether was equally stunned by her admission. ''Everything? Damn! She really told everything to that crazy woman!'' His eyes suddenly felt heavy and tired, the situation became far worse than he''d anticipated.... evenmore worse than the ghost that appeared out of nowhere. As Helena prepared to leave and seek atonement, Aether quickly intervened, "But it didn''t work, right?" "Huh?" "I mean, when you avoided me, the pain only increased... It never subsided until now," Aether said softly, his tone gentle and reassuring. Helena''s expression turned thoughtful as she realized she no longer felt the pain in her chest that had gued her before. "Yes, the pain in my heart disappeared..." Aether nodded and carefully added, "I think the Archpriestess might have been wr" He stopped himself when he saw Helena''s furious expression. He gulped, quickly altering his words, "It must be because she never encountered this problem before..." Helena calmed down almost immediately, thoughtfully agreeing, "Yes, that might be possible. If we give her enough time, she should be able to figure it out!" Her tone carried a hint of pride and conviction. Aether nodded along, echoing her sentiment, "Yes, the mighty and one and only Archpriestess could figure it out in the future." Hearing that, Helena nodded in satisfaction. [+600 AP] "However..." "Hmm?" "I have an idea..." "What is it?" Helena asked, her curiosity piqued. Aether''s face split into a sly smile, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "Why don''t we find the cure before the Archpriestess does and surprise her? She would be overjoyed to see her saintess taking the initiative to do this without her help and might even praise you!" A devilish suggestion whispered into the ears of an angel. Chapter 307: No one could escape from his grasp! "A-Aether..." Selene''s voice trembled, the words barely escaping her lips. Her heart pounded in her chest, a mix of confusion and disbelief surging through her veins. She couldn''t believe what she was witnessing. The man she saw before her now... was different from the one she had known, the one she had cherished in her heart. His actions, his reactions, his modtion, his emotions, his acting, his calction.... were really different from what she had seen. "Is that... really Aether?" Selene mumbled again, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes wide with shock and... fear? "The One and only!" The sudden, almost yful response startled her, and she nearly cried out before a warm hand mped over her mouth, silencing her. "K-mffff!!" "Calm down, it''s me!" Celestia''s voice oozed with amusement as she grinned, her expression smug. She revelled in the fear she invoked in others, in the way they jumped and squirmed at her sudden appearances. There was something intoxicating about it, something that made her feel alive in a way few things did. She wasn''t entirely sure how others felt about her unsettling presence, but the way they reacted, their wide eyes and pounding hearts... it was a thrill she savoured. Selene''s panic subsided as she recognized the voice. She nodded slowly, her breath still ragged, and Celestia withdrew her hand with a satisfied smirk. They both turned their attention back to Aether, who was engaged in a tense conversation with Helena. His demeanour was serious, his every word measured, every gesture purposeful. "You still have time, you know," Celestia murmured. Selene frowned, her confusion deepening, "What do you mean?" Celestia''s grin widened, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous light, "To run away." "Huh? Run away? Why?" Selene''s voice wasced with genuine confusion. "Of course, from Aether," Celestia replied calmly. "..." Selene nkly stared at Celestia. Celestia simply shrugged, the movement casual, dismissive, "I mean, if you were truly wondering if that man is Aether... then yes, he is indeed Aetherthe only man trying his best to capture women''s hearts while sacrificing many things!" "Okay, so what are you getting at?" Selene''s voice was tinged with frustration. Celestia''s gaze bore into her as if searching for something hidden within Selene''s soul. "Because you''re scared," she said softly. Selene flinched at the usation, her eyes dropping to the ground. Celestia''s smile softened, "Fear... it''s the beginning of doubt--" she said, her voice almost gentle now. However, Selene shook her head, her voice a quiet denial, "No, it''s not doubt... I will never doubt my beloved!" She raised her gaze, her eyes now cold and emotionless, a stark contrast to the turmoil she felt inside. ''That''s a high level of craziness...'' Celestia thought, her eyes narrowing slightly. She had seen many things in her life, but this... this was something else. Something dangerous. She pressed on, wanting to see just how deep the madness ran, "Then why fear? Is it because he''s changing? Or..... is it because he''s not your ''Ether''?" Her voice was taunting now. Selene shook her head again, a bitterugh escaping her lips, "Haha... Of course not... He is my Aether/Ether, there''s no way I''m denying that... He''s the love of my life." Her words were filled with a fervent passion. "Then?" Celestia frowned unable to understand this girl''s fear. Selene''s expression shifted, her face a mask of sadness and fear, "I... I... I''m just scared... scared of not seeing this side of him until now." Her voice cracked. "... Pardon?" Selene''s eyes filled with unshed tears, her voice trembling as she spoke, "You''ve already seen this side, right?" "...Yes, kind of," Celestia answered cautiously. She had seen many sides of Aether since she was following Aether all the time. Selene''s sadness deepened, her fear turning into something darker, "So, I was the only one who didn''t know...ah." The realization hit her like a physical blow, her breath catching in her throat. "..." "It''s not that I fear his new side... I''m actually happy to see every side of him, whether good or evil... I want to embrace every part of him." Her voice was strained as if she were fighting against the tears that threatened to spill, "And yet, he never showed these new sides... to me." Her pain was palpable, her voice filled with anguish as she looked at Celestia, her eyes pleading for an answer, for some kind offort, "D-Does he not trust me anymore?" Celestia blinked, momentarily taken aback by the depth of Selene''s despair. She hadn''t expected this, hadn''t anticipated just how deeply Aether''s actions would cut her. Slowly, understanding dawned on her. Selene wasn''t just afraid..... She was terrified! Terrified that Aether had hidden this side of himself from her, that he no longer trusted her enough to reveal his true self. Even Celestia knew more about Aether than Selene did and had seen parts of him that Selene had never glimpsed and... That stung Selene in a way she had never expected. For the first time, Selene felt as though she had failed. Failed as a lover, failed to truly know the man she loved with every fibre of her being. Celestia shook her head gently, her expression softening as she spoke with a sisterly tenderness, "Do you truly believe he doesn''t trust you after sharing everything about his past, his mission, his deepest secrets?" She patted Selene''s head. "...N-No, it''s not like that..." Selene stammered. Before she could continue, Celestia pulled her into a warm embrace, surprising Selene with the unexpected gesture. "I believe he needed time to show you this side of himself," Celestia whispered, her voice gentle yet firm. "What do you mean?" Selene asked, her curiosity piqued. But even as she listened, a stray thought flickered through her mind, ''Damn, her boobs are huge!'' She snorted inwardly, suddenly understanding why Aether always stared and yed with them. Celestia, oblivious to Selene''s inner musings, slowly ruffled her hair, her touch soothing, "Just like you, he''s been scared of what he is... He''s searching, Selene. He''s still searching for what he truly means, for the purpose that defines him. He''s like a puppet trying to find its own meaning." Her voice was as soft as a warm breeze. Selene didn''t fully grasp the depth of Celestia''s words, but one thing was clear. "You know more than me," she grumbled, though there was a begrudging respect in her voice as she snorted again. Celestiaughed softly, her eyes sparkling with a mix of amusement and wisdom. "Experience, little girl. Experience! I may not fully understand others'' emotions, or even my own at times, but I''ve observed the nature of people... and nature is always changing. So do people." "..." Selene shook her head, still struggling to wrap her mind around Celestia''s cryptic advice. Celestia simply smiled, her expression turning mischievous, "Once he finds meaning in his true nature..." Her eyes darkened, a hint of something dangerous flickering within them. "Neither you, nor I, nor any woman who loves him will be able to escape his grasp." Selene''s throat tightened, her heart pounding as she instinctively pulled away from Celestia. With that same dark glint in her eyes, Celestia continued, her voice low, "And I''m pretty sure, you''ll love that part more than anything... You''ll crave being under his control, to the point where he might even get jealous of the air you breathe." Discover exclusive tales on m,v l''e-NovelBin ''Gulp'' Selene gulped in... Excitment! Selene''s breath hitched, excitement bubbling up within her. Her pulse quickened, her skin tingling with anticipation. Any sane woman would have been terrified by Celestia''s words, yet here she was, feeling something entirely different. "~ha~" "~ha~" Selene''s breathing grew ragged, a heat rising from deep within her belly. She wasn''t sure why, but the thought of Aether''s possessiveness, of being wholly and utterly his, sent shivers down her spine. She imagined those intense, possessive eyes devouring her, iming her body and soul.... she suddenly remembered something... something she didn''t understand at that time... but she got it, ''T-Those were true emotions?'' she was surprised. And to her surprise, Celestia''s breath seemed to quicken as well, her imagination running wild. She licked her lips, her voice barely a whisper as she confessed, "I can hardly wait for him to seduce the Empress..." Selene, who had been lost in her own heated thoughts, suddenly frowned. "Empress? What do you mean?" ''Oh! Shit!'' Celestia mentally cursed herself, scrambling for a cover. "I mean" "NNNOOOOOOOOO!!!" A shrill scream pierced the air, snapping both women out of their reverie. They turned to see Helena fleeing like a frightened cat, her face was as red as a tomato, while Aether''sughter echoed loudly. Selene nced back at Celestia, only to find empty space, as if she had vanished into thin air. "Tsk." Selene clicked her tongue in annoyance, steeling herself for what she knew wasing. She straightened her back, took a deep breath, and began walking toward Aether... Since she feared about his nature... she deserved ''Punishment!'' Chapter 308: Devil and Angel Part-2 A few minutes earlier, "Does your heart race?" Aether asked cautiously, his voice a gentle whisper as he stood close to Helena... his breath warm against her skin. [+400 AP] Helena swallowed hard, feeling her throat tighten. "Y-Yes," she stammered, her voice barely a whisper. Her heart pounded so loudly in her chest that it felt like it might burst. The sound of it echoed in her ears, amplifying her anxiety. She nced at Aether, worried that he might hear it, that he might sense the turmoil within her. Aether''s eyes softened, and he leaned in just a fraction closer, "So does mine," he confessed, his voice trembling, "M-My heart is racing faster than ever." Helena''s eyes widened in surprise, her thoughts swirling. ''So, he feels it too,'' she thought, her mind racing. The realization that Aether was experiencing the same intense sensations filled her with a strange mix of pity and empathy. How had he managed to bear this overwhelming sensation? Aether''s gaze held hers, a soft intensity in his eyes, "I think if we touch," he murmured, his voice dropping to a husky tone, "we might be able to find the reason." "T-Touch?" Helena echoed, her voice quivering with a mixture of fear and.... anticipation? She instinctively stepped back, her heart already pounding erratically. The idea of physical contact, of feeling his touch, sent a thrill through her that she couldn''t quite exin. What would happen if he touched her? The uncertainty sent a shiver down her spine. Aether noticed her hesitation and smiled reassuringly. He didn''t press her, but his voice held a gentle persuasion, "Yes, touch," he repeated, his tone soothing yet insistent. "Maybe we''ll understand why our hearts race like this. Perhaps it''s because we got sick at the same time..." His gaze wandered over her face, noting the flush creeping up her cheeks. Aether''s eyes sparkled as he added, "And who knows, you might even get praised by the Archpriestess for uncovering the truth... Don''t you want to see how proud she would be of you?" His words were like honey, sweet and tempting, drawing her in with their allure. Helena hesitated, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. She finally nodded, her heart racing even faster. Slowly, she stepped forward, raising her hand toward him... Aether mirrored her movements, his eyes never leaving hers. As he raised his hand, the space between them seemed to shrink. He moved towards her... slowly, deliberately, each movement filled with purpose. Just as their hands were about to touch, Helena''s cheeks med with a deep blush. "G-Gently, please," she whispered, her voice barely audible. Aether''s smile widened, warm and reassuring, "I will be really gentle, Helena~" he promised, his voice soft and tender. The way he said her name, with such intimacy and affection, sent a shiver through her. [+500 AP] Their fingers met, skin brushing against skin, and a spark seemed to ignite between them..... A shiver ran down Helena''s spine, a sensation like electricity coursing through her veins. It was as if they were connected by an invisible thread, an unknown force that drew them closer. ''Ba-Dump'' Helena''s heart skipped a beat, her breath hitching as the touch sent waves of sensation coursing through her. Her cheeks flushed even more, a deep red that spread down her neck. She shyly lowered her head, overwhelmed by the intensity of her emotions. Aether watched her, his own heart racing. Inwardly, he marvelled at her innocence and the way she reacted to his touch. ''She''s really cute,'' he thought, a tender smile ying on his lips as he stared at their joined hands and.... "!!!!!" Helena flinched when she felt Aether''s fingers intertwine with hers. She looked up at him, her eyes wide with surprise and a hint of fear. Aether, noticing her reaction, quickly reassured her, though there was an awkwardness to his voice. "I thought this might help us understand even more... Why don''t you try it too?" Helena hesitated, her mind a storm of conflicting emotions. She stared into Aether''s eyes, seeing the curiosity and genuine concern there. Slowly, hesitantly, she entwined her fingers with his, the sensation both thrilling and terrifying. Now, their hands werepletely intertwined, and both Aether and Helena found themselves lost in each other''s eyes. [+500 AP] [+500 AP] [+500 AP] [+500 AP] ..... ... Helena''s heart was pounding so hard she thought it might leap out of her chest. Her face felt like it was on fire, the blush spreading to the tips of her ears. The intensity of Aether''s gaze was almost too much to bear, and she found herself wanting to look away, to escape the overwhelming emotions that were flooding her senses. "It''s a crucial experiment; we need to look at each other, Helena," Aether''s voice broke through the haze of her thoughts, firm and serious. Helena gulped, her throat dry. ''C-Come on, Helena!! You need to cooperate!!'' she chided herself inwardly. ''Look at him, he''s doing everything he can to find a cure for this sickness, and yet...'' She mentally scolded herself for her hesitation. Summoning all her courage, she met his gaze once more, her eyes locking onto his ice-blue ones..... They were mesmerizing, like a deep, endless ocean that she could drown in-- ''W-What am I thinking!!'' She screamed inwardly, her thoughts spiralling as her cheeks burned even brighter. Her toes curled against the floor, her shyness was evident and the intense emotions roiled within her. [+600 AP] !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 37%] Aether grinned inwardly, unable to suppress the joy he felt at her reaction. To be honest, There was a part of him that wanted to tease her more, to see her blush and squirm under his gaze. However, he quickly pushed those thoughts aside, reminding himself of the importance of their task, ''Begone dark thoughts!!'' he mentally chided himself, focusing his mind on the seriousness of their situation... He didn''t want his efforts to go to waste! "W-What do you feel now?" Aether asked, his voice a soft whisper, his cheeks flushing a deep red. Helena felt a wave of panic wash over her. It was always Aether who first described the side effects, but now he was asking her to go first. Her heart raced even faster, and she bit her lip, uncertain. "Y-You can go first..." she murmured, her voice trembling. There was a part of her that feared sharing her feelings as if revealing them would strip her of something precious, though she couldn''t quite name what it was. Aether didn''t push her. He nodded, his own cheeks tinged with a soft blush, "M-My heart is racing, my body trembling... My entire focus is on your hand and your hand alone!" His voice was filled with a raw, honest vulnerability, "It''s as if I want more, but I''m not sure what I want." [+700 AP] Helena''s eyes widened in surprise. "M-Me too!!" she eximed, genuinely shocked to hear that their experiences were so simr. The realization struck her with a strange, almost ominous rity, ''This must be some kind of dangerous sickness,'' she thought, the idea unsettling. "I see..." Aether nodded, his expression thoughtful. He seemed to be grappling with the same concerns. His face suddenly grew more serious, and he looked directly into her eyes. "I think... we should have more contact." "M-More contact? Even more than this?" Helena''s voice was filled with shock and a hint of fear. Her heart was already on the verge of bursting just from this simple hand contact, and now Aether was suggesting even more. The idea was almost too much to bear. She would definitely not allow that!! Just as she was about to reject the idea, Aether interjected, his voice gentle, "The Archpriestess would be happy to see the results of your examination about this new sickness... Do you not want that?" Hearing ''Archpriestess'' again made Helena hesitate. She desperately wanted to make the Archpriestess proud of her efforts; that was the whole reason she was even cooperating with Aether in the first ce. Helena hesitantly nodded, her decision made. Aether smiled weakly, "If you feel ufortable, you can stop, and we can just tell the Archpriestess what we found. She might be able to find the answer... though you might lose the chance to gain her praises," he said, his expression turning pitiful, as if the idea of her missing out on such recognition saddened him deeply. [+700 AP] Helena felt a small smile tug at her lips. Seeing Aether worry about herfort touched her heart. She gently replied, "It''s fine. We will do this together!" Her voice was filled with newfound resolve, a determination to see this through. Aether let out a small. Slowly, he raised his hand.... Helena gulped, trying to calm her racing heart. ''Calm down, calm down, calm down...'' she repeated to herself, closing her eyes in preparation for his touch. But the touch never came..... Helena opened her eyes, only to find Aether''s face inches from hers, his eyes shut tightly. Her face turned beet red as she looked down, realizing he was hugging her without actually touching her. The gesture was so tender, so considerate, that it made her heart melt. ''He''s really worried about my difort... Ah, he truly is a gentleman!'' she thought, a small smile spreading across her lips. Aether''s actions spoke volumes about his character, his gentleness, and his genuine concern for her well-being. [+800 AP] Helena steeled herself, her resolve solidifying. She couldn''t let this man, who was so dedicated to helping her find the cause of their sickness, bear the burden alone. She needed to cooperate, to be brave! Taking a deep breath, Helena moved her trembling hands to rest on Aether''s back. With a face flushed deep red, she hugged him tightly, her body pressing against his.... A shiver ran down her spine as their bodies touched, the sensation electrifying and overwhelming. Her heart skipped a beat, her legs trembled, and her face, neck, and ears burned with a fierce blush.... There was a tingling sensation in her stomach, an unfamiliar but not entirely unpleasant feeling. ''M-My sickness is getting worse,'' she thought, though she didn''t pull away. Instead, she held on, clinging to him as if he were her anchor in a stormy sea. [+900 AP] [+900 AP] [+900 AP] [+1000 AP] [+1000 AP] ..... ... !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 38%] Aether''s lips curled up like a... Devil! Chapter 309: Devil and Angel Part-3 [+1000 AP] [+1000 AP] [+1000 AP] ... .... Helena''s heart raced as she clung to Aether, her embrace lingering with a mixture of hesitation and.... yearning. The softness of her body pressed against his, the warmth of his presence enveloping herit was a headybination that made her senses spin. She could feel the subtle tremor in his muscles, the steady rise and fall of his chest as he breathed. The scent of him, a blend of earth and something uniquely his, filled her nostrils, making her head swim. Aether remained silent, savouring the moment. The feel of Helena''s slender frame against him, the softness of her curves, and the faint floral scent that surrounded her.... it was intoxicating. He felt a surge of protectiveness and something deeper, something that stirred in his core, making his pulse quicken. His fingers itched to caress her, to pull her even closer, but he held back, He knew it was not the time, ''Damn, she is really slender and cute~'' he thought. Helena, meanwhile, was caught in a whirlpool of emotions. She tightened her grip on his shirt, her legs trembling as a strange weakness washed over her, leaving her feeling vulnerable and exposed. She couldn''t understand why her body was reacting this way. Was their shared sickness so potent that it was draining her strength? The thought sent a shiver of fear through her, mingled with a desperate hope that they could find a cure soon. But beneath her anxiety was another feeling, a soft, insistent yearning that she didn''t fullyprehend. Aether, sensing her trembling, reluctantly pulled back. His face flushed a deeper red, and his breath quickened. He looked at Helena with a mix of concern and curiosity, noting the way her eyes widened in surprise. "I-It''s exactly like me!!" Helena eximed, her voice filled with shock and a hint of awe. She couldn''t believe how perfectly their symptoms mirrored each other. Aether, still catching his breath, nodded slowly, "Y-You too?" His voice was soft, almost a whisper. Helena nodded, her expression mirroring his shock. The realization that they shared the same symptoms deepened her curiosity. What kind of sickness could affect them both so identically? And despite the seriousness of their situation, a small part of her felt a strangefort in knowing she wasn''t alone in this. ''What am I thinking? I shouldn''t be happy about someone else suffering,'' she berated herself silently. The thought of enjoying their shared pain felt wrong, sinful even. She knew she needed to confess her feelings to the Archpriestess and seek forgiveness for her inappropriate thoughts!! Aether, noticing her inner turmoil, spoke up hesitantly, "C-Can you hear my heart?" His voice was gentle, tinged with an innocent curiosity. Helena blinked, pulled from her thoughts by his unexpected question. "Huh?" She looked at him, her brow furrowed in confusion. Hear his heart? What did he mean? Aether smiled, a soft, reassuring curve of his lips, and pointed to his chest, "Just listen to my heartbeat. You''ll understand what I''m trying to do." "Oh!" Helena''s cheeks flushed a delicate pink as she realized his intent. Her heart fluttered in her chest with embarrassment. Steeling herself, she slowly lowered her head, hesitating for a moment before leaning in close to his chest. Her breath hitched as she neared, her ear hovering just above his heart. But she heard nothing. Frowning, she pulled back slightly, puzzled. "I don''t hear anything," she murmured, a note of confusion in her voice. Was something wrong with him? Aether''s lips twitched in amusement. He stepped closer, closing the small gap between them, and gently pressed her ear to his chest. ''Ba-Dump,Ba-Dump,Ba-Dump,Ba-Dump,Ba-Dump,Ba-Dump..... '' [+2000 AP] Helena''s eyes widened in shock as the steady, rapid beat of his heart filled her ears. It was racing, pounding like a drum in a fast-paced rhythm. The sound was so intense, so alive, that it seemed to vibrate through her entire body. Her heart responded in kind, quickening in sympathy, a soft blush spreading across her cheeks. ''I-It''s faster than mine...'' Helena thought, her curiosity piqued. The sound of his heartbeat was oddly soothing, yet it stirred something deep within her.... a warm,forting feeling that she couldn''t quite ce. In truth, Aether''s heart was racing not just from the proximity of Helena, but because he was using his arcane energy to artificially elevate his heart rate. His forehead was drenched in sweat, and he currently putting everything into running his heart faster than F1 cars. It was really mircale that he was alive doing that! [+2000 AP] [+2000 AP] Aether watched as Helena listened intently, her expression softening with each heartbeat, ''I suppose it is worth it,'' he thought, though the strain was starting to take its toll. A metallic taste filled his mouth, and he knew he had pushed himself too far. Before he could falter, he gently touched her chin, lifting her face to meet his gaze, "I can feel shy, you know~" he teased, his voice a soft, breathless murmur. [+2000 AP] Helena''s reaction was immediate. She stepped back, her face a deep crimson, eyes wide with embarrassment, "S-Sorry!" she stammered, flustered by the sudden intimacy of the moment. She hadn''t realized how close they had been, and the realization made her heart race even faster. Aether chuckled softly then His gaze drifted down... to her chest! Helena instinctively brought her hands to cover her chest, her blush deepening. She already knew what he was thinking and quickly interjected, "Y-Yes, my heart also beats like that... There''s no need for you to listen!" She clearly didn''t want Aether to listen to her heartbeat. Aether''s face fell slightly, a pout forming on his lips. "Is that so..." he murmured, his disappointment evident. Helena noticed his expression and felt a twinge of guilt. She didn''t want to hurt him, but she also couldn''t allow him to touch her in such a personal way..... It felt wrong! It was a Sin!! Unforgivable sin!! Sensing her inner conflict, Aether quickly changed his approach. "I think I''ve figured out what this sickness is," he announced, his tone taking on a more serious, thoughtful. "Oh! Really?" Helena''s eyes lit up with hope and curiosity. The possibility of understanding what was happening to them brought a surge of relief and excitement. "What is it?" she asked eagerly, leaning in closer, her curiosity piqued. Aether nodded, his expression grave. "However, I need to check onest thing." "Why? If you know--" "We need to be 100%... No, 1000% sure before informing the Archpriestess, right?" Aether interrupted, his voice firm and serious. Helena nodded vigorously, her determination matching his. "Yes, we need to be 1000% sure!!" she agreed. They needed to be absolutely certain of their findings before presenting them to the Archpriestess. As Aether stepped closer, Helena instinctively moved back, but her retreat was halted when her back pressed against the wall. She looked up at Aether, her mind racing with confusion. His intense gaze locked onto hers, and he spoke with a soft, yet resolute tone, "I''m going to kiss you." Helena''s eyes widened in shock and disbelief. Her breath hitched, words caught in her throat as she struggled to process what he had just said. But before she could voice her protest, he leaned in. ~chu~ A gentle kissnded on her forehead, warm and soft, sending a shiver through her. "W-What are you" ~chu~ Another kiss, this time on her forehead, the sensation lingering, making her heart flutter. "W-Wait!" ~chu~ He kissed her left eye, tenderly, and Helena felt her breath catch, "J-Just let" ~chu~ Another kiss on her right eye, light and fleeting, yet so intimate. Her protests faltered, turning into soft, disbelieving murmurs, "One se---" ~chu~ A kiss on her left cheek, the warmth of his lips spreading through her skin. "I nee" ~chu~ A kiss on her right cheek. "...." [+3000 AP] ~chu~ Aether''s lips brushed her chin, the touch feather-light but electric, sending a jolt down her spine. [+3000 AP] ~chu~ A kiss on her nose, yful and sweet, made her blink in surprise. [+3000 AP] Finally, Aether paused, his gaze dropping to her trembling lips. His eyes, filled with a mix of tenderness and desire, met hers, "Why didn''t you push me away?" he asked, his voice a soft whisper. Helena snapped out of her daze, blinking rapidly as she tried toprehend her own actions, "I-I don''t know..." she stammered, shock and disbelief colouring her voice. Why hadn''t she stopped him? Her mind was a tangled mess of emotions she couldn''t untangle. Aether smiled, a knowing look in his eyes, "I found out what kind of sickness we have," he said, his voice gentle yet assured. "R-Really?" Helena''s voice was barely a whisper, her heart beating wildly. Aether nodded, then turned his cheek towards her, invitingly. "Kiss me, just like I kissed you. We need to confirm it," he said, his tone coaxing and soft, "This is thest test, Helena. If we seed, the Archpriestess will be so proud of you!"whispered like a demon that showing the ice cream to the innocent girl. His words were like a spell, weaving through her defences. Helena hesitated, her heart caught in a whirlwind of fear and desire. This was herst chance to turn back, to escape whatever this was. Yet, her feet felt rooted to the ground, an inexplicable urge pushing her forward. ''F-Forgive me, Archpriestess!! But it''s for the greater good... I am sure you will be proud of me!'' She thought before ~Chu~ [+4000 AP] She pulled back slightly, expecting the moment to end, but Aether''s voice coaxed her further, "More... Just like how I did," he urged, his voice soft and alluring. Helena nodded, her cheeks flushing a deep crimson. She leaned in again, her lips finding his left cheek, nting another kiss, then moving back to his right cheek. ~Chu~ Then Right cheek. [+4000 AP] ~Chu~ Left cheek. [+4000 AP] ~Chu~ Right cheek [+4000 AP] ~Chu~ Left cheek. [+4000 AP] ~Chu~ Right cheek [+4000 AP] ~Chu~ Left cheek. [+4000 AP] ~Chu~ Her kisses grew more assured, each touch of her lips bringing a strange mix of sensationsnervousness, excitement, a growing heat that spread through her body. Her breaths came faster, her heart raced, and her hands gripped his shirt tightly as if for support. As the kisses continued, Helena felt herself losing grip on reality. Her mind was hazy, her thoughts slipping away as a warm, intoxicating sensation enveloped her. Her eyes became teary, her vision blurred, but she couldn''t stop. It was as if she was caught in a trance, her body moving on its own ord, driven by a desire she didn''t fully understand. ~Chu~ Left cheek. [+4000 AP] ~Chu~ Lips [+4000 AP] Then, amidst the series of kisses, her lips brushed against something softer. ~Chu~ Left cheek. [+4000 AP] ~Chu~ Right cheek [+4000 AP] ~Chu~ Lips Her eyes snapped open, as she saw Aether staring at her nkly, hander eyes travelled down .... The realization sent a shock through her, breaking the trance-like state she had been in. She pulled back, eyes wide, breath hitching in her throat. Aether looked down at her, his eyes soft but intense, a small smile ying on his lips. "I found it," he said before letting her question him. "The sickness is called love... We are in love, Helena." Hearing that Helena had a shocking expression as if she couldn''t believe what Aether just said. Aether gently kissed her forehead and whispered like a sly demon, "I think.... I love you~ Helena Sunfire" he murmured, his voice tender and sincere. ''Ba-Dump'' Her mind went nk as her entire world was paused before.... !~Ding~! [+50---] ''Tsk'' "NNNNOOOOOO!!!!!" Chapter 310: Someone is enjoying As soon as Helena fled the room, Selene emerged from the bathroom where she''d been covertly watching the scene unfold. She approached Aether with a gloomy, awkward expression. Aether, on the other hand, had expected something different, ''Hmm... This isn''t what I expected'' he thought, his brows furrowing slightly as he studied her. The reason He had orchestrated this scene was to make her understand, to show her the kind of man he truly was. Yes, he was scumhe knew that well enoughbut if she was going to be with him, she needed to ept every part of him, even the parts that were difficult, even the parts that were dark. He needed her eptance, her understanding. But most of all, he wanted this to be a step forward in breaking down the walls around Selene''s heart. He wanted her to slowly, but surely, learn to ept others..... Aether stood there in silence, waiting. He wanted her to speak first, to say what was on her mind. The air between them was thick with unspoken words, and the tension was palpable. Selene''s eyes searched his as if she was searching for something, Finally, she broke the silence, "I''m sorry" Aether blinked, momentarily lost,"Huh?" He hadn''t expected that. Shouldn''t it be him apologizing for his actions? For what he had just put her through? His mind raced, trying to piece together what was going on. Seeing his confusion, Selene took a deep breath, her eyes downcast as she began to exin.... everything that transpired between her and Celestia!! Just like how Helena told Archpriestess, Selene told him! "Aether... I love you. No matter what you do, no matter who you are I love every part of you. So please, don''t hide from me. Show me everything.... every side of you. Please!" Her voice broke at the end, and there was a pleading, almost desperate edge to it. She needed this. She needed him to trust her, to let her inpletely. Aether could see it in her eyes....the possessiveness, the longing. She wanted to be the first to see every side of him, to know him in ways no one else did. It wasn''t just about epting him; it was about owning every part of him. She had already lost to Celestia once, and the thought of losing him again was unbearable. She wanted to be the only one who truly understood him, who knew him better than anyone else. She just wanted to be selfish!!... But Aether it''s not a Selfishness! But Aether was still confused ''Every side? What is she talking about? I''m acting normal!'' he thought, frowning. He was certain that he wasn''t doing anything out of the ordinary. There was nothing wrong with him... nothing that he could see, at least. And yet, Celestia had said he was searching for something within himself. But what? ''I don''t get it'' His mind churned with unanswered questions. Selene watched him closely, noting the bewildered look on his face. She could see that he didn''t fully grasp what she was saying.... Just like Celestia''s words: that he didn''t understand his own nature. ''I see'' she thought, nodding inwardly, ''So Aether himself isn''t sure what he''s searching for Ah,'' she nodded again as if the pieces were finallying together in her mind. This revtion brought her a strange sense of relief as if she had gotten a little closer to understanding Aether. Gently, she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close. She could feel his heartbeat against her chest, the warmth of his body grounding her in the moment, "So," she whispered softly, her voice barely audible, "did you seed in your mission?" Her tone was light, almost teasing, as she attempted to steer the conversation in a different direction. Aether, sensing her intent to change the subject, decided to go along with it, "Nah," he replied with a small sigh, "I almost had her, but she ran away" "Hmmm" Selene nodded in understanding, a small smile tugging at her lips asshe understood that bitch was acting like a bitchy! "So, how would you score that seduction?" Aether asked, his tone lightening as he tried to inject some humour into the conversation. Selene''s smile widened, and she shook her head before responding. "Of course, full marks!" she grinned, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I''m pretty sure she''s feeling both happy and scared right now Just give her a little time. Once she acknowledges what she feels she''ll be easy, peasy~" Aether raised an eyebrow in surprise, taken aback by her response, "Are you really not angry or anything? Because I do think I just acted like your brother!" Selene''s expression softened, and she shook her head firmly, "No, Aether. You''re different. You''re nothing like my brother." "And how''s that?" Aether asked, genuinely curious. "He had a choice," Selene said quietly, her voice tinged with a hint of bitterness, "But you don''t" She said as she inwardly added, ''Either do or die for you''. Aether stared into Selene''s eyes, Slowly, he leaned in, rubbing his nose affectionately against hers, "I wonder who''s the older one here," he mused, his toneced with amusement. There was something different about her today...something that had changed, and he couldn''t help but wonder if it was because of her conversation with Celestia. ''Celestia is really working hard I suppose'' Aether thought, a faint smile ying on his lips. He didn''t fully understand what was going on, but he could sense that something had shifted between them. /Fu~Fu~ Reward meter~/Celestia''s voice echoed in his mind, Aether smiled quietly. "I-I''m sorry for doubting you," Selene stammered as her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Her heart was still pounding... for some reason. Aether, sensing her inner turmoil, gently cupped her face in his hands. "It''s fin" he began, but before he could finish, a sudden wave of emotions hit him, making him flinch. Looking down, Aether''s eyes traced the lines of Selene''s flushed, trembling face. Her lips, glistening and swollen, quivered as if the words were too sinful to speak aloud. But then, with a daring bite of her lip, she let the forbidden words slip out, "P-Please punish me... Daddy~" Snap Something raw and untamed snapped within Aether, a beast awakened by the sound of her tone..... His vigour shaft twitched!! Before Selene could evenprehend what was happening, she was draped across Aether''sp, her heart-shaped ass presented like an offering. Aether could see the curve of her hips through her clothes, the way her ass cheeks jutted out, so round and inviting even the panties line tracing on her skirt.... he couldn''t tear his eyes away. "A-Aether?" Selene''s voice was a trembling whisper. Aether''s breath was ragged as he gazed down at her, his hand hovering over her perfectly plump ass..... The sight of her, vulnerable yet eager, made his pulse race. The way her round cheeks seemed to beg for his touch, the way her thighs quivered when traced his fingers.....it was intoxicating. Something inside him woke up... He wasn''t sure what but he loved to find it. Selene also felt strange emotions from Aether as she gulped inwardly, "W-What are you--" p! "HIIKKK!!" Selene gasped, her eyes widening as Aether''s handnded firmly on her ass. It wasn''t too hard, not too soft.... just enough to make her body respond in a way she hadn''t expected. Her flower clenched involuntarily... dripping with desire, the thin fabric of her panties soaked through. "A-Aether?" "What are you sorry for?" Aether''s voice was a roughmand, his eyes dark and filled with a lust that made Selene''s heart race. The power in his tone, the way he imed her with his words, sent shivers of excitement through her. Selene shivered, feeling her arousal pooling between her thighs. This side of him.... this new side, dominant, aggressive side... she craved it. She said while gulping her throat, "I-I am sorry for doubti---" p! "HIKK!" "That''s it?" "I-I''m sorry for peeking when you were" p! "HIIKKK!!" "And for brainwashing?" "I''m sorry for trying to brainwash Hele" p! "HIIKKK!!~" "Anything else?" "I-I''m sorry for trying to kill Celest" p! "HIIKKKKKK!!" "Is that all?" "I''m sorry for stealing your underwear and masturba" p!! "HIIK!!~~" "Did you enjoy it?" "No!! I want your---" p!! "HIIKKK!!~M~" Selene''s breath hitched, her eyes filling with tears of both pain and pleasure as drool dripped from the corner of her mouth..... Her flower was soaked, her juices dripping down her thighs as her body trembled with anticipation. She never imagined punishment could be so thrilling.... so arousing! But there was something more she craved, something deeper. Selene''s hand shot out to stop Aether, and he paused, his gaze flickering with confusion. He stared at his own hands, the ones that had just delivered such exquisite torment, ''D-Did I just enjoy that?'' he wondered, his heart racing. Find your next read on m_v l|e-NovelBin But when Selene quickly removed her skirt, revealing only her ckce panties and plummeted red ass.... his desire surged again. She nodded, ''Now, it feels more wrong and exciting~'' she thought before her eyes pleading as shey back on hisp, her curvy ass cheeks quivering with need, "Now, punish me, Daddy~" ''Gulp'' Aether swallowed hard, his gaze locked on her perfectly round, reddened ass. He could see the wetness soaking through her panties, could feel the heat radiating from her as she wiggled her hips, desperate for more. p! "~Aaaahhh~" Chapter 311: ~Spanking~ p! "HIK~" "What a beautiful Ass~" Aether growled, his hand caressing the burning flesh of her ass, his fingers teasing the edge of her wet panties. He wanted to tear them off, to see the wetness seeping from her core, to taste the nectar that dripped down her thighs. "Selene~" His hand slid lower, fingers brushing against the damp spot on her panties, feeling the slickness of her arousal. His touch was a tease, just enough to drive her wild, to make her body arch in desperation. Her red ass was giggling as her face drooled, ''Oh~ My Fucking goodness!!'' her hip trembling on her own when Aether touched her flower through the fabric! p! "Aahh~" Selene''s moan was raw, and desperate, her eyes filling with tears of pleasure..... Her slits was drenched, her nectar seeping through her panties, making them cling to her folds. Her moan was low and sultry, filled with a need that made Aether''s vigour shaft throb. Her ass cheeks jiggled with the impact, her back arching, hips rolling as she ground herself against hisp. Aether grinned as he asked, "Are you enjoying this, Selene?~" as his finger traced on her butt crack touching her asshole and drenched squishy slits. "O-Of course no--" p! "HIK~" Selene clenched her teeth as she suppressed her moan, she knew she awakened something inside Aether, though she loved to see it... she was kind of worried now. If he makes a mess out of her.... She was sure she was going to moan like a bitch that was in heat!! Aether smirked seeing her pleasured face then he looked at red ass cheeks, he felt sad for her butt.... "Mmm~" Selene felt a soothing sensation when Aether rubbed her ass softly. Selene giggled inwardly seeing him have a worried expression, ''Something never changes, I suppose'' she thought and really happy! Aether''s hand lingered on Selene''s reddened ass, the heat from her skin radiating into his palm. He could feel the slickness of her arousal soaking through the delicatece of her panties, the way her body trembled with unfulfilled need. The sight of her like this.... submissive yet desperate, her curvy form arching in a silent plea for more.... stirred something deep within him. "~Mmm~" His fingers traced the outline of her panties, barely grazing the tender skin underneath. Selene''s breath hitched, her hips twitching in response. Aether''s touch was light, teasing, as he explored the curve of her ass, his fingers dipping lower, just brushing the edge of her flower. Drip, Drip The wetness there was undeniable, her juices slicking the fabric, making it cling to her folds in a way that made his mouth water. "I wonder what kind of treasure you are hiding~" Aether said with a smirk. Selene giggled before wriggling her ass as she said, "Find it, Daddy~" Veins popped on Aether''s member, Selene could feel it on her stomach... Little Aether was raring to go! Aether tugged at the waistband of her panties, slowly peeling them down, revealing the flushed, glistening skin beneath. Thece slid down her thighs, the fabric damp and sticking to her as it was finally discarded. Now, her ass was bare before him, the smooth skin marked with the faint redness of his earlier punishment. Drip, Drip Her pussy, slick and swollen with need, was exposed to his hungry gaze. Aether''s breath caught as he took in the sight of her. Selene''s body was trembling with anticipation, her back arching, her hips rolling in slow, desperate circles. She was a picture of pure, unfiltered desire, and it was all for him. He let his fingers trace the cleft of her ass, moving with agonizing slowness. "~mm~" "~ha~" Selene''s breath hitched as he neared the sensitive area between her cheeks, his fingers brushing over the tight ring of her asshole. "Ah!" She gasped, her body tensing with the unfamiliar sensation, but Aether''s touch was gentle, his fingers circling the delicate skin, teasing but never pushing too far. "A-Aether" she breathed, her voice trembling with a mix of uncertainty and desire. The way he was touching her asshole, so intimately, so purposefully, made her heart race in fear. Your journey continues with mvl "Shh just rx," Aether murmured, his voice low and soothing. He could feel her hesitation, the way her body tensed under his hand, but he was patient, his fingers continuing their slow, teasing exploration. He wanted her to trust him, to surrenderpletely to the pleasure he could give her. ''D-Does he wanted there?'' She wondered inwardly noticing him teasing her asshole. She never heard or read of a man wanted there, ''Should I ask Celestia about this?'' she wondered. But she wanted him on her flower... She could feel the heat pooling in her belly, the wetness between her legs growing as her body responded to his every touch. Aether smiled seeing her distress then His fingers trailed lower, brushing over the slick folds of her pussy. "~mm~" Selene''s toes curled up when she felt Aether''s finger finally touching her sensitive ce. Squlech Slick The wetness there was overwhelming, her juices coating his fingers as he gently explored her. Selene''s body responded instantly, her hips bucking against his hand, her moans growing louder. "~A~Aether~aahh~" Aether slowly traced around her flower, making her body tremble and crave for his attention. "Aether ~mm~ please" Her voice was a breathless plea, her body aching for more. "Hehe~" Aether smiled seeing her pleading expression, Aether''s fingers slid deeper, parting her folds as he found the sensitive bud of her clit. "~aahhh~Yesss~" He circled it slowly, applying just enough pressure to make her gasp, her hips grinding against his hand. Her pussy was dripping, her juices slicking his fingers as he continued to tease her, his touch light and deliberate. "~Ahhh~Ahh~hhaa~mmm~aayyessss~" Selene''s moans filled the room, growing louder with each passing second, her curvy body writhing on Aether''sp. His hands roamed over her, fingers gliding over her smooth skin, teasing her most sensitive spots, driving her wild with need. Every slow, deliberate touch sent electric shocks of pleasure coursing through her, drawing her closer to the edge of ecstasy. "!!~mm~" Aether''s finger moved slowly in and out of her, feeling the way her wet, trembling pussy tightened around him, desperately clinging to every inch of him.... He could feel her clit throbbing, pulsing with desire, her entire body aching for release. The sight of her gasping, flushed with arousal, made his cock throb with lust. Aether''s lips curled into a mischievous smile as he watched her ass tremble and quiver with every teasing stroke. Her hips bucked against him, begging for more, and he knew she was right on the brink, her body teetering on the edge of a mind-blowing climax. But just as she felt herself about to tip over into the sweet oblivion of release, Aether pulled his hand away. Selene let out a desperate, breathless whimper, her body trembling violently, left suspended in that agonizing moment before orgasm. "H-Huh?" Selene gasped, turning her head to look at him, her eyes wide with surprise and need. She watched, mesmerized, as Aether brought his finger to his lips, licking off the glistening nectar that coated it, savouring her taste with a dark, hungry look in his eyes. A deep blush spread across her cheeks, her heart pounding in her chest. Aether smirked, his voice low and seductive. "It''s a punishment, right?" he whispered, his toneced with yful cruelty. In that instant, Selene realized just how much power he held over her, how deeply he was going to torment her, and her pussy throbbed with even more intense longing. It was at this moment she knew she was fucked up! Before she could react, Aether''s strong hands gripped her ass, pulling her even closer to his mouth. His touch was firm and possessive, and it sent a shiver of anticipation down her spine... p! "~Ahh~" p!! "~HIIK~" p! "~Ahhaa~" Her pussy was dripping now, her clit throbbing as her body begged for release. p!! "~HIIK~" The heat between her legs was unbearable, her slits clenching and unclenching, desperate for something, anything to push her over the edge. Aether spanked her ass cheeks again and again, watching with satisfaction as her pussy began to twitch and throb in response, her climax building with every p. "N-No!" Selene whimpered, her voice shaking, as she saw Aether''s eyes fixated on her pussy, now leaking from the relentless teasing. Her body was on fire, so close to release that it was almost painful!!! Aether leaned in, his breath hot against her skin, "Didn''t you want to see my every side?" he whispered with a wicked grin, his eyes full of lust and dominance. He spread her ass cheeks apart, revealing her tight, twitching asshole, and blew a soft, teasing breath against it. Selene''s body jerked at the sensation, her asshole clenching tight, the strange but intoxicating pleasure pushing her even closer to the brink, "A-Aether~ahh~" she moaned, her voice barely a whisper, filled with desperate need. p! p! Aether delivered two more powerful ps to her ass, and that was all it took. "~~~AAAaaaaahahhhh~~~" Selene screamed as her body was finally consumed by a powerful, earth-shattering orgasm. Her pussy clenched violently, squirting her climax juice in a wild, uncontroble burst. Her release was so intense that it sprayed into the air, like she was peeing, but even more..... Her entire body shook with the force of her orgasm, her mind going nk with pure, blinding pleasure. Ssh Ssh Aether watched, his eyes filled with dark, insatiable hunger, as her climax drenched the floot, his cock throbbing at the sight of her dripping pussy, her juices flowing down her thighs. She felt she now just lost of something! Chapter 312: ~Harder, Daddy~ "~Ahh~Ahh~aaaa~Mmm~" Selene''s moans reverberated through the room as Aether''s vigorous shaft plunged in and out of her drenched, swollen flower, which was leaking like a dam ready to burst. Each powerful thrust drove her closer to the edge, her curvy body arching and undting beneath him in a dance of pure, primal desire. Her nipples, hard and sensitive, brushed against his chest with every movement, sending jolts of pleasure through her already overstimted body. Aether''s hands roamed over her trembling form, caressing her soft, round breasts, teasing her hardened nipples between his fingers, making her gasp and writhe with pleasure. "~mm~" He took one of her nipples into his mouth, sucking on it gently before flicking his tongue over it, savouring the taste of her sweat-slicked skin. The sensation sent shivers down her spine, her moans growing louder as her hips bucked against him, desperate for more. Aether moved deeper, his shaft filling herpletely, each thrust making her feel like she was being consumed by him, body and soul. The intensity of his desire was evident in every movement, his need to im her, to fill her with his seed, driving him to thrust harder, deeper, with each passing second. "~Yesss~" Selene''s fingers dug into his back, her nails raking across his skin as she held onto him, trying to maintain her sanity. The overwhelming pleasure was threatening to shatter her, to make her lose control and moan like a bitch in heat. Yet, "~Aaaaahhhh~" Her lower body trembled every time Aether found her most sensitive spots, teasing them relentlessly as if he knew exactly how to drive her wild. His shaft brushed against her G-spot with every thrust, making her pussy clench tightly around him, her juices gushing out, coating his cock in a slick, hot sheath. Aether''s lips captured hers, their tongues entwining in a passionate kiss as he pounded her soaked pussy. His hands were everywhere.... cupping her breasts, rolling her nipples between his fingers, trailing down her sides to grip her hips and pull her closer to him. The room was filled with the wet, slick sounds of their intense lovemaking, the sound of skin pping against skin mixing with Selene''s breathless moans and the sharp gasps of pleasure escaping her lips. Your adventure continues at mvl "Looks like someone enjoying their punishment~" Aether whispered as he tightly fondled her ass. "~aaaah" Selene''s moans grew louder with each thrust along with the sting feeling on her ass, her body writhing beneath him, her hips pushing back to meet his every movement with eager abandon. The sensation was overwhelming....her pussy clenching around him, her entire body shaking with pleasure, her mind consumed by the need for release. Her clit throbbed with every stroke, swollen and sensitive, begging for attention. "~aaah~A~Aetherrrr~" she cried out, her voice filled with desperate longing, her fingers clutching at his shoulders as she felt herself teetering on the edge of an explosive climax. Aether''s pace quickened, his thrusts bing harder, deeper, as he pounded into her with raw, primal need. "~mmm~" His mouth trailed down her neck, kissing and sucking on her sensitive skin, leaving marks as he made his way down to her breasts once more. He captured one of her nipples between his teeth, teasing it before flicking his tongue over it, driving her wild with sensation. "Ahh~" she moaned, her body arching into him, her nipples so sensitive that every touch felt like an electric shock. His free hand slid down her body, tracing the curve of her waist, dipping into her bellybutton, before finding her swollen clit. He rubbed it in time with his thrusts, pushing her closer and closer to the edge of a shattering orgasm. "A~ether~ahh~ I''m going to~ah~" Selene gasped, her body trembling uncontrobly as the overwhelming sensations built within her. Her pussy tightened around him, her body begging for release. "Come for me, Selene," Aether growled, his voice rough with desire. "Come for me." "~hhhhaaaaa~mmmmmaaaaaaa~" Selene screamed as her orgasm hit her like a tidal wave, her body tensing as she came, her pussy clenching around him with a vice-like grip. Her climax crashed over her in powerful waves, her juices gushing out, drenching his cock and the sheets beneath them. Aether felt her walls milking him, pulling him deeper, but just as he was about toe, he pulled out, pping his throbbing shaft against her clit, prolonging her orgasm as she trembled uncontrobly, her climax soaking his length. Ssh, Ssh "A~Ahh~aaahhh~" Selene gasped, her body convulsing with every p of his shaft against her overly sensitive clit. The intense sensations sent shockwaves through her, her entire body quivering with pleasure as she rode out her orgasm. "~ha~" "~ha~" After a minute of overwhelming ecstasy, Selene finally began to calm down... but Aether wasn''t done with her yet. With a mischievous smile, he pulled her to the edge of the bed, positioning her so that her ass was raised, her round cheeks wriggling enticingly at him. "You''re such a pervert~" Selene teased breathlessly, catching her breath as she noticed Aether''s eyes glued to her dripping pussy, still leaking her juices. "That much I love you~" "~ahh~" Aether winked at her, then leaned down, spreading her ass cheeks apart to expose her asshole. He ran his tongue teasingly along the rim, making her gasp in surprise, before plunging his thick shaft back into her pussy without mercy. Selene gasped, her breath catching in her throat as he filled herpletely, her moans quickly turning into cries of pleasure as he pounded her relentlessly. Drip, Drip Her nectar dripped onto the sheets, her legs trembling as she struggled to keep herself upright. Aether''s hands gripped her hips, pulling her back onto him with each powerful thrust, driving himself deeper into her slick, hot core. "~Hmmm~" He leaned down, kissing her nape before trailing his lips down her spine, his hands moving to cup her full breasts, kneading them as he thrust into her. He licked the sensitive skin under her arm, his tongue tracing the curve of her body before moving to suck on her neck, leaving a trail of love bites in his wake. "~ahh~" Selene''s eyes rolled back in pleasure, her mind clouded by the intensity of the sensations. The pounding was relentless, her insides already a mess, her body too overwhelmed to move, to do anything but feel. "~mmmff~" Aether leaned over, kissing her lips softly, his tongue exploring her mouth as he continued to thrust into her, his pace never faltering. Selene gasped into his mouth when she felt his shaft suddenly bulge and throb inside her, the sensation sending shockwaves of pleasure through her already overstimted body. "~AAAHHH~" With a drooling mouth, she whispered against his lips, "Harder, Daddy~" "Arrh~" Aether growled, his thrusts turning even more forceful as he pounded her with wild abandon, finally letting himself go.... His shaft even more turned bulged! He came deep inside her, filling her with his hot seed, his hips grinding against her as he emptied himself into her. "Aaaaaaaaahhhhh~ahh~" "~ha~" "~ha~" Both of them panted heavily, their bodies slick with sweat, as they came down from the high of their shared pleasure. A satisfied smile spread across Selene''s face as her upper body copsed onto the bed, her ass still sticking out, dripping with their mixed juices. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 313: ~Not so sensitive on the backdoor~ A satisfied smile spread across Selene''s face as her upper body copsed onto the bed, her ass still sticking out, dripping with their mixed juices. Drip, Drip Her flower leaked a steady stream of theirbined essence, her pussy still pulsing from the aftershocks of her orgasm, "T-That was really good..." she mumbled softly, her voice filled with contentment and a hint of exhaustion. Aether, however, wasn''t done. He stared at her pussy, mesmerized by the sight of their juices flowing out, before positioning his shaft beneath her entrance, letting the warm liquid coat him. Leaning over her, he kissed her nape tenderly before whispering, "I love you~" "I love you too~" she whispered back, smiling sweetly, her heart swelling with affection. But then, Aether''s expression changed, "Was that... Celestia?" he murmured, his eyes narrowing as he nced around the room. Hearing that name, Selene immediately looked around, her heart skipping a beat... only to find nothing. However, something felt off... a strange sensation in her asshole. She clenched instinctively and, "~arrhh~" Aether groaned in pleasure as her sudden clench squeezed the tip of his shaft. Selene''s eyes widened in disbelief. "W-What did you do?" she gasped, her voice filled with shock and a hint of curiosity. Aether''s lips curled into a yful grin. "It''s still a punishment, right?" he teased, his voice dripping with mischief as he slowly began to push his thick shaft deeper into her tight, virgin asshole. The sensation was overwhelming for both of them.... "Fuck!" Aether could feel every inch of her squeezing him, and Selene could feel the slow, burning stretch as he entered her inch by inch. "~aaarrhh~" Selene groaned, her voice trembling with a mixture of pain and strange pleasure. Her hands clutched the bedsheets, her knuckles white as she tried to rx, to adjust to the intrusion. Aether, sensing her difort, paused, concern flickering in his eyes. "Is it really painful?" he asked softly, his voice filled with genuine care. It was his first time trying anal with her, and he wanted to ensure she wasfortable, even if it was meant to be a punishment. He had thought it would be fine as long as he was careful and used enough lubrication, but now he wasn''t so sure. "I-It''s fine" Selene replied, though her voice wavered, and her expression betrayed the pain she was feeling...But she was determined to please him, to take whatever he gave her because she loved him..... because she wanted to be his in every way. Aether shook his head slightly, realizing he needed to be gentler. Since only the tip of his shaft was inside her, he decided to y with that, to ease her into it. He slowly circled his hips, rubbing the tip of his cock against the inner walls of her asshole, teasing her with the sensation. "~haa~" Selene''s breath hitched as she felt a strange, unfamiliar pressure building within her. It was a confusing mix of difort and curiosity, a feeling she couldn''t quite ce. As Aether continued to grind his hips, Selene''s body began to respond, her muscles slowly rxing as the pain dulled into a tingling sensation. After a minute of this slow, deliberate movement, Aether felt her tightness begin to ease up just a bit, allowing him to push a little deeper. "!!!!" Selene clenched the bedsheets tightly, her body tensing as she felt him slide further inside her. The sensation was so different, so foreign... neither entirely pleasurable nor entirely painful. It was a strange, almost numbing feeling as if her body wasn''t quite sure how to react. And then, "~ah~" Selene moaned softly, her voiceced with confusion as a new sensation began to bloom within her. It wasn''t like the intense pleasure she felt in her pussy, but there was something there, something that made her toes curl and her body shudders, ''What''s this feeling...'' she wondered as her flower started slowly drenching... ''Looks like she isn''t very sensitive in her asshole,'' Aether thought to himself, noticing her mixed reactions. Still, he leaned down and kissed her lips tenderly, wanting to reassure her. He captured her lower lip between his teeth, nibbling gently before deepening the kiss, his tongue exploring her mouth as his hips began to move again, slowly at first, then with increasing confidence.... "~mmm~" With each slow thrust into her asshole, Aether could feel her body reacting, though not as intensely as it did when he was inside her pussy. But that didn''t deter him. He wanted to give her pleasure in every way he could, to explore every inch of her, to make her his in every sense of the word. His hands roamed over her body, cupping her full, soft breasts, teasing her hardened nipples with his fingers as he continued to push deeper into her. "!!!~Hmmmmff~" Selene moaned into his mouth, her mind a whirl of conflicting sensations. The feeling in her asshole was unlike anything she had ever experienced... it wasn''t the same overwhelming pleasure she felt in her pussy, but there was something oddly intoxicating about it. She could feel the heat of his shaft inside her, the way it stretched and filled her, the way it pulsed with his heartbeat. "~ah~ahh~haa~mmf~" And as he pounded her, the sensation began to shift, bing more pleasurable, though still not as intense as the pleasure she felt in her pussy. Drip, Drip Aether, sensing her change in response, began to move faster, his thrusts bing more rhythmic, more deliberate. He could feel her body slowly rxing, adjusting to the intrusion, and he took that as a sign to push her a little further. He kissed her deeply, his tongue dancing with hers as he pounded her asshole with a steady, unrelenting rhythm. His hands moved from her breasts to her clit, rubbing it in time with his thrusts, adding an extrayer of pleasure to her already overwhelmed senses. "Nggg!!" Selene flinched When Aether fingered her drenched and sensitive pussy! Seeing her reaction, Aether smirked before ying with her pussy, teasing her clit, rubbing her folds and even inserting his middle finger deep inside her. "~aahh~A~aether~Ifeel~weerr~aaahh~" Aether smiled and kissed her lips and pounded her slowly and surely, her ass hole and her pussy really felt good... "~aaahhh~" Soon, he felt the familiar tension building within him, the sensation of his climax approaching. "~Nffgg~!" He thrust deeper, harder, filling herpletely, and with a final powerful thrust, he came inside her asshole, his seed spilling into her in hot, pulsing waves.... "~aaaammm~" Selene moaned softly, her body trembling as she felt the warmth of his release inside her as she slightly orgasmed.... It was a strange sensation..... intimate, yet oddly disconnected from the pleasure she usually felt. Still, she could feel his love in every touch, in every kiss, and that made the experience all the more special. Drip, Drip As Aether pulled out slowly, Selene sighed softly, her body rxingpletely. She felt a warmth spreading through her, not just from the physical sensation, but from the deep connection they shared. Though the experience had been intense and unfamiliar, it had brought them even closer together, deepening the bond they shared. And as theyy together their bodies... wanted more and so, "~Aaahhh~" Meanwhile, above the floor from Selene''s room, Aqualina sat on the edge of the chair, her slender fingers drumming impatiently on the table as she leaned her chin on her knuckles. Her usually serene expression was reced by a deep frown, her vibrant eyes narrowed with irritation, "I brushed my teeth, not just once but four times... FOUR TIMES!" she muttered to herself, the frustration in her voice unmistakable. "And I even used that expensive perfume for what? To sit here and stare at the sky?" Aqualina''s irritation only grew as she stared out at the night, the empty chair across from her a ring reminder of the absence that gnawed at her, "Where the heck is he?" she mumbled in a low, annoyed tone, her foot tapping restlessly against the floor. Chapter 314: Horror Movie? "You arete!" the Principal eximed, her eyes narrowing as she stared at Victor. He had just entered her house, long after their scheduled training time had passed. Victor awkwardly scratched his head, trying to appear nonchnt but failing miserably, "Kind of... busy," he mumbled, his voice barely audible. "Busy?" she repeated, her tone incredulous and simmering with barely contained anger. "Busier than me, the Principal? Do you evenprehend the importance of our training?" Victor could feel... she was really pissed off.He immediately changed the subject, and he stammered, "A-Anyhow, how is she doing? Is she alright?" The Principal''s eyes red with annoyance, but she answered curtly, "She left." "Left?" Victor''s frown deepened, confusion etched across his face. "Yes, she just left," the Principal repeated, her annoyance intensifying. She had been shocked earlier to find a girl lying on a bed inside her house.... It''s her house. She wasn''t even informed about this so she was really annoyed with Victor, "Mind telling me why you brought her here without informi---" Before she could finish her sentence, Victor had already turned and bolted out of the house. Her lips twitched in frustration, and she muttered under her breath, "He really knows how to piss me off..." A dangerous glint passed through her eyes. She would have to teach him a lesson he wouldn''t soon forget. Meanwhile, Victor, blissfully unaware of the storm he had left behind, hurriedly made his way to the girls'' dormitory. He wasn''t sure why but he felt an inexplicable sense of dread gnawed at the edges of his mind, growing stronger with each step he took. Upon arriving at the senior block, he was confronted by a guard. And just about trick the guard.... realization struck him like a bolt of lightning, "I don''t know her room number, damn it!" Victor cursed under his breath, facepalming in frustration. With a heavy sigh, he resigned himself to returning to the Principal to get the details he needed. As he trudged back, Rustle Rustle... A rustling sound caught his attention. Victor''s ears perked up, and he frowned, scanning the bushes nearby..... There, partially obscured by shadows, he noticed a silhouette moving stealthily toward a certain building. Curiosity and a sense of foreboding battled within him, but he couldn''t resist the urge to follow. The figure, d in a hoodie, moved with purpose, Victor followed it! "SSS!" A sudden hissing sound startled him. Victor nced down to see Snowke, curled up and peacefully sleeping on his neck. His frown deepened as he watched the hooded figure wave toward the top of a building. ''What is going on here?'' he wondered. He quickened his pace with carefulness. "!!!" Suddenly, the hooded figure stopped in its tracks. Victor''s instincts kicked in, and he quickly ducked behind a wall, holding his breath. He waited, counting the seconds, before daring to peek out. The figure had resumed walking. "Interesting..." Victor mumbled under his breath, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, ''Looks like I have a long way to go to master hiding my presence...'' he mused, the thought lingering as he cautiously followed the mysterious figure, maintaining a safer distance this time. Victor watched intently as the figure made their way toward the top floor of the building. His curiosity was piqued; What could possibly be so important up there, aside from the old, rusted bell? As he ascended the stairs, Victor''s heart pounded in his chest. Suddenly, the hooded figure stopped and looked back, prompting Victor to flinch and duck behind the railing. His breath hitched, and he felt his pulse quicken. The figure scanned the stairwell for a few agonizing seconds before resuming their climb. Victor let out a silent sigh of relief, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead. He continued his pursuit, his steps as quiet as a whisper. When he reached the top floor, Victor''s brow furrowed in confusion. "Where?" he muttered to himself, seeing the door to the top veranda firmly closed with no sign of the figure. "What''s going on...?" His mind raced. He was certain the figure had headed this way, yet there was no trace of them now. Doubting his own senses, Victor ran his hands over the door, inspecting every inch. He pulled at the lock, testing it to see if it was functioning properly. Everything seemed intact and secure. "Tsk," Victor clicked his tongue in frustration, shaking his head. Just as he turned to leave, he heard a voice echoing through the stairwell, "Who''s there?" Victor flinched, quickly crouching down behind the railing. Peeking through the gaps, he saw a guard making his way up the stairs. ''Shit!'' he thought, his heart pounding in his chest. He prayed the guard wouldn''te all the way up. The guard paused at the top of the stairs, shining his torch around. He inspected the door, noting that the lock was still intact. With a small nod, the guard began to turn away, but then suddenly, "Who''s there?!!" the guard shouted again, his voice filled with urgency as he hurried down the stairs. Victor exhaled slowly, relief washing over him, ''Damn, man, it felt like I was in a horror movie or something...'' he thought, an amused smile ying on his lips. He started to walk away but then hesitated, a nagging feeling pulling at him. He turned back to the door, his mind racing with possibilities. Thud Victor yanked the lock with a precise force, breaking it. He quietly pushed the door open and stepped out onto the veranda, his senses heightened. Sssssshhhhhhhhh A gentle breeze swept across the veranda, carrying the scent of night-blooming flowers. From this vantage point, Victor could see the entire academy, its buildings bathed in the soft glow of moonlight without a moon! He nced to his left, where therge, old bell loomed. "Haha... A typical bell for this academy... Haha," Victor murmured, a nostalgic smile on his face. He recalled how many old academies in novels had simr settings, each one steeped in tradition and mystery. As he turned to his right..... There, at the very edge of the wall, stood a lone figure, their silhouette outlined against the night sky. Victor chuckled softly, "Hehe... A typical suicide point. Haha" "FUCK!!!" Victor''s voice broke the silence, his sudden scream startling the figure on the ledge. The figure turned around, their face pale and eyes wide with fear, "V-Victor?" "Kyra?" Victor''s heart lurched, recognizing her instantly. His surprise quickly turned to concern as he saw the distress in her eyes. Kyra''s lips trembled as she spoke, "S-So, you dide again... huh?" Her voice was fragile like it could shatter at any moment. [+100 AP] "Listen to me, Kyra. Just step back. We will talk about this," Victor said, his voice calm and soothing. He moved slowly, inching closer with painstaking care, not wanting to startle her further. Tears streamed down Kyra''s cheeks. "T-They told me... they will hurt my family if I didn''t withdraw myint," she cried, her body shaking with fear and despair. Victor''s mind raced, piecing together the situation. ''Those Bitches!'' he thought angrily, his fists clenching in rage, "You don''t need to worry, Kyra. The Principal promised she would take care of it. There''s no need to worry about that. Just step down, please..." Kyra shook her head, her tears flowing freely, "N-No, Victor... Today, I-I realized no matter what, nobles will always be nobles, and I... as amoner, am nothing more than a tool to be used and discarded," she sobbed, her voice filled with hopelessness. "Kyra, please," Victor pleaded, his voice breaking. "Listen to me firstKYRA!!!" He screamed, reaching out, but it was toote.... Kyra let herself fall, her body plunging into the void. Thud Stter Chapter 315: Done Molesting! SssssssHhhhhhhhhhhh Kyra''s tightly shut eyes frowned as she heard a strange sound. Most of all, she wasn''t falling. Slowly, she opened her eyes and saw... Victor held her as he hovered in the air, blue mes emanating from his feet, burning away his ck shoes as they slowly descended from the sky.... However, his eyes were on the ground rather than on her.... as he stared at the ground, his face was a mixture of shock and dread. ''He saved me... ah,'' she thought, her heart heavy with a mix of relief and confusion. She mumbled, "Why did you save me? I really" "Shut the fuck up!!" Victor''s cold voice cut her off. Before she could react, he knocked her out. He then turned his attention to something more pressing. He saw a dead body covered in a hoodie! Thud Victornded in a tree, observing the chaotic scene below. The guards were panicking, the area around the bloody spot a hive of activity. "Inform the Principal!" "Surround the perimeter!" "Check if that person is alive!!" The guards shouted orders at each other as one of them approached the dead body and pulled back the hoodie. Victor''s eyes widened in shock when he saw a bald man, "Kennedy?" Suddenly, one of the guards shouted, "Guys, I found some students roaming around here!!" Victor turned in that direction and saw..... a yellow-haired girl wearing a hoodie, her face flushed and lowered, apanied by a bluish-ck-haired boy who also kept his head down in shame. "Vesperine? Kai?" Victor mumbled, trying to process the bewildering scene before him. While everyone was preupied with Kai and Vesperine..... no one noticed a small spider-like object skittering away from the dead body and disappearing into the bushes. "What are you guys doing here?" one of the guards demanded, his face furious. "W-We were just talking," Kai stammered, his face flushed with embarrassment as if they had been caught red-handed. The guard eyed their dishevelled clothes and sighed, ''Tsk,'' he thought, shaking his head. Whatever the reason, he couldn''t let any evidence or anyone leave the perimeter. Suddenly, the Principal appeared at the scene. She stared at Kennedy, her face a mask of surprise, ''How is he here?'' she wondered. He was supposed to be in prison, yet here he was. She frowned deeply and checked his pulse. ''He is indeed dead...'' she thought, letting out a heavy sigh. Then she noticed Kai and Vesperine. She frowned and asked what they were doing there. "W-We wanted to see the stars..." Kai replied awkwardly. The Principal stared nkly at Kai, noting their wrinkled clothes. She sighed deeply and instructed them to stay put for the time being, until their ssroom teacher arrived. "!!!" Victor flinched when he noticed the Principal''s gaze shift to the tree where he was hiding. The Principal slowly mouthed words with no sound, but Victor understood. He immediately moved away from the crime scene. Meanwhile, the Principal sighed even more deeply, ''What kind of mess is this?'' she wondered. Soon, other professors arrived at the scene. After an hour or so, The Principal returned to her house and saw Kyra sleeping peacefully on her bed. Victor was staring out the window, his expression thoughtful and troubled. "What happened?" the Principal asked, her tone serious and demanding. Victor took a deep breath, his mind racing as he gathered his thoughts. He began recounting the events of the evening and the past few hours in painstaking detail. "..." The Principal frowned her face a picture of deep contemtion, her eyes narrowing as she mulled over the troubling events of the night. Victor broke the tense silence, his voice tinged with urgency, "What happened to Kennedy?" The Principal sighed, "Unfortunately, the investigation is still ongoing. We aren''t sure how he managed to escape from prison, or why he ended up dead here. It could be suicide, but there''s also the possibility that he was... killed." She still couldn''t believe how he managed to escape the cell didn''t break, and there was no hint of digging or even using any magic... so she concluded someone must have helped him. But who? Victor''s eyes narrowed, "And what about Kai and that girl? What were they doing here?" The Principal shook her head, "It looks like they were just having some ''innocent fun'', but given the circumstances, they are still under investigation. We can''t take any chances." She sighed deeply, rubbing her shoulder with a tired expression as she nced at Kyra, whoy asleep on the bed, her face peaceful and untroubled, "She seems unstable.... For the time being, let''s keep her here where we can keep an eye on her" With a snap of her fingers, a shimmering barrier appeared around the room. Victor frowned, his concern growing, "Is that wise? It''s not like jumping from the building is her only option. She could find another way to hurt herself." The Principal smiled, though it didn''t reach her eyes, "That''s why you are here." "Huh?" She winked at him, her tone light but her eyes serious, "Help me, my disciple. Your master is having a hard time dealing with everything. Can''t you lend me a hand?" Victor blinked, genuinely surprised by her request. ''She needs my help?... This feels fishy,'' he thought, noticing herck of affection. It felt as if she was nning something, something that required his cooperation. "Of course, I would love to help my master," Victor said, stepping closer. He walked behind her and rubbed her bac-ahem... He controlled himself before forcing his hand to rub her shoulders. Victor then added, his voice low and probing, "Mind telling me what the hell you are nning now?" [+1000 AP] The Principal chuckled softly, herugh a mix of amusement and something darker, "Nothing much... just a short break." "Huh?" Victor frowned, confusion etching lines across his forehead. The Principal smiled, her eyes twinkling with a mix of mischief and weariness, "You and Delphine will take care of Kyra''s situation. Meanwhile, ric will handle Kennedy''s case." "What do you mean?" "Are my words not clear?" she asked, her tone teasing but her gaze sharp. Victor''s lips twitched, and the urge to p those booties.... almost overwhelming, but he controlled himself. ''Now is not the time,'' he thought, his mind racing, "I feel something is very wrong with this academy." The Principal''s frown deepened for a moment, her eyes reflecting concern, ''Maybe he''s traumatized by Kennedy''s death,'' she thought. Victor had been involved with Kennedy from the very beginning, right up until his death. Being still young, it was possible that the situation had affected him more deeply than he realized. ''Looks like Delphine will need to watch over two children,'' she thought, then said softly, "Don''t worry too much, Victor. Everyone is here to support you. Nothing will happen." Her voice was surprisingly reassuring and gentle, a stark contrast to her usual stern demeanour. Victor blinked, seeing her soft expression, ''So she can be soft sometimes...'' he thought, having only seen her furious side that often left him nursing broken limbs. The Principal added, her face turning serious again, "To be honest, I will be going to the Pyra Empire for preparations..." "Hmm?" Victor tilted his head, curious. "The next trial will mostly likely take ce in the Pyra Empire. I need to visit beforehand to inform their ruler about the details. Otherwise, it will be a pain in the ass to deal with those jerks... it might be considered trespassing." Victor was taken aback, "Even you need to ask for permission? You''re a Sovereign! Why do you need permission?" The Principal chuckled lightly, her amusement was genuine this time, "It''s not about permission, Victor. It''s about their pride... You will understand once you meet them." Victor nodded with a shrug, and then.... His lips then curled up slyly, his face taking on a sad and lonely expression, "I am going to miss my Master~" The Principal tilted her head back, seeing through Victor''sme act. She shook her head in amusement before leaning into his chest, which surprised Victor, "Well, consider this a reward for your hard work." Victor''s eyes widened in surprise as he felt the Principal''s body leaning into his. He could feel her soft, warm flesh pressing against him, her ample ass brushing against his crotch, sending shivers down his spine. ''She''s really busty~'' Victor nodded in satisfaction as his hand moved on its own, touching her busty ass. "!!!!!" The next thing he knew, his consciousness faded away. ''B-But I don''t regret anyth...ing....'' Those were his final thoughts as he caught a glimpse of the furious, flushed woman ring at him with deadly intent. Chapter 316: Know your place, Servant! Next Early Morning, "I-I am sorry..." Kyra''s voice trembled as she mumbled the words, her head bowed in shame and regret. Delphine gazed at her, her eyes softening with empathy. She sighed before asking gently, "Are you alright now?" Kyra nodded, still unable to lift her head. Delphine''s expression softened further. She stepped forward and enveloped Kyra in a warm,forting hug, "You are the top cadet among your peers," she whispered, "Even though others belittled you for your background, you didn''t let that get to you. You reached a height that even the noble children envy. I hope you can maintain this strength. I know it''s hard, but that''s why we are here for you... This time, we won''t fail you. Okay?" Kyra responded with a quiet, "Hmm..." as she clung to Delphine. ..... .... Delphine stepped out of the room after a lengthy take care of Kyra and found Victor standing calmly outside. "For the time being, I will take care of her," Delphine said, her voice firm, "I''ll take her out with me. Being alone in there might cause her more harm." Victor nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation, "I see..." he murmured, then asked, "What about Kai?" "Vice Principal ric is currently investigating it," Delphine replied, her expression serious. "Since it involves a professor, everyone is keeping tight-lipped." Victor nced at her, noting the concern etched on her face, then nodded and turned to leave without another word. "W-Wait!!" Delphine''s voice trembled as she reached out and caught Victor''s hand. Victor turned back as he stared into her eyes... Delphine immediately let go of his hand, folding her arms under her chest and adjusting her sses nervously. "I-I heard... you saved her." "Yes," Victor responded simply. Delphine gritted her teeth, remembering how Victor used to seize such moments to flirt with her, his perverted tendencies alwaysing to the fore.... But now, his demeanour was different, more restrained. "If there''s nothing else, I need to leave now," Victor said, his tone carefree, "Otherwise, the Princess will be angry." Hearing his nonchnt tone, Delphine bit her lip, feeling a mix of emotions, "I-I saw Aria with you yesterday. Why?" she blurted out, her voice tinged with.... jealousy and curiosity. Victor grinned inwardly but maintained his calm exterior, "''Why?'' She asked me out for dinner. Is that wrong?" He knew Delphine must have seen him with other girls, but Aria was the one who always seemed to ignite her jealousy and anger. "W-Wrong? Of course...." Delphine stammered, her annoyance clear before adding, "Not!" and she mumbled something under her breath that Victor couldn''t quite catch. Victor smirked, stepping closer to her. Delphine flinched, her body turning rigid as she watched his hand move towards her face. Her cheeks turned red at the thought, ''I-is he going to touch me... Finally?'' [+40--] But she quickly remembered the certain ''image''..... She knew she had to avoid him, yet her hands refused to move as if fearing the loss of something important if she did. "It''s a petal," Victor said softly, plucking a red-ck petal from her hair. Delphine felt a pang of disappointment but then noticed Victor staring intently at her as he moved his mask aside. [+400 AP] His face was dangerously close to hers, and Delphine''s breath hitched. Her eyes remained locked on Victor''s piercing blue eyes. Then she saw his lips move, but no sound came out. She frowned, puzzled by his silent message. Victor shook his head before putting his mask back on and said, "Take care of her." He turned to leave. Delphine watched him go, a mix of longing and confusion swirling within her. She desperately wanted to invite him to dinner.... to spend time alone with him. ''Tsk,'' she clicked her tongue, frustrated. But then she remembered the movement of his lips, trying to mimic them in her mind. "You... are... Beautifu--" Delphine''s face turned beet red as she covered it with her hands, her heart beating wildly, ''P-Pervert...'' she mumbled but there was the smile on her face. ... ..... !~Ding~! [+500 AP] [Survival rate: 39%] Victor smirked, feeling a sense of satisfaction wash over him, ''A few more pushes and pulls...'' he mused with amusement ''Puuffffff.....'' He blew the petal and watched the red-ck petal float away. He walked on, a happy smile on his face. The red-ck petal when it touched the ground.... Puff! It burned with a small minute bomb-like action! ... ..... Aqualina, her face twisted in a mix of annoyance and fury, handed over her bag with a sharp, frustrated motion. Aether stood there, stunned, trying to piece together what had caused her outburst. He couldn''t fathom why she was so upset, ''Is she angry because I didn''te?'' he thought, feeling a pang of confusion. Selene, ever perceptive, saw the tension and decided to speak up, "I was the one who took him out yesterday," she said with a nonchnt shrug. Aqualina''s eyes widened, a flicker of realization crossing her face. Her anger surged, ''This bitch!'' she thought, her teeth gritting as she tried to suppress her frustration. Although she had agreed to the arrangement before... but now everything had changed.... She loved him and... the jealousy she felt was undeniable. "You could have informed me," Aqualina said, her voice tight with irritation. Selene shrugged again, hugging Aether as she usually did. Aqualina''s lips twitched, her irritation barely contained. She pulled Aether''s other arm around her, making her possessive stance clear. "What? He is MY servant!" Aqualina dered fiercely. Their argument continued meanwhile Aether enjoyed their softness.... as they ran into Kai and his sidekick, Vesperine. "Good morning," Vesperine said with a polite bow, her voice soft but carrying an edge of formality. Aqualina looked her over with a disdainful nce. "Indeed... It''s a good morning... Until now..." she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm and frustration. "P-Princess!!" Kai''s voice held a note of distress as he tried to keep up with Aqualina''s brisk pace. However, Aqualina simply ignored him and walked away. Kai and Vesperine exchanged nces, their expressions tinged with awkwardness. Leon, ever the supportive friend, patted Kai on the shoulder with a reassuring gesture. "Don''t worry, Kai. Give her some time. Sometimes, girls need a little while to figure things out. Once she does, I''m sure she''lle around." Your next journey awaits at mvl Kai blinked several times, a sense of familiarity washing over him. Then he managed a smile. "That''s my best friend for you!" Leon returned the smile and gave Vesperine a wink. "You too, sister. Don''t worry. I''ll support you with everything I''ve got!" Vesperine''s cheeks flushed slightly as she looked away. Leon then followed Selene, leaving Kai and Vesperine behind. "Master Kai," Aether called out, his voice cutting through the murmur of the crowd. Kai turned, his expression guarded, "What is it?" he asked, his tone edged with irritation. Aether, oblivious to the growing tension, asked curiously, "Where were youst night?" Both Kai and Vesperine flinched. Kai''s face paled as dread seeped into his features, "W-What are you talking about?" Aether continued, oblivious to the difort he was causing, "Well, I noticed there was amotion in the night and saw your fi--" Before Aether could finish his sentence, Vesperine interjected sharply, her voiceced with authority. "As a servant, you dare to question your master? Know your ce, Servant!!" Kai, caught off guard, saw the subtle signal Vesperine gave him. Understanding the unspoken message, he joined in, "Yes, know your ce, Servant!!" With that, they turned and walked away, leaving Aether standing there, perplexed and frowning deeply. Aether watched them retreat with a furrowed brow. Chapter 317: Selene helping Aether to get a girl?!! "What are you doing?" Ashara''s voice broke the silence,ced with curiosity. She leaned in slightly, watching Victor, who was intently focused on the surgical microscope-like toolid out before him in the ssroom. It wasn''t just Ashara; the entire ss was watching him with bated breath, each of them equally curious but they didn''t want to make contact with him. Victor didn''t respond immediately. He merely nced at Ashara, his gaze fleeting and dismissive, before returning his full attention to the tool. Stay tuned with mvl Ashara''s lips curved into a slight pout. She didn''t press him further, instead choosing to study him as he meticulously analyzed the intricate device, his expression unreadable but his concentration absolute. ''Tsk, This structure... it''s soplex,'' Victor mused silently, his mind racing as he examined the tool''s delicateponents, ''There''s no way I could replicate this... my skills aren''t anywhere near the level needed for something like this...'' His thoughts were a mixture of frustration and admiration, his eyes narrowing as he attempted to decode the technology before him. As his gaze wandered, he noticed a name engraved on the side of the tool. ''Kennedy...'' he thought, a bitter taste filling his mouth, ''Even though that man was a pervert and utterly repulsive, there''s no denying his talent. It''s a shame that someone like him was capable of creating something so brilliant'' Victor''s thoughts lingered on the creator, a strange mix of respect and disdain churning within him. Meanwhile, "Let''s eat togetherter..." Selene suggested casually, her tone warm and inviting. Aria, sitting beside her, responded with a bright smile, nodding in agreement. "Sure, I don''t mind eating with you," Aria replied, her voice carrying a light-hearted tone. They indeed became good friends!! Selene''s gaze then shifted to Lia, who had been silently observing the interaction with a furrowed brow. Something was clearly troubling her, and Selene could sense it. "Lia? What''s going on?" Selene asked, her voice tinged with concern. "H-Huh? Nothing..." Lia stammered, snapping out of her deep thoughts. Selene''s concern deepened, her frown reflecting the worry she felt for her friend, "Is something bothering you, Lia? You look like you have something on your mind but can''t bring yourself to say it. Why is that?" she pressed gently, hoping to coax the truth out of her. Lia hesitated, before asking, "Selene, can I ask you something?" "Of course," Selene replied, her voice softening further. "What''s on your mind?" "Why haven''t you been preparing notes for Aether like you used to?" Lia''s question was direct. She couldn''t shake the feeling that something was off. It had been weeks since Selene hadst copied notes for Aether, a task she had once diligently carried out. Now, Lia was the only one doing it, and she couldn''t help but wonder why. ''Did she give up? Tired of not getting any love back even though she worked hard? Is that why she''s harassing him?'' Lia''s mind raced through various thoughts. ''Because he''s here!'' she wanted to shout, but she bit her tongue, forcing herself to maintain herposure. Instead, she offered a half-hearted exnation, "Well, he said he''d manage on his own... so I figured I''d give him some space," Selene said, her voicecking its usual conviction. Lia wasn''t convinced. Her frown deepened as she studied Selene''s face, trying to decipher the emotions hidden behind her friend''s words. "But... that''s not like you," Lia finally said, her voice soft but insistent. "You''ve always been so dedicated, always looking out for him. What''s changed?" Selene instantly focused on someone else, Selene shifted her focus to Helena, "Helena!" Helena''s eyes were distant, her mind clearly elsewhere, lost in thoughts, Selene gave a give nce at Lia who had an expression, ''Something is fishy!'' "Helena?" Selene''s voice was low, almost a whisper. Helena startled, her cheeks flushing a deep pink as she snapped out of her thoughts. "W-What is it?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly. There was a hint of fear in her eyes! "We''re going to eat together," Selene announced, her tone leaving no room for argument. She gestured to Aria and Lia, who both waved with weing smiles, "Can you join us?" Helena''s eyes flicked between Selene, Aria, and Lia, her anxiety growing with each passing second. Finally, she hesitated before asking the question that had been gnawing at her, "I-Is Aether going to be there?" Selene''s lips curled into a knowing grin. She could see right through Helena''s fears, and could practically taste the apprehension that radiated off her. "What do you want, Helena? Should I invite him or not?" Selene''s words were teasing, but there was an underlying sharpness that made Helena''s heart race. "H-Huh? What do you mean?" Helena stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. The colour drained from her face as Selene''s gaze bore into her as if she knew exactly what was going on in Helena''s mind. "We''re fine with him being there," Selene continued, her voice now smooth and almostforting. "But for you... well, that''s a different story, isn''t it?" ''D-Did she know?'' Helena''s thoughts spiralled out of control, her face turning a bright shade of red as she lowered her head in shame. She couldn''t bear the thought of Selene knowing her secret. Selene watched Helena''s reaction with a mix of amusement and something darker, something that twisted her smirk into something almost predatory, "Don''t worry," Selene said softly, "I didn''t see anything... I just saw you running away, that''s all." The lie rolled off her tongue effortlessly, and she watched as Helena sighed in relief, clearly believing her. "W-Well... I..." Helena''s voice trailed off, her mind racing for an excuse. She didn''t want to face Aether, not now when her heart was still aching, when she was still struggling to control the emotions that threatened to overwhelm her. She needed time, time to sort through her feelings, to figure out what to do next. Seeing Helena''s hesitation, Selene leaned in closer, "Then it''s settled. We''ll make it a girls'' night out!" Selene''s tone was light, almost yful. Helena blinked in surprise, She nodded slowly. "No, she won''t!" Finnian''s voice cut through the air like a de. Selene turned to face him, her expression shifting to one of annoyance. Without missing a beat, Selene turned back to Helena,pletely ignoring Finnian, "We''ll go after sses are over, okay?" Her tone was firm. Helena nced at Finnian, who was ring at her with an intensity that made her shrink back slightly. "Okay! Let''s have a feastter!" Selene announced cheerfully, turning on her heel to head back to her seat. She didn''t even spare Finnian a nce, her focus entirely on the ns she had just made. Finnian''s lips twitched in irritation. He reached out, trying to grab Selene''s hand, "I''m talking to you," he growled. "She won''t be co" But Finnian froze mid-sentence, his hand stopping in mid-air when he saw the look in Selene''s eyes. They were cold, emotionless, a void where there had once been warmth. Her voice was t, devoid of any feeling as she spoke, "I''m already doing my best for my beloved... Please don''t make me angry." There was a warning in her tone, a darkness that made Finnian take an involuntary step back. With that, Selene walked away. Chapter 318: You Monster!! Selene walked away. She was holding something back, something dangerous... Selene was indeed trying her best not to kill Helena. The thought of her beloved fueled every dark impulse within her, and she would do anything.... anything.... to protect what was hers, even if meant getting another girl!! Finnian watched her retreat, a sense of unease settling in his gut. He then turned his gaze to Helena, who was still sitting there, her face pale and her hands trembling slightly. "You need to stay away from them," Finnian said, his voice low but firm. "Those people are not good for you." Meanwhile, Victor was fully immersed in the intricacies of the tool before him, his mind absorbed in theplexity of the technology he was working on. His fingers moved deftly, adjusting the microscope''s settings with precision. The world around him seemed to fade away, leaving only the device and the challenge it presented. Ashara, who had been watching him for some time, grew bored of the silence and the meticulousness of Victor''s work. Her thoughts drifted until a lingering question surfaced, one that had been gnawing at the edges of her mind. Without giving it much thought, she blurted out, "Did you hear...? There are rumours going around that Professor Kennedy de was killed." Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she searched Victor''s face for a reaction. Victor''s hands stilled, his fingers hovering above the tool as a deep frown etched itself onto his brow. ''So, the rumours have already started spreading...'' he thought, feeling a mix of irritation and resignation. He slowly turned his gaze to Ashara, who was watching him intently, her expression almost usatory....as if she believed he might be the one responsible. "No, I did not," Victor replied, his tone t and dismissive. He returned to his work, but the tension in his posture was unmistakable. Ashara''s shoulders slumped slightly, a wave of disappointment washing over her for reasons she couldn''t quite exin but still, ''How did know what I was thinking?'' she thought. ''Did she really think I would kill a professor?'' Victor''s thoughts were tinged with annoyance. ''I''m a dedicated studentwhy would I do something like that?'' But as he nced around the room, he noticed the furtive nces and uneasy whispers among his ssmates. It wasn''t just Ashara who had doubts; it seemed the entire ss was harbouring simr suspicions. The memory of that day shed through Victor''s mind.... the day he had nearly burned Kennedy.... when Kennedy had pushed him too far. The students had witnessed it, had seen the darkness in his eyes, and now they were drawing their own conclusions. It was then that the ssroom door burst open with a loud bang, startling everyone inside. "YOU MONSTER!!!" The shout was shrill and filled with fury. Every head turned toward the door, where Kenley stood, her face twisted with rage and grief. Kenley, the Senior and Kennedy''s niece stormed into the room, her eyes locked onto Victor with a hatred that burned brighter than the mes. "You rotten animal!" she spat, her voice trembling with barely contained emotion. "How dare you kill my uncle!" Her friends rushed forward, trying to hold her back, sensing that if she got too close to Victor, things might escte dangerously. Experience tales at mvl Victor''s frown deepened, but a slow, cold grin spread across his face as he leaned back in his chair. With deliberate, calcted arrogance, he lifted one leg and rested it on the table, his posture exuding a contemptuous confidence. "Killed your uncle?" he repeated, his voice dripping with disdain, "Do you have any proof, or are you just slinging baseless usations because you''re in the mood to be a bitch?" Kenley''s face flushed an even deeper shade of red, her fury boiling over as she struggled against her friends'' restraining hands, "You rotten animal!" she screamed, her voice breaking. "I''ll kill you! I swear, I''ll kill you for what you did to him!" Victor remained unfazed, his grin widening as hezily waved a hand. "Just leave, Kenley. I''m not in the mood to y your childish games." But Kenley was beyond reason. Her eyes filled with tears, and her voice choked with sobs as she continued to fight against her friends, "I''ll kill you, you bastard!" she wailed, her tears spilling down her cheeks, "I''ll make you suffer for what you did to my uncle! H-He was a good man... ''Hic''... You know that..." She then red at the remaining students and shouted while sobbing, "Does everyone in the Elite like him!!! ''Sob'', K-Killing others without hesitation?" For a moment, the ssroom was filled with the sound of her sobs, raw and full of pain. The sight of Kenley''s tears and words stirred something in the hearts of the justice students..... something primal and protective. Leon, who had been silently watching the scene unfold, felt a surge of anger rise within him. His voice, usually calm, was nowced with fury as he shouted at Victor, "You bastard! How could you kill her uncle?!" Victor''s eyes narrowed, the coldness in his expression intensifying, "You''re going to believe her words without any evidence?" he asked. Leon sneered, not backing down, "Do you think her tears are fake? You must have done it," he dered, his conviction unwavering. He stepped closer to Kenley, his expression softening as he turned to her with a reassuring smile,"Don''t worry, Madam. My friends and I will get to the bottom of this. We''ll see that justice is done." He nodded to Kai, who immediately stood up, his eyes filled with a sense of righteous duty. "Yes, Miss Kenley," Kai proimed, puffing out his chest with pride, "Once I find the culprit, I''ll personally deliver my judgment as an Arcane King!" His voice carried a tone of absolute certainty and red at Victor as if he had already decided Victor''s guilt. Victor nearly rolled his eyes at the disy, fighting the urge to facepalm. ''Idiots,'' he thought, his patience wearing thin. But before he could respond, a new voice echoed through the room. "Oh! This is interesting... Mind telling me what''s going on?" The voice was light and filled with amusement,pletely out of ce in the tense atmosphere. The students turned to see ric, standing at the doorway, a grin on his face that suggested he had just stumbled upon the most entertaining scene of the day. ''Tsk,'' Victor clicked his tongue, his annoyance growing. ric was thest person he wanted to be involved in this mess. But still, ''Hehe... This bitch...'' Victor uncannilyughed inside. Chapter 319: Lycorian Language "So, what are your thoughts on this matter, Mr. Victor?" ric inquired with an amused expression,fortably seated while regarding Victor and Kenley, who stood before him. As ric heard the details, his mind fixated on one name: Kyra. It was the name of the person who had lodged theint, leading to the demise of the professor who was proficient in Technology. A swirl of thoughts clouded ric''s mind, a mixture of anger and frustration. How had things escted to this point? He was really surprised to see Kennedy''s death and wondered who could be responsible for it! Victor locked eyes with ric, he already knew this man was going to be a bitchy and biased, "As I mentioned before, I didn''t kill Professor Kennedy," he stated firmly, his voice unwavering despite the tension in the room. ric sneered, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. "But you did attempt it once, didn''t you?" Victor stared nkly at ric before a grin spread across his face. "Do you have proof?" he challenged, his toneced with confidence and defiance. "Hmm?" ric arched an eyebrow. Continue reading at mvl "Thest time, even the Principal acknowledged that Professor Kennedy irresponsibly used a student''s experimental object without proper testing. Therefore, the fault lies with the professor," Victor said, his grin widening. He could see ric''sposure slipping, just a bit. Victor knew bringing the ''Principal'' was his best defence in this situation. It was his ace in the hole, the one card he could y to disrupt ric''s smug confidence. ric''s lips twitched as he nced at Kenley. "Still, as a blood rtive ims you did it, we cannot ignore the possibility, right?" he pressed, trying to regain control of the situation. Victor shrugged, his expression nonchnt. "I''m not sure about that. What if she''s lying just to get on my nerves?" His words were casual, but the underlying usation was clear. "HOW DARE YOU!!" Kenley shouted, her voice trembling with fury. Her eyes zed with indignation, and for a moment, it seemed she might physicallysh out at Victor. ric gave her a silencing nce before turning back to Victor. "There is a possibility, but where were youst night?" he asked, his curiosity piqued. Victor grinned inwardly, ''Well, You asked for it'', ready to y his trump card, "Well, I was training with my Master. She taught me how to fight using my body, touching my leg, spreading it to 180 degrees, softly caressing it... then touching my chest, feeling my hand, and" "ENOUGH!!!!!" ric shouted, his temper barely in check. His face turned a shade of crimson, his eyes zing with barely restrained fury. Victor could see the fury in his eyes, and it brought him a twisted sense of satisfaction. ''This bastard... Why is she touching him?!'' ric fumed internally before saying, "I don''t care what you did. For now, you are under investigation!!!" ric had already decided to bring Victor down, though he hadn''t expected such a provocative response. Despite being pulled into this mess, Victor had a satisfied look on his face. ''I wonder what kind of face he''ll make when I kiss the Principal,'' he mused as they left ric''s office. ''Heh...'' The thought of it was almost enough to make himugh. As soon as they stepped out, Kenley, with a furious expression, spat out, "You will pay for this!!" and stormed off with her friends, their footsteps echoing down the corridor like a retreating army. Victor was tempted to p that bitch, tosh out in anger, but he knew it would only create a scene. He clenched his fists, trying to keep hisposure. But then, SLAP! A resounding p echoed in the corridor. Victor turned to see Ashara pping Kenley with indifferent eyes. "Next time, act like a woman," she said, her tone cold and dismissive as she walked towards Victor. Victor watched her, amused by the unexpected turn of events. There was something satisfying about seeing Kenley put in her ce so publicly. [+200 AP] .... ..... Sometimeter, "I don''t understand why you pulled Victor into this, Vice Principal?" Delphine asked after hearing the details. Her voice was calm, but there was an edge to it, a barely concealed anger. ric sighed, trying to maintain his patience. "Because Kenley, the ''Niece'' of Kennedy de, made the usation. We have to take her words seriously." Delphine shook her head, her frustration evident. "I don''t see any reason to believe her just because she is his niece. Besides, I''m sure you know what''s going on by now, right?" ric''s face turned cold, a flicker of irritation crossing his features. "Miss Delphine, I am the Vice Principal, and the Principal has given me the power to handle this case as I see fit. I hope you understand." Delphine''s expression hardened, her eyes narrowing. "The same Principal gave me the authority to handle Kyra''s case. Kenley bullied Kyra and pushed her to the brink of suicide. I don''t think she is trustworthy in this case. So, I hope you understand." The tension between them was palpable, ready to erupt into a confrontation. Both of them stood their ground, neither willing to back down. Ding~Dong Hearing the bell, ric stood up, his movements stiff with barely contained anger. "I need to leave now..." He paused before adding, "No matter what, I believe Victor is involved in this case from the beginning, and I have the right to take action!" He opened the door, motioning Delphine to leave. Delphine gritted her teeth in annoyance as she walked out of ric''s office. Her mind raced with thoughts of how to protect Victor and Kyra. "Tsk, what''s wrong with these women? They seem to side with Victor for some unknown reason," ric mumbled, annoyed, as he turned to leave his office. "Tsk, What''s wrong with these women? They seem to siding with Victor for unknown reasons" He mumbled with an annoyed face before turning to leave his office room. Then, "Hehe... It''s only a matter of time..." a mechanical voice echoed in the room. ... ... Delphine, her face filled with frustration, walked through the corridor, mumbling, "I cannot believe that girl had the nerve toin about Victor after what she did to Kyra." She wanted to punish those girls, but without Kyra''sint, who feared retaliation, her hands were tied. "Tsk, I really hate" Her words stopped when she saw Aria and Aether sitting under a tree on the yground. The sight of them together, so close andfortable, made her stomach churn with a mix of jealousy and anger. Veins popped on her forehead as she saw Aria touching Aether''s hand. "I''ve had enough of this..." she muttered, jealousy and anger bubbling up as she walked towards them. Her heart pounded with a mixture of emotions. Meanwhile, "That''s it, Aether. Now it''s your turn to understand thenguage..." Aria said, motioning with her hand as she drew something in the air. Aether watched her closely, his eyes following her every movement. "I am a good girl," he read aloud. "Hmm," Aria nodded, continuing her motions with a soft smile on her face. Aether read on, his face serious as he concentrated. "I love my hubby too much. I feel lonely when he''s not with me. I want his love every night and for him to fill me up with his coc" "Hey!! I didn''t write those things!!" Aria gently pped his shoulder, her face beet red. Embarrassment and shock made her heart race. How could he have read her thoughts so urately? Though she had thought those things, she was too conservative to say them out loud. NO! Way, that would be a shame that never dies! Aether chuckled warmly, finding her reaction endearing, "I suppose that was Goo--zhui tay-al, na-ee-el en ee-ai vo-ree-el." Aether''s eyes widened in surprise, looking at Aria, who also seemed astonished. It felt as if Aether had suddenly be fluent in theirnguage, his tone more refined and natural. She then said, "Aether, awe! Ee thay-em en-vai un ray-en yee." ("Aether, wow! I believe you''ve truly grasped it.") ''Fuck! I can understand now!!'' Aether thought inwardly. He wrote a few words on the notes, and this time, the words flickered briefly but didn''t change back to his originalnguage. They stayed in the newnguage of this world. ''Looks like I finally learned it,'' Aether thought, smiling. He looked at Aria with gratitude, leaning down to kiss her cheek. Aria''s heart beat faster as she closed her eyes, anticipation making her breath catch... However, "Hmm, Lycorian Language...?" Delphine said, curious and annoyed, as she looked at the notes and then at Aether with a furious expression. Chapter 320: Her shyness really cute "Am I interrupting something?" Delphine asked with a small smile, but Aether knew it was far from genuine. Her eyes held an icy intensity, betraying her underlying emotions. Aria''s cheeks flushed a deep, rosy red as she stammered, "O-Of course not, Professor Delphine... I am just teaching him ournguage." "Language... ah," Delphine mused thoughtfully, her gaze fixed on the notes. She remembered Aether''s background as a ve who might not have learned to write. ''Tsk, how did I forget that!'' she scolded herself inwardly. Her eyes flicked back to the notes, her smile widening as she read the words. "Hmm... Exactly what kind of words is he learning?" Her smile turned almost predatory. Aria flinched, her face burning as she looked at the notes. The words ''I love you,'' ''Kiss me,'' and ''Night-time'' stood out starkly. She stammered even more, "T-Those words... for... for... It was like I teach him..." Her embarrassment grew so intense that Aether had to step in. "I was the one who asked her to teach me," Aether interjected. Delphine frowned at Aether, wanting to probe further into his motives. However, with Aria present, she held her tongue and merely nodded. "..." "..." "..." An awkward silence settled between them. Aria frowned, feeling the tension, wondering why Delphine was intruding on their private time. "Professor Delph" "I could have taught him," Delphine interrupted. "H-Huh?" Aria was taken aback. Delphine cleared her throat, adopting a strict demeanor. "Didn''t the Principal ask Elite ss students to increase their levels before visiting the Pyra Empire?" "... Yes," Aria nodded. As soon as they received the second trial, the Principal had urged them to undergo vigorous training to increase their levels. However, this didn''t concern her much, as she was already the highest level in her ssthanks to Aether''s unusual Pee-Pee energy! Delphine nodded with a smile, taking Aether''s hand. "You can go train. I will take care of his learning," she said, beginning to pull him away. Aria grabbed Aether''s other hand, smiling sweetly. "I''m sorry, but I am currently at Level 30, and I believe no one else has even reached 20. So, I think I have more time to spare..." She tried to pull Aether back to her side. Delphine''s lips twitched. As a professor, she should have been thrilled by Aria''s rapid progress, but her focus was entirely on separating Aria from Aether. "That''s good, but it won''t be long before others catch up to you. So, please, work even harder..." She tried to pull Aether to her side again. Aria''s lips twitched. This was her precious alone time with Aether, and she wouldn''t let it be disturbed by anyone. She continued to pull Aether back, and Delphine did the same. Meanwhile, Aether thought, ''Yes... That''s it,'' groaning inwardly as his arms were stretched to their limits, his palms inadvertently brushing against their chests. The sensation sent a rush of warmth through him, and he could feel the soft, firm pressure of their bodies. Knowing he couldn''t enjoy this for long, he sent a telepathic message to Aria with a pained expression, /Aria, you''re breaking my hand./ Like a robot, Aria immediately released his hand. Thud "Ngg~" Aether stumbled and fell forward, his facending directly on Delphine''s ample chest. He was stunned, not expecting such a ''lucky pervy moment.'' The warmth of her body and the softness of her curves pressed against his face sent an electric thrill through him. Delphine''s face turned beet red, but she didn''t push him away. Instead, she seemed frozen in ce, her breath hitching slightly. [+500 AP] Aether smirked at her docile expression. ''Looks like my push and pull strategy is working perfectly,'' he thought. But then, "Aether!!" Aria shouted, pulling him back and pressing his face into her own chest. "Are you okay?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine concern and a hint of possessiveness. ''Well, not bad,'' Aether thought, smirking even more as he shifted from one pair of breasts to another. The scent of Aria''s perfume filled his senses and the softness of her body against his made his heart race. Lucky bastard! Delphine''s lips twitched with a red face, but before she could respond, Aria dered with a serious face, "I''m taking him to the infirmary, Professor Delphine!" She hurriedly dragged Aether away. ''Infirmary? What the fuck for? He fell on my boobs, bitch!'' Delphine screamed inwardly but maintained her stoic professor expression as she stood up, gritting her teeth in frustration before walking away, her face still flushed with annoyance. ..... ... After sses ended, Selene and her team went out for dinner. Meanwhile, Aether was in Aqualina''s room. "I wonder what a kiss feels like..." she mumbled for the nth time, lying on the bed in a suggestive pose, her body draped in a way that entuated her curves. Aether, needing to act like a dense character, replied with a shy face, "I-I thought I told you before, Princess... even showed you?" ''Tsk, now you''re ying shy... where''s the man who pushed me down without mercy?'' Aqualina thought inwardly, but she spoke softly, blushing, "Yes, but that was two days ago..." She twirled a strand of her purple hair around her finger, a slight pout on her lips, her eyes glistening with longing. Explore more at mvl Her shyness was evident in her eyes. She really wanted to kiss but was too shy to ask directly. She hoped he would take the initiative, like before. [+8000 AP] Aether, amused inwardly, stood before her and gazed into her trembling purple eyes filled with expectation and excitement. "I-It''s not like I want to kiss or anything..." Aqualina tried to keep her tone nonchnt, "I just want to learn... that''s all!" Her voice was barely above a whisper, her breath hitching slightly. Though haughty and cunning, Aqualina now looked like a girl in love, wanting to be spoiled. ''Not bad... not bad at all...'' Aether thought, his hands moving to cup her face gently. Aqualina flinched but then closed her eyes, her lips parting slightly as she waited. Aether chuckled softly before leaning down and capturing her lips in a tender kiss. "~Hmm~" Just like before, Aqualina felt a shock run through her spine. The kiss was gentle yet electrifying, sending waves of warmth through her body. She leaned into him, her hands gripping his shirt as if afraid he might pull away. Aether deepened the kiss, his tongue teasing her lips before slipping inside her mouth. Aqualina flinched softly, her body arching towards him, the intensity of her desire making her tremble. "~mmm~" Aether''s hands roamed over her body, feeling the softness of her skin through the fabric of her clothes. He pulled her closer, his heart pounding as the kiss grew more passionate. Aqualina''s hands moved to his hair, tangling in the strands as she kissed him back with equal fervour. Her breath came in short gasps, her body pressing against his as if trying to meld into him. "~ha~" "~ha~" When they finally pulled apart, both were breathing heavily, their faces flushed with desire. Aqualina''s eyes were half-lidded, her lips swollen from the kiss. She looked up at Aether, her expression a mix of shyness and longing. "I-I think... I underst--MMFFF~~" "Tim~ommff~outimmmm~" Chapter 321: Devils Devilette and Angle Part-4 Meanwhile, on Selene''s side... Helena observed the lively group of girls, their chatter filled withughter and excitement about girly things. She felt an odd detachment from their conversations..... Topics like thetest fashion trends, exotic dishes, and stylish jewellery were foreign to her. Stay tuned for updates on ?? She really didn''t get them at all. Growing up in an orphanage under the care of the Archpriestess, Helena had never developed an interest in such mundane luxuries. Her clothes were simple, pure white robes personally enchanted by the Archpriestess. She had never worn cute or fancy outfits, and jewellery had never sparked her interest. Dishes? Food, however, was a different matter. Having had little ess to tasty dishes in her childhood, she now relished the vours avable to her. So, she quietly listened to their chatter while savouring her meal. Selene, who was happily engaged in conversation, noticed Helena''s distant gaze and smiled. She decided to shift the topic to something more inclusive. "So, are you guys seeing anyone?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. Helena flinched, her attention snapping back to the group with an intense gaze. Selene nodded in satisfaction, pleased to have drawn her in. Lia blinked a few times before responding with an annoyed tone, "You''re asking me that?" Her voice was tinged with displeasure. Selene chuckled awkwardly, realizing her mistake. "Hah... I''m sorry about my big brother. I didn''t mean to bring up bad memories." "Tsk, it''s fine," Lia replied, though her tone remained irritated. Selene leaned in closer to Lia, her voice lowering conspiratorially, "Though I was wondering if you''ve seen anyone interesting since the breakup. Someone might take the chance to woo you, right? It''s not just my brother who was interested in you. Even when we were kids, most of the guys'' eyes were on you." Lia sighed deeply, her shoulders slumping. "Well, I''m not interested in anyone, and To be honest, I will not be!" Her words were resolute, filled with determination. She had already been through a painful breakup and wasn''t looking for a new rtionship. Despite her firm stance, a certain image popped into her head, but she quickly dismissed it. ''Nah, he''s just a friend,'' she thought, trying to convince herself. Selene then turned her attention to Aria, who immediately blushed. "Well, I am seeing someone..." Aria admitted, her cheeks turning a deeper shade of red. "OOHHHH...." Lia and Selene eximed in unison, their faces lighting up with amusement and curiosity. "Who is it?" they asked eagerly. Aria shook her head, adopting a sly expression. "That''s a secret~" as she looked at her right hand that covered in gloves. "Oh!... At least tell us what he looks like?" Lia pressed, she wanted to know whether her theory was right or not. Aria''s blush deepened, "He is cool, gentle, caring, has a good heart, helps everyone rted to me, neverins, and is always there for me. He has sacrificed a lot..." Her voice trailed off, her expression lovestruck and dreamy. Selene and Lia''s lips twitched. The description fit only one person they could think of. Selene frowned, ''Maybe she is...'', while Lia wondered, ''So she loves him? Is that why she''s been harassing him?'' Her curiosity deepened as she turned to Selene and asked, "What about you, Selene?" Selene flinched, snapping out of her thoughts. She responded with a gentle smile, "Do you even need to ask?" Lia smiled knowingly. "So, it is indeed AeOUCH!" Lia yelped as Selene discreetly kicked her under the table. "What happened?" Aria asked, frowning. "N-Nothing," Lia replied with a pained expression, ring at Selene while rubbing her foot. Selene wore a contrite expression, but she couldn''t allow Lia to reveal the truth in front of Helena. Things would get messy and make it harder for Aether to seduce her. Selene... slowly but surely... was changing!! Aria frowned, sensing something was off. Selene quickly shifted the focus to the remaining person in their group. Helena flinched as everyone''s attention turned to her. "W-Well, I am.... No... I..." She struggled to lie, her nature preventing her from doing so. She felt her cheeks heating up, her difort evident. Seeing her turmoil, the trio grinned, ''So she loves someone,'' they thought, their curiosity piqued even further. Selene, ying the role of a supportive friend, said, "It''s fine. We''re not going to push you, okay? We''re friends, right? There''s no need to worry. If you need help, we''ll help you at any moment." Her voice was sweet and reassuring, dripping with a sincerity that masked her ulterior motives. Helena was surprised by Selene''s understanding, she never thought Selene had been a pain in her ass suddenly acting understanding girl, ''Is this what having friends feels like?'' she wondered, not realizing the honeyed words were another trap set by the hunter. Since everyone was girls, Gathering her courage, Helena blushed and asked, "You know..." "Hmm?" "Hmm?" "Hmm?" Everyone looked at her curiously, their eyes wide with anticipation. Helena''s blush deepened as she lowered her head. "There is m-my friend..." "Oh~" Before she could continue, everyone understood who she meant. "S-She was p-proposed to by a boy yesterday," Helena stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "Hmm," they nodded, encouraging her to continue. "So?" Aria asked, her curiosity piqued. "That''s it!" "Huh? What do you mean? That''s it?" Aria asked, shocked by the simplicity of Helena''s confession. "Yes, that''s it! Now she''s wondering what to do. She really wants to focus on her job and has never been in a rtionship, so she didn''t know what to say and ran away when he proposed." Aria and Lia facepalmed, "Yoahem, she really did that!" Aria said, her tone incredulous. Lia shook her head, a mixture of amusement and pity in her eyes. "This is going to be hard..." "W-Why is that?" Helena''s face turned to dread, her heart pounding in her chest. "Well, how does yoahem, she feel about him?" Lia asked, leaning forward with interest. "W-Well..." Helena stammered, unable to articte her feelings. Her heart raced, and her hands fidgeted in herp. It was clear to the others that she had strong feelings for the boy in question. "This is really hard," Aria said, shaking her head. "Yep," Lia agreed, nodding in unison. Meanwhile, Selene stared at Helena nkly..... She knew she needed to help her beloved. Clenching her heart, her face turned sly as she said, "That boy must be hurt." "H-Huh? What do you mean?" Helena''s face filled with worry, her eyes widening. ''Did I hurt him?'' she wondered, guilt gnawing at her. "Well, I mean... what would you do if we left you alone with the bill?" Selene asked, her voice taking on a teasing tone. Helena was startled. "Y-You''re not going to, are you?" she asked, her voice trembling with anxiety... She didn''t have much money! Selene smiled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Of course..... not!" "W-Why was the long pau" "Anyhow, tell me!" "I-I''d feel betrayed, I suppose," Helena admitted, her voice barely audible. Selene''s face turned even more cunning as she leaned in closer. "That means you betrayed that boy''s feelings without hesitation! Don''t feel sorry for him!" "!!!!" Helena''s eyes widened in shock. Chapter 322: Tsundere now... Dere~Dere! "~Hmmm~" Slurp~ "~Hmmm~" Aether and Aqualina writhed together on the bed, their bodies tangled in a heated embrace. Each kiss was a deration of their fervent desire, each sucks on the lips a testament to their insatiable lust. Aqualina felt herself melting under Aether''s skilful tongue, her defences crumbling as he dominated their intimate battle. No matter her efforts, Aether always emerged victorious in their tongue duel, leaving her breathless and yearning for more. "~ha~" "~ha~" They finally parted, gasping for air, a delicate thread of saliva still connecting their lips. Aqualina, lying atop Aether, gazed into his eyes, her own filled with raw, unbridled desire. She wanted to kiss him again, to drown in the intoxicating pleasure of their lips meeting, but she hesitated. She didn''t want to appear too greedy, so she kept stealing nces at his lips, silently pleading for another taste. Aether, amused by her shyness, thought inwardly, ''Too shy~.'' With a teasing grin, he said, "Princess, you are so adorable~" [+8000 AP] Aqualina''s cheeks turned a bright red as she cheekily responded, "Then you better take care of your adorable Aqua~" Her legs danced yfully in the air as she rested her chin on her knuckles, staring at him with a mixture of longing and mischief. Aether tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering on her skin, sending shivers down her spine. "Princes" "Aether," Aqualina suddenly interrupted, her voice a sultry whisper. "Hmm?" "I called you ''Aether,'' right?" "Yes" "Then..." Aether blinked a few times, pretending to be clueless, "Then?" He knew what she wanted but decided to y along, enjoying the game. Aqualina pouted slightly before saying, "You should know ''Princess'' is not my name." "Yes, I do know that," Aether replied, barely containing hisughter, his fingers tracing patterns on her back. "Then...." "Then?" Aqualina''s lips twitched with frustration. Sighing, she rested her head on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. ''He is so dense...'' she thought with annoyance, but the warmth of his body and the sound of his heart brought her a sense of peace. Aether smiled and ruffled her purple hair, a gesture that always calmed her. However, he then whispered, "Aqua~" "!!!!!" Aqualina immediately lifted her head, staring at him in shock. "W-What did you say just now?" "I didn''t say anything," Aether shrugged nonchntly, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "C-Come on, Aether!" Aether shrugged again, maintaining his yful facade. Aqualina gritted her teeth. She knew she had heard him; there was no way she had imagined it. Trying once more, she asked, but Aether firmly denied saying anything. Aqualina''s lips twitched in frustration before she leaned in close, her face inches from his. She adopted a sad and pitiful expression, her voice trembling with feigned sadness, "You are making your Aqua sad, you know~" she let out a fake sniffle, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Aether cupped her cheeks, his touch gentle and soothing, "I''m sorry, Princess. I just wanted to tease you, you know~" He sealed his apology with a lingering kiss, his lips pressing softly against hers. Aqualina smiled, pleasantly surprised, "Tease me? Why?", she had never seen him teasing her, so she wondered why! "Because you''re so adorable when I tease you~" [+8000 AP] [+8000 AP] "Hmph! B-bad boy!" Aqualina yfully punched his chest with a fake furious expression, though her face turned a deeper shade of red. The feel of his muscles under her fingers sent a thrill through her, ''He is really sturdy...'' she thought. "Okay, okay... I''m sorry, Aqua." Hearing that, Aqualina stopped and looked at Aether with a surprised expression. "A-Again!" "Aqua~" [+8000 AP] "Again!!" "Aqua~" [+8000 AP] "E-Even more gentle!!" "A~q~u~a~" [+8000 AP] Aqualina could no longer contain herself. Overwhelmed by her emotions, she moved down and sealed his lips with hers once more, pouring all her feelings into the kiss. "~Hmm~" Tsundere now... Dere~Dere! ..... ... Then, Victor returned to the Principal''s house. With the Principal away from the academy, only he and Kyra remained. Knock, Knock Stay tuned to ?? "Victor?" "Yes." Victor entered the room, and found Kyra standing by the window, gazing out at the world beyond. "Did you eat?" Victor asked, his gaze sweeping the room to ensure everything was in ce. "Yes, Professor Delphine visited me a few hours ago," Kyra replied, turning to face Victor. Her eyes were filled with a sadness that seemed to permeate the very air around her. "Good," Victor nodded, preparing to leave when Kyra suddenly spoke up. "You seem... cold," she said. "Hmm? Cold? What do you mean?" Victor turned back, his voice icy and indifferent. Kyra forced a small, wry smile. "It seems I''ve managed to upset you somehow." "Somehow?" Victor walked towards her, and Kyra gulped, stepping back instinctively. Her heart pounded in her chest. Victor stood before her, his voice cold and indifferent, "Do you know who I hate the most?" Kyra swallowed hard, her eyes searching his for any sign of the warmth she once knew. "Who?" "The cowards!" Victor''s voice boomed, filling the room with intensity as he continued, "The cowards who show strength only against the weak... The cowards who could not bear the responsibility.... The cowards who flee from reality... and... The cowards who end their own lives!" Kyra''s face flushed with anger, "How dare you call me a coward! Do you have any idea what I''ve endured? Do you know the sacrifices I''ve made to get here? Do you even understand what it''s like for a woman to face such horrors?" Victor''s response was blunt. "No." "Huh?" Kyra was taken aback by his blunt response. Victor ignored her surprise, "Of course, how could I understand your suffering, your sacrifices, your hard work, or what it''s like to be a woman?" Kyra''s expression faltered for a moment before she nodded. "Then you must understand why I" Victor cut her off. "But what I do understand is how desperately I want to live!" "H-Huh?" "No matter the suffering, no matter the sacrifices, no matter the hard work, no matter what others did to me... I moved forward. My legs kept moving forward... with a single hope... to write my own story... to live through this end!" Victor''s voice was cold and piercing, his gaze seeming to prate Kyra''s very core. "I didn''t have the loving parents you do, who would mourn my death.... In fact, they''d probably celebrate it. I didn''t have the caring professors you had; they treated me like dirt. I didn''t have helpful juniors like you do; they were selfish shit And yet..." Victor grabbed her by the neck, his grip firm but not crushing, "Living is always an option, Kyra... It has been, it is, and it always will be." Kyra struggled, her face turning red as she gasped for breath. Seeing her distress, Victor released her, and she crumpled to the floor, panting heavily. "-ha-ha-ha-" She looked up at Victor, who walked out of the room without a care. Then, Drip, Drip The sound of her tears echoed in the silence. Meanwhile, Victor leaned against the door frame, a deep sigh escaping his lips. He wondered if he had gone too far. "It''s okay... she''ll be alright," Celestia''s voice was gentle as she appeared beside him. Victor nced at her, shaking his head slightly. He wrapped his arms around her. Celestia patted his back softly and, "Hey!" Celestia warned when she felt Victor was fondling her ass! "Hehe..." Chapter 323: An Artifact? In the Principal''s House, "Aether?" Celestia''s voice carried a note of curiosity and concern as she watched him bring in an unusual object. It was roughly the size of a palm and shaped like an ''X'', with each of the four ends housing small ck crystal balls. At the centre rested arger yellow crystal! She couldn''t hide her curiosity as Aether carefully ced the artifact on the table. "What is that?" she asked, her eyes widening in surprise. "It''s the artifact that was used to trap Aqua," Aether replied, his expression turning serious as he scrutinized the object. The memory of Aqualina trapped within the dome, her powers nullified, shed through his mind. This device had rendered everyone inside powerless, cutting off their ess to Arcane energy. He had obtained this artifact during the Capture the g event, while he was seducing Aqualina. Initially, he hadn''t given it much thought, preupied with more pressing tasks... Of course, Seducing Aqualina! However, when Snowke, refused to enter the bag and led to her falling on the object, identally triggered it, momentarily deactivating the dome before it was reactivated by itself. [Author''s Note: This isn''t a sudden plot twist! Check chapter 198 for hints!] Once he hadpleted his mission, he made sure to retrieve the device, sensing its ''potential'' importance. "What?" Celestia''s face was a picture of shock.She knew the Empress had been searching for clues about the doom. Now, Celestia found herself in turmoil, her duty to protect her niece and inform the Empress..... She wryly looked at Aether. "Don''t worry, Celestia. Once I understand how it works, I''ll dly give it to you so you can hand it over to the Empress," Aether said with a reassuring smile, sensing her internal conflict. Celestia awkwardly scratched her head, about to apologize, but Aether gently kissed her forehead. "It''s fine. I know you''re doing your best," he murmured, his voice soft and understanding. Blushing, Celestia shyly looked away. "Haha... Does shyness run in your family?" Aether teased, his eyes twinkling with amusement at her reaction. Celestia''s blush deepened before she leaned in and sealed his lips with a firm yet gentle kiss, "One day, I will see you shy..... genuinely shy," she dered with a determined voice, her eyes locking with his. "Haha... Well, I''m waiting then," Aetherughed, kissing her forehead again before turning his focus back to the artifact. ''Hmm... It looks like a quadcopter, though it obviously wouldn''t fly,'' he thought, examining the device. The artifact had ceased functioning, possibly designed for one-time use. He began inspecting it thoroughly and then asked Celestia to bring the tool from theboratory. "Hmm..." "What is it?" Celestia asked, her curiosity piqued when she saw Aether peering through a magnifying lens, his brow furrowed in concentration. Aether didn''t answer immediately, wholly absorbed in his examination. He scrutinized each crystal, noting the strange symbols and circuits etched into the material. The intricate patterns spoke of aplexity he hadn''t fully anticipated. Recognizing his need for concentration, Celestia remained silent, her eyes never leaving his focused face. She admired his dedication and the way his mind worked, piecing together the mystery with unwavering determination. After an hour or so, Aether let out a tired sigh and sat back, rubbing his temples. "What did you find?" she asked, handing him a cup of hot coffee, her touch lingering on his fingers for a moment longer than necessary. Aether smiled before taking the coffee. He began exining, "Simply put, those four ck crystal balls acted as filters, allowing only specific energies like Arcane energy to pass through or block while trapping everyone inside. Find more chapters on ?? The central yellow crystal served as both the controller and the power source. It controlled the dome''s radius and powered the four ck crystal balls... around 4 to 5 hours.. I guess" "I see..." Celestia nodded, impressed by his deductions. She had been nning to give the artifact to the Royal Magicians and craftsmen for analysis, but Aether''s insights were already remarkable. Taking a sip of coffee, Aether stared at the artifact with lots of thoughts. "Can you recreate it?" Celestia asked, her curiosity deepening. "Well, Yes..... To be honest, that''s what I''m hoping for," Aether said with a smirk. He nned to use a simr device in the future, in case he encountered a particrly troublesome target he needed to seduce with out dealing in a pain in the ass suitation. Shitty!! No! No! Don''t look at him like that a shit. He was doing so he could save others as well as himself. He really was trying his best, you know! Celestia''s eyes twinkled with admiration. "You know many things, Aether," she said softly, her voice filled with genuine surpirse. "Of course, who do you think I am?" he replied yfully, winking at her. Celestia winked back, her eyes sparkling with amusement, "A loyal yboy, I suppose." Aether''s lips twitched at the title. Despite enjoying it, he would never openly acknowledge it. Anyhow, "I need to gather more details," Aether said, finishing his coffee before resuming his meticulous examination of the artifact. Celestia stood by his side quietly. ''Hmm... Interesting,'' Aether thought as he noted the crystal ball''s attachment to the metal, which acted like a wire transmitting data. He also saw amplification circuits etched on it, simr to..... a PCB. "Do you know what this material is?" Aether asked, looking up at Celestia. "It''s Arcanium metal. It''s abundant, though costly because few people need it," Celestia exined. ''Arcanium? Don''t tell me they''re beingzy with the name,'' Aether thought amusedly before nodding his head and asking, "I suppose only a few here are interested in technology?" "Yes, most people prefer using magic. Mining Arcanium is difficult and expensive, so only ces like the academy can afford it." Aether nodded, understanding. He noted the detailed etching on the metal and discovered the crystal balls were removable, like bulbs. As he twisted one of the crystals off. Then he he looked through the microscope and saw there few circuits itched under that and then..... ''Kennedy?'' His eyes widened in surprise when he noticed the name itched just like a circuit!!! Chapter 324: Asking out?!! Next Morning Thud Delphine closed the door softly after checking on Kyra, her mind swirling with confusion and concern. She turned to Victor, her eyes zing with an intensity that made him pause. "What did you do to her?" she demanded. Victor raised an eyebrow, genuinely perplexed. "What happened?" he asked, his tone calm and collected, masking any hint of guilt or mischief. Delphine''s lips twitched in frustration. "She said she was sorry for being a coward," she replied, her voice faltering slightly. She wasn''t sure what had transpired, but Kyra seemed different... more energetic, more alive. And looking at Victor, Delphine had a nagging suspicion he was behind this change. Victor nodded, a smile ying at the corners of his lips. He turned to leave, but before he could take a step, Delphine''s voice stopped him. "Wait!" she called out, a blush spreading across her cheeks. She hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest, "W-Well, are you free this evening?" Victor smirked inwardly, though outwardly he adopted a thoughtful expression as if deeply contemting his schedule. He enjoyed seeing her flustered, but he also knew the fine line he walked. Delphine watched him, irritation bubbling beneath her calm exterior. She knew she had caused the distance between them and now felt the sting of regret. She waited, hoping he would say yes. After what felt like an eternity, Victor finally spoke. "Yes, I don''t think I have anything in particr to do." Delphine let out a heavy sigh of relief, her expression softening. Her fingers yed nervously with the hem of her dress. "I-I... Would you like to try this new restaurant with me?" Victor of course nodded without hesitation, he could not always act bitchy which might backfire on him!! and his smile was genuine this time, "I''d love to." [+500 AP] Delphine''s blush deepened, and she nodded quickly. "O-Okay then..." This time, she walked out of the house, her face bright red, leaving Victor standing there with an amused expression. ''More like she ran away...'' Victor thought, chuckling to himself, "I suppose this might mark the beginning of our rtionship," he murmured before turning his attention to the door. He hesitated for a moment, his hand hovering over the doorknob before he knocked and entered the room. Kyra, lying on the bed and engrossed in a book Delphine had given her, looked up as Victor entered. Her eyes softened, and a small smile tugged at her lips. They stared at each other for a moment, Finally, Kyra broke the silence. "I am sorry," she said softly, her voice filled with sincerity. Victor walked towards her, his expression unreadable. He gently patted her head, his touchforting. "I am not going to apologize because I know what I did and the reason for it." Kyra blinked a few times, absorbing his words. Then, she smiled and nodded. "I know... and I wonder who is senior and who is junior here." [+100 AP] "Haha..."Victor chuckled softly, the tension in the room dissipating. .... .... "W-What do you want?" Lia asked, her voice tinged with annoyance and curiosity as she looked at Raven Noir, who had been shadowing her for quite some time. Raven remained silent, her intense gaze fixed on Lia. "Sigh, I told you, that thief stole the money from me," Lia said with a deep sigh, rubbing her nose and shooting a cautious nce at Raven. ''Is she really going to follow me everywhere?'' Lia wondered, her frustration growing. Meanwhile, Raven Noir studied Lia with a furrowed brow. Something about this girl felt off as if she were hiding a crucial piece of information. That day, Raven Noir, who had been waiting for Lia, was surprised to hear the story about her kidnapping for the money and being hurt by the thief. That thief was, of course, Aether, a man Lia could not hope to defeat. Raven Noir initially believed Lia''s story, having witnessed that man''s formidable power firsthand. However, whenever she pressed for details, Lia would evade or provide inurate information. This inconsistency led Raven to follow Lia, hoping to uncover the truth. But she found nothing.... no clues about the mysterious man or the stolen money, only Lia''s suspicious closeness to a servant. "I know that..." Raven spoke after a long pause, her voice calm yet probing. "I was just curious... You must have seen his face, right? Why haven''t you told me about that?" "T-That was..." Lia stammered, her mind racing for an excuse. Raven''s prating stare made Lia sweat bullets, "His face... I forget, tee-hee," she said, trying to sound cute and innocent. Raven''s lips twitched, her patience wearing thin. She was about to press further when, Stay tuned to ?? "Lia!!!" Selene''s voice rang out, motioning for her toe. "I''ming!!" Lia shouted back, relief flooding her features. ''I will forgive you for harassing Aether...'' she thought, feeling a surge of happiness. She nced at Raven and said, "I need to go, my friend is calling me!!" She then hurried away. Raven watched Lia''s retreating back before turning away, frustration evident in her eyes. Meanwhile, "It''s rare to see Raven talking to you... more like it''s rare to see her talking at all," Selene remarked, her curiosity piqued as she wondered what Lia and Raven had discussed. "Just some money matters..." Lia replied vaguely. Selene nodded, and they continued walking back to their dormitory... "Hmm?" Lia tilted her head curiously, noticing red-ck petals scattered around the area. "What flower is that?" she asked, picking up a petal and sniffing it. There was no scent. Selene shrugged. "Not sure, maybe some kind of new flower blooming around this time." "Hmm..." Lia nodded, smelling the petal again, still unable to detect any scent. It wasn''t just her, "Where are these petalsing from?" ric asked with a frown, ncing at the other professors, who shook their heads in confusion. ric''s frown deepened. He was certain there were no trees or flowers that produced these kinds of petals. He then ordered the professors to investigate. ''Something is wrong...'' ric thought, feeling a growing unease. Ssssshhhhh A gentle breeze blew around, carrying the petals towards him. He took one of the petals and stared at it.... Suddenly, Crack, Crack.. The petal cracked with lines and in a matter of seconds... It turned into a spider and, at lightning speed, moved towards ric''s face. However, Pufff! ric crushed it without breaking a sweat. "What the hell was that?" ric frowned, but then his eyes widened. He had only picked one of the petals that had blown onto him, but there were more sticking to his body. Before he could brush them away, Chuckkk "Arrhh!" Meanwhile, "...." "...." Both Delphine and Aether was nkly stared at each other. Chapter 325: A Date with Delphine Aether''s attire was a masterpiece of celestial elegance, radiating divine grace. His pure white garments clung to his frame with an ethereal quality, the intricate golden lines along the seams entuating his form with a regal, otherworldly presence. His ck hair fell in soft waves, framing a face as handsome as it was serene, with ice-blue eyes that seemed to hold the ocean itself. ... He looked every bit like an angel! Meanwhile, Delphine''s one-piece outfit was a stunning blend of modern elegance and timeless allure. The rich aqua fabric clung to her sexy curves, flowing like liquid silk over her body. The neckline dipped just low enough to tease, revealing a hint of her corbone and the soft curve of her deep cleavage. The dress hugged her waist, entuating the gentle curve of her hips before cascading gracefully down her legs. The delicate, sheer sleeves hinted at the smoothness of her skin beneath. Her long, aqua hair tumbled in soft waves down her back, perfectlyplementing her dress. A pair of silver earrings dangled from her ears, catching the light and drawing attention to her graceful neck that any man would desire to kiss. The light, floral scent of her perfume left an indelible mark on anyone in her presence... She looked every bit like a goddess!! [Author''s Note: I know, I know.... I''m being a bit biased here. But what can I say? I really wanted to give Delphine the same amount of words as Aether... but I just.. couldn''t help myself! Sorry, everyone!] "...." "...." Both Aether and Delphine stared at each other, not expecting the other to have gone to such lengths. Neither had anticipated that the other would prepare so meticulously for the evening. They stared at each other as if they were lost in their own world... Until, "Ahem!" The soft sound of someone clearing their throat echoed in the intimate, candle-lit private dining room, snapping Aether and Delphine out of their moment. They nced at the waitress, who stood nearby with an amused, slightly blushing face. The room''s elegant decor, with its velvet drapes and dim lighting, added to the romantic atmosphere. The waitress grinned knowingly before speaking, "What would you like to order, Ma''am and Sir?" she asked, her voice warm and teasing, the quiet privacy of the room amplifying her words. Aether, still catching his breath, offered a polite smile. "I''ll have the seared salmon, please. And for the drink, just water will do." [+100 AP] The waitress nodded, jotting it down, then turned to Delphine, her grin widening just a fraction. "And for thedy?" Delphine, regaining herposure, smiled back with a soft, sincere smile. "I''ll have the lobster risotto. And a ss of your finest white wine, please." The waitress chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling as she took note. "Excellent choices. I''ll have those out for you shortly. Enjoy the evening," she added with a knowing wink before turning to leave, the door to the private room closing quietly behind her. As the soft glow of the candles flickered, Aether and Delphine exchanged warm smiles. Aether broke the silence first, "Hmmm... You look absolutely stunning, Delphine. I can''t take my eyes off you." !~Ding~! [+600 AP] [Survival rate: 39.1%] Delphine blushed for a second before shyly replying, "Y-You too... Aether, you look incredibly handsome." "...." "...." Both of them fell silent again. It wasn''t awkward; rather, it was a silence filled with unspoken emotions, each of their hearts beating faster, uncertain of how to take the lead. ''She really worked hard...'' Aether thought as he gazed at her face with a gentle expression. He really wanted to kiss her, to hold her tightly, but he knew he needed to be patient. Meanwhile, Delphine was lost in her own thoughts, ''H-He is really putting effort for this night out...'' She was ted, thinking that Aether would not be interested anymore, but here he was, looking more handsome than ever. She wanted to be held by him, but she knew she needed to take things slow and steady because she had something important to discuss. "This is the new restaurant you mentioned?" Aether asked curiously, looking around. It was the same ce where he got his nose cut, and the previous restaurant had been destroyed. Now, they had built another one in no time. Delphine smiled, saying, "This is my friend''s new restaurant, and they wanted my review... So, I got a special privilege," she said with a cute wink. Aether blinked a few times, taken aback by her sudden cuteness. Unable to control himself, he reached out and held her hand, staring deeply into her eyes. !~Ding~! [+700 AP] [Survival rate: 39.2%] Delphine''s blush deepened. She wriggled her hand to move, but Aether''s strong grip held her. To be honest, she didn''t even use force at all! ''Oh! Come on! You need to shout and punch me...'' Aether screamed inwardly, looking at her cute expression. ''If you act like that... Don''t you dare to question me after whatever happens!'' he gritted his teeth, trying to control his mind. Delphine and Aether stared at each other before leaning towards the table. Delphine''s fingers intertwined with Aether''s, gripping tightly. She wasn''t sure what she was doing, but whenever she remembered how close Aria and Aether were, she felt she could not allow herself to lose. Their faces were an inch away from each other. Aether''s nostrils red as he inhaled her floral scent, and Delphine''s breath quickened as she absorbed his intoxicating aroma, making her mind go nk. "A-Aether...." Delphine slowly closed her eyes, about to close the inch between them... when, Knock, Knock The waitress opened the door and saw both Delphine and Aether in an intimate moment. There was a small blush on Delphine''s cheeks. The waitress immediately understood, ''Tsk, I really came at the wrong time,'' she clicked her tongue before cing the dishes on the table. She bowed with respect, "Sorry for the intrusion, Ma''am and Sir. Please enjoy the dishes... I will be back with desserts after an hour," she said with a wink at Aether and Delphine. "Maybe after two hours?" Delphine''s face turned beet red, and she was about to stop the woman who was clearly misinterpreting the situation when Aether interrupted, "I really love this restaurant, Miss... Please make it three hours," he said with a wink. [+200 AP] The waitress blushed before nodding with respect. "Of course, Sir. Your happiness is our wish..." she said, winking at Delphine before quietly walking away. "Y-You..." Before Delphine could revert to her usual self due to her high embarrassment, Aether winked at her and said, "I am just going to take my time to eat... the food!" Delphine''s face turned beet red again..... She was really suffering now! Chapter 326: He killed everyone! A True Monster! "Hmm" "Hmmm" "Delicious..." Aether nodded with satisfaction as he chewed the meat, his eyes ncing over at Delphine, who was quietly eating her food without saying anything. But Aether knew from the soft, thoughtful look on her face that she was struggling internally... [+700 AP] [+800 AP] !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 39.3%] [+700 AP] She was having a hard time holding herposure. Aether couldn''t help but grin slightly before asking, his voiceced with curiosity, "So?" Delphine seemed to snap out of her reverie, her eyes meeting his as she replied, "It''s truly delicious. We should definitely give a positive review." "You know that''s not what I wanted to know, right?" Aether said, his voice carrying a gentle yet probing tone. Delphine sighed deeply, the weight of her thoughts evident in her posture. She continued to eat with a graceful elegance, giving herself time to process her emotions. Aether didn''t push her further, giving her the time she needed. After a moment, Delphine broke the silence, her voice steady but carrying a hint of hesitation. "Aether..." "Yes?" "It may sound absurd, but would you believe me if I said that I can see..... the future?" Delphine''s voice was serious, her face marked by a blend of concern and uncertainty. "Well, I believe you..." Aether replied without hesitation. He had witnessed enough strange urrences to take her seriously, even if she imed to be a past lover or something equally improbable. However, "Even if I told you that you... killed me?" Delphine''s voice was barely above a whisper, her eyes reflecting a mixture of fear and sadness. "....." Aether was taken aback, his expression shifting to one of deep seriousness. "What did you see?" Delphine sighed with relief, having expected a more dramatic reaction like: ''I would never do that'' ''You must be lying to avoid me'' She felt a bit of happiness knowing that he had grown a lot and was acting like a mature man. "You see... I have the bloodline of a Water Spirit or Water Nymph, which grants me the ability to foresee future events," Delphine exined, her expression devoid of any shyness or cuteness. "It''s a bloodline ability, then..." Aether nodded, his curiosity piqued. "Continue." "Although I have this ability to see the future, it''s not something I can control at will. It manifests randomly, presenting me with glimpses of future events based on current circumstances. It rarely triggers when I try to use it intentionally," Delphine borated. "Okay..." Aether nodded in understanding, his expression thoughtful. "So, why would I kill you?" Delphine shook her head, her expression growing sombre, "It wasn''t about will. It was something that was meant to happen in the past." "You mean?" Aether frowned, trying to piece it together. "When the old man brought you into our home, and My eyes firstid on you.... my bloodline ability activated immediately. What I saw was... the destruction of the Frostde household," Delphine''s voice trembled as she recalled the vivid and disturbing images etched into her memory. She remembered it clearly: Aether.... no, a monster that looked like Aether, with indifferent ck eyes.. pulled the heart out of Selene''s body and threw it aside. The bodies of Velc, Mortimer, Kai, Alfred, and Timmy were strewn around, each lifeless.... It''s not only them everyone inside the mansion where died! Delphine herself, battered and barely able to move, looked up at a ck-haired woman who stood beside Aether. "S-Sister-inw... S-Stop him..." Delphine had pleaded with a pained expression, but the woman didn''t react. The monster Aether turned toward Delphine and walked slowly, his ck eyes devoid of emotion. "N-No..." Delphine had mumbled as the soulless eyes of the monster locked onto her. She felt her own heart being pulled out, her screams swallowed by the night. Aether, who had been listening intently, had a horrified expression, "What the fuck?" Delphine continued, her voice softer now, "At that time, I was indeed ready to kill you," she admitted, her face showing hesitation and fear. Aether, despite the shocking revtion, didn''t show much reaction. He understood that Delphine just wanted to protect her family from a potential threat, "I get it," he said calmly. "Continue." Delphine sighed with relief before continuing, "I first consulted the situation with my sister-inw. Initially, she tried to persuade the old man without revealing the truth about my vision, but he never listened, and neither did Velc. Then, When Velc used Eternal ve... I saw your eyes turning deep ck just like in the vision, I immediately told this to my sister-inw, and she suggested that both of us should leave the house immediately." "Okay... I get it. But I don''t understand why you needed to leave?" Aether asked, curious. "Because my bloodline ability only reveals events rted to me. By distancing ourselves from you, we hoped to alter the oue. My sister-inw left for the same reason. She was in the vision, where she stood beside you, witnessing the house''s destruction. So, she left in hopes of changing that future, and as you can see.... it seems to have worked," Delphine exined. "I see..." Aether nodded, though he struggled to fully grasp the situation. ''So, this somehow involves Ether... If they were present, they might have helped Ether, and Timmy might not have bullied him. I might not have awakened here, or something like that?'' His thoughts were deeply entangled. Delphine was taken aback by how Aether had changed. She had expected him to react differently, but seeing him so calm made her reflect on how the future had altered significantly. She wondered what could have caused the initial death of their family members. "So, the reason you''re trying to avoid me is because.... you believe I''ll kill you again?" Aether asked, his frown deepening. No matter how he looked at her, the thought of harming her seemed impossible. Delphine shook her head, her face reflecting dread, "No, it''s not about you killing me... Thest vision I had was triggered when you absorbed the Arcane energy from the Ice wall I created.... I saw... the death of everyone." "H-huh?" Aether was taken aback again. Delphine''s face turned even more dreadfully. "Yes, I saw the vision of students'' death, professors... Everyone!!" Delphine''s vision had shown Aether standing atop a scene of carnage, the bodies of students scattered everywhere, no one left alive under a dark, stormy sky and... THUNDER!!!! "Hehe..." An uncannyugh with thunder.... before she fell, just like the others. Aether''s breath caught in his throat, unable to believe what he had just heard. Delphine, her voice soft and pleading, said, "That''s why I''m trying to avoid you... The incidents in my visions were only possible if I was involved. By keeping my distance, I hope to change the oue." "I see..." Aether nodded, rubbing his forehead in deep thought. ''What the actual fuck is going on? If it was before, I could believe it might be due to Ether, but now... Did I really do that? Why?'' Delphine saw him lost in thought and felt a wave of relief wash over her. She smiled softly and said, "I hope you understand why I''m doing this." Aether nodded, but he still couldn''t fully process what he had just heard. Delphine, her smile firm but urgent, warned him, "Now that you understand... You must avoid getting too close to Aria!" Hearing that, Aether snapped back to reality and looked at Delphine with a puzzled expression. "Why? Are you jealous that I''m spending time with her?" "A-Ah, of course not!" Delphine replied, her face flushing with embarrassment. Aether smiled heartily before winking at her and asked, "Delphine..." "Y-Yes?" "I wonder if you saw anything other than death?" Aether asked curiously. If her foresight was rted to her situation, then she should have ''seen'' that too, right? And, Delphine''s face flushed deeply, a mix of embarrassment and something more intense flickering in her eyes. !~Ding~! [+1000 AP] [Survival rate: 40%] Chapter 327: Riding something? Delphine Frostde''s POV After a long year of separation, I received an unexpected call from my father, asking me to take care of a certain boy. Though I was initially reluctant toe, I thought it would be fine, and I was also curious about how that boy managed to return, instead of bing an egoless person. Upon arriving at the mansion, the first thing I saw and heard was... "La~LaLa~La~~La~LLAAA~" A boy''s cheerful, carefree humming. I was struck dumb with astonishment as I saw him... a boy who was destined to kill everyone.... now singing with an untroubled joy, as if he didn''t have a care in the world. It was at that moment that my bloodline ability triggered as if sensing he was going to cause something. I prepared myself for whatever he was nning to do... But, What I saw in the future was... A future that had never appeared before... A future where I was being hugged warmly, a future where I was rained with kisses and spoiled like a child, and... A future where I-I was riding something with a lovely expression... That had never happened before. My face twisted in horror, unable to believe what I had just witnessed. I never thought my life was going to change. ''What the hell is going on...'' I thought, shocked, surprised, and slightly embarrassed. ''I-I need to avoid him!'' I thought seriously, wanting to avoid him at all costs... There was no way I was making that ugly face! Yet, for some reason, I found myself drawn towards him... Just out of curiosity. Why him? Why him, specifically? Because it had never happened before, I wondered what was different now... Is he special...? I wondered. His actions, his emotions, his words... everything seemed too mature for his age, and, even more, he somehow managed to get on my nerves. No matter what he did or said, even if it was innocent, my mind always went back to that ''part where I was riding something,'' and I couldn''t control myself as Ished out at him. I, who had always maintained my dignity and cold demeanour, was slowly showing more emotions towards that boy. To be honest, I am scared of seeing myself like that in the future... I really wanted to avoid him, to avoid being taken by him, and yet, the more I looked at him... the more I saw his different sides, the more I wanted him by my side. It''sughable to see a potential killer turned into a potential lover! Still, his gentle smile and his teasing slowly but surely cracked my cold exterior. But one thing was certain, he did enter my heart! Coming back to reality, Aether stared at me with curious eyes as he asked, "Tell me, what did you see?" My cheeks turned red. Of course, there was no way I could share those details, and if I did... I was pretty sure my vision woulde true by tonight! And there was no way I would allow that... for now!! "I-I didn''t see anything," I lied as I gulped down some wine, but Aether looked at me as if he knew I was lying through my teeth. [+1000 AP] Aether suddenly smirked as if he had figured something out. ''Oh god, please!'' I screamed inwardly, trying to steer the conversation back to the previous subject, but Aether ignored me and stared at my face before slowly eating his food, as if saying, ''I''ll eat this first and... next will be y'' ''Arrh!! What am I thinking!!'' I shouted inwardly, wondering why my mind always went to dirty ces whenever he was involved. ''I really think he''s the only one who''s dirty! I''m not!'' I convinced myself before continuing to eat. Since we had covered everything I wanted to discuss, it was time for me to leave. There was no way I was staying here for another two hours... For what? To continue this conversation? Hell No!! As I continued to eat, I couldn''t help but notice how he looked in his attire. ''Damn, he really looks incredibly handsome in that...'' I thought with an admiring gaze. Whatever clothes he wore, he always looked strikingly handsome, as if they had been tailored exclusively for him. "Hm!!!" My eyes widened abruptly when I felt something brushing against my foot. I nced under the table and noticed... it was Aether''s foot! ''P-Pervert!! Is he trying to seduce me with his foot!? '' I thought with a serious expression. I refused to sumb to such lowly tactics and was about to nudge his foot away when... "Delphine~" His voice, soft and filled with longing, made my heart skip a beat. My face turned wary, sensing that he was about to pull some kind of stunt. "W-What?" I asked cautiously. I was determined not to let this man get what he wanted from me... I would never show my ''ugly'' emotions or ride on him!! Never!!! "Have you ever kissed anyone before?" he asked with a seductive grin that made my body shiver with a mix of fear and... excitement? [+1000 AP] "W-What are you asking? O-of course not!!" I answered strictly... though my cheeks were burning hot. As a strict professor, I needed to maintain my image!! "I see..." Aether said with a smile that suggested he had learned something valuable. ''Ba-dump'' I wondered why my heart skipped a beat. Suddenly, he took my hand in his and said with a sincere expression, "I understand why you''re avoiding me... But is avoiding me really the only way to change the future?" His gaze held a vulnerable plea as if he didn''t want to be avoided. [+2000 AP] [Survival rate: 40.1%] My face fell into a sad, despondent expression. "I-I don''t know..." That was the honest truth. Since awakening my bloodline ability, I had only known that avoiding them might alter the future because they were rted to me... That was all I understood. Aether nodded a few times before saying, "Good, then I won''t let you avoid me!!" Hearing those words, my heart sank with dread. "A-Aether, please don''t! You don''t know what will happen" "Believe me... I will protect everything... And I promise that!!" he said with conviction as he stood up and moved closer to me. ''Gulp'' I swallowed unconsciously, unsure why, but seeing his unwavering determination made me think that maybe... maybe there was another way to avoid those futures without having to avoid him. Chapter 328: Flipped her switch! Third Person''s POV Aether sat beside her, his gaze lingering on her face as a small smile yed on his lips. His eyes traced every curve of her features, drinking in the sight of her as ifmitting it to memory. "W-What?" Delphine stammered, her voice trembling as she instinctively tried to move away from him, her heart racing in her chest. "Nothing... You just look incredibly beautiful," Aether replied, his voice low and husky, a smirk curling on his lips. He reached out, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear, his fingertips grazing her skin, sending shivers down her spine. Her blush deepened, her breath hitching as she struggled to maintain herposure. [+2000 AP] Delphine flinched, her nerves on edge, "A-Aether... B-Believe me... You need to avoid" "Do you think I would avoid you after knowing the truth?" Aether asked softly, his tone gentle yet firm, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her pulse quicken. He leaned in closer, his warm breath fanning over her flushed cheeks. "A-Aether..." Delphine''s voice faltered, her words catching in her throat. Before she could find any more excuses, Aether gently cupped her chin, tilting her face toward him. His gaze dropped to her full, luscious lips, and he whispered, "Believe me..." His voice was a seductive purr, and though the words were simple, they carried a weight that made her heart pound. Something deep within Delphine stirred, an instinctual trust in him that she couldn''t quite exin. She stared at Aether, her resistance melting away as the space between them dwindled, the maic pull of his presence drawing her closer. "A-Aether..." Delphine mumbled, her voice trembling with anticipation. She hesitated for a brief moment, then slowly closed her eyes, surrendering to the moment. And then, "~Hmmm~" Their lips met in a passionate, electrifying kiss. For the first time, Delphine felt a jolt of electricity shoot through her entire body, a raw, primal desire igniting within her. Her hands, almost acting on their own, gripped his shirt tightly, pulling him closer as if she needed to feel every inch of him against her. Seconds stretched into eternity as they remained locked in that heated embrace, their breaths mingling, their hearts beating in sync. When they finally broke apart, both of them were breathless, their eyes dark with lust and longing. Delphine''s mind was a whirlwind of emotions, but in that moment, all she could see, all she could feel, was Aether!! The rest of the world faded into insignificance, leaving only the two of them in this fevered moment of desire. And before either of them knew it, their lips found each other again, this time with even more fervour, as if they were both starving for one another. "~hmm~" This kiss was different.... deeper, more desperate, and filled with a need that bordered on madness. Slurp~ "~Ahhh~" Aether''s hands roamed her body, tracing the curves of her hips and the generous roundness of her boobs. He squeezed her boobs firmly, revelling in the way her body responded to his touch, her soft moans vibrating against his lips. His vigour shaft twitched, straining against the confines of his pants as he felt the heat radiating from her core. Delphine''s body was on fire, her flower throbbing with need, slick with arousal as the sensation of his touch drove her wild. Slurp~ "~Hmm~" Delphine sucked on Aether''s lower lip, her tongue darting out to tease and taste him. She was clumsy, her kiss messy and eager.... but it only added to her charm. Aether groaned into her mouth, guiding her movements as she pressed herself closer to him. "~Hmm~" "~ha~" After a minute or so, they pulled away, panting heavily. Delphine''s lips were swollen and slick with saliva. Her face was flushed, her breathing erratic, and she felt a heat pooling in her lower belly, a desperate ache! "W-We need to... ~ha~ eat... Aethha~" Delphine gasped, her voice shaky andden with desire. Her eyes were zed, her mind clouded by lust, even as she tried to form coherent thoughts. Aether''s lips twitched in amusement. ''Is she doing this on purpose?'' he mused, his eyes taking in the way her body trembled with unfulfilled desire. Her nipples were hard, protruding against the thin fabric of her outfit, and he could see the way her breasts heaved with eachboured breath. She was a vision of raw, unbridled lust, and it took every ounce of his self-control not to take her right then and there. "I would rather eat you than any boring food..." Aether replied, his voice thick with arousal, his gaze dark and predatory as it roamed over her body. When she heard those words, something inside Delphine snapped. Her cheeks burned with a fierce blush, her body responding to his words with a wave of heat that left her feeling dizzy with desire. "Then... ~ha~ Let me eat you~" she whispered, her voice dripping with seduction. Aether was taken aback by her boldness, but before he could react, Delphine straddled hisp, her legs wrapping around his waist as she pressed her body against his. Her lips found him again, and she kissed him with a wild, fevered desperation, her hips grinding against his rock-hard shaft. "~Hmmm~" Aether''s eyes widened in surprise and pleasure, ''Looks like I flipped her switch...'' he thought with a smirk, his hands moving to cup her voluptuous ass, feeling the way it moulded perfectly into his palms. He squeezed and fondled her soft flesh, his fingers digging into her curves as he marvelled at the way her body responded to his touch. Her floral scent filled his nostrils, intoxicating him! "~Ahh~" Delphine moaned into his mouth, her kiss bing more frantic, more needy. She could feel his erection pressing against her, and it only heightened her arousal, making her ache with the need to feel him inside her. Her hands fisted in his hair, tugging him closer as she deepened the kiss, her tongue tangling with his in a dance of pure lust. "~Ha~Ha~" Delphine broke the kiss, panting heavily as she looked at Aether with a sultry, half-lidded gaze, "Aether~ Why are you so handsome~" she purred, her hands sliding down his chest, tracing the hard muscles beneath his shirt. ~chu~ [+2000 AP] ~chu~ [+2000 AP] ~chu~ [+2000 AP] ~chu~ [+3000 AP] [Survival rate: 40.2%] ~chu~ [+3000 AP] She kissed his forehead, his cheeks, his nose, his eyes, and his ears, her lips leaving a trail of fire on his skin as she worshipped every inch of his face. Aether chuckled, a deep, throaty sound that sent a shiver down her spine, ''I''m not sure if it''s the wine or if her switch really flipped...'' he thought, amused, before capturing her lips in another searing kiss, "My Delphine is also gorgeous, you know~" he murmured against her lips, his hand reaching up to pinch her nose yfully. Delphine suddenly pulled back, a smug grin on her face. "Gorgeous? That''s all?" Aether shook his head, his own desire spiking as he realized howpletely she had surrendered to her lust. ''Indeed, her switch was flipped,'' he mused, understanding now why she had been so hesitant before. But now, there was no turning back. Aether leaned in, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, "The most gorgeous, most stunning woman I have ever seen~" Delphine''s heart fluttered at his words, a heady mix of pleasure and arousal flooding her senses. She nudged an imaginary ss as if she loved hispliment, a yful glint in her eyes. "Then why are you sitting there like a statue when you have the most stunning woman in your hands?" she teased, her voiceced with challenge. "Huh?" Aether blinked in surprise, but before he could respond, Delphine''s hand snaked down to his pants, slipping inside and wrapping around his throbbing shaft. She gasped, feeling the hardness in her palm, "Hisss... It''s so hard~" she purred, licking her lips in anticipation. She kissed him again, her hand slowly stroking his length, feeling it twitch and pulse with need. Her touch was hesitant at first, but as she grew bolder, she began to massage his rigid length with deliberate, teasing strokes. She didn''t rush, savouring the way his shaft twitched under her touch, growing even harder as she worked him over. ''She''ll regret thister...'' Aether mused with a hint of amusement, but the growing need in his body made him willing to let her continue, for now. His control was slipping, but he wanted to see just how far she was willing to take this. ~Chu~ Delphine''s lips left a wet trail of kisses along his jawline and down to his neck, each press of her lips sending jolts of pleasure through him. Her hand kept up its slow, sensual rhythm, stroking his hardness with an eagerness that betrayed just how turned on she was. Her movements were clumsy, but the sheer hunger in her touch made it impossible for him not to groan in pleasure. "~arh~" Meanwhile, Aether''s hands weren''t idle. They moved to her ass, his fingers spreading her soft cheeks apart as he explored her curves with a possessive touch. He squeezed and kneaded her flesh, feeling the way her body responded to his every move. His fingers dipped lower, brushing against the damp fabric of her panties, teasing her entrance just enough to feel the heat radiating from her core. "~mmngg~" Delphine paused, pulling back to look at him with a yful frown, "Only my ass? What about these?" she teased, pushing her chest forward as she shook her two ample breasts, the soft mounds jiggling enticingly before his eyes. Boing, Boing Gulp Aether swallowed hard, his mouth suddenly dry as his gaze locked onto her breasts. His restraint was fraying, and he could no longer resist the urge to touch her. Leaning down, he pressed his lips to her neck, trailing kisses down to her corbone before finally allowing his hands to find those heavy mounds. "Ahhh~" Delphine moaned, her voice a sweet symphony of pleasure as Aether''s hands cupped her breasts, squeezing them gently before his thumbs brushed over her hardened nipples. Even through the thin fabric, the sensation made her arch her back, pushing her chest further into his hands. The way Aether fondled her, the firm yet tender grip of his fingers on her sensitive flesh, drove her wild with desire. Her hand moved faster, stroking his rigid shaft with renewed urgency, eager to feel his pulse and throb beneath her touch. The heat between her thighs was unbearable now, her flower twitching with every stroke, every squeeze, as her arousal pooled in her panties. "K-Kiss me~" she pleaded, her voice trembling with need as she gazed up at him with a hungry, desperate look. Aether didn''t need to be asked twice. He captured her lips in a deep, lustful kiss, his tongue plunging into her mouth as he pinched her protruding nipples through the fabric, twisting them gently just to hear her gasp. "~AAAAaHHHH~~" The pleasure was too much. Delphine''s body convulsed as she climaxed just from the intensity of the kiss, her hips bucking against his hand as waves of pleasure crashed over her. Aether felt her tighten around him, and with a groan, he followed her over the edge, releasing a hot, thick load of nectar into her waiting hand, his body shuddering with the force of his orgasm. They stayed like that for a moment, their foreheads pressed together, panting as they came down from the high of their shared pleasure. Delphine''s hand was sticky with his release, but she didn''t seem to care. Chapter 329: She is not a Pervert!!! The waitress couldn''t help but steal nces at Aether and Delphine as they sat together at the table, finishing their meal. There was a calmness about them now, but she could feel the charged atmosphere that lingered in the air, as if the very space between them still buzzed with the electricity of what had transpired earlier. The subtle tension, the way Delphine''s cheeks were still flushed, and the lingering, almost tender nces they exchanged all hinted at something more. Yet, as a professional, she knew better than to pry. Silently, she ced the dessert tes in front of them with a polite bow. "Would you like to extend your stay for another three hours, sir?" she asked, her voice soft, carrying a hint of something knowing. Delphine''s face flushed an even deeper shade of red, her eyes wide with embarrassment. Aether, however, simply shook his head with a small, enigmatic smile. "No need," he replied, his tone calm andposed, as though nothing out of the ordinary had urred. The waitress nodded and left them alone. As she walked away, Delphine''s embarrassment grew. She kept her gaze fixed on her te, unable to look at Aether, ''What the fuck happened to me?!'' she screamed inwardly. This wasn''t her. She wasn''t the kind of woman who would do those things, say those filthy words... She wasn''t a pervert! She definitely wasn''t!!!! ''It must have been a dream!'' she thought desperately, trying to convince herself that she hadn''t lost control, that she hadn''t acted on raw, unfiltered desire. Yet... "Delphine," Aether''s voice interrupted her thoughts, pulling her back to reality. His tone was soft, yet there was an unmistakable undercurrent of amusement. "There''s something on your lips," he said, his eyes gleaming with mischief. Delphine frowned for a second, then reached up to wipe her lips with her fingers. But when she looked at her fingertips, she froze. A small drop of white liquid clung to her skin, and in an instant, the memory of what she had done came rushing back.... how she had elegantly caught Aether''s release in her hand, how she had brought her fingers to her lips and licked them clean, her eyes locked onto his with a sensuality that had left him utterly entranced..... Like drinking the dripping Honey! "I want to die!" Delphine cried out, her voice a mix of mortification and disbelief as she buried her face in her hands. She couldn''t believe she had done that in front of Aether. What must he think of her now? She wasn''t that kind of woman. She wasn''t someone who acted out of raw, carnal impulse. She had simply... lost herself, overwhelmed by the intensity of his kiss and the heat of the moment. Aether''s lips trembled with amusement as he reached out to her, his hand warm and gentle as it cupped her cheek. "It''s fine, Delphine," he said softly, his voice filled with a tenderness that made her heartache. "No! Now you think I''m some kind of slut or something..." she sobbed, her voice trembling with the weight of her emotions. Tears welled up in her eyes, spilling down her cheeks as she struggled toe to terms with what she had done. It felt as though she had lost all her dignity in that single, reckless moment. Aether shook his head, his thumb gently brushing away her tears. "There''s no way I would think that, and you know it," he reassured her, his tone firm yet kind. Delphine nodded slightly, her face still gloomy, her heart heavy with regret. But seeing that she wasn''tpletelyforted, Aether leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper as he said, "Though I must admit, I do love that perverted side of you~" "NO! I am not a pervert!!" Delphine instantly protested, her voice rising as she tried to deny the truth that was gnawing at her. Her face flushed an even deeper shade of red as she vehemently rejected the idea. She would never acknowledge herself as a pervert. Never!! "You''re the perverted one!" she shot back, her eyes narrowing in a re. Aether just stared at her, his silence speaking volumes. He didn''t need to say anything to bring those mortifying memories rushing back to the forefront of her mind. The way he looked at her was enough to remind her of every embarrassing moment, every whispered word, and every unguarded action. She gritted her teeth in frustration, feeling utterly exposed. "Forget everything that happened here!!" she demanded, her voice stern andmanding, as if she could erase the past with sheer force of will. Aether shook his head, a yful smile tugging at his lips. "Nope, I''m not forgetting anything..." Delphine could only grit her teeth in frustration, her cheeks burning with a mix of anger and shame, ''I really lost something now...'' she thought bitterly, feeling as though she had given away a part of herself that she could never reim. Aether sighed inwardly, ''I told you... she''s really regretting everything,'' he thought, finding her turmoil both endearing and amusing. But then, his expression grew more serious as he asked, "So, are you regretting doing it with me?" Delphine''s head shot up, her answer immediate and firm. "No way!" she eximed, her voice filled with conviction. There was no way she could regret that, no matter how embarrassing it had been. "Then?" "Well..." Delphine hesitated, her words faltering as she tried to find a way to exin the jumble of emotions swirling inside her. She wasn''t sure how to put it into words, how to convey the confusion, the shame, and the lingering desire that still pulsed within her. Aether smiled warmly, his eyes softening as he took her hand in his. He brought it to his lips, kissing her knuckles gently before speaking again. "I want to see every side of you, Delphine." "Huh?" Delphine blinked, her confusion evident. "Yes," Aether continued, his voice steady and sincere. "Each and every side. The colddy, the cooldy, the hotdy, the perverteddy... I want to see everything, Delphine. There''s no need to hide from me. I want all of you." His gaze held hers, his expression filled with an intensity that made her breath catch in her throat. [+4000 AP] [Survival rate: 40.3%] Delphine blushed, her heart skipping a beat as she felt a warmth spread through her chest. "Y-You won''t think of me lowly, right?" she asked, her voice small and uncertain. "Of course not!" Aether replied firmly, his tone leaving no room for doubt. He added inwardly, ''If anything, I hope you won''t think of me lowly in the future.'' "No matter what side of you I see, I''ll always love every part of you, Delphine," he continued his voice a low, intimate murmur as he leaned in close, his breath warm against her skin. "Every single part of you..." His lips brushed against her ear, sending a shiver down her spine as he gently bit her earlobe, his teeth grazing the sensitive flesh. "~Ahh~" Delphine moaned softly, her body reacting to his touch despite her best efforts to maintain some semnce ofposure. She quickly covered her ears, trying to block out the sensations that were threatening to overwhelm her. "Hahaha..." Aetherughed softly, his heart swelling with affection as he watched her struggle with her feelings. Just then, "A-Aether?" Delphine called out, her voice trembling with a mix of shock and disbelief. "Hmm?" Delphine pointed to the empty ss on the table, her hand shaking slightly, "T-That was my wine..." she whispered. ".... Oh! Fuck!" Aether mumbled. Chapter 330: A grown woman getting spoiled! An hourter, The waitress spotted Aether and Delphine descending the stairs, her eyes widening as she took in the sight of them. Her face instantly flushed a deep red as she quickly averted her gaze, her heart pounding in her chest, ''They''re too much!; she thought. "Excuse me, Miss!" Aether called out, his voice now haughty and cold, sending a shiver down the waitress''s spine. [+300 AP] "Yes, Daddahem, I mean, yes, sir!" she stammered, her face flushing even more as she struggled to maintain herposure. "Here''s the payment," Aether said, handing her a substantial amount of money. The waitress nodded, her cheeks still red as she calcted the remaining bnce with trembling hands. She was about to give back the change when, "Keep it as a tip," Aether said, his tone leaving no room for discussion as he turned to leave. "B-But sir, it''s really arge amo" "I said keep it!" Aether''s voice was firm, his gaze intense, pinning her in ce. "Yes, DaddyarrhI mean, yes, sir!!" the waitress bowed deeply, her face a deep shade of red. She nced at the woman in Aether''s arms, who was being carried like a child, ''I wish I was her...'' she thought wistfully before returning to her duties, her heart fluttering with the strange mix of embarrassment and longing. Meanwhile, "A-ethe....r..." Delphine quietly mumbled, her face so red it was practically glowing with shame and embarrassment. She couldn''t believe she was being carried like a child, cradled in Aether''s strong arms.... even more, Aether''s coat was on her shoulder as if he was shielding her from the cold. "Hmm? What is it, Delphine? Didn''t you have enough? Should we go to another restaurant? Or do you need to use the restroom?" Aether asked, his eyes hazy from the wine, his cheeks flushed, as he scanned the area for any nearby restrooms. [+4000 AP] ''Arrhhh!!'' Delphine screamed inwardly as she clung to him like a ko, her face buried in his chest to hide her burning embarrassment. "No, I just want to walk on my own!" she insisted, her voice tinged with a mix of frustration and embarrassment. After Aether had gotten drunk, she had feared that he might mess with her, tease her mercilessly, or worse fuck her brains out, but to her surprise, he had done nothing of the sort. Instead, he had spoiled her... Yes, he had fed her food like a child! And now, he was taking her home, refusing to let her walk, carrying her as if she were the most precious thing in the world. Aether shook his head, his voice strict and cold. "No, that''s not good. You ate too much; it would be painful to walk immediately." He resumed his walk, his hold on her gentle yet firm, his steps steady as he carried her down the street. "Grrr!" Delphine could only growl in frustration and embarrassment, grateful that she had deployed an invisible barrier as soon as they stepped out of the restaurant. Otherwise, she would have been theughingstock of the city! ...Though, to be honest, she liked being spoiled. But she was never going to acknowledge that! Never! Seeing that her attempts at persuasion weren''t working, Delphine sighed, finally resigning herself to her fate. She hugged him gently, closing her eyes as she rested her headfortably on his shoulder. Despite her embarrassment, there was something undeniablyforting about being held like this, something that made her feel safe and cherished. "Hah..." Aether chuckled warmly, ncing down at her peaceful, sleeping face. He couldn''t help but smile as he kissed her forehead softly before continuing his walk, his heart feeling light and content. As they walked, his shadow flickered. Delphine noticed it immediately, her senses were always attuned to their surroundings. ''That maid...'' she thought, her mind shing to the ever-watchful presence that usually apanied Aether. ''Thank goodness she didn''t follow him into the restaurant,'' she thought with a grateful expression. Thest thing she needed was another set of eyes witnessing her embarrassment tonight. But as they continued down the quiet street, Delphine couldn''t help but let her mind wander back to the events of the evening. Her heart still raced with the memory of what had happened between them, the way she had lost herself in the moment, the way Aether had looked at her with such intensity, such desire, she flower trembled in excitement... She shivered, not from the cold, but from the lingering heat of those memories. Her panties were still wet... just remembering his hard shaft made it tremble again... [+4000 AP] ''Maybe... just maybe... I am a little bit of a pervert,'' she admitted to herself, her cheeks flushing once more, though this time it wasn''t just from embarrassment. But she quickly pushed the thought away, burying it deep within her, ''No! I''m not!'' And yet, as Aether carried her home, his steady heartbeat thrumming against her ear, she couldn''t deny the warmth that spread through her, the way her heart seemed to flutter every time he held her a little tighter. Maybe being spoiled wasn''t so bad after all!! [+4000 AP] "Wait? Home?" Delphine flinched awake, her heart pounding as she realized the disorienting situation she was in. She blinked, "It''s Academy!!" she shouted in panic.... She totally forgot her house was inside the academy! Academy where many students and professors presented!! Aether, his head still swirling from the effects of the wine, nced at her with a dizzy, unfocused gaze, "Yes, it''s the Academy," he said, pointing toward the imposing gate..... now shrouded in a mysterious, ominous dome. Delphine''s eyes widened in disbelief, "What the..." She abruptly pushed herself away from Aether''s embrace and stood up, looking around with a mix of confusion and rm. She looked at the Academy, which was obscured by the dome, and then at the guards posted outside. Her gaze fell upon the grotesque sight of the guards... each one missing their heads. Since it was night, the surroundings were dimly lit, making the scene even more unsettling. "What''s going on?" she mumbled, her voice filled with disbelief and rising anxiety. She took tentative steps towards the massive gate, her curiosity oveing her initial shock. As she reached out to push the gate open, she was forcefully pushed back. Frowning deeply, she braced herself and pushed again, exerting more force, but to no avail. Just as she was about to use her powers when "No!" Celestia''s voice rang out sharply as she appeared, blocking Delphine''s path. "Huh?" Delphine frowned in confusion as Celestia pointed towards the dome. The darkness of the night made it difficult for Delphine to see clearly, but as she squinted and focused, her eyes widened in horror. Inside the dome, the scene was one of macabre chaos.... bloodstains and the lifeless bodies of inner guards, their heads also missing, just like the outer guards. "I think..... something terrible is going on inside," Celestia''s voice was stern and urgent as she assessed the situation. Her gaze shifted to Aether, who was inexplicably dancing in the middle of the street with a carefree demeanour as if he couldn''t care less about anything. Until, !~Ding~! [Mission: Save and Seduce Helena Sunfire] The message blinked furiously on the screen and, THUNDER!!! The sudden crack of thunder echoed through the night.... Delphine''s eyes went wide with fear and disbelief as her breath came in short, sharp gasps. Her vision was unfolding before her very eyes.... The Death of everyone!! Chapter 331: Everyone go... PUFFF! When Aether was enjoying his date with Delphine... Meanwhile, in the academy, "Arrrhhh!" A piercing scream echoed through the halls, sending chills down everyones spine. "P-Please stop!!" another voice cried out, trembling with sheer terror. "KYAAAAAA!!" A girls scream was filled with a primal fear that made others blood run cold. "What the hell was that!!!" Students shouted in fear, scattering like leaves in the wind. Chaos erupted in the academy, a cacophony of screams and frantic footsteps filling the air. The once beautiful red-ck petals that adorned the academy grounds had now transformed into swarms of spiders... These creatures, crawling at a terrifying speed, raced towards the students,tching onto the backs of their necks with sickening precision. Chkkk "Arrh!!" A boys anguished cry pierced the chaos as he felt the spider dig into his flesh. "P-Pull it out, pull it out, pull it out!!" he screamed, desperation and fear contorting his face as he wed at the creature. His nails scratched the small spiders body frantically. BOMFF! Stter!! A girl nearby screamed as she was drenched in blood and gore. The boys head had exploded, sttering her with the horrific remnants. "KYAAAAAA!!" she shrieked, her voice raw with terror. The entire academy was in pandemonium..... Fear and confusion reigned supreme. "Burn it!!!" Thaliamanded, her voice strong and unwavering as she hurled fireballs at the petals and spiders, trying to stem the tide of horror. "Everyone, calm down!!" Aqaualina shouted, her face a mask of determination despite the chaos. She tried to soothe the panicking students, but her words were lost in the sea of screams and cries. Snap Leon snapped his fingers, and numerous bubbles appeared, enveloping the panicking students in an attempt to protect and calm them. But it was not enough. The sheer number of students running around in blind terror made it nearly impossible to maintain control. Focus was slipping away from them, and then, "QUIET!!!" Everyone froze at themanding voice. They turned their eyes upwards to see ric hovering in the sky, his gaze intense and unyielding. "Listen to me!" he ordered, his voice resonating with authority, "Group together without panicking. Now!" Slowly, as if emerging from a nightmare, the students began to gather, forming lines as instructed. It took a few minutes, but eventually, everyone was lined up, including professors, servants, staff, and guards. ric surveyed the crowd with a steely gaze before snapping his fingers again. SsssssssssshhhhhhHHHHHH A tornado of wind materialized, sucking in the petals and spiders that had caused so much terror. The swirling vortex pulled them all in, and with a clench of his hand, ric crushed the tornado, obliterating everything inside it. Relief washed over the crowd. The students, professors, and staff looked at ric with a mixture of awe and gratitude, their eyes wide with the realization of his immense power. "First, listen to me," ric said, his voice carrying over the hushed crowd, "Those who got spiders, move to my left side. Those who didnt, move to my right side." Faces turned wry, but they obeyed his order. Slowly, reluctantly, everyone moved to the left side. "Not even a single one?" rics surprise was evident as he frowned at the Chosen Ones who had lowered their heads in shame. Well, its not like I have done better... he thought, feeling a numbing sensation on his neck. Just as he was about to speak again, "!!!" A sudden wave of weakness washed over him. It felt as if he had been severed from the Arcane energy. His body swayed, and hended gracefully on the ground. Thud It wasnt just him. Everyone in the academy felt it. The connection to Arcane energy had vanished! "V-Vice Principal, I cant feel A-Arcane energy," one of the professors mumbled, their voice trembling with fear. "I know...." ric replied a deep frown etched on his face. He looked up at the sky and saw a dome-like structure enveloping them. It was transparent, but in the darkness of night, it was barely visible. While most couldnt sense the energy, ric, the former Arcane King, could still feel a faint trace of it. Discover exclusive content at NovelBin.C?m Which meant the dome was not strong enough to hold someone as powerful as ric. With a small grin on his face, he was about to snap the dome or whatever it was when, "Dont do that, ric!" A mechanical voice echoed everywhere, making everyone flinch in surprise. ric, with aposed expression, asked, "Who are you?" His anger was barely contained. If the Principal saw this, his image would surely plummet to the ground. The embarrassment, the shame, and the disappointment would be too much to bear. His reputation, carefully built over years, was hanging by a thread. The mechanical voice instead responded coldly, "The toys attached to your necks will st your heads off in a matter of seconds." Everyones faces turned to dread as they nced at the already fallen people. The sight of their ssmates lying motionless, their heads blown off, sent shivers down their spines. They gulped visibly, their eyes wide with fear. The mechanical voice continued, "To avoid this, all you need to do is follow these simple instructions: Do not touch those toys. Do not try to be funny by being smart. Do not try to touch the dome. Do not try to break the dome. The moment you disregard these warnings, your head will go PUFF!" "!!!" The tension in the air was palpable. Everyones faces turned pale, the colour draining away as the realization of their predicament sank in. The hair on their backs stood up in fear, their breathsing in shallow, panicked gasps. However, the mechanical voice wasnt finished, "Especially, if anyone from inside or outside tries to break the dome, Every one of those toys will go PUFFFFFFFFF!!!" "!!!!!!" Everyones eyes widened in deep shock as they looked at ric. His face twitched with annoyance and anger, a storm of emotions brewing within him. "Whoever you are, you will pay for this!!!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the silent hall. His anger was barely contained. One wrong step and every one of their students would die pathetically, their lives snuffed out in an instant. Suddenly, there was a calm silence, as if everyone was waiting for their fate, the tension in the air almost suffocating. "Haha..." The mechanical voice let out an amusedugh, a chilling sound that made everyones blood run cold, "Stay in the stadium," itmanded. "What do you want?" ric shouted in anger, his voice filled with a mix of fury and desperation. However, there was no response from the mechanical voice, only a haunting silence. The professors and ric gritted their teeth in frustration before guiding the students to the stadium, trying to keep them from panicking again. As they arrived at the open stadium, the ground filled with students, ric ordered the professors to search around the stadium for any strange objects or anything that seemed out of ce, "Spread out and look for anything unusual," he instructed, his voice tense. Meanwhile, he looked at the students, staff, and servants, whose faces were filled with dread and fear, "Listen here, students, there is no need to panic. The professors and I will handle the situation," he said, trying to project calm and confidence. "We are trained for this, and we will find a way to get through this safely." He continued to speak, his voice steady and reassuring, trying to calm the panicking groups. After a minute or so, everyone calmed down more or less, the initial shock wearing off. ric then looked at the Chosen Ones and called them over, "Think of this as a test. I want you guys to look after everyone here," he said, addressing the nine students, "Keep them calm and safe. We need to work together to get through this." However, "What about us?" Thalia interjected, her face serious. She looked determined, ready to take action. ric paused and looked at Thalia, Selene, Lia, Ashara and.... Suddenly, he frowned. "Where is Victor?" he asked, his voice tinged with suspicion. Everyone nced at each other before shrugging. No one seemed to know where Victor was. rics lips twitched as he frowned suddenly, Dont tell me... he is the one behind this? he wondered, a sly smile erupted on his lips. "I-Its not what you think, Professor," Ashara said hesitantly, her voice shaky. It was clear to everyone what he was thinking. "Tsk, we will see about that... but first, I need you guys...." ric began, his voice firm as he gave instructions. He needed them to stay focused and work together. After listening to his words, everyone nodded with determination, their faces set with resolve. Jack then asked curiously, "Where are you going, Professor?" "To find the person responsible for this," ric replied. Chapter 332: Academy is in Danger Part-1 "Where is Aether?" Aqualina bit her lip as her eyes anxiously roamed the surroundings, desperately trying to spot Aether. Her heart raced with worry and fear. She then looked at the sky, staring at the dome.... the same dome that once made her feel useless as she watched her beloved get hurt to save her. She clenched her fists, vowing not to let this happen again. Never again would she be a helpless bystander!! "Princess?" Kai approached Aqualinas side, a small smile on his face, "How is your team doing?" Aqualina nodded, returning his smile softly, "They seem to have calmed down for the time being." Kai nodded and nced at the team. They were talking to each other calmly, though a hint of terror still lingered in their eyes. ric had separated each group by year and subdivision, each taken care of by the Elite sses and the seniors of their department. Order was being restored, but fear still hung in the air. Kais face turned worried as he looked at Aqualinas nape where a small spider clung. With fear and deep determination, he said, "Dont worry, Princess. I will take care of everything... even if it means dying." Aqualina nced at Kai for a moment before nodding. She could see his hesitation, but at least he deserved some credit. She was about to speak when, "W-Why dont you take care of Vesperine?" Kai asked with an awkward expression, beckoning a twin-tailed yellow-haired girl. Vesperine hesitantly walked towards Aqualina, bowing respectfully. "P-Please take care of me, Princess!" Aqualinas lips twitched in frustration. She could see what Kai was trying to achieve, and she wasnt in the mood to babysit others. "I am sorry, but my hands are already tied with a lot of responsibilities." Vesperines face turned awkward. Kai sighed before smiling and said, "Princess, I know you hate this... but at least give her a chance. Just for me, Princess!" Aqualina stared nkly at Kai. She knew she needed him on her side; otherwise, she might lose Aether, who was his ve!! Not hers! She sighed before nodding. "Just dont get in my way." Hearing this, both Vesperine and Kais faces lit up with happiness. Vesperine, without hesitation, touched Aqualinas hand and said, "Lets be friends, Aqualina!" Aqualina stared at her before ncing at Kai, who wore an awkward expression. She swatted Vesperines hand away and said, "I dont think thats possible." Vesperines face turned really sad before she smiled slyly. "Even if I know the cause of this doom?" "V-Vesp?" Kais face turned to dread. He couldnt believe what she had just told Aqualina. It was a secret they had discovered during their talk in the building. Is she going to tell that? Kais face was horrified. He could not allow that to happen! Meanwhile, "Go on," ricmanded with indifferent eyes, looking at the guard who reluctantly approached the dome. With hesitation, the guard reached out to touch the dome. BOMFF! His head sttered! The other guards faces turned dreadfully pale as they looked at ric with fear. ric wasnt just going to believe the mysterious mechanical voice, so he used the guards as test subjects and found that the mechanical voices warnings were true. Destroying the dome was not an option he could consider. He couldnt bet the lives of thousands of students on a test! The other guard waited for their end but then, He ordered some guards to watch over the students while others searched the entire academy for anything unusual. Sigh With a heavy sigh they walked away. "Did you find anything in the stadium?" ric asked the professors who meticulously searched the area, hoping to find any clue, as the voice had indicated the stadium as a point of interest. However, "No!!" everyone said in unison. ric sighed deeply, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on him. "Now what should we do? Wait for whoever is behind this?" His mind raced through various possibilities. He knew the culprit had to be someone from the inside, but who? And what could they possibly hope to achieveresearch, data, or even money? As he was lost in thought, one of the professors stepped forward, holding a transparent jar. "W-Why dont we try to understand these things?" the professor suggested, his voice trembling with uncertainty. ric snapped out of his thoughts and looked at the jar. Inside, a red-ck spider crawled around furiously, trying to escape its confinement. "Do you think we have time for that?" ric asked, his face etched with annoyance. But he took the jar and stared at the spider closely, considering the professors suggestion. It was true that studying the spiders functions might help them find a way to free the students from this life-and-death situation. And then ric, without holding back, could use his powers to find and punish the culprit. However, he knew they were short on time. Whoever was behind this had likely already anticipated their moves. As ric examined the spider more closely, his frown deepened. "Its not a real spider!" he eximed, throwing the jar to the remaining professors and walking away with urgency. The other professors frowned and inspected the spider closely. They didnt notice anything unusual until they saw its crystal eyes.... artificial crystals that were used only in the academy. "Shit!" one of them eximed. Meanwhile, /Yes, thats whats going on, Aether, Please be safe/ /Aether make sure to stay outside of it!!/ Aether received the full details of the situation from both Selene and Aria. He nodded quietly, his eyes hazy from the lingering effects of the wine, and looked at Celestia. "I-I think its the same dome that once captured the Princess," he said, his speech slightly slurred. Experience tales at NovelBin.C?m Both Delphines and Celestias eyes widened in shock. Delphine immediately said, "Then we could destroy it easily, right?" She had heard that Aqualina had been able to destroy it before. Aether shook his head with a sleepy expression. "I... I dont think thats a wise idea." "Hmm?" Delphine frowned, confused. "Because I just talkmmfff," Celestia immediately covered Aethers mouth. /Come on, Aether! You need to keep your act together!/ She telepathically scolded him before removing her hand from his mouth. "I-I think... they might have added some triggering mechanism," Aether exined with a thoughtful, dizzy gaze. Delphine frowned, her eyes lingering on the maid with suspicion, "Why?" "Because I ju" /AETHER!!!!!!/ Celestias voice echoed in his mind. Aether blinked, then continued, "If it could be broken, then why hasnt ric done it already?" Hearing that, Delphine nodded in understanding, but her face turned even more dreadfully pale. "Now what should we do?" "Well, there is one way...." Aether looked at the distant dark, stormy sky. THUNDER!! Chapter 333: Academy is in Danger Part-2 That Arcane-Less Dome... That''s what Aether named it. Lame? Maybe. Chapter Enjoy: But so what? Aether didn''t want to expend his brain cellsing up with a unique name every time, like in the novels he read. He just named it something straightforward that conveyed what the artifact could do. Anyhow, The Arcane-Less Dome had one significant w.... it required four individual crystal balls to create the dome. These small ck crystals were responsible for the filtering and barrier, but they had a big defect.... they didn''t form one single, continuous dome. Instead, they formed four individual domes that ovepped, creating what appeared to be a perfect circr dome. However, in reality, it was far from perfect. There were four intersection points where each circle ovepped with the other two. [Author''s note: Think of it as a Venn Diagram.] As for why they used four small crystals instead of one big one, it was all about the precision of output, direction, and most importantly.... energy consumption. If they used one big crystal, it would run out of energy quickly. However, using four small crystal balls reduced the power consumption by one-fourth, making it more efficient. These were Aether''s thoughts, anyway. At each intersection point, the two barriers might collide with each other, potentially causing a repulsive force. Aether wasn''t entirely sure about this, but it was worth a try. Thus, Aether was currently searching for the intersections. "Aether?" Delphine frowned when she saw Aether slowly moving around the dome. Her face was anxious, but she bit her lip and followed Aether''s advice, searching around the perimeter. While searching, Celestia appeared behind Aether and said, "Aether, don''t forget about your mission!" She clearly didn''t want him to be drunk likest time. Aether smiled hazily and nodded, "Don''t worry, Cutie~" Celestia flinched, ''It''s starting to make me really worried now...'' she thought before disappearing. Like the others, she was also searching around. Aether, while searching for the intersection, suddenly had an idea and wrote something on the barrier with his blood. Soon, Delphine found a small curve that was barely visible. Aether nodded with satisfaction and patted her head, "Good girl!" [+4000 AP] Delphine''s cheeks turned red. She swatted his hand and nced at Celestia, who had an indifferent expression. Delphine sighed and asked, "So what now? I don''t think anyone has the ability to enter it," her face curious. Aether simply stared at the intersection for a long time. Delphine and Celestia nced at each other. One of them patted Aether''s back and... Ssnnnoorrrrrrrrrrrrr He was asleep! "AETHER!!!" Delphine shouted, shaking his white shirt vigorously, tears threatening to spill out. "I thought you asked me to believe in you! Now what are you doing?!" she shouted in fear. Celestia facepalmed, wondering why in the world he had to drink at a time like this! Aether groggily opened his eyes, the haziness of sleep still lingering as he beheld Delphine''s tear-streaked face. The intensity of her worry was palpable, and a smirk curled on his lips. He smirked, "W-What? Already begging to stop? Don''t worry, I will carve every inch of you with my scent~ Come, baby! Your trembling ass" "PUFFFFF!!!!" [+4000 AP] Delphine''s face turned beet red as she punched his stomach and shouted in shame and fear, "Wake up! Aether!!!!!" Aether blinked a few times and muttered, "Oh! I forgot, I need to sedu" "HHAAAAAAA!" Celestia let out a heavy and loud sigh, interrupting Aether. "We don''t have time for this!!" Celestia shouted at Aether, her voice filled with urgency. Aether tilted his head a few times before nodding. He stood up with a determined face, his hands roaming around the barrier again. Delphine now worried, could feel her vision was going toe true, and meanwhile, Celestia worried about something else. ''If he keeps doing that, there''s going to be a bloodbath soon...'' her expression showing exhaustion. "Huh!!!" Aether flinched with a surprised face before looking at Celestia. "I want that ball!" Delphine''s face turned crimson for some reason, while Celestia gave a deep look at Delphine before taking out the small ck crystal from the artifact she was supposed to deliver to the Empress tonight. Aether''s gaze fixed intently on the crystal. He slowly poured his arcane energy into it, the glow of his power mingling with the crystal''s dark hue. He then moved cautiously towards the intersection of the barriers. As soon as the crystal neared the intersection... SsssshhhhhHHHH The intersection reacted, creating a narrow gap that formed a path without destroying the barrier. Delphine''s eyes widened in astonishment. She watched as Aether, with a satisfied wink, signaled for her and Celestia to follow him. As they ventured deeper into the academy, they felt their bodies weakening. The sensation was akin to stepping into a dense, heavy mist. Blubb Bluubbb Blubbb It felt as though they were entering the academy through a bubble, the atmosphere thickening around them. Delphine''s horror was evident as she saw headless bodies strewn across the floor, her eyes welling up with tears. She shook her head, fighting to remainposed. Resolute, she began searching for any sign of the others when Celestia interjected, "I think you need to change your attire..." Celestia said firmly. Delphine nced at her attire, realizing that a fancy dress was hardly appropriate for the situation. She hurried to her office room, though Aether''s white coat and draped it over her shoulders as she went. Celestia, now alone with Aether, fixed him with a stern gaze. "Aether, you need to create a clone and have him act as Victor," she instructed, her voice carrying a note of urgency. Aether tilted his head, a yful smile tugging at his lips. "Hmm, of course, anything for you, my cutie~" he said warmly. Celestia''s cheeks flushed bright red at his endearing tone, ''Oh! My horrifying God!! Why is he so adorable now? Why does he have to be cute at a time like this?!'' she thought, a mix of frustration and affection bubbling within her. She wanted to kiss him, hug him, and show him how much she cared, but she knew that the situation demanded focus and restraint. Celestia took a deep breath, reining in her emotions. "We need to focus," she said, her voice a blend of affection and determination, "We don''t have time to waste. Let''s get this done." Meanwhile, "Do not destroy the dome, or everyone will die... and you might as well contact your mother, my stepson..." Kaelene mumbled in shock, his voice tinged with disbelief. He had just returned from delivering the urgent ''Love'' letter and was now.... "What on the heck is going on?" Chapter 334: Academy is in Danger Part-3 "Where are we going?" John asked, his voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of apprehension as he followed Kai, Aqualina, Vesperine, and Timmy. Aqualina nced at John, her gaze cold and calcting. This was the same man whose face had been disfigured by Selene, the same man who had used his servant to harm Aether, spread the cruel nickname "Princess''s Lackey," and even tried to manipte her. John, whether it was coincidence or fate, had ended up in her team... So, she took him to their search. "To find the clues," she replied, her voice steady, though she couldn''t hide the disdain she felt for him then she looked at Vesperine who guided them to the top of the building. Vesperine led them up the winding stairs to the top of the building. The air grew colder with each step, and Kai, who was sweating profusely, looked like he was harbouring a guilty secret. As they continued to ascend... When they finally reached the door to the top veranda, Timmy stepped forward, his hand already reaching for the Locker, "It''s locked," he muttered, frustration evident in his tone. Just as he was about to break it open, "Stop!" Aqualina with a sharp-cut voice, stepped forward, her eyes narrowing at the lock. With a swift motion, she drew a small de from under her sleeve and sliced through the lock, pieces ttering to the ground. Kai watched in disbelief, about to question her when he noticed something that made his blood run cold.... pieces of red-ck spider parts embedded in the shattered lock. "T-That..." Timmy stammered, his face turning pale. Aqualina''s expression grew stern. She turned to John, her voice icy. "Move ahead. Now." "Hell no!" John shouted, his voice breaking with fear. "There''s no way I''m going first. Who knows what''s waiting out there for me?" Suddenly, Chuckkk Drip, Drip Blood dripped from his cheek, a thin red line appearing as Aqualina''s de retreated. John''s eyes widened in shock and terror as he looked at her. "You will be killed by me or... probably not killed by those spiders. Your choice," Aqualina said, her voice void of any emotion, sending chills down everyone''s spine. Kai was stunned, his mind racing, their situation was already a mess and now, "P-Princess, what are you do" Ssshhhh Aqualina''s finger pressed against her lips, silencing him. The eerie calm in her eyes made him lower his head, his heart pounding. He nced at Vesperine, who looked at him with disappointment, causing him to grit his teeth in frustration. ''Sh-she''s really taking revenge on me, isn''t she?'' John thought, his fear intensifying. He could see that Aqualina didn''t care about his life at all. John gritted his teeth, the taste of blood in his mouth, ''If I survive this, I''ll make her pay for this!'' he vowed silently, though he knew deep down he was powerless against her. He slowly pushed the door open, every creak making his heart skip a beat. Hesitantly, he peeked out and stepped onto the veranda. After confirming it was safe, he let out a deep sigh and motioned for the others to follow. As soon as they stepped onto the veranda, a deep, cold breeze greeted them, sending shivers down their spines. "Achoo!" Vesperine sneezed, rubbing her cold shoulders. Kai, with a concerned look, quickly removed his shirt and draped it over her. "T-Thank you," Vesperine said, her cheeks flushing. Kai nodded with a gentle smile, his gaze lingering on her before turning to Aqualina, who was staring at the sky with a furrowed brow. "Now, tell me what exactly happened," Aqualina demanded, her voice cutting through the chilly air. Vesperine flinched, her eyes wide. She took a deep breath before speaking, "I saw two figures standing near the edge of the veranda," she began, her voice trembling. "It was a night just like tonight. I couldn''t see them clearly, but I heard them shouting at each other. One of them said, ''I did exactly what you told me''... or something along those lines." "Okay," Aqualina nodded, standing at the edge of the veranda and ncing down. "That''s all?" she asked, her voice carrying an edge of impatience. Vesperine nodded, her face flushing with embarrassment. "Unfortunately, I was too scared to listen to them, so I ran away," she admitted, her voice tinged with awkwardness. Aqualina''s mind raced, ''I did exactly what you told me...ah?'' She pondered, her thoughts swirling. She had heard that Professor Kennedy died in this very ce, and Vesperine''s story seemed to align with the same day, ''So, the other party killed him?'' Aqualina''s frown deepened, ''That means there are two traitors in the academy... and another person must be among us,ughing at us secretly.'' Her eyes narrowed at Vesperine as she asked, "What exactly were you doing here?" Vesperine and Kai both flinched. Vesperine tried to stammer out ame excuse, but Aqualina stepped closer, her face indifferent and cold. "As I said before, no one will question me if someone dies...." Vesperine gulped audibly and nced at Kai, who tried to interject, "P-Princess, you are scaring" However, Chapter Experience: "Mr. Kai Frostde," Aqualina''s voice was icy. Kai flinched at the formal address, bowing his head quickly, "I was the one who asked her toe here." "Huh? Why?" Aqualina''s frown deepened. Before Kai could respond, Vesperine interrupted, "Please forgive him, Princess, but it''s not him! I was the one who asked him toe here...." "H-Huh! No! I am the one..." Kai protested, unwilling to let Vesperine take the me. "B-But, it''s the truth! I am the one who asked to have fun in a different ce!" Vesperine shouted back, neither willing to let the other be sacrificed. John and Timmy exchanged amused nces. ''Fun? Here? I wonder what kind of fun they were talking about?'' they thought in unison. Aqualina''s lips twitched in annoyance before she calmly said, "Shut up!" "!!!" Both Vesperine and Kai flinched as they felt the killing intent emanating from Aqualina. Vesperine, with a pale face, confessed, "I was the one who invited him here...." To put it simply, Vesperine had invited Kai to have ''fun'' here. When she noticed Kai looking down, she used a shlight to signal that she was up there. As she happily waited for him, two figures suddenly appeared, and she immediately hid behind the bell. Though she couldn''t see them clearly, she felt their strength and ran away, encountering Kai on the stairs and pulling him aside to escape. "I see..." Aqualina nodded with understanding... Nope, she didn''t understand! Inwardly, she was screaming, ''Why the hell would they want to have ''fun'' here?'' She shook off her confusion, thinking everyone had their own fantasies and fetishes. But then something bugged her: if what Vesperine said was true, howe those two didn''t sense her presence? Aqualina asked, "So, why do you think that was rted to this situation?" Suddenly, Vesperine''s face turned to dread as she pointed towards the bell, "I didn''t hear the details... But I did see one of them pointing towards the bell."... Only she knew how much she deep shit scared when the figure pointed towards the bell, she thought they found her! Aqualina''s frown deepened. She walked towards the bell, and everyone followed, looking around for anything notable.... but there was nothing. "There''s nothing here," Timmy frowned and was about to crouch down to look inside the bell when, Thud! Stter "KYYAA-Mfffffffff!!!" Chapter 335: Academy is in Danger Part-4 Aqualina immediately mped a hand over Vesperine''s mouth as Timmy''s hand was severed, the act happening so swiftly that none could react in time. Timmy, clutching his bleeding stump, wore an expression of deep horror. He couldn''t think, couldn''t scream, could only feel the overwhelming urge to flee. Run! Without a moment''s hesitation, he spun on his heel, desperate to escape. But Kai caught him, his voice a low whisper, "What did you see...?" Yet before he could finish, Timmy''s face went pale, his eyes wide and nk as they fixated on something behind Kai. The entire group''s faces drained of colour as they turned to see. Eight palm-sized crystal eyes gleamed ominously from beneath the bell. "Mskkk!" Two sharp, de-like spider legs stabbed Timmy''s severed hand, lifting it to the creature''s maw. The monstrous spider crunched down on the flesh, its unblinking eyes locked onto the terrified humans. That''s all... There was no need for further exnation. No need to think. Instinct took over, and they all bolted, running as fast as their legs could carry them. However, "Ouch!" John suddenly fell, crashing to the ground. He looked down to find a knife embedded in his ankle. His face contorted in pain and dread as he nced up to see Aqualina. She winked at him, her expression smug, ''That''s for defaming and trying to hurt my Aether!'' her eyes seemed to say as she exited the veranda, mming the door shut behind her. "N-No... No... NOOOOOO!!! YOU BITCH!!!" John screamed, his voice a mix of rage and despair. He couldn''t believe what had just happened.... He had been used as a scapegoat. His eyes filled with tears as he tried to crawl away, his broken ankle dragging uselessly, "Y-You will pay for this, bitch! You will! I will kill you and everyone who left me!!!" Unfortunately, Stab! "AARRRHH!!" John screamed in agony as something pierced his thigh. With teary and fearful eyes, he slowly turned his head to see ...a monstrous red-ck spider staring at him with its crystal eyes. "N-No... p-ple------" ..... .... "P-Princess! Why did you do that?!" Kai shouted, his face a mask of fury as he followed Aqualina and the others out of the building. Aqualina didn''t answer. Her mind was focused on informing ric and the other professors before that creature could escape. "I am talking to you, Aqualina!" Kai yelled, blocking her path. His voice trembled with anger and disbelief. He couldn''tprehend what she had done. She had practically sentenced a man to death for her own escape. This was not something he could ept from his future wife! Aqualina stared at him nkly, her eyes cold and unfeeling. Meanwhile, Timmy, clutching his severed hand and wincing in pain, said, "M-master, please calm down! We didn''t have any other choice. That thing was incredibly dangerous... someone had to hold it back, or we all would have died." Kai''s face darkened, his eyes zing with anger, "So, we just let that man die as bait?! That was the most cowardly and disgusting thing I''ve ever seen!" Timmy lowered his head, a heavy sigh escaping his lips. He was already grappling with the pain in his hand and now had to deal with Kai''s usations. "Kai, stop it! We don''t have time for this," Aqualina said, attempting to move past Kai''s blocking arms. Kai gritted his teeth, ''She is always like this!! Never listen to me....'' Before stepping in front of her again, "y around? Do you think I''m ying around, Aqualina? DO YOU?!" he shouted, the sound of John''s agonized screams still echoing in his ears, haunting him like a nightmare. "You always act like this, Aqualina! Acting high and mighty, not caring for others! You always act like an arrogant woman! You never listen to what I have to say! You never acknowledge Vesperine, who tries her best to be friends with you! You act like you''re the only one in this world and the world revolves around you! Have you ever considered that girl''s feelings? She is innocent, unlike you! She has been hurt by your actions! ....And yes, I love her! Is that a problem? It''s not like I''m the only guy who wants to love another woman! Many emperors in the past had many wives, so why are you so annoyed about me having another woman?! If you have a problem with that, then annul our engagement. I would never like a woman who never cared for anyone! But I am not like that! I care for everyone! I want to be the saviour of everyone! I mean EVERYONE!" Kai finally let out all his pent-up emotions, his chest heaving with the effort. Relief washed over him.... mingled with a deep-seated fear, ''M-Maybe I said too much?'' he thought. Aqualina stared nkly at Kai, inwardly amused, ''Is he angry about John or about Vesperine who he had fun with?'' she wondered before her expression turned as cold as ice. She stepped closer to Kai and spoke in a voice that could freeze the blood, "Then why did you run along with us?" "H-Huh?" Kai''s confusion was evident. Aqualina''s smirk deepened a glint of satisfaction in her eyes, "Yes, I used him as bait. If you truly wanted to be the saviour of everyone, then why didn''t you stay with him and fight that thing?" "T-That was... I... I... I didn''t see until you closed the door," Kai stammered, his voice faltering as his eyes shook with uncertainty. "Oh! But I did see you exitingst and even ncing at John," Aqualina pressed, her smirk growing wider. Kai''s stammering increased, his attempts at excuses bing more desperate. "Kai, whatever you''re trying to say is just an excuse to ease your guilt... Well, if there is any guilt, to begin with." "...N-No... I--" Aqualina continued, "What you''re doing is just pointing fingers to cover your ipetence. You know your life is more valuable than that dead guy''s, don''t you? If you wanted to be a saviour, then ept your failure.... and I don''t think you can be a saviour of everyone... It''s hypocritical and nearly impossible." As she turned to walk away, Kai bit his trembling lips, fighting back the urge to shout that he wasn''t a hypocrite. But deep down, he knew Aqualina''s words held a painful truth. He had allowed a man to die before his eyes and nowined to ease his own guilt. Kai suddenly flinched when he felt a warm hand gently grab his. He nced down to see Vesperine, her eyes filled with concern and warmth. She nodded with aforting smile, "You did your best." Kai''s eyes filled with tears as he nodded back, a wave of relief washing over him. At that moment, he realized he had found a truly wonderful lover in Vesperine. The group arrived at the stadium and saw the tension among the students was nowhere. Instead, many girls were grouped around something... or someone. Aqualina''s eyes widened as she saw who it was. "Aether!" she shouted, rushing towards the gathering with a mixture of relief and joy. [+8000 AP] Kai frowned, trailing behind her, his thoughts still a jumbled mess. Upon getting closer, they saw Victor holding Aether, who appeared disoriented and unsteady. Aqualina''s joy quickly turned to confusion and concern. "What the hell is going on?" she demanded, noticing Aether''s zed eyes. Before Victor could respond, Selene stepped forward, her face etched with dread. "He''s drunk!" "..." The realization hit them all at once, the absurdity of the situation momentarily freezing them in ce. "Fuck!" Aqualina eximed in shock as she remembered something. "Fuck!" Kai echoed, his face turned pale and dread as he remembered that shitty nightmare! And, "..." Timmy ran away. "Hic, W-Where are you running, Timmy boy~ Come here..." Aether slurred, reaching out feebly as he watched Timmy flee. "NNNNNNNNOOOOOO!!! FAAATTTHHEEERRRRRRRRRRR!! HEEEEELPPPP MEEEE!!!!" Timmy screamed, running even faster, preferring to face the monstrous spider than deal with this drunken Aether who would tear off everything without hesitation. Chapter 336: Academy is in Danger Part-5 "What''s wrong?" Aria asked with a curious expression, leaning in closer to Selene. She couldn''t help but notice the odd expressions on the faces of those guys. Even Selene mirrored the same shock and horror she had first seen when encountering Aether. The confusion in her eyes was palpable. "Well" Selene began, her voice tinged with hesitation, but before she could continue, they were interrupted. "Oh! Aqua~ How are you? Did you miss me already?~" Aether interrupted, his voice dripping with a tender tone. His eyes sparkled with a flirtatious glint that waspletely out of character for him. "See..." Selene sighed. [+8000 AP] Aqualina''s face turned a vivid shade of red, her lips trembling. She was desperate to say something, anything, but seeing his unusually charming and teasing demeanour left her speechless. Aether was never like this; he was always dense to her feelings..... Yet She couldn''t believe what she was witnessing. Even so, she needed to keep her act together, she stammered, "H-How dare you call me" "YOU BASTARD!!" Kai''s face contorted with rage. He couldn''tprehend how this insolent ve had the audacity to address his beloved Princess so intimately, and with such a flirtatious tone! His fists clenched at his sides, trembling with suppressed fury. Even he didn''t have the privilege to call her by nickname! "Who do you think you are?!!!" Kai bellowed, stepping forward with fury zing in his eyes. Aether, unperturbed, cast azy indifferent nce at Kai..... Kai flinched when he saw the same eyes that once almost ruined his engagement, stepping back involuntarily, which drew surprised gasps from the onlookers. Aether''s gaze shifted to Vesperine, and a dark, twisted grin spread across his face, "Oh~ What do we have here?" he drawled, his voice dripping with mockery. Vesperine frowned, confusion clouding her features. Before she could react, Aether made a gesture with his fingers, "How is your ''fucking'' life going on?" he sneered, ncing back at Kai. Both Kai and Vesperine''s faces flushed bright red. Kai sputtered, "W-What are you" but Aether cut him off. "A ''Hic'' Arcane King who betrayed his fiance and is screwing around with some random bitch... Hahaha... How amusing, isn''t it, Victor?" Aetherughed, his tone full of drunken arrogance. Victor, Aether''s clone, dressed in a ck outfit opposite Aether''s white, nodded with a small, knowing smile. Celestia was the one who had clearly instructed him to alter the clone''s attire for certain reasons. Gasps and murmurs spread through the crowd as everyone looked at Aqualina, Kai, and Vesperine with wide eyes. Veins bulged on Kai''s forehead as his anger peaked, and Vesperine''s face burned with shame, tears welling up in her eyes. "AETHER!!!" Kai roared, grabbing Aether''s shirt and yanking him away from Victor. Aether, swaying slightly under the influence of alcohol, stared at Kai with a disdainful look. "I hate when others touch my cor," he muttered darkly. "And what of it?" Kai snapped back, his resolve hardening. He was determined to put Aether in his ce, even if it meant resorting to violence. Aether''s expression twisted with annoyance. His hand shot out, gripping Kai''s wrist with a crushing force. Crack, Crack Kai''s eyes widened in shock, pain shooting up his arm. Just as the situation seemed ready to explode, "Aether, stop!" Delphine''s authoritative voice cut through the tension. She arrived on the scene, her old sweater and spectacles giving her the appearance of a strict professor. The sight of her brought a collective sigh of relief from the students. Aether sighed, releasing Kai''s hand reluctantly. However, Kai wasn''t ready to let it go. He wanted retribution.... an apology for Vesperine!!! "I demand he apologize to Vesperine!" Kai dered, his voice filled with righteous anger. Delphine stood firmly before Kai, her presence radiating authority, "You can discuss thatter, but right now, this situation is more important." "I don''t care!" Kai shouted, his voice cracking with emotion and frustration. He couldn''t bear the thought of his beloved Vesperine being upset and humiliated. Just then, Aqualina stepped forward, "Stop, Kai," she said, her voice calm yet resolute. "H-Huh, Princess, you too?" Kai''s face contorted with a mixture of disbelief and betrayal. He couldn''t fathom why everyone seemed to be siding with Aether, who had just spoken so vulgarly about a girl. All he wanted was for Aether to apologize and restore some sense of dignity. "I just need to ask him one question," Aqualina stated, her tone firm and unwavering, leaving no room for argument. Seeing her serious expression, Kai clicked his tongue in frustration before reluctantly releasing Aether. Aether, brushing off his shirt with exaggerated disdain, sneered, "Fucker, next time you hold my cor, I will fucking cut your hands off!" "YOU!!!!" Kai''s anger surged, but Leon quickly intervened, holding him back and urging him to calm down and see what Aqualina wanted to say. Aqualina turned to Aether, her gaze piercing and intense. "Where have you been? And... how did you get in here?" She looked pointedly at Victor and Delphine, her eyes demanding answers. Delphine''s face turned pale, clearly caught off guard and about to speak when Victor stepped forward, "I took him to the party, and after it was over, we came back and saw Professor Delphine looking around...." Victor exined smoothly, repeating what Celestia had instructed him to say earlier. Celestia, now Taylor, watched the scene unfold from within the crowd, his eyes sharp and calcting. He sighed in relief, seeing the n fall into ce. Delphine quickly interjected, "And I was visiting an old friend," she said. Everyone was taken aback, even more surprised by the implication that Aether, a mere servant, was friends with Victor. Especially Leon and Kai, whose faces turned even more suspicious and ugly. Meanwhile, Aria and Selene giggled softly, finding amusement in the chaotic turn of events and wondering what scheme Aether was cooking up now. "And he is the one who got us in," Delphine added. "..." The entire crowd fell silent, processing the information. Whispers and murmurs began to spread as they tried to make sense of the situation. "What the hell!! There was no way a servant able to do that!!" someone shouted, breaking the silence. However, Delphine''s deadly re quickly silenced the murmurs. "You mean you did, right?" Kai asked with a deep frown, struggling to understand how a ve could manage such a feat. Victor shook his head slowly. "I... helped him. He was the one who came up with the idea," he admitted, his voice steady and convincing. All eyes turned to the drunken Aether, who leaned heavily on Victor''s shoulder, his eyes hazy and unfocused. They wondered how on earth he had managed to pull off. This was all part of Celestia''s intricate n.... Yes, using Victor would make everyone believe... Because he was Victor. However, Aether had a critical role to y.... seducing Helena, which was the most important part of the n. Just as Celestia had anticipated, Helena, who had been supporting an elderly woman from the infirmary to aiding others, stopped and looked at Aether with curious eyes. "S-So, can we leave now?" one of the students timidly asked, breaking the tension. Aether, still leaning on Victor, his voice slurred but authoritative, demanded, "Bring me a map of the Academy!" Meanwhile, Meanwhile, in a secluded room, ric stared intently at a.... bald man!! Chapter 337: Academy is in Danger Part-6 "How did you get out of the prison?" a hooded figure demanded, his voice cutting through the gentle breeze that swept over the rooftop where they stood. The moonless light barely illuminated their forms, casting long, ominous shadows. "That''s not the important thing, ric!" the other hooded figure retorted, his toneced with irritation. "I''ve been helping you for nearly a decade, and this is how you repay me? By abandoning me at the first sign of trouble?" ric clicked his tongue, "If you''re just going to spout nonsense, I''m leaving. I didn''t see you, so this is your only chance to escape before she kills you, Kennedy," he said, turning on his heel to leave. "I DID EXACTLY WHAT YOU TOLD ME!" Kennedy''s shout echoed in the night, filled with anger and desperation. ric halted his steps, a frown etching deeper into his forehead, "It''s not like you did it for free, right? I gave you something in return, didn''t I?" His voice was cold, devoid of sympathy. Kennedy gritted his teeth, his frustration palpable. "Yes, what you gave me was nothing short of a miracle.... knowledge about the advanced technology used in ancient times. But do you think that''s enoughpensation for all I''ve done?" "Yes" ric said with a frown and added, "I fulfilled my end of the bargain." "ric, you don''t understand," Kennedy''s voice took on a desperate edge, "I''m so close to perfecting ''The Thing'' With just a little more help, we can achieve what we''ve been striving for all this time!" ric snorted dismissively. "After all these years? That was your idea, to begin with. I just wanted to use it for my gain, but I''ve already lost interest." Kennedy''s eyes glinted with dangerous energy, "Yes, my creation... That ''Thing'' can even defeat a Sovereign. You know that''s why you agreed to help me in the first ce, right? So you could have the power to hold that old hagahem, that beautiful Principalin your arms." ric paused, his expression unreadable. "And as I said, I''ve lost interest in your idea," he replied, shaking his head. "A-ric, please, just give me onest chance, please!" Kennedy pleaded, desperation clear in his voice. "Tsk, you look disgusting," ric spat, his face twisted in annoyance. Kennedy''s face turned bright red with barely suppressed rage. He pointed to the huge bell in the distance, "When this bell rings... you will face the consequences of your actions, ric. "Are you... threatening me?" ric asked, a dangerous frown forming. Kennedy smirked, his confidence growing, "What if I am?" ric stared at him for a long moment before ncing at the sky and sighing, "So it hase to this..." he thought. In the blink of an eye, both Kennedy and ric disappeared from the rooftop. The next thing Kennedy knew, they were high above the clouds, ric''s hand wrapped tightly around his neck. "Arrhh!" ric stared nkly at Kennedy, his voice cold and indifferent, "I''ve helped you countless times, even when your disgusting hands touched female students. I helped you escape... and now you threaten me, filth?" Kennedy struggled, coughing and gasping for air, "F-Filth? Then what about you? Aren''t you filthier than me?" he choked out, his face turning a deeper shade of red. ric''s grip tightened momentarily before he released Kennedy''s neck, letting him plummet through the sky. ''Oh! I forgot to ask how he escaped from the prison... Well, whatever....'' ric thought before disappearing. ..... ..... Now, ric stood over the cold, dead body of Kennedy lying on the examination table. His mind raced with questions, his thoughts a chaotic whirl. "If he is dead, then who is able to use this technology?" ric frowned deeply, his eyes scanning the lifeless form. He knew he had killed Kennedy, but the mechanical spiders... he was sure it was created by Kennedy. "Does he have another partner? Tsk, shit!" ric suddenly cursed, realizing he had overlooked something crucial, "I should have interrogated him before killing him," he thought, his annoyance growing. Even ric didn''t have the power to escape from the Academy''s prison, so someone must have been inside to help Kennedy. ric bit his lip, his mind working furiously, "The person who helped Kennedy must be the cause of this chaos," he reasoned. If this person knew about ric''s involvement, he needed to find and eliminate them before anyone else could capture him. Just then, a sudden voice jolted him from his thoughts. "Vice Principal!!" ric turned sharply to see a professor entering the room, his face alight with excitement. "Professor Delphine said we could save everyone!" the professor announced, barely able to contain his enthusiasm. ..... ... ric hurriedly walked towards the stadium, his steps quick and purposeful. As he approached, he saw Aether engaged in some sort of chaotic activity on a table. "Tsk, what''s going on here?" ric demanded, his voice cutting through the murmur of the gathered crowd as he stood before the group. Delphine was about to respond when Aether, with a dazed focus, turned and shed an amused smile, "Yo~ Motherfucker! Still alive? That''s a pity~" "!!!!!!!" The stadium fell into a pin-drop silence.... more profound than when ric hadmanded the students to stay quiet earlier. The atmosphere was thick with tension, and the students felt their hairs stand on end in fear! Aqualina and Kai''s faces turned ashen with dread and disbelief. ric clenched his teeth, barely able to contain his rage. He nced at Delphine, who nodded in understanding before she began to exin the situation in detail. "I see... So, a servant now has more knowledge than an elite student?" ric asked, his face a mix of amusement and irritation. Aether grinned. "More knowledgeable than some random Vice Principal, I suppose~" "..." Everyone drew a sharp breath, the already cold atmosphere growing icier. ''He has some guts...'' Everyone thought and some even, [+10 AP] [+10 AP] [+10 AP] [+10 AP] [+10 AP] [+10 AP] .... .... "Ahem!" Delphine cleared her throat and stepped forward. "We have located the source of the artifact that created this dome." It took a moment for ric to process this information. He nodded and turned his attention to the Academy Map. The map disyed four major circles covering each corner of the academy, forming a Venn diagram that epassed the entire campus. ric scrutinized the map, noting the four intersections of the circles, ''They must have entered through those gaps'' he thought as he nced at Victor, Aether and Delphine, scratching his head, "Now what?" Before Delphine could respond, Aether spoke up with a smug expression. "Vice Principal can''t figure it out?" he asked, his tone dripping with amusement. ric''s frustration peaked, and he nearly tore the map in his hands if not for Delphine''s stern re directed at Aether. She then addressed ric, "ording to his calctions, the ce where the four circles intersect is most likely to house the artifact." ric''s eyes widened as he traced the intersections on the map, "The... Stadium?" he mumbled, ncing around at the gathered students. "B-But we searched around the ce, there were no objects here!" One of the professors interjected, his face serious and concerned. Aether nodded but then posed a question, "What about the students?" "Huh? They would never do tha" ric cut off the professor, his voice firm and authoritative. "Search them immediately!" hemanded... He knew there was a traitor! Chapter 338: Academy is in Danger Part-7 "Don''te near me!!!" the girl screamed, her voice quaking with a mixture of fear and desperation. Her wide, panicked eyes darted around her, searching for an escape, but all she saw were faces filled with suspicion and dread. She clutched the artifact to her chest as if it were her only lifeline. "It''s fine, just calm down," Delphine urged, her voice gentle and soothing, though it wavered with the tension in the air. She hesitated, then took a cautious step closer, hands raised in a non-threatening gesture. "We won''t hurt you. We just want to help." "Lies!!" the girl shrieked, her voice cracking under the weight of her terror. She tightened her grip on the artifact, her knuckles turning white as she red at each professor surrounding her. Her body trembled, but her eyes burned with a fierce determination, as if daring them to make a move. "We''re not lying," ric intervened, his tone a careful bnce between firmness and empathy. He took a step forward, his expression serious but not unkind. "Just hand over that thing, and I promise, we''ll let you go. No one here wants to hurt you." ric''s mind was racing..... He couldn''t believe what he was seeinga servant''s wordsing true, and this girl, of all people, at the centre of it. And of course, He recognized her immediately; she wasn''t just any student. She was one of the victims of Kennedy''s molestation, a girl who had already suffered more than enough. ''What the hell is going on here?'' ric''s thoughts churned with confusion and frustration. Why was she doing this? What had driven her to such an extreme? Could it be that Kennedy had somehow coerced her before his death? But Kennedy was deadhe had made sure of that. So who else could be manipting her? As ric wrestled with his thoughts, Aether, in his usual drunken stupor, seemed entirely detached from the gravity of the situation. His hazy gaze was fixed on Helena, who was diligently tending to the wounded. Without her healing powers, she was forced to rely on basic first aid, her hands moving with a careful, practised precision that spoke of her experience. ''Hmm... How should I seduce her?'' Aether mused the dire circumstances of their predicament he wasn''t giving a fuck about that! The chaos swirling around him was nothing more than background noise. His focus was solely on Helena.... His current target. He understood seducing her was the only way to escape from this predicament. He felt he had already made his way into her heart, but something was missingsome crucial element he couldn''t quite grasp. He was close, so close, but that final inch felt more daunting than crossing an entire mile! Aether was so lost in his thoughts that he barely noticed when Raven Noir appeared beside him, her presence as sudden as it was unexpected. "Do you really think so?" she asked, her voice low and probing. Aether blinked, momentarily disoriented. "What are you talking about?" he replied. Raven pointed toward the girl clutching the artifact, "Don''t you think something feels... off about this?" Aether stared at her, "To be honest, you are the one that feels something wrommfff" His words were abruptly muffled as Victor, ever watchful, mped a hand over his mouth, silencing him before he could say something foolish. Raven tilted her head, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly in suspicion. Aether shot Victor a quick, questioning nce, then cleared his throat loudly. "What exactly do you mean?" he asked, doing his best to sound coherent despite his muddled thoughts. Raven continued, her toneced with suspicion, "I mean, if they nned everything so meticulously, do you really think they''d just ce her out in the open like this, practically gift-wrapped for us to find? It feels... too easy." Before Aether could respond, Aqualina stepped in, "Yes, you''re right, but this search only happened because Aether said otherwise we might not be able to find the traitor" Raven considered Aqualina''s words, her expression was thoughtful, "Yeah..." Aqualina then turned her gaze toward Aether, who was still leaning heavily on Victor for support. Her lips pressed into a thin line of irritation as she leaned in close to Aether and whispered sharply, "You just went along with him without even telling me?" Aether shed her a lopsided, mischievous grin, his fingers twitching as if about to pinch her cheek in a yful retort. But before he could make his move "DON''T COME NEAR ME!!!" the girl''s voice rang out again, high-pitched and frantic. ric, his patience finally snapping, decided he couldn''t wait any longer. He moved with lightning speed, grabbing the girl''s hands and trying to wrest the artifact from her grip. But before he could secure it, the artifact suddenly emitted a chilling, mechanical voice that echoed through the stadium, freezing everyone in ce. "Now you''ve done it!" BOMF! The girl''s head exploded with a sickening pop, spraying blood and gore across the stunned onlookers. "...." For what felt like an eternity, no one moved. The students stood paralyzed, their faces ashen, unable toprehend the horror that had just unfolded before their eyes. ric, his expression grim and unyielding, knelt down and carefully picked up the artifact from the girl''s lifeless hands. He stood up slowly, his eyes sweeping across, meeting each student''s gaze with cold determination. "Don''t feel pity for her," he said, his voice hard as steel. "She was one of the causes of your friends'' deaths. She knew what she was doing." The students, heads bowed in a mix of fear and reluctant understanding, nodded slowly. The initial shock was giving way to a grim resolve. The thought of finally escaping this deadly situation was a faint but growing light at the end of a dark tunnel. With a look of deep irritation, ric thrust the artifact toward Aether. "Now, turn it off," he ordered his patience worn thin by the day''s events. But before Aether could take hold of it, Raven swiftly stepped in, snatching the artifact from ric''s hand. Her eyes narrowed as she examined the device with intense focus. Everyone watched in tense silence as Raven studied the artifact. Then Crack Crack Crack Crack The four crystal balls embedded in the ''X''-shaped artifact suddenly detached and fell to the ground, shattering into fragments. The sharp sound of breaking ss was followed by a collective gasp as panic surged through the students. Instinctively, they clutched their heads, bracing for the worst. "What the hell did you do?!" Jack roared, his voice thick with anger and fear. But nothing happened. No explosions, no deadly traps, no catastrophic events followed. Raven, calm andposed, nodded slightly as if confirming something to herself. "As I suspected," she said, her voice cool and steady. "Those were just dummies, meant to throw us off." Aether frowned, taking the artifact from her hands and examining it closely. After a moment, he sighed, his shoulders rxing slightly. "Yes, she''s right. The only thing functioning here is the controller." He pointed to a yellow crystal embedded in the device that glowed faintly, a soft light that seemed to pulse with restrained power. "What do you mean?" ric asked. Aether, instead of immediately responding, turned his focus to the artifact, his eyes scanning the intricate symbols etched into its surface. After a moment of intense scrutiny, he nodded to himself as if confirming a theory. "It''s a wirelesswork... ah," he mumbled, more to himself than anyone else. "Wireless... What?" ric''s frown deepened, the unfamiliar term sparking irritation. Aether shot a quick nce at Aqualina before exining, "When someone trapped Aqua, they used a more basic version that required wired connections for data transfer. But now," he pointed to theplex circuit symbols, "these circuits are more advanced. They''re transmitting data directly through the air... no wires needed." "What do you mean?" Delphine''s voice held a note of impatience, still couldn''t get it. Before Aether could formte a simpler response, Raven stepped in, her voice steady andposed. "He''s saying that those crystal balls were functioning without needing to be physically connected to a power source or each other. They were operating independently,municating through the air." "...." A heavy silence settled over the group as the implications of Raven''s words began to sink in. "If it''s just a controller," Aqualina mused, her expression thoughtful, "then we should be able to turn off the dome without needing to find and deactivate the other crystals, right?" Raven shook her head, her gaze shifting to the artifact with a hint of wariness, "We don''t know exactly what kind of circuits are inscribed on those crystal balls. If we attempt to disable the controller, it could trigger something in the crystals themselvesmaybe even something catastrophic. It''s too risky to act without more information." Aether turned to Raven, surprise flickering in his eyes. "You know a lot about this kind of stuff," he remarked, not hiding his admiration. Raven remained silent, her face unreadable. The students and professors who had just begun to rx after their initial relief now found themselves on edge, their hopes dashed by theplexity of the situation. Before panic could fully set in, Aether who had been staring at the map suddenly pointed to the academy map, specifically at four locations within the major circles, "I believe the real crystals must be located at the centres of these domes. We need to organize four teams to head to each of these locations." ric stared at Aether, feeling a strange mix of frustration and helplessness. Here he was, a Vice-Principal of one of the most prestigious academies, reduced to taking orders from a servant. ''What kind of curse have I been saddled with?'' he thought bitterly. Yet, despite his annoyance, he knew there was no other choice. "Alright," ric said, his voice regaining its usual authority. "We''ll form teams. Elite students will stay here to protect the students, while the professors will search for it" Just as he began organizing the teams, a sudden, panicked shout echoed through the stadium. "V-Vice-Principal!!" ric spun around to see a guard staggering into the room, his body a horrific sight. Blood streamed down his torn uniform, his limbs grotesquely mangled, with parts of his chest ripped open, exposing the raw, torn flesh underneath. The sight was so shocking that several students gasped, their faces draining of colour. Everyone horrified! Helena instinctively moved to rush to the guard''s aid, but Finnian grabbed her arm, his expression stern. "You''re not allowed to use your powers, remember?" he whispered urgently. "..." Helena hesitated, her heart aching with the need to help, but she nodded reluctantly. The guard, his voice weak and trembling, managed to gasp out, "T-That monster... it''s moving..." His eyes rolled back, losing their colour, and with a final shudder, he copsed, lifeless, on the ground. ric stared at the lifeless guard, his eyes narrowing in cold calction. He had sent a few guards to investigate the bell after hearing Aqualina''s report, thinking that, at worst, the children might have been frightened by a few oversized spiders. He never anticipated the situation would escte into something so... grotesque. His gaze shifted to the Elite ss students, their faces pale with barely concealed fear. ric sighed, "You guys will search for the crystal," hemanded, his voice hard as steel. "A few professors will stay behind to protect the children. The rest,e with me..." Meanwhile... In the shadowy depths of the academy, something malevolent stirred. A swarm of spiders, their movements unnervingly synchronized, scuttled through the dark corridors, their countless legs tapping against the cold stone floor in a chilling symphony. Suddenly, a sharp ''crack'' echoed through the halls. One of the crystals, small, shattered violently. "Hmmm? Looks like someone found one of my toys," a mechanical voice chuckled, the sound reverberating with a twisted sense of amusement. "Well, it will take some time before they find the rest of my toys." As the mechanical noted the remaining three crystals. The spiders gathered before a massive, ominous door..... it was the entrance to the Origin Pir. The mechanical voice hummed thoughtfully as if contemting its next move. "Let''s find my final piece for perfecting ''The Thing,''" it said, the words dripping with sinister intent. Chapter 339: Academy is in Danger Part-8 "Are we really going to believe the word of a servant?" Jack Sparrow''s voice dripped with annoyance as he stepped into the dimly lit ssroom of the first-year students. "You got a better idea?" Nyx Shadowfall''s response wasced with amusement, her lips curling into a smirk. She couldn''t help but be entertained by the absurdity of it all.... here they were, the elite of the academy, cing their trust in a mere servant''s guidance. [+1 AP] "Tsk." Jack clicked his tongue in irritation, his eyes scanning the room. "I never imagined Victor, of all people, would stoop to being friends with a servant..." Thalia Crimsonw muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. Her image of Victora man of pride and arroganceshed violently with the idea of him lowering himself to befriend someone of such low status. It didn''t make sense! But then, nothing made sense in actions to begin! "Didn''t you hear? That servant supposedly saved him," Finnian Sunfire mumbled as he crouched down to peer under one of the desks. "Yes..." Thalia nodded slowly, though her eyes were fixed on the shadows that seemed to shift just out of sight, "But still, a servant saving Victor? Someone ''Slightly'' stronger than me? It''s... bizarre. Unbelievable. And yet... here we are." Hearing that, Both Nyx and Finnian nodded, her amusement long gone. Jack, however, knew more than he let on about Aether. He had seen things..... things that convinced him this servant was far from ordinary. As their conversation trailed off, the oppressive silence of the room seemed to deepen. That''s when they noticed it.... a figure, barely discernible, crouched in the far corner of the ssroom. It was almost as if the shadows were reluctant to release their grip on the figure, keeping it hidden from view. "Hello," a cold, mechanical voice suddenly echoed through the room, its tone unnatural and hollow. The sound was so unexpected, so out of ce, that it sent a shiver down their spines. As the figure began to move forward, the group instinctively raised their shlights, the beams of light cutting through the darkness and illuminating the figure. Phwwhht Jack let out a low whistle as the light revealed the figure''s form. She was naked, her body pale and lifeless, yet somehow eerily beautiful in a twisted way, "Not bad, not bad at all... Hmm, aren''t you th---" Jack''s tone was casual as if he had forgotten the gravity of the situation. He began to take a step forward, intrigued by the girl''s sudden appearance. But before he could get any closer, Nyx''s hand shot out, gripping his shoulder with surprising force. "She''s dead," Nyx stated tly, her voice devoid of the amusement it had carried earlier. "Huh?" Jack blinked, confused by her words. His gaze flicked back to the girl, and that''s when he noticed the unnatural stillness of her body, the way her skin seemed almost too pale, too cold. Then his eyes locked onto hers.... empty, lifeless orbs embedded with jagged crystals that gleamed ominously in the light. Crunch Crunch Suddenly, a sickening sound filled the room.... a wet, crunching noise, like flesh being torn apart. Their shlights flickered, casting erratic beams of light that danced wildly across the walls. Eight long, metallic des slowly extended from the girl''s back, slicing through her flesh with a nauseating precision. The des gleamed in the dim light, dripping with blood and sinew. "Shit!" ... ..... "Looks like Aqualina''s servant is more genius than any of us," Leon remarked with an amused grin, his voice carrying a hint of irony. His eyes flickered with a mix of respect and disbelief. "You must have taught him very well, Aqualina." Aqualina shot Leon a brief nce but remained silent as she led the group into the eerie, deserted student cafeteria. Kai clenched his fists, his pride stinging at the thought of his ve outsmarting him. ''How dare he!'', The resentment gnawed at him, festering in the pit of his stomach, until Vesperine leaned in close, her voice a sultry whisper in his ear. "The achievement of your servant is your achievement, Kai." Kai''s eyes widened as the words sank in, and he nodded vigorously. "Yeah, right! Whatever he did belongs to me!" His voice was loud, almost desperate as if trying to convince himself as much as the others. He gripped Vesperine''s hand tightly as if drawing strength from her presence. They moved deeper into the cafeteria, their footsteps growing more tentative as they failed to find anything unusual. "Maybe there''s nothing here," Kai muttered, a trace of relief seeping into his voice. But it was short-lived. "Aether marked the entire cafeteria, Kai," Aqualina said. She pointed towards a shadowy doorway. "That includes the kitchen." Kai clicked his tongue in frustration, but he knew there was no turning back. They had to check. As they approached the kitchen, the oppressive silence was suddenly broken by... Crunch Crunch "!!!" Vesperine flinched, her body instinctively pressing closer to Kai. Their nostrils red as a nauseating stench filled the air... a thick, metallic scent that wed at their throats. Blood! The smell was unmistakable and overwhelming, and it only grew stronger as they neared the kitchen. Since it was dark, they couldn''t see much. What about light? They were not idiots like in the horror movies!! Everything works on Arcane energy so..... Only a few battery-operated shlights were avable so, they pointed the shlight to the kitchen and, "What the fuck?" Leon squinted, his face twisting in disgust as the shlight''s beamnded on the grotesque scene before him. The floor was littered with chunks of flesh, torn and gnawed on as if something had feasted on the bodies of students. The walls were sttered with dark, drying blood, and the countertops were streaked with gore. Aqualina, fighting back her revulsion, was about to step inside when Thud The sound of something heavy hitting the ground echoed through the cafeteria, making the group flinch. They spun around, shlights whipping through the darkness, but there was nothingjust the empty, shadowy expanse of the cafeteria stretching out before them. Vesperine''s grip on Kai''s shirt tightened, her knuckles white as she tried to steady her breathing. Kai, for all his bravado, felt a chill creeping up his spine, his fingers trembling as they clutched the hilt of his silver sword. Thud Another chair toppled over, ttering loudly against the floor. The group jumped, immediately training their shlights on the source of the sound. But again, there was nothing..... nothing but a growing pool of blood spreading across the floor. "I-It''s creepy," Kai muttered, his voice betraying the fear he desperately tried to suppress. "I... I think we should leave now..." Leon''s voice was shaky, his usual confidence shattered by the oppressive atmosphere. Even Aqualina, usually soposed, felt a tremor in her hands as she weighed their options. But as a princess, she couldn''t afford to show weakness. "Fine," Aqualina finally said, her voice strained, "Let''s leave this ce." The relief was almost palpable as the decision was madeuntil Kai spoke up. "Hey, Leon!" "Yes!" "You''re a dragon, right? Why don''t you just use your fire breath to light the entire area?" Kai asked curiously. Leon blinked, realization dawning on him. Breathing fire was a natural ability for himone that didn''t require Arcane energy. How could he have forgotten? "I... I forgot," he admitted, the embarrassment momentarily overshadowed by the need to take action. Everyone shook their heads in disbelief. Leon inhaled deeply, preparing to unleash a small burst of me to illuminate the room. But just as the fire sparked from his lips Drip, Drip Sssshhhhh A sizzling sound hissed through the air as something wet dripped onto the me, extinguishing it instantly. The smell of burning blood filled the air, acrid and sharp. Leon frowned, confusion quickly turning to dread as he slowly looked up. "GGGGRRRRRRRRRR!!!!" A deafening, guttural roar reverberated through the room, shaking the very walls. The group''s shlights snapped upward, illuminating a horrific sight above them. A creature.... half woman, half spider... clung to the ceiling, her twisted body glistening with blood. Her eyes, glowing with malevolent hunger, locked onto them, her mouth curling into a grotesque smile that revealed rows of needle-sharp teeth. "FUCK!!!" ..... ..... "I never thought Drunken Aether was so bold," Lia muttered, her voice tinged with shock as she walked briskly toward theboratories. Her wide eyes betrayed the disbelief she still felt from witnessing Aether''s audacity. "Me too... I''m practically stunned," Aria added, her voiceced with both shock and a hint of amusement. Aether''s antics had always been unpredictable, but this time, he''d gone beyond anything she could have imagined. "Anyway, we need to find that damn thing before it blows up in our faces!" Lia''s voice was firm, her determination clear as she quickened her pace. Selene''s eyes narrowed as she nced at Ashara, who was trailing behind them. "Aren''t you a little too close with Victor?" she asked, her tone deceptively casual but her gaze sharp, almost predatory. "Yes, why are you so close with him?" Aria''s voice was low, almost dangerous, as she turned her attention to Ashara. Ashara flinched, the sudden scrutiny catching her off guard. Why were they discussing this now, of all times? "I-It''s because... he''s my friend," she stammered, her voice trembling slightly. "Friend?" Selene''s eyes seemed to darken as she moved in closer. "Y-Yes--" "That''s all?" Aria''s voice was a whisper, as she moved in closer. "Y-Ye--" "Forever?" Selene cut her off, stepping even closer, her voice cold as ice... almost her face an inch away from Ashara. "Wh--" "Right?" Aria zoomed in. "...." Ashara''s face paled, her breath hitching in her throat. She felt trapped, like a deer in the headlights, knowing that one wrong word could spell her doom. Lia, sensing the rising tension, started to intervene. "Guys, please stop it, you ar" Tang!! The sudden metallic ng echoed through the room, making the group jump in unison. Their shlights whipped around, the beams converging on a small, shadowy corner where the curtains hung limply. It was the exact spot where Victor had almost lost his nerve earlier. The group moved cautiously toward the curtain, their hearts pounding in their chests... They braced themselves, preparing for the inevitable as Lia reached out to pull the curtain back. The group slowly moved towards that curtain, while everyone readied themself for anything inevitable and was just about to move the curtain when, THUNDER!!! "!!!!!!" The deafening roar of thunder exploded overhead, making everyone flinch violently. Their breaths caught in their throats as the sound reverberated everywhere. "Fuck that!!" Lia cursed under her breath, her heart racing as she cursed the thunder for its impable timing. She wasted no time, yanking the curtain back with a sharp motion, revealing Nothing! "Sigh" A collective sigh of relief escaped their lips..... But as their eyes lowered, they noticed something on the floor. A severed head with eight spindly legs was staring up at them, its lips curled into an eerie, amused grin. The eyes gleamed with a sinister intelligence. "KYAAAAAAAAA!!!!" ... .... Meanwhile, Aether was in his own little world, oblivious to the terror unfolding elsewhere. His mind was a hazy mix of drunken confidence and sheer delight as if the chaos around him was nothing more than his y game! "KYYAAAAAA!!!" He looked down at Helena, who was clinging to him with all her might, her slender arms wrapped around his torso as if he were the only thing keeping her stay to reality. "Don''t worry, Helena," Aether cooed, his voice dripping with feigned gantry as he gently patted her head, "I will protect you~" Helena''s whole body trembled, and she looked up at him with wide, tear-brimmed eyes, "Y-You will?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, every ounce of her fear showing through. "Of course," Aether whispered back, his tone turning soft and reassuring, yet with an undercurrent of mischievous charm. He leaned down, brushing his lips against her forehead in a tender kiss. "Anything for my love~" [+500--] Helena''s face flushed a deep, crimson red, so intense that even the ripest tomato would pale inparison. She tried to hide her face against his chest, but it only made her blush more fiercely. "How cute~" [+500--] Aether then looked at a few severed heads moving faster with spider legs attached to them and both Raven and Victor fighting it! Chapter 340: Helena Sunfire Helena Sunfire... In her early years, there was nothing particrly notable about her except her unwavering goodness and her innocent belief that everyone deserved happiness. Helena was an orphan, a fragile flower growing in the cold, grey stone of an orphanage overseen by the stern yet revered Archpriestess. From the moment she could walk and talk, it was clear that Helena''s heart was too tender, too pure for the harsh world around her. She was the type of child who would believe the best in everyone, even when they did not deserve it. Her naivety was both her strength and her weakness. Other orphans, with hearts hardened by loss and neglect, easily deceived Helena, coaxing her to give them her food. Many nights, Helena went to bed with an empty stomach, her belly aching, yet she felt no bitterness!! ....Instead, there was a strange satisfaction in her self-imposed hunger. To her, the smiles she saw on the faces of those who took advantage of her kindness were worth every pang of hunger she endured. Helena was too innocent to understand the concept of selfishness or malice. She gave without expecting anything in return, and her small acts of kindness were driven by nothing more than the purest intentions. She was, in every sense, a kind soul... one untainted by the cruelty that life often inflicts. One day, as the Archpriestess conducted her routine inspection, her sharp eyes fell upon Helena. The young girl was quietly offering her meagre portion of soup to a group of children. The Archpriestess''s brows furrowed in concern. She was meticulous in ensuring that each child was fed properly... So why was Helena giving away her food? What was driving this behaviour? Intrigued, the Archpriestess approached the girl, her voice gentle yetmanding as she inquired, "Helena, why do you share your food when you are hungry yourself?" Helena looked up at the Archpriestess, her big, innocent eyes filled with a kind of wisdom that seemed beyond her years, "Their happy smiles," she said softly, "they make my stomach feel full." "...." For a moment, the Archpriestess was rendered speechless. Here was a child, not even old enough to fullyprehend the world, yet she was offering a response that echoed with profound truth. The Archpriestess gazed at Helena, seeing in her a rare purity, a light that shone undimmed by the shadows of the world. She was too Pure! But with that realization came a deep concern. The Archpriestess knew all too well the dangers that awaited a girl like Helenatoo kind, too trusting, too good for a world that often repaid such virtues with cruelty. She, the Archpriestess, had not climbed to her position through innocence alone. She understood the value of cunning, the necessity of wisdom born from experience, and the importance of guarding one''s heart. Yet, there was something about Helena that struck a chord within the Archpriestess. Perhaps it was the girl''s unwavering faith in the goodness of others, or perhaps it was the innocence that radiated from her like a beacon. Whatever it was, the Archpriestess made a decision that day. She would take Helena under her wing, not just as another orphan to care for, but as a personal follower, someone to mould and protect. Beginning of Brainwashing! Thus began the slow and deliberate education of Helena Sunfire. The Archpriestess did not rush; she knew that such innocence should not be shattered, but gently guided. She taught Helena everything she needed to know about the world.... not just the good, but the bad and the ugly as well. She instilled in her the wisdom to discern truth from deceit, to understand theplexities of human nature, and to navigate the intricacies of life with both grace and shrewdness. Under the Archpriestess''s tutge, Helena blossomed. She began to see the world not just through her own innocent eyes, but with the wisdom imparted to her by the Archpriestess. Helena saw the Archpriestess as the epitome of greatness. The Archpriestess was revered by everyone who knew her. She was not just respected but deeply loved by all. The Archpriestess was the embodiment ofpassion, always extending a helping hand to those in need. She cared for Helena as if she were her own daughter, nurturing her with boundless affection. The Archpriestess had taught Helena everything she knew about the world, shaping her understanding of life. And above all, the Archpriestess''s devotion to the Mother Root was unparalleled, a sacred love that surpassed all else. Helena, who once believed that the smiles of others could fill the emptiness in her stomach, found that it was now the praises of the Archpriestess that truly nourished her stomach as well as her soul. Wherever the Archpriestess went, Helena followed, loyal and devoted, like a small chick following its mother hen, never straying far from her guiding presence. She dreamed of standing beside her, of being worthy of her praise and affection. Every day, Helena prayed to the Mother Root, the deity to whom the Archpriestess was so devoted, hoping that one day she would be strong enough, wise enough, to serve alongside the woman she revered. And then, as if her prayers were answered, the day of her baptism arrived. It was a day that would change everything. Not only did Helena be a Chosen One, a rare honour that marked her as someone special, but she also awakened a unique bloodline abilityan extraordinary power that set her apart from all others. Joy overwhelmed her. To be a Chosen One meant she could finally stand beside the Archpriestess, supporting her in all things. And she wasn''t alone in this journey. Her childhood friend, Finnian, who had also been taken in by the Archpriestess after she saw the goodness in his heart, shared in this destiny. .... That''s all! That was all that had been written in Aqualina''s notes... the precious details that had been shared during the capture-the-g event. Now, "C-Can anyone exin why I''m holding him?" Helena stammered, her cheeks flushed a deep crimson as she struggled to support the weight of the drunken Aether. His arm was drapedzily around her shoulders, his face nestled toofortably against her trembling hand. Victor cast a brief nce at Helena, his gaze shifting to Aether, who responded with a yful wink. With a tone that brooked no argument, Victor said, "I can''t fight while carrying him." Helena''s frown deepened, even as the heat in her cheeks intensified, "T-Then we could''ve left him in the stadium, right?" she suggested, her voiceced with frustration. But the redness in her cheeks betrayed the way Aether''s warm breath brushed against her skin as he nuzzled closer, clearly enjoying the situation. He was definitely taking advantage of this! Victor shrugged, his shlight casting a long shadow as they continued down the corridor towards the senior ssrooms. "Well, he was the one who insisted on helping us," he replied, his tone almost indifferent. Helena''s lips twitched in disbelief. ''Him? Helping us?'' she thought incredulously, stealing a nce at Aether, who met her gaze with another wink and slurred, "I love you~" His voice was thick with the unmistakable effects of alcohol. [+50--] Helena''s breath hitched as her cheeks burned even brighter. Her heart pounded wildly in her chest, threatening to burst. She was on the brink of a full-blown panic attack, and the weight of Aether''s words only made her more flustered. She needed an escape! "H-Hey, Raven, you take him!!" she blurted out desperately, her voice rising with the plea. Raven, who had been walking ahead, stopped in her tracks and turned her head to look at Aether, then back at Helena, before casually turning away again without a word. Helena''s eyes widened in shock. "What the..." she started, but her words trailed off as she instinctively moved to push Aether towards Victor. But then... Tang... Tang... Everyone froze at the sharp metallic sound that echoed through the hallway. Victor and Raven instantly swung their shlights towards the source, their postures tense, ready for anything. Ssshhhh... Tang, Tang, Tang, Tang... Something darted through the darkness, too fast to be seen clearly. Helena swallowed hard, her throat suddenly dry as her grip on Aether''s shirt tightened instinctively. She could feel her pulse racing in her ears, a cold sweat breaking out on her skin. Aether frowned, feeling the sudden pressure from Helena''s hand, ''What the hell? Are we in a horror movie or something?'' he thought irritably, just about ready to end this absurdity. But then, he noticed the way Helena clung to him, her fear palpable. Aether blinked in surprise, his annoyance giving way to something else. ''Oh... Oh~'' he thought with a smirk, his lips curling into a sly grin. He decided to stay quiet, ying along with the situation. Meanwhile, both Victor and Raven swept their shlights through the darkness, but the source of the sound remained elusive. Raven frowned deeply, adjusting her cooling sses.... yes, she was still wearing those damn things, even in the dark!! Her usual stoic demeanour gave way to a hint of concern as everyone stood on high alert, their senses sharpened by the eerie silence that followed. Then, a chilling sound pierced the stillness. "Heheh..." The sinisterughter sent a shiver down Helena''s spine. Raven and Victor immediately aimed their shlights at the ceiling, where they saw... A severed head, grotesquely crawling towards them on spindly metal spider legs. Its lifeless crystal eyes seemed to fixate on Aether and Helena, as if drawn to their fear. Helena''s blood ran cold as she stared at the horrific sight, her face draining of colour. "KYYAAAAAA!!!" She screamed, the sound tearing from her throat as she instinctively threw her arms around Aether, seeking refuge from the terror that gripped her. Before the head could get any closer, Aether caught it mid-air with a swift, almost casual movement. He held it in his bare hand, his expression nk as he examined the grotesque object. The dead, soulless crystal eyes of the head stared back at him, but there wasn''t a trace of fear in Aether''s eyes. After all, when you''re drunk, fear of the unknown doesn''t seem so daunting. Because that''s all fear was.... just the fear of the unknown. "Don''t worry, Helena~" Aether said softly, his voice carrying a surprising warmth as he tossed the head aside. In the blink of an eye, Victor''s sword sliced through the air, severing the mechanical limbs with precision. "I''ll protect you~" Aether added with a teasing lilt, his words dripping with yful intent. Helena''s entire body trembled, her wide, tear-filled eyes locking onto Aether''s face. "Y-You will?" she whispered, her voice barely audible, trembling with fear and a budding sense of something else... something unfamiliar and confusing. She was really not good with these sorts of things! While the moment of budding romance unfolded, Raven and Victor quickly dealt with the remaining mechanical abominations. There were only a few, and their experience made short work of them. Raven inspected the severed head with a curious expression before muttering, "These are mechanical parts... Someone with serious technological prowess is behind this." She nced at Victor, who was now watching Aether and Helena with a thoughtful expression. "It''s fine~ It''s gone, Helena~" Aether whispered soothingly into her ear, his voice gentle as he held her close, feeling the tremors still running through her body. [+500--] ''Tsk,'' Aether clicked his tongue in mild frustration, wondering what was really holding her back. Chapter 341: Something wrong with Helena? Aether''s group moved cautiously through the dimly lit senior ssrooms. But despite their vignce, they encountered nothing.... no more monsters, no more eerie sounds. Just the oppressive silence that seemed to mock their every step! "There''s nothing here" Raven muttered under her breath, her brow furrowing in frustration. She couldn''t shake the feeling that something was off. If there was nothing here, then why had those strange, twisted creatures been lurking around? What were they guarding.... or hiding? As Raven and Victor pressed on, searching every corner and shadow, Helena trailed slightly behind, still supporting Aether''s weight. The warmth of his body against hers was distracting, but there was something else.... something heavy weighing on her heart. "I-I am sorry," Helena''s voice broke the silence, trembling with the weight of her guilt. Aether blinked, turning his head to nce at her. Helena blushed furiously, her eyes downcast as she held Aether closer, almost as if seeking his warmth to ward off the coldness of her shame. "I-I''m sorry for running away when you tried so hard to help me." After speaking with the other girls, Helena hade to understand the magnitude of her mistake. She realized how deeply she had hurt Aether, even if it wasn''t intentional. He had only ever wanted to help her, to be there for her, and she had turned her back on him in his moment of need. The thought of it gnawed at her, a pain that grew sharper with each passing day. And then there were Selene''s words.... those devili-- no, those ''friendly'' words that had cut through her hesitation andid bare what she needed to do. Selene had been blunt, but she had made Helena see the truth! Selene had done her best!!! "A-Aether," Helena stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "Hm?" Aether''s response was casual because he was thinking about what kind of strategy he needed to make now, but his eyes flickered with a hint of curiosity. "D-Do you really love me?" Helena asked, her voiceced with a mixture of curiosity and fear. Her face was as red as a ripe apple, and her heart pounded so loudly she was certain Aether could hear it. Aether looked at her, at the innocence and vulnerability in her eyes. He let out a soft sigh as if releasing the tension he''d been holding onto. "Hah You even need to ask? I love you so much, Helena, that I want to corruahem, I mean, I want to help you through thick and thin," he said, his hand slowly sliding down to rest on her hip, a sly grin ying on his lips. "I-I see" Helena''s face turned an even deeper shade of red, if that were possible. Her thoughts were a whirlwind, and she struggled to find her voice. [+5000---] "B-But you know, I am a Saintess," Helena added hesitantly, her voice tinged with fear and uncertainty. Aether''s expression shifted, a frown creasing his brow. "I see So, you don''t want to love a servant, right?" His voice grew quieter,ced with an unexpected sadness, as if the very idea pained him. Helena''s eyes widened in panic, realizing he had misunderstood her. She shook her head frantically. "N-No! That''s not what I meant!!" "Then what is it?" Helena averted her gaze, unable to meet his eyes as she mumbled, "W-Well, you know I''m a Saintess and all" She hesitated, her heart racing as she tried to find the right words. Finally, with a sigh of resignation, she admitted, "I''m not allowed to form a rtionship with anyone! That''s against our Mother God''s teachings!" Aether blinked, processing her words before asking, "Who said that?" "Of course, the Archpriestess!" Helena replied with a sense of pride, as if the Archpriestess''s words werew. ''Of course, it had to be that woman!'' Aether screamed inwardly, gritting his teeth. That woman, the Archpriestess, was practically on the verge of raping him, yet her followers clung to her every word as if it were gospel. "Fuck it!" "H-Huh?" Helena stammered, startled by his outburst. "I-I mean" Aether quicklyposed himself, his mind racing for a solution. Then, an idea struck him. "We could have a ''pure'' rtionship, you know?" "Pure?" Helena repeated, her eyes wide with curiosity. Aether''s lips curled into a sly smile as he leaned in closer, his breath warm against her ear. "Yes, a pure rtionship where only talking is allowed." [+5000---] Helena''s eyes widened in surprise as she processed his words. ''Yeah, why didn''t I think of that?'' she wondered, looking at Aether with a renewed sense of hope. Despite the chaos and the fear that had gripped her earlier, the thought of being close to him, even in a ''pure'' way, made her heart race uncontrobly. "Pure rtionship Ah," Helena mumbled, her mind spinning with the possibilities. But then, a thought struck her, and she looked up at Aether with a mix of doubt and concern. "A-Are you fine with that? You won''t be able to hold my hand like other lovers do Are you really fine with that?" Her voice trembled with uncertainty, fear creeping back in as she wondered if she was asking too much. Aether smiled softly, a tenderness in his eyes that Helena had never seen before. "Yes, of course, for my love I would do anything~" !~Din-- [+5000 A-] ''Tsk, What the fuck!!'' Aether clicked his tongue inwardly, frustrated by her Affection points. But when he looked at Helena, blushing furiously, her innocence and sincerity made him pause. "T-Then I will call the Archpriestess to inform her of this," Helena said suddenly, her voice filled with resolve. "..." Aether blinked in disbelief, his mind racing to process what she had just said. ''Call the Archpriestess? What? Why?'' "Aether?" Helena''s voice was soft, almost timid, as she noticed his silence. "Pardon?" Aether shook his head, struggling to understand why she felt the need to involve the Archpriestess in this. Helena blushed deeper, her shyness returning as she shyly exined, "I-I mean I I''m fine, you know? I mean, I agree to form a p-pure rtionship with you!" Her face was beet red as she added, "I''ll inform the Archpriestess about our pure rtionship and get her permission too!" "..." Aether stared nkly at Helena, his mind screaming in disbelief. ''Get the Archpriestess''s permission? Fuck! She''ll kill us both! And she''s lying, isn''t she?'' His mind slowly started to clear as the alcohol began to wear off, the reality of the situation sinking in. This was not going to be as simple as he had hoped. Despite the sweet words and the blush on Helena''s face, there was something missing.... there were no affection points. Aether had seen this before! To be honest, Helena didn''t fully understand her own feelings. She was simply going with the flow, doing what she thought was right or what Selene had pushed her to believe was right. Helena had always been devoted to helping the poor, supporting the Archpriestess, and living a life of piety. That had been her entire world! While Aether had managed to stir her emotions, he hadn''tpletely disced her unwavering loyalty to the Archpriestess. In Helena''s heart, the Archpriestess still reigned supreme. She wasn''t ready to genuinely reciprocate his feelings; she was just epting them for now, intending to consult the Archpriestesster. It was all part of her n to avoid hurting him! As Aether observed her shy smile, he understood her intentions, ''Looks like the final approach is different...'' he mused, a smile tugging at his lips. He leaned in, his voice soft and affectionate, "I love you~" [+5000 A-] Helena nodded, her face still flushed, but her heart wasn''t fully in it. Aether''s mind churned. He needed to do something drastic, something that would etch him into her heart for good. His gaze shifted to Victor and Raven, who were ahead of them, meticulously checking every corner of the hallway. "Tsk, did you guys not find anything yet?" Aether called out, his voiceced with irritation. Victor turned back and shrugged. "There''s nothing here, Aether." Aether sighed, his eyes scanning the area. The Senior ssrooms, he didn''t notice before as he was busy with his other subject not now looking at he noticed, ''Is that ce near these ssrooms?'' he wondered, a frown creasing his brow. "There''s adies'' restroom at the end of the hall. Have you checked it?" Victor shook his head while Raven simply stared at Aether, her expression unreadable. They moved towards the restroom, their steps cautious, and as they opened the door "Wee! Took you long enough, Mister Victor!" Kenley''s voice rang out, a small, chilling smile ying on her lips as she stood in the dimly lit restroom. Aether''s eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Kenley. Something about her was different.... something unsettling. He couldn''t quite ce it, but his instincts screamed at him to be on guard. He nced at Victor who nodded quietly before preparing to act, but Kenley''s voice cut through the tension, "Oh! Oh! Don''t move, Mister Victor," she said, her voice mechanical, her smile turning cold as she held up a small ck crystal. Helena and Raven''s eyes widened in horror. "So it''s you" Helena mumbled, her voice dripping with disgust and hatred. Kenley smirked, her gaze sharp and predatory. "Yes, yours truly~" Her voice was almost yful, but there was a deadly edge to it. Suddenly, the room filled with the sound of metal scraping against the floor... Tang, Tang, Tang, Tang Numerous severed heads with spider-like legs scuttled into the room, blocking the exit and forcing everyone to step back. "Hehe" Kenley chuckled, a wicked grin spreading across her face as she ruffled her hair, her eyes gleaming with malice. "A bitch lick my foot!" she demanded, her voice echoing with arrogance, though her eyes were locked onto Victor. Victor''s frown deepened, his muscles coiling as if ready to strike, But Kenley''s voice sliced through the air once more. "If you try anything funny, I will fucking break this crystal, and those inside their heads will go Puff!! Hahahaha!" Dread washed over everyone like a cold wave. "Now lick my foot, bitch!" Kenley''s words dripped with venom, her gaze never leaving Victor, daring him to defy her. Chapter 342: Academy is in Danger Part-9 "I can''t hear you~" "Arhh!" "What did this bitch just say?" Aether asked, his voiceced with dark amusement as he stared at Kenley''s disfigured face, the remnants of her earlier arrogance shattered along with her features. "A-Aether, that''s enough!" Helena''s voice trembled with urgency as she watched the scene unfold, her gaze flicking toward Victor, who calmly unleashed mes like a fire extinguisher, reducing the spider-like heads to ashes. Their screams echoed briefly before being snuffed out by the consuming fire. Raven observed Victor with a mix of curiosity and intrigue, ''He''s capable of channelling Arcane energy within his body... that''s actually quite new,'' she mused, noting the slight tremor in her own hand, a side effect of theck of Arcane energy in their surroundings. Her gaze then shifted to Aether, her curiosity deepening, ''And him... he''s faster than I expected,'' she thought. Few minutes, The events had unfolded so quickly.... when Kenley had dared tomand Victor to lick her foot, Aether''s reaction was instant, a blur of motion that even Raven''s keen eyes struggled to track. In mere seconds, Aether had appeared before Kenley, mming her into the wall, shattering both her face and the ss sink in the process. Victor, undeterred, had simply turned his attention back to the creatures, unleashing his fire upon them without missing a beat. Raven frowned slightly, her analytical mind racing, ''Is it natural speed, or something else entirely?'' She made a mental note to keep a closer watch on Aether, curious about his true capabilities. Meanwhile, Aether shook off his fury, his gaze sweeping over the broken sink and Kenley''s bloodied, battered face. Pity? Was nowhere to be found in his eyes. Instead, he turned his attention to Helena, his expression softening as he said, "She was trying to scare you, right?... Don''t worry, I''ll protect you!" His voice was earnest, the sincerity behind his words undeniable as he smashed Kenley''s head against the sink once more. "Arrrhhh!!!" Kenley groaned in agony, the realization of her own powerlessness dawning on her. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined a mere servanta lowly servantdaring toy a hand on her! [+5000 A-] Helena''s heart pounded in her chest, her face flushing a deep crimson, ''S-So he was doing this for me?'' she thought, her pulse quickening at the realization. Her heart skipped a beat before she forced herself to focus, "B-But we don''t have time, Aether, we need to finish it!" she urged, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and urgency. "Yeah, we need to finish it..." Aether agreed with a nod, before forcing Kenley''s mouth onto his shoe. "Now lick it, bitch!!" hemanded, his voice cold and unyielding. "...." "...." The girls stared at Aether in stunned silence before ncing over at Victor, wondering if there was some unspoken bond of ''brotherhood'' at y here. But in reality, Aether was really pissed off by this bitch, he really wanted to teach this bitch how he was! Kenley red up at Aether, her eyes burning with hatred as she mumbled incoherently, "mmiffff fmfmfmf fmmmf ssss!!!"a garbled threat that would have tranted to, "You will pay for this!!" "Hmm? What was that?" Aether asked mockingly, before shoving his shoe deeper into her mouth, nearly choking her in the process. "A-Aether, stop!" Helena shouted, her voice sharp with distress. "Okay, Your Majesty~" Aether replied with a wink, pulling back as he relented. [+5000 A-] Helena''s face turned an even deeper shade of red as she red at Aether. ''Why is he calling me that?!... though, I kind of like it... for some reason... Sigh, I really don''t know what to say,'' she thought, her emotions swirling in confusion. ..... .... Meanwhile, elsewhere in the chaos, "Hold it right there!!" ric shouted at the professors who were desperately trying to restrain the massive metallic spider, its sharp legs thrashing violently. "Arrhhh!" One of the professors screamed in agony as the spider''s leg sliced through his hand, severing itpletely. "Tsk!" ric clicked his tongue in frustration before leaping onto the spider''s back, trying to cover its crystal eyes. "Now, break its legs!!!" he ordered, his voice filled with urgency. The professors obeyed, hacking at the spider''s legs with their swords, each blow met with resistance as they struggled to sever the metallic limbs. ric''s mind raced as he tried to locate the spider''s power source, knowing it had to be connected to Kennedy, ''That bastard! Even in death, he''s still a pain in the butt'' he thought, gritting his teeth as he tried to dislodge the mechanical parts. Cckkkk!!! "AARRRRHHHH!!" Another professor cried out in pain, impaled by the spider''s sharp leg. "Tsk! Throw me the rope, let''s rope it down!!" ric shouted, his mind working furiously to find a way to bring the monstrous machine to its knees. .... .... In the stadium, tension hung in the air as students nervously eyed the bloodied remnants of Aqualina''s team, their faces marked with exhaustion and pain. Taylor, sensing the urgency, rushed to Aqualina''s side, his hands trembling slightly as he tried to patch up her wounds. An elderly woman from the infirmary moved among the others, administering aid as best she could. "What happened?" a student asked, his voiceced with dread as he took in the sight of his injured Elite ss students. If Chosen ones were like that, he wondered what would happen to them! They might have died!! That fear alone turned their head pale! Aqualina, grimacing as Taylor worked on her wounds, stayed silent, her eyes shifting to Kai, who held up a small crystal ball, its surface glimmering faintly. "Did you really get it?" someone asked, hope ring in their voice. Kai nodded, a small, weary smile on his face. "Yes." Relief washed over the group, their expressions brightening as the possibility of escape seemed within reach. Then, another group entered the stadium.....Aether''s group. Aqualina''s eyes immediately locked onto Aether, her heart tightening with worry. But when she saw that he was unharmed, she let out a sigh of relief.... only to frown as she noticed Helena holding onto him, a little too close forfort. ''Nah, She''s just helping him,'' Aqualina reassured herself, though her gaze lingered. But then, her eyes fell on Kenley, and the air grew tense. The sight of her sent ripples of unease through the crowd. "Oh~ Someone beat us to it," Aether muttered his tone a mix of disappointment and amusement. Aqualina managed a smile, despite the tension, "So, you got it?" Aether looked to Raven, who revealed a small ck crystal. The sight of it sparked hope anew in everyone''s hearts. They were so close now, just a few more pieces, and they could escape this nightmare. Suddenly, Kenley''s voice broke through the moment of hope, herughter twisted and cruel. "Hahaha... do you think getting those will help you get out?" Her bloody mouth smeared her words, sttering them across the stadium like a curse. "Y-You will die... Every one of you will die here pathetically!!! Hahahaa" Her haughty voice echoed like pouring Chilling Water on hopeful mes! "Shut the fuck up, bitch!" Aether''s voice was a snarl, and before anyone could react, he punched Kenley in the mouth, the sickening crunch of breaking teeth echoing through the air. "Arrhhh!" The students recoiled at the sight, their faces twisting in shock and horror as they watched Aether''s ruthless disy. As the tension settled and the details were exchanged, another group arrived. Kai''s eyes lit up with relief as he spotted his sister. "Selene?" But there was no relief in Selene''s eyes, nor in the eyes of her group. Their faces were pale, their spirits crushed.... More like they were literally had a fear! Aqualina frowned, sensing something was wrong. "What happened?" "We couldn''t find anything," Selene admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. " Huh?" Aqualina''s voice cracked with disbelief. "HUH!!" The collective shock rippled through the stadium, a wave of dread sweeping over everyone. Kenley tied up and bloodied, cackled maniacally. "Haha Now you understand, bitches!!" "I said shut the fuck up!!" Stter!! "AAARRRRRRHHHHH!!!" Aether''s kick connected with Kenley''s crotch, a brutal blow that had even the girls in the crowd instinctively covering themselves, their faces painted with horror and disbelief. Aether, seemingly unperturbed, merely dusted off his hands, a dark smirk on his face. He believed in gender equality.... sometimes! Then, from the crowd, a shout rang out, "Vice-Principal!!" All eyes turned to see ric, dragging limbless professors behind him, their once-proud forms now reduced to broken, bleeding husks. Aether''s eyes widened in shock, his gaze zeroing in on one figure in particr. "D-Delphine?" His voice was a broken whisper as he saw Delphine, her right hand severed, her face a mask of pain and defiance. "!!!!!!" A pure, unadulterated killing intent radiated from him, the air around him growing heavy and oppressive. Almost everyone shits themself... even ric, battle-hardened and resolute, flinched before that intense gaze. /Calm down, Aether!/ Taylor''s voice echoed in his mind. Chapter 343: Academy is in Danger Part-10 "She will be fine, right?" Aether''s voice trembled with concern as he watched Helena meticulously tending to Delphine''s wound. [+4000 AP] Delphine, sensing his worry, offered a small smile, trying to soothe him. "I will be fine, Aether," she reassured, her voice gentle despite the pain. But Aether, still agitated, replied sharply, "I-I didn''t ask you, I asked her!" His eyes bore into Helena, desperate for her confirmation. Helena sighed softly, "I know, Aether. She will be fine. Her hand will regrow once I use healing magic," she exined, her tone calm but edged with a hint of annoyance? Aether exhaled slowly, the tension in his shoulders easing a little, but his mind raced. The fact that something managed to harm Delphine so severely gnawed at him, hinting at dangers far greater than he had anticipated. ''What should I do? If I focus on the current situation, I might not be able to seduce Helena... which certainly is not a good idea,'' Aether thought, his gaze fixed on Delphine''s torn hand. The conflicting emotions swirled within him.... Delphine noticed his intense gaze and felt her cheeks warm, ''He really was worried about me,'' she thought, her heart fluttering slightly. [+5000 AP] Meanwhile, Helena''s brow furrowed as she continued to treat Delphine''s wound, a small pout forming on her lips. She couldn''t quite ce why Aether''s concern for Delphine bothered her so much, but it did. She felt a twinge of.... jealousy, though she tried to push it aside. With a small pout, she continued to treat Delphine''s wound. "Ouch!" Delphine winced as Helena applied pressure, the sting of the treatment catching her off guard. Helena''s pout deepened, ''Why is he more concerned about her than me?'' she wondered, though she kept her thoughts to herself as she focused on her work. Meanwhile, on the other side of the stadium, Lia hesitantly approached the massive mechanical spider, its gleaming metal body bound tightly with rope. "This is that thing? I-Is it still alive?" she asked, her fingers brushing against its cold, shiny abdomen... which suddenly twitched. "HIKK!!" Lia jerked back. "Yes, We couldn''t kill it..... unfortunately" ric confirmed, his voice t. Kai, still rattled by the sight of the creature, shouted, "Why did you bring that thing here then? What if it broke the ropes?" ric started to exin, "Well, to be honest, we thought of destroying it after holding it, but" Before he could finish, Aqualina interjected, "Those technologies... they might be useful for the Academy.... or any wars, isn''t that right, Vice-Principal?" Her words hung in the air,den with the unspoken possibilities of what the spider could offer. The students turned to ric, their expressions a mix of shock and curiosity. ric simply nodded, "I will personally take care of it and believe me, killing it only loses the technology we could never hope for..." The realization settled over them like a shroud... ric wasn''t denying it. Even Aqualina found herself tempted, the thought of such powerful machinery being within their grasp was hard to resist. A useful war material.... ric, sensing the unease growing among the students, cleared his throat and shifted the focus back to Selene''s group, "You guys didn''t find anything?" Selene''s group shook their heads, their faces grim. They had searched everywhere, but the only thing they encountered were the monstrous human heads. ric''s gaze then fell on Kenley, who, despite her condition, grinned defiantly. "She might have the answer... I will investigate her," ric dered, his tone brooking no argument. Kenley''s grin widened, her eyes glinting with a mix of madness and.... something deep! Delphine, newly treated and feeling steadier, stepped forward, "I will help you, Vice-Principal," she offered, her voice strong despite her injuries. But ric shook his head. "You need to rest," he said firmly, leaving no room for debate. Aether, seeing an opportunity, spoke up. "I will then..." He needed to be involved, to understand the intricacies of what was unfolding so he could n his next moves. But ric''s eyes flicked to him, a subtle warning in his gaze. It was clear he didn''t want anyone else witnessing what he intended to do with Kenley.... especially not Aether. Aether''s intuition gnawed as he muttered, "Something is wrong." as he watched ric taking Kenley separately to the locker room. "Kennedy" Aether''s head snapped toward her. "What do you mean?" Delphine''s question. Aqualina''s gaze grew distant, her mind piecing together a puzzle she wished didn''t exist. "This all started after Kennedy''s death, and with his niece entangled in this mess... don''t you see? It might be all connected, like threads in a web, leading back to him." Delphine''s brow furrowed, scepticism etched into her features. "But Kennedy''s dead," she stated. Aqualina''s eyes flickered with a grim realization as she nced at her group before saying, "I suppose I haven''t told you the most important detail." "Hmm?" Aether and the others leaned in, sensing the weight of what she was about to reveal. Aqualina took a deep breath before continuing, "When we killed that monster... it wasn''t just any creature. It was one of the girls connected to Kenley." Aether''s frown deepened, "Huh?" The memory shed vividly in Aqualina''s mindhow they fought fiercely, believing they were battling a monstrous being. But as they dealt the final blow, they heard a horrifying, garbled voice that sent chills down their spines. "P-Please.. krrrKirrllll mmeee!! Grrrrrrrr!!!!" The image of the half-iron, half-human figure falling apart before their eyes, revealing the distorted face of a girl, haunted Aqualina and her group. Delphine''s face turned ghostly pale as the realization hit her. "Someone rted to Kennedy might be behind this," Aqualina stated with a sombre expression. "Who could it be?" Selene asked, her curiosity piqued. "Anyone," Aqualina shrugged, though the gravity of her words was clear. "His rtives, subordinates, loyal followers... even his victims." Delphine''s heart skipped a beat, her mind racing. She nced at Aether, her thoughts tangled. Aether also frowned as he thought, ''Victims? Could... Kyra be behind this, using Kennedy''s technology to enact some kind of twisted revenge? Or...'' his mind whirling with possibilities. His eyes then drifted towards the map, noticing that the Principal''s house was situated under the dome circle that Selene''s group had gone before..... But, the Principal''s house was far from the centre point, which would typically be necessary to create a perfect circled dome. He bit his lip, his instincts screaming that something didn''t add up. ''It''s not possible... but what if...'' He nced at Victor. Without warning, Victor dered, "I need to check something." "Huh?" The group frowned, puzzled by his sudden urgency, but before they could question him further, Victor grabbed Aether, and the two of them sped off. "Where is he going?" Helena asked, her face clouded with worry. Delphine rubbed her temples, anxiety gnawing at her, ''If she was the one who caused all this... sigh.'' She wasn''t particrly close to Kyra, but she knew her to be a kind and hardworking girl. The idea of Kyra being involved in such a horrific scheme was almost too much to bear. Kai had a nk expression as he thought, ''My ve is being used by many people except me....'' his lips twitched, next time he would use Aether as he saw fit! Meanwhile, As they sprinted through the chaotdscape, Aether suddenly skidded to a halt, his eyes widening in rm.... He saw nothing! "Where are the dead bodies?" he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. The blood that had stained the ground, the bodies that had littered the area.... they were all gone. Not a trace remained. His heart pounded in his chest. ''This isn''t right...'' he thought, ordering Victor to search for any clues. Aether''s heart pounded as he sprinted toward the Principal''s house, his thoughts racing with worry and.... It wasn''t the danger surrounding them or the lives at stake that fueled his urgency.... it was the thought of Snowke!! Yes, Before the date, he left Snowke with Kyra as he wanted to have sweet times with his Delphine. Who knew it would backfire on him!! "Fuck!" he yelled, skidding to a halt as the house came into view. The entire building was enveloped in a mass of small spiders, their tiny legs scuttling across the surface like a living carpet. It was a sight that made his stomach churn, the once familiar structure now twisted into something out of a nightmare. His eyes narrowed as he noticed the spiders weren''t just crawling over the house; they were clinging to a barrier that surrounded it. Aether let out a small sigh of relief, realizing the barrier was still holding.... the barrier created by Principal! But the moment of respite was fleeting... Sssshhhh A chilling mechanical echoed through the air, followed by the sound of countless tiny legs moving in unison. The spiders had sensed him. Their bodies twitched, and within seconds, theyunched themselves toward him. "Fuck!" Chapter 344: Academy is in Danger Part-11 "Hahahah--" BAM! ric''s hand tightened around Kenley''s neck, the fury in his eyes unmistakable as he mmed her against the wall once more, "Is there anything funny?" he growled, his voice thick with anger. The sound echoed in the cold, dark locker room, but Kenley''s smirk only grew widerwhich only irritated ric even more. "You think this is a game? What are you guys nning?" ric demanded, his grip unrelenting. Kenley didn''t answer immediately. She simply coughed, her breathing in ragged gasps, but the smirk never left her lips, "U-Us? It includes ''cough'' you too, r-right?" she managed to say, her voice strained butced with mockery. ric''s patience snapped. He threw her to the ground, Thud Cough, cough She coughed and gasped for air. Yet, even as she struggled to breathe, she looked up at him with that same infuriating smirk. "M-My uncle told me everything... ric," she wheezed, her tone dripping with satisfaction. ric''s expression darkened. "Is this revenge?" he asked, his voice cold and devoid of emotion. Kenley shook her head, slowly rising to her feet, "It''s not revenge, ric.... It''s not about getting back at anyone... It''s about my uncle''s dream," she whispered, her voice taking on a dangerous edge. "It''s about his creation... A creation that could alter the power hierarchy of these worlds!!" ric''s frown deepened, "There are no such creations..." "Tsk, you still don''t get it, ric..... Monsters have different kinds of Arcane crystals, right? Golden, silver, copper... Just like we have Arcane cards," Kenley exined, her eyes gleaming with a dark excitement. "..." "But you see.... Why there is no Rainbow One just like the Chosen One''s cards?... Have you ever wondered about that? Mister Ex-Chosen One?" Kenley said with a small smile. ric''s mind raced, trying to piece together what she was hinting at, "If there is such a thing, then" "Everything will be disastrous, right?" Kenley finished, her voice filled with twisted amusement, "Not even a group of Golden Rankers would be able to kill that single Rainbow Crystal Monster." ric''s breath caught in his throat. The implications of such a creation were terrifying and could only handed by the Chosen ones..."There is no such thing" he began. "Yet," Kenley interrupted, her smile widening. "There was nothing like that... yet." ric''s expression hardened. "Do you really believe that mere beings like us can create such a monster?" Kenley''s smile was all the answer he needed. "Who is behind this? How do we destroy the dome?" ric demanded, his hand returning to her throat, the urgency in his voice undeniable. Kenley mumbled through his grip, "Behind this? No one''s behind it... Everyone is just a pawn... Origin Pirs... ah." .... .... Meanwhile, deep beneath the Academy... Crunch, Crunch..... A mechanical voice echoed through the underground as millions of spiders swarmed over a massive door, their mandibles gnawing at the metal. "Tsk, it''s taking longer than I expected..." the mechanical voice grumbled, frustration evident. Then, suddenly... Crack A soft crack echoed in the darkness. The spiders paused their relentless assault, scuttling away from the door. The entire surface appeared untouched.... perfect!! "What the hell..." the mechanical voice muttered, focusing on the tiny crack.... it was small but, That frustration turned into glee, "Hahaha..." the voiceughed, the sound mechanical and grating. One of the spiders approached the crack, trying to squeeze through, but the gap was too small. "Change it," the voicemanded. The spiders immediately went to work, their bodies shifting and twisting, reshaping themselves like intricate machines. Theybined their efforts, and soon, one of them managed to wriggle through the crack, disappearing into the darkness beyond. Inside... The dimly lit cave hummed with an eerie silence, broken only by the mechanical whirring of the spider''s crystal eyes. As they flickered, a voice echoed within its cold, metallic form, "Magnificent!" it eximed, awe evident even in its robotic tone. The sight before it was nothing short of breathtakingthe Origin Pirs, ancient and powerful, stood like sentinels in the dark recesses of the cave. The spider moved closer, its legs ttering against the stone as it cautiously approached the elevated tform in the centre of the pirs. Just as it was about to reach the centre of the pirs, where Mother usually appears, a shadow flickered... Thud! A grotesque, brownish handugly and twistedmaterialized out of nowhere, snatching the spider from the air. In an instant, both the hand and the spider vanished into the darkness, leaving the chamber eerily silent once more. Outside the Cave Back outside, among the swarming multitude of spiders, one stood still, its crystal eyes flickering wildly. "Found it~" it sang out in its mechanical voice, the thrill of discovery vibrating through its metal body. The other spiders responded in kind, the entire underground suddenly alive with the sound of shifting gears and clicking mandibles as if they were all adjusting themselves for the next phase of their operation. In the Stadium Thud! Kenley''s limp body hit the ground as ric tossed her toward the professors. "Don''t let her say anything," he ordered, his voice sharp. "And don''t let her be moved anywhere." The professors nodded and looked at Kenley who was already bonded tighter with ropes, gagging her with a dirty sock to ensure her silence..... Done by Yours truly, ric! Delphine approached her curiosity piqued. "Did you find anything?" she asked, her eyes searching ric''s face. He nodded curtly, "Just wait here," he replied, before immediately turning and heading out of the stadium. The professors exchanged nces, unsure of what to make of ric''s urgency. But they trusted his judgment and remained silent, knowing that as long as the students were safe, they had no right to question him. ric moved faster, his thoughts racing as he descended once more into the underground. Kenley''s mention of the Origin Pirs had ignited a spark of suspicion in his mind. He knew there was more to this than she had let on. But when he arrived... there was nothing. No movement! No disturbance! The air was thick with an unsettling stillness, the walls unmarked by any sign of recent activity. ric''s frown deepened, "There''s nothing here," he muttered, frustration gnawing at him. His eyes fell on the massive door once more, searching for anything... any clue... that might confirm his doubts. But the door remained unyielding, as perfect as it had been when he first saw it. "Did she lie to me?" ric wondered aloud, his irritation mounting as he turned to leave. He needed answers, and he needed them fast. He needed to find whoever was behind this as soon as possible before Principal arrived!! Inside the Door Thud... Thud... Thud... Ugly, misshapen hands began to materialize from the heart of the Origin Pirs, their gnarled fingers grasping at the spiders, crushing them with brutal efficiency. One by one, the millions of spiders dwindled to mere thousands, their mechanical whirring reced by the sound of their bodies being obliterated. "Arr!! Why can''t they just stay still for a second?!" the mechanical voice cursed from one of the surviving spiders, frustration evident as it watched the massacre unfold from a distance. Itmanded the remaining spiders to regroup, focusing their efforts on a single hand. The spiders obeyed, swarming the hand in a coordinated attack, their metal bodies forming attice around it. But the hand was relentless, crushing the spiders with ease. The mechanical voice grew more determined, refusing to leave empty-handed, "I won''t stop until I get what I came for!" it dered, its toneced with steely resolve. As the numbers dwindled further, down to a few hundred, the spiders made onest desperate push. They managed to hold the hand for just a moment.... long enough for one spider to sink its mechanical fangs into the flesh. Slurp The spider extracted a single drop of blood before leaping back, just as the hand and the remaining spiders vanished. "Hahahahah...." The mechanical voiceughed triumphantly, echoing through the underground. The spider''s transparent abdomen now held a precious drop of blood..... a tiny but significant thing. .... ..... Meanwhile, in the Pyra Fulgur Empire In a vast, imposing ck marble castle, the Principal of the Academy paused, her instincts ring as she sensed a disturbance. She looked up, her thoughts racing. "Is something the matter, Sovereign?" A voice filled with authority and pride echoed through the grand hall, pulling her from her reverie. The Principal turned to the source of the voice, her expression softening slightly as she faced the handsome man, "Nothing at all, Dragon Emperor. Just concerned about my Academy," she replied, a smile touching her lips as she regarded him. The Dragon Emperor chuckled, his amusement evident, "Always worried about your students," he remarked, his tone light before shifting to a more serious one. "Since you''vee to me personally, as the Emperor of this realm, I will grant you and your people entry." Chapter 345: Academy is in Danger Part-12 Before the Principal''s House Aether stood still, his body draped with the hundreds of spiders, their mechanical limbs now lifeless and frozen in time. For a moment, everything seemed suspended, as if the world itself had paused. Then, with a deliberate motion, Aether raised his hand and brushed off the short-circuited spiders, their metallic forms ttering to the ground. A smirk yed on his lips, "To think all it needed was for me to touch it," he mused, watching the remnants fall away. The spiders, designed with circuits etched into their crystal bodies, had been instantly circuited by the surge of Arcane energy within him. The moment they made contact with Aether, their systems had overloaded, short-circuiting them into oblivion. Satisfied, Aether hurried inside, his pace quickening as he approached the Principal''s house. The barrier, meant to keep intruders out, recognized him immediately and allowed him entry without resistance.... a privilege granted to only a select few by the Principal herself. Once inside, Aether didn''t waste any time. His heart pounded with urgency as he headed straight for Kyra''s room. He paused briefly at the door, taking a deep breath. With a swift motion, he waved his hand, activating a ring that transformed into a half-mask, covering his face. Quietly, he turned the knob and slipped inside. Victor''s eyes widened as he took in the scene before him, shock and fear shing across his features. The room was eerily quiet, but the sight of red marks sttered across the walls sent a chill down his spine. "S-Snowke?" he called out, his voice trembling slightly. But there was no response..... no sign of life from either Snowke or Kyra. His face paled, dread seeping into his bones as he feared the worst. "N-No..." he whispered, his eyes darting around the room, searching desperately for any sign of Snowke. Then, suddenly, Thud "Victor?" a voice called out. Kyra stepped out of the bathroom, her body wrapped in nothing but a towel. Her cheeks flushed pink at the sight of Victor, a small, awkward smile tugging at her lips. "H-Hello?" she stammered, waving shyly. But Victor''s demeanour had shiftedhis voice was stern and indifferent as he demanded, "Where is Snowke?" Kyra flinched at the coldness in his tone. She hesitated, about to speak, but Victor was quicker. He grabbed her wrist, his grip firm as he repeated, "Don''t y games, girl. Where is Snowke?" Kyra''s face drained of colour, her voice trembling as she started to respond, "S-She is" [+4000 AP] "Massssttteerrrrrr~" A cute, hissing voice echoed from the bathroom. Victor turned sharply to see Snowke, happily swirling around in the bathtub, her expression full of joy. Relief washed over him as he let out a heavy sigh. Snowke, sensing his presence, jumped from the tub, and Victor caught her mid-air, holding her close. [+4000 AP] A soft smile spread across his face as he hugged her tightly, feeling the warmth of her small body. Snowke, surprised at first, quickly rxed, wrapping her tail around him in a gentle embrace. Kyra, still flustered, let out a sigh of her own as she hurried to change into something more appropriate. When she returned, she found Victor drying Snowke with a towel, his expression soft and caring. Victor then asked as pointed to the red spots on the wall. "She bit me when I tried to bathe her," Kyra exined, ncing at the red marks on the wall. The memory made her sweat a little as she recalled the struggle. Snowke had almost sunk her fangs into her neck. Victor sighed again, this time in mild exasperation. He patted Snowke gently, warning her not to harm others unless absolutely necessary. Snowke''s mood darkened, her demeanour turning gloomy at his words. Kyra, meanwhile, frowned as she sensed the tension in the air, "What''s happening outside?" she asked, noticing theck of Arcane energy in the atmosphere. Victor''s reply was t, almost dismissive, "Something big is happening outside. You don''t need to worry as long as you are inside the barrier everything will be fine" Kyra nodded, trusting his words, and offered a small smile, "Okay." Victor then prepared to leave, Snowke nestled in his Neck.Just as he reached the door, he paused and turned back to Kyra, "Kyra," he called, his voiceced with a curious intensity. "Hmm?" she responded, her eyes meeting his. "Do you want revenge?" he asked, his gaze piercing as he studied her reaction. He already checked the room when she went to change her clothes and.... he found nothing! Kyra''s expression turned thoughtful as she pondered the question, "What do you mean?" she asked, tilting her head slightly. "I mean if you had the chance... would you take revenge for what happened to you?" Kyra''s face hardened as she considered it, the weight of her past struggles pressing down on her. "Yes," she finally answered, her voice resolute. Victor''s expression shifted, his eyes narrowing as he studied her closely, just about to check her body to see if she really hiding the crystal ball when, [+100 AP] "I would have wanted revenge before meeting you and the others," Kyra continued, her tone softening. "But now... nah, I want to focus on my life. And most of all, I heard that Baldy is dead." A genuine smile spread across her face, her eyes brightening with relief. Victor rxed, a small smile tugging at his lips. He reached out and patted her head gently, "Good," he murmured. Kyra watched as he left the room, the moment the door clicked shut behind him.... Her lips... curled up. Meanwhile, Victor locked the door securely behind him, even conjuring ice walls around it for added protection. As he stepped outside, a frown creased his brow, "If it''s not her, then who?" he muttered, rubbing his nose in thought. Just then, his clone arrived... which was rather battered and even lost a limb, "Tell me everything," Aethermanded, removing his mask as he prepared to listen. "I saw the dead people taken by the spiders and....." The clone began recounting its findings in detail, each word causing Aether''s expression to shift from shock to disbelief, ''What the fuck!'' he cursed inwardly, his mind racing as the pieces of the puzzle started to fall into ce. He then took one of the broken spiders and stared at its crystal body before.... His expression hardened, and then.... slowly..... a sly smile spread across his face. "Hehe... Thank you, Kennedy~" Aether whispered, amusement twinkling in his eyes as he turned and began his walk back to the stadium, a new n forming in his mind. ..... ... Returning to the Stadium As Aether and Victor (Clone) made their way back to the stadium, Helena spotted them from a distance. Since it was a clone, Aether just used his AP to return to normal. Relief washed over her as she noticed they were unharmed. With a deep sigh, she hurried towards them, her worry evident on her face, "Where did you guys go?" she asked, her voiceced with concern as she reached out to steady Aether, who appeared to be drunk. Of course, she had no idea he was just acting, having sobered up quickly due to the dire situation. Victor, unfazed by her concern, continued walking straight towards ric, "Did Jack''s group arrive yet?" he inquired, his tone sharp and focused. "No, they haven''t. Did you find anything?" ric replied, his eyes narrowing slightly, sensing the urgency in Victor''s demeanour. Victor nodded curtly. Without wasting time, he turned to the other professors who were less injured and ordered them to search for Jack''s group. The Other Professors frowned before ncing at ric who stared at Victor for a few seconds before motioning to search them. Then, shifting Victor''s gaze back to ric, he asked in a low voice, "Where''s Kennedy''s dead body?" ric''s brow furrowed, a sh of confusion crossing his face, "Why do you" he began, but then, realization dawned on him, "Don''t tell me...." His expression hardened.... Without another word, he moved and Victor followed him. Meanwhile, Aether, still feigning a drunken haze, surveyed the situation through half-lidded eyes. His gaze eventually fell on Helena, who was still hovering close to him, her worry not entirely abated. "Helena~" he slurred softly, catching her attention. "Hmm?" Helena responded, leaning in closer to hear him better. "Don''t worry, I will protect you~" Aether whispered, his voice tender and reassuring. Helena''s cheeks flushed a deep pink, her lips trembling slightly at his words. The sincerity in his tone stirred something within her, making her heart flutter. [+5000 A-] Aether''s eyes then flicked towards Timmy, his expression subtly shifting. ''But before that... let''s speed up this shitty game,'' he thought, a sly smile forming on his lips. His mind raced with possibilities, ''A hero can only save the heroine when the situation is truly dire, right?'' he thought in amusement. Chapter 346: [Bonus?(???)?]Academy is in Danger Part-13 Timmy''s eyes widened with fear as he watched the seemingly drunken Aether being supported by Helena...ing towards him! "W-What?" he stammered, his voice trembling as he stared at Aether with a mix of confusion and dread. Helena shrugged nonchntly, "I don''t know," she replied, her tone casual as she nced at Aether, who was resting his head on her shoulder... he was the one who asked her to move towards Timmy. Aether, on the other hand, despite his current act, really wanted to bury his face in her chest but given the presence of others, he restrained himself, knowing it would be inappropriate... for now!! "Aether!" Helena called softly, hoping to snap him out of his daze. Aether blinked, his eyes refocusing on Timmy, and without warning, his face lit up with an exaggerated smile. "Oh~ My dear friend!" Aether suddenly released Helena and threw his arms around Timmy, pulling him into a tight embrace. "HUH!!" Timmy gasped in shock, his body stiffening as he was engulfed in Aether''s vice-like grip. Before he could even process what was happening, Aether squeezed him tighter, almost crushing him, "I''m really happy that you''re alive, my friend. I missed you so much~" Aether dered, his voiceced with a drunken slur. Timmy struggled, his bones creaking under the pressure, "S-stop!!" he managed to choke out, his face turning a deep shade of red as he desperately tried to breathe. His eyes darted to Helena, silently pleading for help, but Helena was watching with teary eyes, touched by what she perceived as a genuine disy of friendship. Aether''s hand moved toward Timmy''s neck, his fingers brushing against a small mechanical spider attached there..... As Aether gently touched it, he turned his head away, preparing for the worst.... Sh! The spider''s crystal eyes suddenly dimmed, losing their colour but it still attached to his neck due to its mechanical strong grip and fangs on his neck. Aether nced at it before clicking his tongue in disappointment, ''Tsk,'' he thought as he released Timmy, who copsed to the ground, gasping for air. Aether was actually pleased that his theory had worked..... his Arcane energy had short-circuited the spider''s circuits. Yet, a part of him had almost hoped for something different, given his hatred towards Timmy, ''Well, We have lots of time to kill him...'' he thought, staggering away with a drunken gait. He stumbled into another student, embracing them just as tightly. "I miss you my friend~" As he touched his neck and as he expected, the spider attached to this student also short-circuited. "W-Who are you!!" the boy shouted, shoving Aether away with a mix of shock and disgust. Aether''s legs wobbled, and he stumbled again, this timending on another student. He repeated the same action, and just like before, the student pushed him away, bewildered. "W-Wait!" Helena called out, trying to help, but Aether continued to fall into others. His chaotic spiral reached its peak when he ''identally'' hugged a girl. "KYAAA!!" The girl shrieked, raising her hand to p Aether, but Helena quickly intervened, ring at the girl, "Sorry," Helena said curtly before pulling Aether away from the group. Helena''s annoyance was evident, her lips pressed into a tight line, "What are you doing, idiot?!" she snapped, unable toprehend how Aether could shamelessly hug another woman so openly. It was beyond inappropriate! It was utterly shameless! It was sphemy!! She really needed to scold Aether for this action. Aether, still feigning drunkenness, looked at her with a mischievous grin, "Are you jealous?" he asked, his voice slurring. Helena''s face turned bright red, "O-Of course not!" she snapped, but Aether smiled, his arms wrapping around her suddenly, "Don''t worry~" he whispered as he softly touched her neck, his hand brushing against where the spider would be. Helena''s face flushed even deeper as an unexpected wave of warmth spread through her body. [+5000 A-] Just then, Aqualina, who had been watching Aether''s antics with growing irritation, stormed over and yanked him away from Helena, "What''s wrong with you?!" she demanded, her voice sharp with annoyance. But before she could say another word, Aether pulled her into a hug, leaning in close to whisper, "You look cute~" Aqualina''s face turned beet red, and she shoved Aether away in embarrassment. [+8000 AP] Aether staggered back, his legs wobbling as he skipped past Kai and stumbled into Selene. Unlike the others, Selene didn''t push him away; instead, she hugged him tightly, holding him close. But before long, Kai and Leon, both irritated by Aether''s behaviour, pulled him away from her. Aether''s erratic movements continued, leading him to fall into Aria, who, like Selene, embraced him warmly. However, Delphine quickly intervened, pulling him away again, only for Aether to stumble into Lia next..... Lots of stumbling~ As the chaotic scene in the stadium yed out, ric was elsewhere, his focus razor-sharp. He carefully extracted a small ck crystal from Kennedy''s lifeless body, his face a mask of grim realization. He clenched his teeth, seething with anger at the thought of being manipted by such a lowly bastard. His gaze flicked to Victor, who was fixated on Kennedy''s body with an intensity that was unsettling. "How did you know his body has it?" ric asked, his voice tense. Victor didn''t respond immediately. His eyes remained locked on Kennedy''s corpse, lost in thought. Finally, he spoke, his tone urgent, "We don''t have time... Let''s move." Without waiting for a reply, Victor turned and began to walk away. ric, frustrated by theck of an answer, could only grit his teeth and follow him. But as they returned to the stadium, Victor suddenly paused, "I''ll be back," he said curtly and then made his way towards the restroom. ric frowned, suspicion gnawing at him, he leaned closer and heard a pissing sound.... he shrugged it off and continued towards the stadium. Meanwhile, Victor, after ensuring ric was out of sight, slipped out of the restroom window. Moving swiftly, he retraced his steps back to where Kennedy''s bodyy. Without hesitation, he lifted the corpse and.... took it!!! ..... .... Back in the Stadium "Finnian!!" she cried out, rushing towards the group of professors who were struggling to carry the wounded and unconscious Finnian. It wasn''t just Finnian who was in dire straits; his entire team was battered and bloodied, with Jack in the worst condition.... his arms had been severed, leaving him grievously maimed. Helena''s heart pounded as she knelt to treat their wounds, her hands trembling as she worked quickly to stabilize them.... The old woman also helped them! "W-What happened?" she asked her voice a mix of fear and urgency. Thalia, her face pale and twisted in pain, managed to speak through gritted teeth, "T-That bitch was really something else... She almost got us." Her body was covered in cuts and bruises, a testament to the brutal battle they had faced. They could not even move their body after fighting that thing!! Despite the grim situation, one of the students, unable to contain his anxiety, asked, "D-Did you get the stuff?" Nyx, though clearly exhausted, pulled out a small ck crystal from her pocket. The sight of it brought a collective sigh of relief from the group... there was now just one final piece left. "Hey! Vice-Principal found thest one!!!" a voice suddenly rang out, cutting through the tension as someone spotted ric returning to the stadium... with a small ck crystal in his hand. Aether''s lips curled up... Elsewhere, in the Darkness... or rather under the big bell... A small mechanical spider watched with gleaming eyes as something monstrous was being crafted. The spider''s mechanical voice echoed in the silence, filled with maniacal glee. "It''s finally time..." the spider hissed, its gaze fixed on the grotesque creation that was slowly taking form. The twisted, mangled webs held together the flesh of dead humans, their bodies fused with hundreds of spiders. They worked tirelessly, knitting themselves into a single, horrifying entity.... very disgusting!! "My beautiful creation... Hahaha..." the spider cackled, its voice filled with madness and dark satisfaction as the abomination continued to grow, a nightmarish blend of flesh and machine. Chapter 347: [Bonus (??-?)?] Aether realized how to get the Saintess! Victor''s hands moved with careful precision as he screwed the small, jet-ck crystals back into their designated ces at each corner of the Artifact. Could Victor really handle these crystals without short-circuiting them? Yes, he could. Victor wasn''t just an ordinary person; he was a clone, a creation channelled with Arcane energy directly from Aether. After the final crystal was secured, a palpable tension broke within the group. Faces that had been taut with anxiety softened into expressions of relief. The nightmare they had been trapped in for so long seemed to finally be nearing its end, and hope began to bloom in the hearts of everyone present. The crystals, which had been flickering erratically, suddenly steadied, and the central,rger yellow crystal began to glow with an intense, steady light. Victor''s gaze swept over the group, meeting each pair of eyes in turn. There was a silent understanding, a nod from each of them... Aether, leaning heavily on Helena''s shoulder, caught Victor''s eye. Victor nodded before slowly reaching out to turn the yellow crystal ball. Trrrr A subtle tremor rippled through the dome, the structure quivering as if it were alive. Slowly, almost imperceptibly at first, the dome began to shrink, its vastness reducing inch by inch. The sight brought a flicker of joy to everyone''s faces.... joy that had been so scary. They dared to believe, dared to hope that this might be the end of their suffering. But just as that fragile hope began to solidify, Aether, nced at Selene who was ncing at him, Selene''s voice rang out, "Wait!!!" Breaking through the fragile silence like shattering ss. Victor''s hand froze in mid-motion. He turned to Selene, and so did everyone else, their faces etched with confusion. "What happened, Miss Selene?" ric asked, his voice calm but edged with a hint of impatience. Selene''s face was pale, her eyes wide with a fear that gripped her heart like an iron vice. She struggled to find the words, her voice trembling as she finally spoke, "I... I''m just worried." "Worried?" "Yes, what if it... what if it explodes after we deactivate the Artifact?" Selene''s voice cracked, her fear spilling over into every word. Her hands clenched tightly at her sides, her knuckles white with tension.... She overdoing her act!!! ric shook his head, trying to dispel her fears with logic, "We just checked the circuit, didn''t we? Victor?" Victor, his expression serious, nodded, "Yes, there''s no triggering mechanism in these crystals," he said, his voice steady. He had checked, double-checked even, and Raven had confirmed his findings, "I didn''t see anything unusual in the circuit, so I believe it will be fine," she added, hoping to reassure her. But Selene''s fear didn''t abate. If anything, it seemed to deepen, her eyes darting nervously from one face to another, "E-Even so, I can''t shake this feeling... something''s wrong... something''s terribly wrong," she whispered, her voice barely audible, yet filled with such dread that it sent a ripple of unease through the group. ''Not bad...'' Aether thought with amusement. Delphine, seeing her niece''s distress, sighed softly before wrapping her one arm around her in aforting embrace. "It''s all right, Selene. There''s no need to worry," she murmured, trying to soothe her. But Selene shook her head, the fear still etched into her face, unwilling to let go. Aqualina, who had been watching silently, frowned deeply. She stepped forward, her voice firm and decisive. "Why don''t we test it first?" she suggested. She knew they had to be sureabsolutely surethat there was no hidden danger, no trap left by the mysterious figure who had been manipting them all along. The suggestion resonated with the group. They exchanged nces, realizing it was not wrong to test it. They couldn''t afford to becent, not with so much at stake. They all nodded in agreement. Aether couldn''t help but smirk inwardly, a subtle shift in his expression, ''That''s Aqua for you,'' he thought. He leaned morefortably against Helena, allowing himself a moment of rest. He knew his time to act woulde soon enough..... his chance to seal the deal. Victor decided it was safer to close only one of the domes rather than all of them at once. The professors quickly organized the students, moving them to the other dome to avoid any potential danger. Even though they were positioned at the intersection of the four domes, ric and the others didn''t want to leave anything to chance. Once everyone was safely moved, ric issued an order, his voice carrying authority. "Guard, stand on the side of the dome we''re about to close." Aether''s brow furrowed in confusion, ''A guard?'' he thought, puzzled. He had expected them to use the spiders they had captured for the test. Those spiders, especially therge one that had cost Delphine her arm, would have been perfect. ''Tsk,'' Aether clicked his tongue in frustration. He knew what the oue would be, and had even orchestrated it to some extent, but the thought of someone losing their life as part of his n gnawed at him... He was not that bad! His thoughts were interrupted when he noticed Helena''s trembling hand beside him. Aether turned his gaze to Helena, her normally calm demeanour cracked, revealing the anxiety thaty beneath. Her lips quivered, betraying the fear she tried so hard to hide, ''Don''t tell me.... she is worried.... '' he realized, ''Worried that someone innocent might die because of all this'' Aether softened his expression and, in a voice low and drunken "What''s wrong?" Helena flinched, startled by the sudden question. "H-Huh? N-Nothing..." she stammered, forcing a smile that didn''t reach her eyes. Aether noticed her reaction and it conformed his thoughts, He leaned in closer, his voice barely above a whisper as he gazed into her golden eyes, "I told you, didn''t I? I''ll protect you." Helena blinked, confusion flickering across her face. Protect her? From what? She couldn''t understand what he meant. Aether offered her a gentle smile, his eyes warm and reassuring, "There''s no need to hide your true self from me..." he murmured, his words carrying a deeper meaning that only he seemed to grasp. Helena tilted her head, still puzzled... or perhaps, deep down, she didn''t want to understand because of.... Archpriestess''s words/Lesson!! Yes, Aether understood now, understood her in a way he hadn''t before. He understood what she truly meant... She was an innocent and naive girl... still now and just like how she was in childhood. Aether stared at Helena for a moment, his eyes clouded with unspoken thoughts before he slowly moved away from her. His legs wobbled slightly as he tried to maintain his act, he walked toward ric. The familiar smirk curled on his lips as he called out, "Hey, Bastard!" ric, who had been focusing on the task at hand, turned back with a scowl. "What is it, Brat?" he snapped. Aether''s smirk widened, his tone dripping with mockery, "Why don''t you go over to that side?" he suggested. ric''s lips twitched in irritation, "Are you, by any chance, telling me to die?"His voice was low, almost a growl, as he took a step closer to Aether. "Chance? Pfff!!" Aether let out a haughtyugh, but his expression quickly shifted to one of annoyance. "So, you''re worried about dying, but you don''t care about sending a guard to his death?" he taunted, his eyes glinting with a dangerous edge. ric''s expression hardened. His gaze flicked to the students, who were now watching the exchange with a mix of concern and confusion. He was just about to offer some stern advice when Aqualina stepped in, her voice cutting through the tension. "Professor Kin, don''t you have that spider in the bottle?" she asked, her tone calm but firm. She clearly didn''t want Aether''s provocations to escte any further. The Professor, who had been silently observing, immediately retrieved the bottle he had saved for his research. With careful precision, he rolled it towards the other dome and signalled the guard to step back, out of harm''s way. Though the situation seemed under control, ric''s eyes remained fixed on Aether, ring daggers at him. ''Let''s see how long you can keep up that shitty act of yours,'' he thought bitterly before forcing himself to return his focus to the task at hand. Helena, who had been quietly watching, felt a strange mix of emotions as Aether slowly made his way back to her. He leaned against her shoulder as if it were the most natural thing in the world.... as if he belonged there. No one questioned his closeness. After all, Helena was the Saintess, and Aether was the man who helped them to find the ck crystal balls... even if he was drunk!! "W-Why?" Helena''s voice trembled as she spoke, barely above a whisper. She wasn''t sure why, but a deep warmth blossomed in her chest, a happiness she hadn''t expected. It confused her, but it was undeniable. She knew what the Archpriestess had taught her.... that sacrifices were sometimes necessary for the greater good. Yet, seeing innocent lives in danger, the very people she wished to protect and bring happiness to, tore at her heart. She had learned to hide that pain, to keep her emotions in check because that''s what the Archpriestess had expected of her. But now, at this moment, Aether''s actions stirred something within her. She didn''t understand it fully, but she couldn''t ignore it. Aether simply smiled, his voice gentle as he replied, "Didn''t I say I''d protect you? I''ll protect all of you~" Helena''s eyes widened slightly, and she stared at Aether in stunned silence. His words resonated deep within her, touching something she had kept buried for so long. She felt something shift in her heart.... she couldn''t quite put it into words. Silently, she turned her gaze back to the scene before them, lost in thought.... [+5000 A-] [+5000 A-] [+5000 A-] [+5000 A-] [+5000 A-] [+5000 A-] [+5000 A-] Aether''s smirk widened.... Just a few more pushes and he would have his Saintess. He knew the oue of this test already so he allowed himself a moment of satisfaction, closing his eyes as he began to contemte what kind of n he would need to pull off next. Victor, having carefully removed one of the domes, watched as a quarter of the Academy returned to its former state, infused with Arcane energy once more. The tension in the air was thick, everyone waiting with bated breath to see if the spider in the bottle would react. ..... But nothing happened. ric sighed in relief, and the others began to rx, smiles of hope and joy spreading across their faces. "YAYY--" BOOOOOOMMMM!! Their celebration was cut short by a deafening st. The spider in the bottle exploded with a force far more powerful than anything they had anticipated. Faces that had been full of relief and joy twisted into expressions of horror and disbelief. The realization hit them like a punch to the gut... if not for Selene''s warning, they would have all been dead. Victor quickly restored the dome. Panic began to ripple through the group, fear taking hold as the gravity of their situation set in. "What should we do now?" someone whispered, their voice trembling with fear. "Is there really no chance of living?" another cried out, their despair evident. "I miss my mommy!! Aaw!!" a young student wailed, tears streaming down their face as the terror overwhelmed them. As the panic grew, Victor knelt beside the remains of the exploded spider, examining it closely. His mind raced, piecing together the clues, until a theory began to form. Standing, he addressed the group, his voice calm but urgent. "I think the trigger is in the spiders..." he began, his eyes scanning the faces around him, searching for understanding. "What do you mean?" ric asked, his brow furrowing in confusion. Victor''s expression was serious as he exined, "The spiders were imnted with a triggering circuit. If they detect even a small amount of Arcane energy... they''ll immediately explode." A heavy silence fell over the group as the weight of his words sank in. They barely had time to process this new information when, Ding~Dong~Ding~Dong~Ding~Dong The sound of a bell echoed throughout the dome, it''s toll ominous and foreboding.... ric''s face turned hard. THUNDER!!!! Delphine''s face turned grim. ''Hehe...'' and Aether chuckled inwardly. Chapter 348: [Bonus (－_－) zzZ] Side Story: Love Letters and Beginning of the Fall of an Empire! "Haha He is so incredibly cute~" Liora murmured softly, her voice tinged with a mix of amusement and affection as her gaze lingered on the big wolf plush that he had so thoughtfully gifted her. It wasn''t just a simple gift; it was a symbol of his feelings, wrapped in warmth and tenderness, much like the lovely love letter that apanied it. Her slender legs dangled yfully in the air as shey sprawled across the bed.Her fingers, delicate and tender, traced the edges of the love letter.... / To My Wild and Fiery Wolfy~ I couldn''t help but smile the moment Iid eyes on this adorable plush It''s soft, yful, and irresistibly cute just like you. But honestly? You''re far more alluring and sexier~ I can almost picture that mischievous grin on your face when I say ''sexier'' Am I right? To bepletely honest, after receiving your ''Love'' Letters no, let''s be honest and call them what they are... ''Mating Requests,'' I''ve started to understand you on a deeper level. There''s something primal, something wild in the way you express yourself, and it''s awakening something in me too~ / Liora''s lips curved into a grin, her legs kicking in the air with a yful energy as she continued to read. The words, once yful, now began to carry a deeper, more intimate... Her heart fluttered!! / There''s something happening here something I can''t quite put into words. But every time I sit down to write to you, your image floods my mind, and I can''t help but smile. Liora Darkfang I think you are slowly but surely carving your way into my heart and it''s both exhrating and terrifying~ I''m starting to fall for the way you''re both fiery and tender, always keeping me on my toes, and making my heart race with every word you write. You''re a lovely woman who knows what she wants, who fights for it with a passion that''s as fierce as it is enchanting and I can''t help but be drawn to that~ / "Hahaha" Liora''sughter bubbled up.Her heart swelled with a warmth that was almost overwhelming, a sense of triumph and joy that she had never quite experienced before. Her efforts, her longing, were paying off in ways she had only dared to dream of / You''reughing, aren''t you? I can almost hear it~ Liora~ that delightful sound that I wish I could capture and hold close to my heart. / [+4000 AP] Liora''sughter stopped, caught in her throat as her eyes widened. Her heart skipped a beat, her cheeks flushing with a deep crimson that spread like wildfire. Her fluffy tail swayed gently in the air.... / I don''t mind using Kaelen as our delivery boy, but you really should tell him the truth!! He is after all... Our son, right? I can''t wait for the next time I receive your lovely Love Mating Letter~ / For a moment, she simply stared at the letter, her heart racing in her chest as her thoughts swirled in a heady mix of emotions. Blushing, she looked away.... Her lips quivered, caught between a shy smile and something deeper, something more vulnerable. She was so incredibly happy her hard work, her patience, was bearing fruit in the sweetest way imaginable. With just a little more time she could have Aether inside her, fulfilling a longing that had grown too powerful to ignore. Her flower trembled with anticipation, echoing the quickening beat of her heart!! ''H-He understood me?'' she thought, her mind racing as she reread thest lines, her lips trembling slightly with a mixture of disbelief and joy. She wasn''t just using her son as a delivery boy she was training him! Yes, Training! Kaelen wasn''t as swift as she was, so she had set time limits, forcing him to push his limits, to run faster across the vast distances that separated them. In her own way, she was teaching him to be strong, but admitting that? That was a different matter entirely. "W-What''s this feeling?" she whispered to herself, the words barely audible as she gently ced the letter among the growing collection she had received from Aether. Each one was precious, a treasure she held close to her heart. It was the ''N''th time she had read those old letters, yet each time, they made her heart race anew, filling her with a warmth she had never known before a warmth that wrapped around her like aforting embrace. She then held the plush close, staring at it.... Her lips curled into a soft smile. "It really does look like me" she mused, bringing the plush to her face and inhaling deeply. The scent of Aether lingered on it, a scent that soothed her restless heart and calmed her racing thoughts. As her gaze drifted around the room, she took in the sight of all the gifts he had sent her, each one a testament to his affection. "Never in my life have I received gifts from anyone It feels so different," she murmured, her voice filled with a quiet wonder. She could hardly wait for today''s letter, her mind racing with thoughts of what he might send her next, what words he would use to ignite the fire within her heart once more. It made her heart ache, just a little, with a longing that was bing harder and harder to bear She wanted to see him, to feel his lips against hers, to lose herself in his embrace. And if possible to mate with him until her body could not move an inch!! Just as Liora was lost in her thoughts, a sudden knocking sound pulled her back to reality. Knock, Knock Liora''s lips twitched in mild annoyance as she quickly hid the plush and the letters beneath her pillow. She smoothed her hair,posed herself, and opened the door, revealing Maelona. "What brings you here at this time?" Liora asked, her eyes half-closed with a mix of curiosity and irritation. Maelona''s lips twitched in response, her tone dripping with exasperation, "It''s my house, Liora. I cane and go as I please!" Ever since Aether had left, Liora had been staying at Maelona''s house rather than with her own Darkfang tribe. Liora simply shrugged, not bothering to hide her indifference. It was Aether who had asked her to stay and take care of Maelona, given her current weakened state and all but Liora wasn''t about to admit that.... Why spoil the fun of getting under Maelona''s skin? ''Heheh'' Liora giggled inwardly, delighting in the sh of annoyance that crossed Maelona''s face. Maelona clicked her tongue, clearly irritated but trying to maintain herposure. She knew exactly why Liora was staying in the house, even without it being said aloud. Aether, that meddling boy, had somehow managed to tame this wild, barbarian woman. It was infuriating! "Anyhow," Maelona continued, forcing her voice to calm, "we''ve managed to get almost 60% of the Elders on our side. With this, we can move forward with our n starting tomorrow and finally overthrow ric''s rule" Liora shook her head, her expression turning serious. "But Aether did say we need at least 90% of the Elders on board before we move forward with the n," she said, her brow furrowing with concern. Maelona sighed, "He''s just a child, Liora. He doesn''t understand how politics work" she retorted. Having lived for thousands of years, Maelona knew the intricacies of power and the kind of decisive actions that needed to be taken. Liora shrugged again, nonchnt. "Well, if the n fails, don''t drag me into it. I don''t want him to be disappointed," she said, her voice softening slightly as she thought of Aether. Maelona frowned, considering Liora''s words. She knew Aether''s insistence on 90% was a precaution, a failsafe in case ric tried to pull something unexpected. But that''s way too cautious... Just then, their conversation was interrupted by the familiar sight of Kaelen arriving with his usual routine. He handed his mother, Liora, arge bag filled with something, and in return, she gave him a letter. Kaelen nodded eagerly, his face lighting up with a smile before he turned and ran off, his pace hurried and determined. Maelona watched the exchange with a puzzled expression before turning to Liora, her curiosity piqued, "Care to exin why you''re using your son as a delivery boy?" Liora nced at Maelona with a smirk, "Delivery boy? Don''t you see? His running time has started to decrease." "H-huh?" Maelona stammered, her brow furrowing in confusion. She then remembered how she had first encountered a drenched and almost pale Kaelen on his first day of delivering those letters..... Now, he didn''t even pause to catch his breath before running back. Maelona stared at Liora, who simply smirked, clearly pleased with herself, ''Only Aether understands me'' Liora thought, her smirk widening, which only served to irritate Maelona further. Just as Maelona was about to inquire about the contents of the bag, Liora abruptly mmed the door in her face. THUD!! Veins popped on Maelona''s forehead, her temper ring as she red at the closed door. ''This bitch!! It''s my house, bitch!!'' she fumed silently, gritting her teeth in frustration. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 349: Side Story to Main Events! Maelona stared at the door for a long moment, her anger simmering beneath the surface. Finally, she let out a deep sigh, turning on her heel and heading back to her room. That bitch is really starting to get under my skin... Maelona thought, her irritation clear as she closed the door behind her. Her usually vibrant green eyes momentarily flickered red as a wave of exhaustion washed over her. Feeling the familiar weariness creeping in, she quickly moved to her drawer, pulling out thest remaining bottle of her Medicine and downing it in one swift gulp. A relieved sigh escaped her lips as her eyes returned to their normal green hue. She stared at the now-empty drawer with a sense of unease, I need to contact Aether, she thought. Even though they were connected by the Eternal Seal, Maelona had avoided reaching out to Aether since he left. It wasnt that she didnt want to... she did, desperately... but something held her back. It felt wrong, like an intrusion into his life. She had hoped, perhaps foolishly, that Aether would contact her first. But days turned into weeks, and still, no word from him. The realization that her beloved son-inw might have forgotten about her stung more than she cared to admit. Its not like I wanted him to.... she tried to convince herself, but the emptiness in her chest said otherwise. Maelonas cheeks flushed as she stared at the empty bottle in her hand, unsure how to process her feelings about the Medicine. "Well, since my daughters know the details, I suppose its fine..." she mumbled, trying to push the thoughts away as she prepared to lie down. But before she could rx, Knock, Knock Maelona frowned, irritated by the interruption at thiste hour. She opened the door to find Liora. "What brings you here at this time?" Maelona asked, her eyes half-closed with a mix of curiosity and irritation. Lioras lips twitched, noting the irony in Maelonas mirrored words. Without a word, she extended her hand, offering a small rectangr box. "What is this?" Maelona frowned, her suspicion growing. Liora shrugged casually. "I dont know. Aether told me to give it to you as soon as possible." At the mention of Aether, Maelonas eyes widened, her heart skipping a beat. [+1000 AP] Her face softened immediately, her earlier irritation melting away as she gazed at the box... She knew what was inside, So... he didnt forget about me after all... she thought, a warm feeling spreading through her chest. A gentle smile curved her lips! However, just as quickly, doubt crept back in. Her brows furrowed as she looked at Liora with a questioning gaze. "How did you get it?" Liora simply shrugged, unwilling to offer an exnation. But Maelona wasnt about to let it slide... this was too important! The idea of her son-inw reaching out to another woman before her gnawed at her insides, fueled her growing annoyance. She really got annoyed. Stay tuned to NovelBin.C?m Seeing that Maelona wasnt going to drop the subject, Liora finally relented and told her the truth..... As the words sank in, Maelonas face slowly hardened, as though she had swallowed something bitter and vile. Not bad... Liora mused, watching the fury build in Maelonas expression. If I had known it would piss her off this much, I would have told her sooner... She nodded to herself, satisfied. "So youve been exchanging letters, huh?" Maelona mumbled, her eyes flickering with dark, unreadable emotions. Here she was, directly connected to Aether through the Eternal Seal, yet he hadnt reached out to her.... not even once to check if she was okay. And yet, he sent letters to Liora, of all people. What kind of twisted joke was this?! Maelona gritted her teeth, her anger bubbling over as she red at Liora. "I knew your tribe was shameless, but why are you still trying to seduce him? Cant you see hes in love with my daughter?! Hes going to marry her, you bitch!" Her voice rose in frustration, her emotions finally spilling out. Liora casually picked her ear with a finger, barely acknowledging Maelonas outburst, "So what? Its not like I care about being his first or whatever number," she replied haughtily. Maelonas lips twitched furiously, about to retort when Liora leaned in, licking her lips suggestively, "You know, in our tribe, the women prefer to mate with men who have more wives. It means theyre powerful, more worthy~" Maelona stared at Liora, speechless for a moment, then sighed in resignation. She knew shouting wouldnt solve anything. All she could do now was pray her daughter was doing her best to hold onto Aether. As they both turned to leave, resigned to the nights events, "MOTHER!!!" Lioras long wolf ears twitched at the familiar voice. She quickly stepped out into the corridor and looked towards the street, where she saw Kaelen approaching, his face pale with dread and hurry!! .... ... Inside the Academy A hideous, raspy voice echoed from the top of a building. "Hrhahr...." The creature was a towering abomination, a grotesque fusion of mechanical spiders and rotting corpses. Its swollen body was covered in decaying flesh, its glowing red eyes oozing malevolence. A gaping maw lined with jagged teeth dripped with vile saliva, making it an utterly repulsive sight. Its red eyes fixed on the stadium, sending a wave of terror through the onlookers. Standing at 20 feet tall, this monstrous entity embodied a pure nightmare, as if it had crawled straight out of the darkest depths to bring nothing but destruction and despair. Smaller, severed-head spider-like minions swarmed around it, creating an even more horrifying scene. SsssssHhhhhhhhh The eerie sound of wind echoed through the silence before THUNDER!!!!! Lightning and thunder crashed in the sky as rain began to pour, though it couldnt reach inside the dome that shielded the stadium. The monsters mouth twisted into a grotesque grin as it let out an indescribable sound, "Mryrr Crreearrtrrnnnrrrrrrr" C an unintelligible but terrifying utterance. Long, spindly legs ended in razor-sharp ws, one of which stabbed into a massive bell, hurling it toward ric! "MOVE!!!" ric shouted, his voice filled with urgency as everyone scrambled to get out of the way. BOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!! The bell crashed to the ground with a deafening explosion, sending a deep, resonating wave that nearly tore everyones eardrums. Aether rubbed his ears, visibly annoyed by the creature, Fuck, its fucking disgusting he thought, ncing at the other students who were beginning to panic. Tsk He clicked his tongue, If they scattered, it would be impossible to execute the n without sacrificing a few lives. He quickly looked at Victor. Victors voice boomed across the stadium, "DO NOT RUN AWAY!!" Hismand froze everyone in their tracks. ric stepped forward, his face grim but determined, "Calm down, students. None of you will die under my watch!" He exchanged a knowing nce with the professors and remaining guards, who nodded in resolute agreement. ric then turned to the Elite ss students, "Ill handle that thing. You all focus on finding a way out!" As ric and the others prepared their weapons, Delphine was about to follow them when "Youre not going," Victor muttered before Ssshhhhhhhh "AAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!" Victor threw her out through a small hole in the dome, which closed immediately after. He had used the controller of the Arcane-Less Dome Artifact to seal it back. ric blinked, taken aback, about to demand an exnation when Victor spoke, "Her hand was mutted, and she doesnt have her spider. Shell be fine." ric frowned... that wasnt what he had intended to ask. Meanwhile, outside the dome, Delphine managed to stabilize herself as her powers returned. She hovered over the dome, biting her lip in frustration. She understood why Victor had done it, but she desperately wanted to help her students. Chapter 350: Academy is in Danger Part-14 "What should we do now?" Thalia asked, her voice trembling as she stared at the monstrous creature perched atop the building. It remained eerily still, its grotesque form looming over them like a dark.... omen!! Only its minions, those horrifying severed-head spider-like creatures, were attacking the professors with relentless aggression. Its waiting for something, Aqualina thought, her eyes narrowing as she tried to decipher the creatures intentions. Her gaze shifted to Aether, who was still asleep on Helenas shoulder, seemingly oblivious to the chaos unfolding around them. Then she looked at Victor and Raven, both of whom were intensely focused on the Artifact. "Did you find anything?" Kai demanded, his voiceced with impatience and fear. But neither Victor nor Raven responded immediately. They were too engrossed in analyzing the intricate circuits of the Mechanical Spiders and the Artifact. "Come on, say something" Kai began, his frustration boiling over, but Vesperine gently ced a hand on his shoulder, calming him before his panic could spiral out of control. "There is one option," Raven finally said, her voice heavy with dread. "W-What is it?" Leon asked, his voice trembling, fear evident in his eyes. Raven held up one of the broken spiders, "These Spiders contain a significant amount of stored energy with a unique signature. Its enough to power their movements, and even cause them to blow up. If we" she started, but Aqualina quickly interjected. "To filter that energy signature using the dome, right?" Aqualinas eyes widened as she realized where Raven was going with this. Raven nodded, adjusting her sunsses. For a brief moment, hope flickered in their eyes, but it was short-lived. "But theres a problem," Victor cut in, his voice indifferent but carrying the weight of grim reality. "What is it?" Kai frowned, frustration etched on his face. There always seemed to be a catch. Victor continued, "The Domes filtering function was designed with only one filter in mind. If we switch the energy signature to the spiders, Arcane energy will flood into the dome. And since theres a trigger function that activates when Arcane energy is detected... Were not sure what the oue will be." As Victor spoke, the colour drained from everyones faces. "Come on, guys! If were going to die, we might as well do our best!" Thalia shouted, her voice filled with a desperate energy that cut through the fear. Her words echoed through the stadium, rekindling a spark of determination among the students. They stared at Thalia, her fierce resolve igniting something within them, If were going to die, at least well die fighting, they thought, nodding in grim agreement. Victor nced around at the group, "It will take some time to change the filtering signature," he warned. Everyone nodded, steeling themselves for what was toe. But then, "KYYAAAA!!" "T-Those monsters!!!" Screams erupted as the minions began to appear near the stadium, their grotesque forms advancing with deadly intent. Experience new tales on NovelBin.C?m "Dont worry, well take care of it!!" Thalia shouted, her voice brimming with fiery determination. Sheunched herself at the spiders, mming one into the ground with all her strength. Those who were still able to fight joined the fray, battling the nightmarish creatures with every ounce of strength they had left. And very soon, "Were ready!" she shouted over the chaos, signalling everyone. Every student moved to the side of the other dome. Victor slowly turned the controller, and the dome flickered. For a moment, it seemed like the n had worked... the small spiders and minions suddenly froze, their movements halting as if their strings had been cut. Relief washed over everyone. But then BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! The small spiders began to explode one by one, sending shockwaves through the stadium. The minions, instead of exploding like them, seemed to grow stronger, and more vicious, their movements fueled by an unsettling new power. "Tsk, looks like those minions are absorbing the Arcane energy," Victor muttered, his eyes narrowing as he nced at Aether, still lying unconscious on Helenas shoulder. "Revert it!" Aqualina shouted, her voice tinged with urgency as she watched the minions grow more formidable by the second. Victor immediately reversed the filtering signature, returning the dome to its original function. The minions suddenly lost their boosted power, their movements bing sluggish and disoriented. But the damage was done. The brief surge of hope had been crushed, leaving everyone in a state of dread. "Thats it," someone whispered, their voice filled with despair. "Were going to die," another muttered, the hopelessness spreading like a gue. "From the very beginning... I knew death was the only answer," a student mumbled, their spirit broken. The students lost their will... Jack Sparrow stood apart from the group, an amused expression on his face, Never thought Id die before achieving my dream... he mused, his gaze shifting to the chosen ones, If were going to die, should I kill them myself? he wondered darkly, a twisted thought crossing his mind as he looked at the chaos unfolding around him. Just then, amidst the chaos and rising fear, a voice rang out from the crowd, "Where is that Princesssckey? He might be able to find the solution!!" ... Of course, it was Taylor! No one knew who shouted but hearing that, The students suddenly remembered Aether, the man who had been instrumental in finding the artifact and aiding Victor in entering the dome. He had been pushed to the side because he was acting strangely, hugging everyone in his inebriated state.... Thats why they put him to the side! But now, "Is he still not sobered up?" someone in the crowd shouted, anxiety evident in their voice. "Please, wake him up!!" another pleaded. "Yes, he was the one who found those crystals! He might know what to do!" "Please wake him!!" "Does anybody have water?" More voices joined in, their desperation growing as they looked towards Aether, who was still asleep on Helenas shoulder. Kais lips twitched in frustration, seeing everyone now turning to Aether for help. He stepped forward, ready to p Aether awake, but Vesperine quickly grabbed his hand, stopping him. Helena, her heart filled with a flicker of hope, softly called out to him, "Aether, we need your help." "...Hmm" Aether merely hummed in response, his eyes still closed, oblivious to the urgency around him. "Please, Aether, wake up!" Helenas voice was more pleading now, but still... "...Hmm.." Aether only hummed, lost in his drunken slumber. Kai, his patience wearing thin, stood in front of Helena, his frustration boiling over, "EthAether, wake up!" he yelled. "...." But Aether remained unresponsive. "WAKE UP, YOU BASTARD!!!" Kai finally screamed, raising his hand to p Aether awake. Just as he was about to strike, Aqualina appeared behind him, catching his hand mid-air. Aria clicked her tongue because she was a few inches away from reacting. "Calm down, Kai," Aqualina said, her voice cold and serious, with a hint of something darkerperhaps even a bit of killing intent, "What would you do if he actually fell unconscious?" Kai red at her, unwilling to back down. "We dont have time! We need to wake him up!!" Aqualina frowned, their confrontation escting as they stood face to face. Meanwhile, Helena, feeling the tension between them, quietly stepped back, away from the argument. She nced down at Aether, still sleeping peacefully, and bit her lip hard, frustration and desperation mingling in her heart. Then, she leaned in close to his ear, her voice barely above a whisper, "Please, protect me... Aether." [+5000 A-] Aethers eyes snapped open instantly as if her words had pierced through the haze of his drunken stupor. He looked at Helena with dizzy eyes, but there was a flicker of rity within them, "I will..." he murmured, before staggering to his feet, his legs wobbly but his resolve evident. Ba-dump Helenas heart skipped a beat..... A-All it needed was my words... she thought, her mind reeling in shock. He was moving just for her.... for her alone!!! The realization made her heart race faster and faster, a warmth spreading through her chest. [+5000 A-] Tears welled up in the corners of her eyes, threatening to spill over as she bit her lips, overwhelmed by the emotions surging through her. Aqualina and Kai stopped their bickering when they noticed Aether walking toward Victor, his expression still dazed and drunken. Aqualina sighed in relief, while Kai gritted his teeth, reluctantly stepping back to stand beside Vesperine. Aether, with hazy eyes, listened to Victor as he exined the situation, nodding asionally as he absorbed the details. He then stared at the Academys map and the Arcane-Less Dome Artifact, his mind slowly piecing together a solution. Everyone held their breath, the tension palpable, as they waited for Aether to speak.... Waiting for his final words!! It felt like an eternity before he finally mumbled, "Yes, there is a way." "...." Again they hold their breath in shock... but not because of Aethers words rather, "Can you hear me now?" a mechanical voice echoed through the air, sending a shiver down everyones spine. Aether turned slowly, his eyes narrowing as he saw the disgusting monster standing over the building.... It was a grotesque fusion of flesh and machine, its eyes glowing with malevolence. Lets call it... Mechaflesh Arachnid Disgusting Monster, Aether thought with an amused expression. The monster grinned, its hideous mouth stretching impossibly wide as itughed, "Hahaha... Look at my creation!! Hahaha... The finest one in the entire world, ric!!!" it bellowed, its voice a twisted mixture of pride and madness. The creature moved freely now, unlike before when it had been moved like a broken robot. It leapt from the top of the building, its enormous body crashing to the ground with a deafening BOOM!! Trrrrr The ground trembled beneath its weight, the very earth quaking in response. "Hahaha... The time hase... I will show you all what true power means!" it roared, its voice dripping with satisfaction as it revelled in its own strength. Those numerous metal legs clenched before slowly moving towards the Professors who were fighting!! Hes really cooking something up, isnt he? Aether mused, his lips curving into a smirk. Then, with azy shrug, he thought, Well, its time to cook my own dish~. Chapter 351: Finally Escaping from Death!! BOOMM!! "Move!!" "Professor Kin, support me!!" Chkk "I''ming!! Aarrrhhh!!" Ckkk "Bastards!!!" The professors fought valiantly, doing everything in their power to fend off the relentless waves of minions. Meanwhile, ric stood, locked in a deadly standoff with the grotesque monstrosity before him.... the Mechaflesh Arachnid. It stood tall, itsrge red eyes fixated on ric as saliva dripped from its gaping maw. "It''s been a while, hasn''t it, ric?" the monster spoke, its voice dripping with twisted amusement. "Kennedy..." ric growled, his teeth grinding together in pure, unadulterated rage. The nearby professors flinched at the name, their faces drained of colour as they whispered in horror, "That... that is Kennedy?" "Hehe..." The monster, smirked, spreading its numerous limbs wide, "How is it, ric? My creation, my lifelong masterpiece... HOW IS IT?!!!" Kennedy''s voice crescendoed into a maniacal shout. ric stared at the abomination before him, his expression hardening into one of pure disgust. He uttered a single word, his voice low and filled with venom, "Disgusting." Before ric could react, Kennedy lunged, its limbs crashing down where ric had stood. But ric was faster, moving with the speed and grace of an Arcane King, easily evading the attack. "Hmm?" Kennedy frowned, ''Looks like he hasn''t lost his touch,'' Kennedy mused before charging again, this time with lethal intent. ric met Monster''s attack head-on, his sword slicing through the air, aiming for the soft flesh that connected the metal pieces of Monster''s body. He was trying to sever the bonds between flesh and metallic parts, to break this twisted amalgamation apart.... Yet, just as his sword embedded itself into the grotesque flesh, Monster seized the opportunity. BOOM! The Monster''s massive limb mmed ric to the ground with bone-crushing force. "Arrhh!" ric coughed up blood, ring at the monster with a mix of fury and revulsion. His eyes flickered, he almost subconsciously forcibly tried to pull the Arcen energy... which caused small cracks around the dome but then "Are you sure?" The Monster''s voice interrupted, dripping with dark amusement as it pointed toward the students still trapped inside the dome. The Monster knew the dome could not hold ric''s powers, just snapping his fingers would literally shatter the dome... that much was Experienced Arcane King''s power that''s the reason he used students'' lives.... if ric tried to forcibly pull the energy, the dome would shatter, and with it, the lives of countless students would be lost. ric gritted his teeth, to be honest.... He could end this monster with a single snap of his fingers, but The only thing holding him back was... the Principal.! Of course.... He didn''t even care for the students'' lives... It''s just that his pride and the fear of disappointing the Principal kept him in check. The Monster''s grin widened, its victory seeming all but assured. Just as it prepared to finish ric off, its grotesque mouth widened to bite off his head SSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHH A streak of red me shot toward Kennedy, forcing the monster to leap back, narrowly avoiding the searing heat as it crashed into the building behind it. BOOOMM!! ric struggled to his feet, coughing as he saw Leon standing there, fire flickering in his mouth, "What are you doing here?" ric shouted, his voiceced with annoyance. He didn''t need help.... he could handle this on his own! But then "Take that!!" Thalia''s voice rang out as she smashed through the minions, aiding the professors in their fight. "W-What?" ric''s frustration mounted as he noticed not just Leon and Thalia, but every Elite ss student and a few seniors joining the fray, attacking the monsters with everything they had. "We came here to aid you, Vice-Principal!" Kai announced, his voice filled with pride. "Aid me? Are you kidding me?" ric was beyond annoyed. All he wanted was for them to escape the dome so he could finish this piece of shit alone. But now... Aqualina stepped forward, holding a blue sword in her hand, her expression serious, "Don''t worry, Vice-Principal. The situation is under control. All Victor and Aether need is time. The first-year students are already evacuating the dome." ric''s expression shifted from surprise to relief. "You found a way out?" "Yes," Aqualina confirmed, "Aether discovered that by incorporating two intersections of the dome with different energy signatures and Arcane energy simultaneously, we can diffuse the spiders. But there''s a small problem." "Problem?" "They need to move at a faster rate and cut down the spiders. Victor is sending out people one by one, while Professor Delphine is cutting down the spiders as they exit. But with thousands of students to evacuate, it will take some time. We decided to stay and help you hold off the monsters until then," Aqualina exined, not sure she herself got how that worked but since Aether said she believed and shrugged. But to be honest she was surprised to know Aether was very good with technology! ''I will ask himter'' She thought with slight pouting as she felt Aether hiding this information!! "I see..." ric nodded, not fully understanding the technical details, he shrugged as long as they escaped he was fine! His gaze then shifted to Aqualina''s weapon, a flicker of doubt crossing his face, "How did you summon your weapon?" Without Arcane energy, none of them should have been able to manifest their weapons, and yet... Aqualina smirked, a glint of pride in her eyes, "I learned my lesson, Vice-Principal," she said, looking at her weapon, "Though it''s just a weapon with no powers in it." ric raised his eyebrows, genuinely impressed. Even he couldn''t summon his weapon under these conditions, yet Aqualina had managed it. She was full of surprises. ''Indeed Marisandra''s daughter... both of them filled with surprises'' he thought, Just then, SLAM! Cough, Cough! Thalia hit the ground hard, the impact jarring her body. She coughed up blood but quickly pushed herself up, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. Despite the pain, she managed a smirk, "It''s really something else..." she muttered, her eyes fixed on the monstrous Mechaflesh Arachnid that continued to battle the others with relentless ferocity. Meanwhile, the evacuation efforts continued at a..... frantic pace? "I-I''m a girl, so please be gentlKKKYYYYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAaaa...." The girl''s scream echoed around the stadium as Victor roughly picked her neck like a duck that was about to cut and throw her through the opening. Delphine, poised and ready, swiftly sliced through a small spider with her ice des with almost precision and cut the spider on her neck and... Liora caught the girl in her arms, "Good girl," she mumbled, her face drenched from the pouring rain. "T-Thank you," the girl whimpered, her eyes welling up with tears of relief. She leaned in to hug Liora, desperate forfort.... but Liora who could care less about this emotional drama, so she let her down! "Ouch!" The girl groaned as shended awkwardly on the wet ground, her butt sshing into a puddle. Maelona, noticing the girl''s distress, shot a re at Liora before offering a towel and hugging the trembling girl, who was still shaken from the ordeal. The medical team arrived swiftly, tending to the wounded girl as they worked efficiently amidst the rain. Soldiers stood stoically around the academy, their faces grim as they ensured that no one unauthorized could approach and due to the night time not many people was aware of the situation. Back inside the dome, the students watched with a mix of relief and dread as they were hurled out one by one. Victor''s method of evacuation.... tossing them like sacks of potatoes.... filled them with a new kind of terror. "Am I operating correctly, Aether?" Helena''s voice wasced with hesitation as she held on to the controllers of the Arcane-Less Dome Artifact. Aether, still maintaining his drunken (Acting), nced at her with dizzy eyes and noddedzily, "Yes, you''re doing fine~" he slurred, his head restingfortably in herp. Helena blushed at the sight of Aether lying so casually on her, her heart fluttering despite the dire circumstances. She focused on the task at hand, her fingers trembling slightly as she manipted the controls with care. "You know you could do better, right?" Finnian''s voice cut through the air, tinged with irritation. He was lying on the ground, his body too injured to move, but his anger simmered as he watched Aether lounge on Helena''sp. Aether waved his hand dismissively, "I''m drunk~" he replied, his tone utterly nonchnt. Finnian''s lips twitched in disbelief. This was the first time he''d ever seen someone openly admit to being drunk... and be proud of it! "I''m doing fine, Fin!" Helena snapped, her frown deepening as she red at him, "I''m not a child!" Finnian bit back a retort, deciding not to worsen the already tense situation. He didn''t want to cause any more internal conflict. BOOOMMMMM!! The thunderous explosion drew Aether''s attention. He squinted, assessing the situation, before giving Victor a subtle nod. Victor, catching the signal, turned to the remaining students, "I''m speeding up the process! Get in linetwo rowsFASTER!" The urgency in his voice spurred everyone into action. They quickly formed two rows, their faces a mixture of fear and determination. Victor then addressed Helena. "Just do it faster." Helena nodded, her fingers trembling slightly but her resolve unwavering. She knew what was at stake and wasn''t about to let anyone down. "NOW!!" SSssssssssHHHHHH Chapter 352: Out, Out, Out, Everyone out!!! Helena''s eyes widened in disbelief as she watched Victor''s hands move at an impossible speed, spinning like a tyre!! "How is that possible?" she mumbled to herself, her voice tinged with awe and confusion. Ssssshhh Sssssshhh Sssssshhhh The students, who had lined up as instructed, were being hurled out of the dome with such force and speed that they couldn''t even manage a scream. It was as if Victor was yanking weeds from a garden, each one disappearing into the night as soon as Victor''s hands made contact. Aether, still loungingfortably on Helena''sp, observed the scene with an amused expression. ''Not bad, I suppose...'' he thought, his eyes narrowing as he watched Victor grab each student by the neck and toss them out. Why the neck? Because Victor had short-circuited the spiders!! In reality, what Aqualina or what Aether said to everyone... had exined was theoretically sound. Intersecting two different energy signatures could indeed cause the spider to ck out... but it would still function as if it had a triggering mechanism, potentially blowing their head..... So, yes, Aether had spun quite bullshit to everyone. ''And these brainless fools believe it,'' Aether thought, an amused grin spreading across his face. He finally understood how Kennedy had managed to deceive so many. In these worlds, where the focus was primarily on magic, so it''s rare that anyone pursues technology seriously. Not many believe in it enough to question it. Aether''s gaze shifted to Helena, who was frantically trying to open and close the dome using the controller. She was focused, determined, and yet... helpless. To be honest, it was a futile effort... she really did not need to do it!! He lied to her to keep her here!! Heyfortably on herp, his body rxed, his mind calcting. He waited... waited... waited... until only 25% of the students remained. Then, with a subtle nod, he signalled Victor to stop. ''Now it''s time to deal with the elite ss and the professors,'' Aether thought. He couldn''t possibly reveal his heroic side to the heroine while other powerful characters were still in y, could he? Victor''s hands abruptly ceased their spinning, and hended on the ground with a heavy thud, his chest heaving as he struggled to catch his breath. Sweat dripped from his brow, his muscles trembling from the exertion. "A-Are you okay?" one of the students asked softly, his voice tinged with worry..... But the concern wasn''t for Victor; it was a selfish fear for his own safety. It was that same feeling of helpless frustration, like standing in a long line, just about to reach the front, only for the teller to announce that it was lunchtime. The annoyance, the anxietyit gnawed at him!! Suddenly, Selene arrived from the fighting, She looked at Victor, then shifted her gaze to Helena, her eyes softening. "I''ll take care of it for you," she offered, her voice gentle yet firm. Helena shook her head, her lips parting in a faint smile. "It''s fine..." thankful that her friend trying to help her! But Selene simply smiled back, her eyes briefly flickering toward Aether. Her lips twitched in barely concealed dark emotions..... She would definitely make him spoil her the next time they were alone!! Definitely!!! She pouted slightly, taking a deep breath to calm the storm within her. Her inner yandere was barely contained.... It''s working! Then she turned her attention to the massive spider that ric and the Professor had captured for research... or perhaps for war. Meanwhile, "Are you ready now?" a boy asked, impatience etched on his face as he looked at Victor, who was still panting heavily. "Come on, man! At least throw me out!" the boy demanded, frustration creeping into his voice. But when Victor remained indifferent, the boy''s bravado crumbled, and he began to plead. "P-Please, bro... I''m the only son in my family. Just throw me out, and I''ll visit you with my whole family to thank you. Please, I''m begging you!" Just then, "KYAA!!!" The boy''s pleas were abruptly cut off by a piercing scream. He whipped around to see the source... The enormous red-ck spider escaped from the robes and its razor-sharp legs were about to pierce Selene''s stomach when, Sssssssshhhhhhh Victor appeared in a blur. He reached Selene just in time, his powerful arms scooping her up and... tossing her outside. Selene, a yful wink sent Aether''s way as she went out. He returned the wink with a sly smile of his own. "Everyone, run!" the boy suddenly screamed, panic overtaking him as he saw the spider advancing toward them with deadly intent. They all knew that even the professors had struggled against this creaturewhat chance did they stand? "A-Aether!" Helena''s voice trembled as she tried to rouse him from his apparent slumber. But then, The spider suddenly halted its advance, its razor-sharp legs retracting as it turned its attention to Kenley, who was bound and gagged nearby. Tang, Tang... The spider moved toward her with unsettling precision, its legs clicking against the ground. It scooped her up with ease and then, without a second nce, it bolted away into the darkness. The students collectively exhaled a sigh of relief. They didn''t care what happened to Kenley.... she was just a traitor. As long as they were safe, that''s all that mattered. "No! I won''t let you go!" Victor roared, determination zing in his eyes as he took off after the spider. "W-Wait! Please throw me out before you go!" the boy cried, his voice cracking with desperation and fear. Aether felt a pang of pity for the terrified boy, ''Sorry, bro, but you guys are crucial for my deadly fucking n,'' he thought, his mind already moving ahead as he telepathically reached out. /Aria/ /... I will do it/ Her response came with slight hesitation. Unlike Selene, Aria didn''t know the full details of Aether''s n. She only knew that Aether needed something from that monstrous creature and that her role involved taking out the elite-ss students as well as the professors. And since she believed/loved him too much, she didn''t ask many questions about ''Things'' he wanted from the monster but she was worried about him fighting alone with the monster. She really didn''t want him to fight that monster alone and.... yet with Aether''s gentle and reassuring voice, he managed to persuade her. /You bettere back to me!! Hmph!!/ /Of course... Haha./ Aetherughed inwardly, his heart warming at the sound of her worried, pouting voice. He could picture her perfectly.... cheeks puffed in adorable frustration, eyes filled with concern. Momentster, Aria arrived at the stadium, then she stood before Helena. Helena''s face twisted in horror when she saw the state Aria was inbloodied, bruised, and batteredbut before she could utter a word, Aria cut her off sharply. "We need to throw out the chosen ones before anyone else," she ordered, her voice brooking no argument. Hearing this, the remaining 25% of the students paled, their faces drained of colour as the reality of their situation sunk in. Meanwhile, ric and the other professors were barely holding on. They panted heavily, their bodies broken, most of their limbs torn to shreds. ric himself had lost his right hand, and he stared nkly as the Mechaflesh Arachnid chewed down on the severed limb, the sound of crunching bone sending chills down everyone''s spine. Thalia and the others were in no better shape. Their bodies were battered, covered in blood, and they could barely move, each breath a struggle. "T-This bastard!" Thalia hissed through gritted teeth, fury and helplessness warring within her. They were fighting without Arcane energyof course, they were as weak as newborns! She tried to move, her muscles screaming in protest, "Cough, Cough" but a fit of coughing overtook her, blood sttering the ground. "O-Our bodies have reached their limits, guys," Aqualina murmured, her voice faint and tinged with despair as her vision blurred from exhaustion. And then, "Hahaha... Look at you lot... the so-called chosen ones," a mocking voice cut through the air. They all turned to see Kenley, sitting atop the massive, razor-sharp spider that was now advancing toward them. Their faces darkened with dread. "Oh? You finally showed up, my cute little niece..." The Mechaflesh Arachnid''s voice was a grotesque rumble as it devoured thest of ric''s hand, its body twitching grotesquely before bulging, growing even more monstrous. "And you''re as great as ever, my dear uncle!" Kenley shouted, her voice fractured, her teeth broken, yet filled with twisted joy. The enormous red-ck spider crawled closer, and Kenley, perched atop it, folded her arms as she red down at ric, "Kill every single one of them, Uncle!" Everyone just braced themself for the confrontation.... But then, "Victor?" Thalia whispered, her eyes widening as she saw Victor appear out of nowhere. Before she could even react, Sssssshhhhhh!! "First Out~" Victor moved like lightning, grabbing Thalia''s and hurling her outside. Kenley''s eyes narrowed, her voice rising in a shriek of frustration. "Kill them faster!!!" shemanded, her fury palpable. Tang!!! Sssssshhhhhh!! "Second Out~" The Monster''s limbs moved with deadly precision, aiming to impale Aqualina. But before it could reach her, Victor was there, throwing her... gently! Kenley and the Monster stared in shock, their disbelief evident as Victor continued his relentless throwing. The Monstershed out with every limb it had, stabbing and shing at the others, but, Tang!!! Sssssshhhhhh!! "Out~" Tang!!! Sssssshhhhhh!! "Out~" Tang!!! Sssssshhhhhh!! "Out~" Tang!!! ... ... One by one, every single person was thrown out. "What the hell are you doing?!" ric roared, catching Victor''s hand just as he was about to reach him. ric''s eyes were wide with surprisehe couldn''t believe Victor was even throwing the other professors out. "Saving your ass, I suppose," Victor retorted, his toneced with sarcasm as he swatted ric''s hand away. "I don''t need you to save me, brat! Just save those students, and I''ll take care ofPUFFFF!!!" Before ric could finish his arrogant deration, Snowke, with a fierce hiss, returned to her size, twisted her massive body and mmed her powerful tail into ric''s stomach, sending him flying. "HISSSSSSsssss~" Snowke hissed menacingly, her eyes locked onto the Mechaflesh Arachnid, her muscles coiled, ready to strike. The Monster and Kenley blinked in stunned silence, processing what had just happened. And then, as the reality of the situation sunk in, Kenley''s face contorted with rage. "VVVVVVIIIIICCCCCTTTTOOORRRRRRR!!!!" "Hehe...." Chapter 353: Saving a damsel in distress? Nope!!! "I know it''s hard, Helena, but you know..." "Some sacrifices are necessary for the greater good... right?" Helena interrupted, her voice soft yet resolute as if trying to convince herself as much as Aria. A faint, almost sorrowful smile tugged at her lips as she cast a nce toward Victor, who was mercilessly throwing the elite-ss students and professors outside of the dome. Helena could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on her chest, a suffocating dread that threatened to crush her. She understood all too well.... everyone had reached their limit. The sight of Aria''s bloodied and battered body was a cruel testament to their dire situation. It was only a matter of time before that monster would finish them all off, one by one. But before that inevitable end, they had to make choices.... horrible, heart-wrenching choices. They had to prioritize those who were deemed more important!!! "W-What about us?" one of the remaining students asked, his voice trembling, barely above a whisper, as if he feared the very question might seal their fate. Helena bit down hard on her lower lip, and the metallic taste of blood was sharp on her tongue. She lowered her head. The students around her, already on the edge, grew even paler, the realization dawning on them like a dark, cold shadow. There was no hope for them!! Still, Helena forced herself to speak, her voice shaky but determined, "D-Don''t worry. Once Victor throws them, he''lle back for you guys." But no one was listening to her anymore. Their attention was fixated on the monstrous figure looming in the distance, the Mechaflesh Arachnid, its grotesque form moving with an eerie, mechanical grace as it followed Victor. Each step it took seemed to reverberate through the ground, sending shivers down their spines. The creature was getting closer... "WHY!! JUST RUN AWAY, YOU BASTARD!! DON''T COME TOWARD US!!" The boy who had spoken earlier suddenly screamed, his voice raw with a mixture of pain, fear, and desperation. He was losing it, the reality of their situation pushing him over the edge. "Aria, out!" Victor''s voice cut through the chaos. He appeared in the stadium, and without a moment''s hesitation, he grabbed Aria and threw her out. Aria''s heart skipped a beat as she was flung through the air, but she managed to steal a worried nce at Aether before she escaped from the dome. She wanted to scream and fight beside her beloved, but she knew she had to trust him. She trusted that he would do what needed to be done. Aether wasn''t a child, just as her mother had always said. He could take care of himself... couldn''t he? "Next," Victor muttered, his voice devoid of emotion as he turned his attention to Helena. He was about to push her out when she suddenly pointed toward Finnian and Jack, who were lying on the ground, their bodies twisted in pain from their injuries. "No! First, let them out!" Helena''s voice wavered, her desperation clear as she tried to protect the others. Finnian, despite his injuries, struggled to protest, "No! First, let her oooooouuutttttttttttt" But before he could finish, Victor had already thrown him aside, his plea lost in the wind. Victor then turned his cold gaze to Jack, lifting him as if he weighed nothing. Jack''s face twisted in agony as he was pulled up, but he managed to choke out, "P-Please... help the students first... they need..." His voice faltered, the pain too much to bear. But in reality... He wanted so badly to speak to Kenley onest time, to find some way to work together! Victor stared at Jack for a moment, his expression unreadable, then without a word... Thud! BOOMM! Victor drove his foot into Jack''s abdomen, the impact sending him flying out of the stadium with brutal force!! "H-He''s hurt..." Helena whispered. But Victor didn''t care... couldn''t care. His mission was clear, and nothing would stand in his way. He grabbed Helena by the neck, ready to throw her out as well, when "A-Aether!" "Hmm?" Victor paused, his grip tightening slightly as he nced at her. "You need to help Aether first!" Helena asked. She couldn''t leave Aether behind, not like this. She turned to him as she tried to wake him..... But He was slumped in his chair, unmoving, his breathing shallow and ragged... Like a drunkard! "Aether, wake up!!" Helena screamed, her voice tinged with panic as she shook him, but he didn''t respond. Just as she was about to softly pat his cheeks, trying to rouse him with a gentle touch BOOM!!! "RUN!!!" "PLEASE HELP US!!" "I don''t want to die!!" The students'' screams were a symphony of terror as they watched in horror as the Mechaflesh Arachnid hurled Snowke into the stadium, the impact sending shockwaves through the air. "HIISSS!!" Snowke hissed, its eyes glowing with a fierce, almost primal rage as it red at the monstrous creature before it. Kenley, perched atop the monstrous creation, sneered down at the terrified students, her voice dripping with malice as she taunted them, "Look at those bitches... most of the cowards have already run away... pathetic!" A girl, her voice trembling with fear, called out desperately, "K-Kenley, it''s me, your ssmate! P-Please, let me get out of here" "BOOM!!" "Tsk," she clicked her tongue in annoyance, her eyes narrowing as she saw Victor save the girl in the nick of time. "Sorry to disappoint you, but I''m not interested in letting any of you leave." A cruel smirk curled her lips as she patted the monster''s head, her voiceced with sinister delight as she added, "My uncle needs nourishment!~ So please, help him out, won''t you?~" The students'' faces nched with terror as her words sank in. There was no escape, no mercy. The stadium was surrounded, the Minions closing in... "W-We''re going to die..." The boy whispered, his voice breaking as tears welled up in his eyes. He could feel the weight of the sword in his hand, heavy and cold, a symbol of hisst stand. He looked around, his eyes filled with despair, before settling on the nightmare that loomed before them. With trembling hands, the boy lifted the de, tears streaming down his cheeks. His breath hitched his voice barely a whisper as he prepared to end it all. He knew he had no chance of surviving, but if he was going to die, he would do so as an Elf... not a tortured and used as flesh for some monsters!!... Just as the de grazed his neck, a firm grip halted his hand. "Are you giving up?!!" Helena''s voice rang out, She stood before him, her eyes wide with fear and desperation. The boy looked at her, his lips curling into an amused yet sorrowful smile. "Y-yes," he stammered, his voice cracking under the weight of his grief, "Unlike you, we are worthless, right? You, chosen ones just leave us behind." Helena''s heart twisted painfully in her chest. His words echoed in her mind, each wordced with truth she couldn''t deny. Her gaze fell to the ground, unable to meet his tear-filled eyes.... "It''s not like that," she whispered, her voice barely audible. Her lips quivered, struggling to form words that wouldn''te. The boy''s sobs grew louder, his body shaking with each breath, "C-Can''t answer, can you? W-We know we''re not the chosen ones like you. We''re not strong, not even worth enough to be saved W-We know, but still d-don''t we have families waiting for us too? Don''t we have futures?" Each word and question pierced Helena''s heart!! Helena murmured, her voice breaking, "Y-You have a future, I swear" "Then why are we left to die?!" he shouted, his voice filled with a pain so deep it made Helena flinch, "W-Why? Just why are we supposed to die? WHY?!" The boy''s hands gripped Helena''s shoulders, shaking her with a strength born from sheer despair. Helena''s eyes blurred with tears as she struggled to respond, "T-That''s F-Fate!" she choked out, the words bitter on her tongue.... She hated the words as soon as they left her lips, bitter and cold, a mantra drilled into her by the Archpriestess for moments like these, moments when she had no answers. But they offered nofort, not to him, and not to herself, ''I didn''t want this I never wanted this'' "Fate?..." The boy''s voice was hollow, his face contorting in anguish, "Yeah, Arcane chose you and not me, right?" His broken smile cut through Helena''s resolve, shattering her heart into pieces. "So that''s it, huh? Fate decided I''m nothing that my life is worth nothing" The boy''s voice cracked as he screamed, "Why does it feel like no one cares? So fate includes my family''s fall... ah," he muttered, his voice trembling. He looked down at his hands, hands that had worked tirelessly to support his family, now trembling in uselessness, "M-My... ''sob''... H-How am I supposed to pay my mother''s medical bills? She''s terminally ill... so it''s fate that her son dies before her? And then fate kills her too... Fuck that!!" His voice rose into a scream, raw and agonizing, "Aaww... Mommyyyy...." He cried out, his voice breaking into a wail of pure pain and hopelessness. Aether, who had been silently observing, was taken aback by the intensity of the boy''s emotions. ''Damn man!! Who is he?'' he thought, shocked at the raw sentimentality pouring from this boy with such a tragic backstory ''Wink'' "" Aether blinked, utterly surprised when he saw the boy secretly winking at him..... Soon, Aether''s lips curled into an amused expression as he realized what was happening. /Celestia../ /Heheh..../ Herughter echoed in his head, Aether shook his head, unable to suppress his amusement. She really deserved a reward for orchestrating such a convincing act. "Done with your talking?" Kenley''s voice cut through the tension, her expression one of cold amusement. She watched them with a predatory gleam in her eyes as if they were nothing more than pigs awaiting ughter. The sight of their fear, their desperation, sent a thrill through her, her body trembling... She got excited!! As if on cue, the Minionsunched their attack, their grotesque forms descending upon the nearby students. Screams filled the air as the students struggled to defend themselves, their fear driving them to fight with whatever strength they had left. Victor, caught Helena by the shoulder, "You need to leave now," he ordered. But Helena wasn''t listening. Her mind was racing, her heart pounding in her chest as she quietly mumbled something under her breath. "Huh?" Victor frowned, his grip tightening as he leaned in closer, "What did you say?" "I said I will save them all," Victor''s frown deepened, "What are you talking about? This is not the time to y around." His hand moved to her neck, his grip firm, but Helena struggled, her eyes zing with a fierce resolve. "L-Let me go!!" she shouted, her voice straining against the pressure of his grip. "I-I will not, ''Cough'', "I will not leave them" Her eyes were locked onto Victor''s, filled with determination. Victor''s annoyance was evident in his voice, "I don''t care what you want, Helena! Do you think you have the power to defeat them? Or did you forget what your Archpriestess taught you?" His words were sharp, biting into her like cold steel. Helena''s expression crumbled, her lips trembling as she bit down on them, trying to hold back the flood of emotions threatening to overwhelm her. She knew. She knew all too well what the Archpriestess had taught her.... survival above all else. To prioritize her life, to be the one who could help another day. But ... "Seeing my daughter eating always fills my stomach, Dear~" She remembered something... Something she had long forgotten!! A memory surfaced, something she had buried deep within her heart..... Her golden eyes flickered as she looked up at Victor, her expression deadly serious, "It is my duty as Saintess to save the people who are in need Let. me. go!" Victor clicked his tongue in irritation, "Tsk, this is why I hate stubborn girls!" His grip tightened, but Helena gritted her teeth, "P-Please gives me a chance, I-I will definitely save them" she pleaded, her voice filled with a desperation that matched her determination. "No, you are not! You are just a healer, don''t forget!!" Victor''s voice was harsh, almost cruel, as he jumped to avoid a monster''s attack. ''Why does no one believe in me?!'' Helena''s mind screamed in frustration as the edges of her vision began to blur. She could feel herself slipping, losing consciousness under Victor''s unrelenting grip..... "Victor, Stop!" Just then a voice, cold and emotionless, echoed through the chaos. Helena''s eyes flickered open, just in time to see Aether, still drunk but determined, holding Victor''s hand. Victor clicked his tongue, clearly exasperated, "You too, Aether? Man, this is not the time to " "I told her I would protect all of her and I believe her beliefs! If she wants to save everyone, then I will stand beside her... Let her go!" Aether''s voice was calm. !~Ding~! [+5000 A-] Error! !~Ding~! [+5000 AP] Error! !~Ding~! [+5000 AP] Error! !~Ding~! [+5000 AP] Error! [Sigh....] ..... ..... Aether''s eyes narrowed as the errors continued shing before him. The Log seemed to be malfunctioning... Weird... Again!! Whatever, the girls around him were the real Malfuctioned ones! But he didn''t care... Instead, a smirk tugged at the corners of his lips, an expression of both understanding and amusement. This wasn''t a story about him swooping in to save a damsel in distress.... as so many might think. Nope! Not at all! This was about something deeper, something more profound!! It was about saving her true beliefs, the very core of what made Helena who she was.... She tried hard to hide it! Yes, Helena might be a hypocrite for wanting to save everyone when the odds were stacked against her when the world had already made it clear that not everyone could be saved.... But It wasn''t wrong to want to protect everyone, even if it was impossible. And Aether was the one who pulled her true self and... just a little more... He would, ''Hehe...'' Chapter 354: The Beginning.... Shall Begin! Victor stared at Aether, his expression nk as he took in the younger man''s resolute demeanour. After a moment, he let out a weary sigh, his shoulders rxing as he muttered, "Whatever, do what you want." With a shrug, he turned his attention back to the battle at hand, his muscles tensing as he caught the monster''s limbs with nothing but his bare hands. Kenley''s eyes widened in shock, Even the Mechaflesh Arachnid seemed surprised that Victor could hold it off without using Arcane energy. "He''s different..." the monster rumbled, clearly unsettled by Victor''s raw strength. It retaliated,shing out with its other limbs, but Victor twisted his body, narrowly dodging the attacks with an almost inhuman agility. "KYAAA!!" "Help us!!!!" The terrified cries of the students rang out as they struggled to fend off the relentless minions. Helena looked at Aether, her voice trembling as she hesitated, "A-Aether, thank you for believ" But before she could finish, Aether, still half-drunk but with a determination, cut her off. "Let''s save everyone. What do I need to do?" !~Ding~! [+5000 AP] Error! Helena''s lips trembled as her eyes filled with tears, but she quickly nodded, steeling herself. "I... We will save everyone. Just hold the monsters for a minute" she instructed, her voice firm as she knelt on the ground, sping her hands together in prayer. /Oh! Mother, Thy shall.../ Aether nced at her, he was sure what kind of thing she was about to pull, but he already made ns for his future and would adjust it ordingly, all he needed to do was believe her... Believe Her... BELIEVE HER! That''s all she needs!! He gripped his sword tightly, his gaze sharpening as he leapt into action, cutting down the minions that were closing in on the students. Chkk!! "T-Thank you!" "Thank you, man...!!" Aether only nodded, his expression dazed but focused, as he moved swiftly to intercept more monsters. His eyes darted to Victor..... who was now struggling against the Mechaflesh Arachnid, barely holding his ground. ''Looks like half of my strength isn''t enough to hold down that monster,'' Aether thought and, "Increase Level" !~Ding~! [You have Levelled up!!] [Level: 35] !~Ding~! [Congrattions on Levelling up] [Reward: 10,000 Affection Points] [Remaining AP: 1,292,032] In an instant, Aether felt a surge of power course through his veins. He moved faster, more precise, his sword slicing through the minions with ease and Victor, too, felt the slight shift, his movements bing quicker as he dodged the Arachnid''s deadly limbs. Kenley and the monster both frowned, confusion flickering in their eyes, "He''s getting faster?" Kenley muttered before shouting for the monsters to kill Victor. Aether, now moving at a little high speed, cut down the minions effortlessly.... He made sure to ''identally'' take a few hits, allowing himself to appear as though he was struggling to maintain the charade. The students around him watched in awe and disbelief. Despite their years of training, this mere servant was proving to be far superior in both technology andbat. "What the actual fuck is this?" they whispered, stunned by Aether''s relentless fighting, even as he bled from his wounds. [+100 AP] [+100 AP] [+100 AP] [+100 AP] .... ... Their eyes then shifted to Helena, whose body had begun to glow with a soft, ethereal light. They didn''t know what she was doing, but one thing was sure while other chosen ones left and yet she was here to save them.... They could feel it... the Saintess was putting herself in danger to save them. The students gritted their teeth, gripping their weapons with trembling hands. If she was willing to risk everything for them, then they would fight too, even if it meant theirst stand. Meanwhile, the battle raged on with a ferocity that made the very ground tremble. Kenley''s voice echoed with frustration as she yelled, "Why are you not dying already?!!" The monster, driven by an insatiable rage, relentlessly tried to stab Victor, who dodged each attack with insane speed, moving like a blur. "I really hate you!!" the monster bellowed, its voice thick with fury... The monster, of course, Kennedy still vividly remembered how he almost died by this bastard! "Hehe... Aren''t you forgetting someone?" Victor taunted, a wicked grin spreading across his face. Both Kennedy and Kenley frowned, confusion knitting their browsuntil they heard it. "HIIISSS~~" "Shit!---KYAAAA!!!" Kenley''s curse was cut short as she and the monster were sent flying by the impact force of Snowke, who sneered at them with a deadly gleam in her eyes. "Tsk.... " Kenley spat, her teeth gritting in annoyance. She motioned with her hand, and the massive spider perched atop the Mechaflesh Arachnid leapt down to the ground. "Uncle, you''ll eat the snake. That will increase your nourishment before we break the barrier and grow even stronger when the Arcane energy appears." The monster smirked, licking its lips in anticipation, "Good idea. Let''s feast before facing ric..." It wasted no time and moved toward Snowke, hunger and malice glinting in its eyes. At the same time, Kenley and the Big Mechanical Spider advanced on Victor. Without hesitation, Victor leapt toward them, and before the spider could react, hended on its back where Kenley sat safely, grabbing her by the head. "You really think you can take me on alone?" Victor asked, his voice dripping with amusement. But Kenley''s smile only grew wider.... her confidence unsettling. Victor''s frown deepened, sensing something was wrong. Suddenly, something emerged from Kenley''s moutha small spider. And then BOOM!!! Victor was forced to leap back as his arm was blown away in the explosion. He nced at his now mangled limb before turning his gaze back to Kenley, who was smiling triumphantly, "I may not seed, but... we will," she said, spreading her arms wide as if presenting herself on stage. The giant spider she had been riding on began to shift and change, its mechanical parts rearranging until it enveloped Kenley, transforming into a suit of armour that covered her entire body. Tang, Tang.... "How do I look?" she asked, her voice smirking from behind the spider-like exoskeleton. She looked like a spider-woman!!! Victor shrugged off the loss of his arm; and looking at Kenley as long as it was mechanical, he knew he could break it down with just a touch. However, Aether mumbled, "I want that suit!" as he effortlessly sliced through the minions surrounding him. Aether''s eyes gleamed with determination. There was no way he would let that suit be destroyedit was a dreame true for him! Everyone''s dream!! He red at Victor, silentlymunicating his desire. Victor understood immediately. His master wanted that suit intact, so he prepared to face off against the spider-woman. "HIIISSSS~~" Meanwhile, Snowke hissed, her fangs dripping with acid that corroded the Mechaflesh Arachnid''s flesh. The creature''s flesh trembled, but it quickly regenerated, restoring itself to its original form. "No matter how many times you corrode my flesh... I will regenerate in a matter of moments," the monster smirked, lunging to bite off Snowke''s tail. But she was too quick, pping its head away before slithering to a safe distance. As the fight dragged on, Victor found himself struggling. Every time he tried to touch Kenley''s mechanical body, small spiders would emerge from her suit and explode, forcing him to retreat. The relentless sts were really hard! Meanwhile... Deep underground, a centre of Origin Pirs began to emit small, white thread-like wisps that floated into the air. These wisps flowed toward the door, escaping through the gap created by the spiders. "It''s finally begun...." a feminine voice echoed through the underground chamber,ced with amusement. The wisps continued to travel through the air, prating everything in their path until they finally reached Helena''s body. "I am done!" Helena''s voice rang out, clear and powerful, reverberating through the battlefield..... Everyone halted, their movements freezing as a blinding light engulfed them, momentarily turning the world white. Chapter 355: F*** Him? What? When Helena awakened, it wasn''t just her status as the Chosen One that had been revealed, but something far more significant.... her bloodline. The Angel''s Bloodline! This was a divine blessing from the Mother, an honour so rare that only the Archpriestess had possessed it until now. But Helena had been chosen to receive this gift as well... This was the reason, The Archpriestess had always warned her to be cautious, to be cunning, for such a powerful bloodline could easily make her a target for those who would seek to exploit it. But what made this bloodline truly extraordinary wasn''t just its rarity. In a world where everything, including magic and life itself, depended on Arcane energy, the Angel''s Bloodline defied all logic. It functioned independently of Arcane energy.... There was no need for Arcane energy for this ability to work! This unique ability had been announced to the world (Mostly Higher-Ups) by the Archpriestess herself, and the knowledge of its power was the reason why everyone treated both the Archpriestess and the Saintess with such reverence and seriousness. As Helena''s power surged, the entire stadium was enveloped in a white, transparent dome. The healing energy spread throughout the dome, causing those within its bounds to feel their wounds closing and their strength returning. "Oh my god!" one student eximed. "So this is the power of a Saintess?" another whispered in awe. "Amazing," came a murmur from the crowd. "I-If she had this ability, why didn''t she use it before?" someone asked, though the answer was irrelevant in the face of their relief. "Who cares!" The students, overwhelmed by the miraculous healing, let out sighs of relief as they copsed to the ground. The monsters that had been attacking them were now outside the barrier, seemingly repelled by an unseen force. Helena, her heart still racing, opened her eyes and scanned the area. She saw her fellow students recovering, their wounds healed. For a moment, she allowed herself to feel a sense of aplishment. But then, her eyes searched for Aether, her concern for him growing by the second... To her shock, she saw him being pushed out of the barrier. "H-Huh? W-What''s going on?" Helena muttered in confusion. She looked around and saw that Victor was inside the barrier, and even Snowke was safe within its confines. But Aether was on the outside, fighting off the remaining minions. ''What the hell?'' Aether was equally baffled. He couldn''t understand why he was being kept out while his clone was allowed inside..... But there was no time to dwell on it; the minions were relentless, and he had to focus on ''surviving''. "Aether!!" Helena screamed, her voice filled with desperation. She had prayed to the Mother to save them all, to keep the monsters outside.... but this was not what she had intended. Just as she was about to rush toward the barrier, a loud crash echoed through the stadium, BOOMM!!! The Arachnid Monster mmed against the barrier with tremendous force, causing the students to momentarily freeze in fear. But when the barrier held firm, they sighed in relief once more. The Monster, however, was unfazed. Its eyes locked onto Helena as it let out a sinisterugh. "Looks like you''ve used your bloodline ability..." it sneered. "You do know the bacsh of using that power, right?" Helena''s heart skipped a beat... but she knew all too well! She knew the consequences of using.... The Mother''s power directly!! Once the Arcane energy returned, her body would suffer a severe bacsh proportional to how much of the Mother''s power she had used. It was like trying to mix water and oil.... They would never blend, and one would always reject the other!! "I do," Helena replied calmly, her voice steady despite the turmoil within her. She then turned her attention back to Aether, who was still fighting the minions with all his strength. Meanwhile, Both Kenley and the Mechaflesh Arachnid exchanged knowing nces as if they achieved something. Their smirks widened as they watched the small mechanical spidertch onto the barrier. The same creature had taken blood from an unknown entity, and now, as it absorbed the barrier''s energy, the blood within its crystalline body began to swirl with vibrant, shifting colours. "Aether!" Helena''s voice cracked with urgency as she leaned against the barrier, her hand pressed against the shimmering surface that separated them. Aether, in the midst of fending off the relentless onught of minions, nced at her with a teasing smile. "Do you hate me?" he asked, his tone light as if trying to ease the tension between them. He had read about her bloodline ability, but he hadn''t expected to be pushed out of the barrier, ''I suppose that Mother bitch really does hate me...'' he thought bitterly, already recalcting his ns. "NO!!" Helena''s face turned pale at his words, taking them far too seriously, "I-I wasn''t sure what was happening! Please believe me!" Despair filled her eyes as she pleaded with him. Aether hadn''t expected such a reaction, ''Ah, shit!'' he cursed internally, quickly saying, "I believe you, Helena." Helena let out a breath of relief, though her face still bore traces of fear and confusion. She couldn''t understand why Aether had been excluded from the barrier. ''W-What''s going on?'' Her mind raced with possible exnations, but none made sense. She even thought Mother hated him... but that''s not possible since Mother loved everyone equally! Seeing her distress, Aether softened. He touched the barrier where her hand rested on the other side and said, "Didn''t you say you needed to save everyone? Start with them." Helena''s eyes flickered with emotion as her lips trembled, "T-That includes you too, Aether!!" She reached out and tried to open the barrier to let him in. But the moment she attempted to pull him through, an invisible force repelled him. She could exit, but he couldn''t enter! Aether smiled gently, pushing her back inside. "Yeah, I know...," he said softly, then turned to stab another minion. "Go now! You have to do this" Drip.... Helena''s heart ached as a single tear rolled down her cheek. She stood there, helpless, as she watched Aether continue to fight off the minions... Just for her to save everyone... Save her belief... Save her true self.... He was doing this for her....because he loved her too much!!! It was then that a profound realization struck her like a bolt of lightning, one that had been buried deep within her for so long. "So I do love him Hah" she murmured, the weight of her words sinking into her soul. !~Ding~! [+5000 AP] Error! [Sigh, Sigh....] ..... ... Helena bit her lip, nodding furiously. She then turned and walked toward Victor, who was treating Snowke''s small scratches. ''Tsk, not enough, not enough...'' Aether thought, his face showing a hint of dejection as he continued to fight with ''Bravery''. Meanwhile, Kenley watched the exchange between Aether and Helena with a twisted amusement. Her lips curled into a sly grin as she observed the clear bond between them, "What a lovely couple~," she mumbled to herself. Their n was progressing smoothly, and with a little more time, she knew things would escte. Her gaze shifted to Aether. [+2000 AP] "Not bad..." she whispered, her body trembling with a thrill. A wicked idea began to form in her mind.... how would Helena react if she took Aether, right before her eyes? Would the saintly girl lose herposure, or perhaps... would she secretly enjoy it? The thought sent shivers through Kenley, and she began to stroll toward Aether. Aether, on the other hand, was lost in his thoughts as he fought off the minions, asionally allowing himself to be injured for the sake of appearances, ''What should I do now?'' he mused, trying to piece together his next move. "Hi, handsome~" Kenley''s voice broke through his reverie. Aether looked up to see her approaching, her gaze predatory as her she removed her spider woman suit and cupped her boobs as she seductively looked at him. Aether had a disgusted expression for a second before, ''Hehe...'' Aether chuckled inwardly, immediately sensing her intentions. Meanwhile, Victor was busy helping the students escape as Helena maintained the barrier, her focus split between controlling the barrier and Dome! The students, relieved to be escaping, paid little attention to the monster still mming on the barrier as if it was still trying to break it. Suddenly, Helena heard a familiar voice that made her blood run cold, "Helena~" She turned sharply, her heart skipping a beat as she saw..... Aether, unconscious and restrained by Kenley, who held him tightly in her grasp. "W-What are you doing?" Helena''s voice shook with panic. "L-Let him go!!" Kenley''s smirk only widened at Helena''s desperation, her eyes gleaming with malicious intent. The small spider attached to the barrier pulsed with energy, its body glowing brighter as the blood within it began to boil. The Mechaflesh Arachnid, noticing this, nced at Kenley and gave a subtle nod of approval. Kenley''s grin grew even more sinister. "P-Please d-don''t kill him!" Helena cried, her voice cracking with fear as she took a step forward, ready to intervene. "Kill him? No..." Kenley''s voice was dripping with mockery. She slowly licked Aether''s cheek, relishing in the moment, before whispering with a devilish smile, "Fuck him!!" Helena''s mind went nk for a moment, trying to process Kenley''s words, ''Fuck him? What?'' she wondered. But before she could ask for details, a certain boy from the crowd shouted, "What? You''re going to hold his hands... like lovers and kiss him... like lovers and... have his baby??!! That''s way too cruel!! How could you do that to someone who loves another woman and wants to protect her? T-That''s way too cruel to him... He''s a pitiful person... ''Sob'' ''Sob'' Who''s gonna marry him? What a pitiful man!!" The boy''s horrified face mirrored his disbelief at what he had just heard. "H-uh?" Kenley was momentarily taken aback, ''I just said... Fuck, right?'' she wondered, reying her words in her head. But before she could correctly say again, "What did you say?" An ominous and emotionless voice echoed.... Kenley flinched, her eyes locking onto Helena, who was now radiating a fierce, golden light. Helena''s eyes shone with a fierce golden light, her ethereal hair glowing and dancing with a fierce, lion-like intensity thatmanded both awe and fear. The blood within the spider crystal began to evaporate rapidly as the crystal slowly shone with multicolours. Helena''s voice was calm yetced with deadly intent as she stared down Kenley, "I will kill you if a single strand of his hair is defiled by filth like you!!!" [+5000 AP] !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 42.8%] !~Ding~! [Congrattions on Completing the Mission: Seduce Helena Sunfire] !~Ding~! [Reward: 50,000 Affection Points] But that didn''t end there... [+5000 AP] [+5000 AP] [+5000 AP] [+5000 AP] [+5000 AP] ..... ... ''Fuck...'' Chapter 356: Principal Arrived... So What? Outside the Academy, The atmosphere was tense, the air heavy with unspoken fears and the lingering scent of rain-soaked earth. The once vibrant academy grounds were now eerily silent... "Please, calm down, Vice Principal!" Delphine implored, her voice trembling slightly as she ced a hand on ric''s arm. She could feel the tension coiled beneath his skin, his barely restrained power threatening to burst forth. The dome stood before them, fragile yet imprable, a cruel reminder of the lives still trapped inside. The mere thought of ric''s touch destroying it sent shivers down her spine. "There are still hundreds of students inside," Kai echoed, his voiceced with urgency, "Please, calm down, Vice Principal!" His eyes darted toward the dome. He was grateful... that Victor had managed to throw them out, especially Vesperine. But the gnawing guilt of those left behind weighed heavily on him. He couldn''t afford to let ric lose control, not when so many lives were at stake. ric''s gaze remained fixed on the dome, The veins on his forehead throbbed painfully, each pulse a reminder of the humiliation he had suffered. The image of being tossed aside like a ragdoll by that snake creature reyed in his mind, over and over again, fueling his growing fury. ''Victor!'' he screamed inwardly, the name leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. His teeth clenched so hard it was a wonder they didn''t shatter. The students standing nearby watched him with wide eyes, their emotions a turbulent mix of awe and gratitude. In their eyes, ric was a hero, a guardian barely holding back his immense power out of concern for their safety. They (mis)understood his fury as a deep, protective instinct, believing that if not for the barrier, he would have already vanquished the creature threatening their lives. No one had dared to rest since they had been pulled from the fray. The wounds on their bodies might have been treated, but the scars on their hearts were still fresh, still bleeding. How could they sleep peacefully when their friends, their ssmates, were still inside that nightmarish dome? The very thought was unbearable. They stood together outside, their clothes soaked through by the relentless rain, yet no one moved to seek shelter. "Tsk, he should have thrown the others out too..." ric muttered, his frustration evident in every tense line of his body. If only Victor had managed to help the remaining students escape, ric could have focused on that ursed creature and dealt with it before the Principal arrived. "Yes... I wonder why he didn''t?" Kai mused, his brow furrowed in deep thought. It seemed so logical... so simpleto have thrown everyone out, to have allowed the professors to shatter the dome and regain their powers. Why had Victor not done so? The question lingered in the air, unspoken but understood by all. They nodded in agreement, each of them puzzling over the same question. Aria and Selene gulped inwardly before Aria stepped up her voice barely a whisper as she spoke, "He said... everyone has their worth. So he saved them ording to their worth." A murmur of understanding passed through the crowd. They knew Victor''s attitude well enough... his cold pragmatism, his unyielding belief in merit. It was just like him to make such a decision, to weigh lives against some unseen scale of worth. Aria and Selene sighed deeply seeing everyone believing him. Just then, a bright, blinding light pierced the darkness, "N-No!" Finnian''s voice was a strangled cry, his face draining of colour as he realized what was happening to Helena. His heart pounded in his chest, every beat echoing the fear that gripped him. He knew....that the Archpriestess had forbidden this. She had been adamant that Helena should never, under any circumstances, use her powers. And he had obeyed, ensuring that she kept her bloodline ability under control, even if it meant watching others die. It was a direct order from Archpriestess!! But now... now it was toote. "I... I failed again..." Finnian''s thoughts were a chaotic spiral of guilt and despair. He could already feel the Archpriestess''s icy disdain, her eyes cutting through him like daggers. She wouldn''t even need to ask him or even give him tasks!! ''This is all because of that Servant!'' Finnian''s anger red, directed at Aether, the one person he had never trusted. From the very beginning, he had seen Aether as a threata servant who was far too close to the Archpriestess, far too familiar with her. He had seen Aether massage her shoulders, a privilege Finnian had never been granted.... And worse, he had seen the interest in the Archpriestess''s eyes, an interest that terrified him. What if Aether took his ce? And now, seeing Helena side with Aether, protect him, defend him... It was too much. Finnian had failed, yet again! How could he face the Archpriestess now? How could he answer her questions, knowing that he had let her down? The only thought that brought him any sce was the idea of paying for his sins with his life. Perhaps then, he could find some measure of forgiveness in her eyes. "What''s going on?" Kai mumbled confusion and concern etched on his face. But before he could say more, ric, Delphine, and the other professors stiffened, their expressions shifting to one of grim seriousness, Delphine''s voice rang out, sharp andmanding, "Prepare the highest quality healing materials and... contact the Archpriestess!" "Archpriestess? Why?" An emotionless voice cut through the air like a de, and the world seemed to freeze in its wake. Even the rain, which had been falling steadily, seemed to hesitate, turning to icy droplets that clung to their skin. Everyone immediately dropped to their knees as.... the Principal descended from the sky. THUNDER!! Her presence was overwhelming, her gaze cold and unfeeling. She hovered above the ruined academy, her indifferent eyes taking in the scene before her. The once lush, green academy grounds were now stained with blood and gore. She could even smell the strong blood stench that leaking from her academy... HER Academy!! The silence was deafening. No one dared to move, to speak, as the Principal surveyed the destruction. The professors exchanged nervous nces, their eyes flicking toward ric, who hesitantly stepped forward, his voice trembling as he tried to speak. "P-Princip--" A single, indifferent nce from the Principal silenced him, her gaze cutting him off more effectively than any words could. "Delphine," shemanded. Delphine nodded, her heart pounding in her chest as she began to recount everything that had transpired inside the dome. ric stood rigid beside her, his jaw clenched so tightly that it ached. He could feel the Principal''s disappointment radiating from her like a physical force, crushing him under its weight. He had failed her... the realization was a bitter pill to swallow. Upon hearing the name, "Kennedy... ah," the Principal struggled to contain her simmering anger, her fists clenched tightly at her sides. Just then, "Iing!!" Liora shouted. Delphine braced herself, Just like before, they caught another student. As they continued their desperate efforts to save everyone they could, the Principal''s gaze remained fixed on the academy, her expression a mask of cold detachment. She knew the bond she had once shared with this ce, a connection that had been so integral to her being, was slowly slipping away. She knew, with a heavy heart, that ever since the New Chosen Ones had logged in, her link to the academy was fading, unravelling like a fragile thread. And then, breaking the silence, a girl who had just been hurled out of the dome, her face pale with fear, "T-That dangerous woman... she got Aether!" she stammered, her voice trembling. Delphine, Aria, and Selene''s faces drained of colour, their eyes widening in horror. "A-Aether..." Aqualina''s voice was barely a whisper, her fear palpable as she gritted her teeth. Regret gnawed at her insides. She should have brought Aether with her, should have stayed by his side, protected him, ''That jerk Victor threw us out!'' she thought bitterly, her anger at Victor who threw her out without her consent! The Principal stepped forward, her hand hovering just inches from the surface of the dome. But before she could make contact, Delphine caught her by the wrist, shaking her head with a look of sheer dread etched into her features. Delphine didn''t know exactly what was happening inside, but the sight of only a few students emerging from the dome.... She could feel it... her vision slowly changing. She could not slip it away now! The Principal''s piercing gaze locked onto Delphine, her eyes cold and unreadable. She didn''t say a word, but the silentmand was clear. Reluctantly, Delphine released her grip. With a slow, deliberate movement, the Principal extended her hand and softly, almost tenderly, touched the dome.... Yet, Crack! The sound was sharp, and resonant, like the shattering of fragile ss. The entire dome fractured under her touch, splitting into a web of cracks that spread outwards like spider veins. "P-Principal!" Delphine''s voice was filled with panic, her eyes wide with disbelief. The fear wasn''t hers alone... it rippled through everyone! The Principal''s face remained impassive, her voice devoid of emotion as she addressed the girl who had just escaped. "What is Victor doing inside?" "H-he was trying to defeat that dangerous big monster..." The Principal frowned, her brow furrowing in thought. She knew Victor''s capabilities all too well. Even without ess to Arcane energy, he possessed the power to obliterate the entire stadium with the reserves of Arcane energy within his body, ''What is he doing?'' she wondered, her mind racing as she tried to piece together the puzzle. Principal just stared inside the dome, she wondered what was going on inside... especially in the stadium. Chapter 357: Lets end this parade! Inside the Academy Aether had never imagined that Helena would react this way. His n was to use Kenley as a pawn to create a dramatic scene, one that would ultimately lead to the pull-down Archpriestess who had taken residence in Helena''s heart. He expected to take some time, but this... this was something far beyond his calctions. "How dare you?" Helena''s voice echoed with a fury. Her body became a radiant beacon, glowing with an ethereal energy so intense that it felt like the sun itself had descended upon them. The disy was both terrifying and awe-inspiring. [+5000 AP] [+5000 AP] [+5000 AP] ... .... [+6000 AP] [+6000 AP] [+6000 AP] ..... .... [+7000 AP] [+7000 AP] [+7000 AP] [+7000 AP] ..... ... Aether''s breath caught in his throat as beads of sweat began to form on his forehead. Where had he gone wrong? Had he pushed her too far, too fast? He had meticulously calcted every move, every possible oue, and yet... Why now? Why was she reacting like this? ''What the actual Hell is happening?'' Aether''s mind raced, screaming in confusion. Helena had always been a sweet, naive girl.... kind-hearted and gentle, almost too innocent for the brutal world around them. But this transformation... Was she going to be like Selene and Aria, those who had already crossed the line no return!! The thought sent a shiver down his spine. He was already struggling to control Yanderes in his life.... Please no more!! Helena''s gaze was fixed on Kenley, her eyes burning with an almost frightening intensity. ''Hold his hands? Kiss him? Have his babies?'' The words echoed in Helena''s mind, each one more vile and repulsive than thest. Her thoughts spiralled, her mind short-circuiting under the weight of those disgusting ideas!! Even she, who held Aether so dearly in her heart, had needed time toe to terms with the depth of her feelings.... Holding hands? The mere thought of holding his hand was enough to make her heart skip a beat, sending a flush of warmth through her entire body. Yet, How dare anyone else even think of doing these things to her beloved? When Kenley''s tongue touched Aether''s cheek, sliding along his skin in a mocking disy of affection, it was as if the world itself had stopped... Every lesson from the Archpriestess, every teaching.... vanished in an instant. All that remained was an all-consuming need to protect the man she loved... A man who loved her! All she could think of now was Aether. She needed to save the man who believed in her, and who had supported her through thick and thin. There was no way she would let him go! Helena''s feet moved of their own ord, stepping forward with a deadly resolve. Kenley, sensing the shift, instinctively stepped back. Fear flickered in her eyes, quickly reced by a defensive rage, "I-If you take another step, I will... kill him! Yes, I''ll kill him!" Kenley wasn''t sure why she changed her approach, but it felt like the only way. Helena''s sudden change in demeanour unsettled her. And the Monster... Watching her niece retreat, the monster shook its head. Helena abruptly halted her steps, and Kenley let out a haughtyugh. "So, you love a servant?" Helena snapped her emotions calmed down and messed up before her cheeks flushed red as she red at Kenley, retorting, "So what?" [+7000 AP] The remaining students gasped as if they''d just heard something scandalous. ''Tsk,'' Aether clicked his tongue inwardly. His ns were falling apart. He quietly peeked from beneath hisshes, mentally noting the students'' faces. He would need to deal with themter... he couldn''t risk rumours spreading tomorrow. Helena''s seduction wasplete, and Aether knew there was no reason to drag this fight out any longer. But just as he was about to act BOOM!! Crack The barrier Helena had created began to crack under the immense pressure. Its thickness waned as though something was draining it. Helena frowned, puzzled by the sudden weakening of her barrier. She channelled more of her Mother''s power, strengthening it once again. The Mechaflesh Arachnid Monster smirked, watching the spiderplete its process. Just a little more time and their objective would be fulfilled. Drip, Drip... "Huh?" Helena was startled to see blood dripping from her nose. Kenley let out a triumphantugh before taunting, "Are you sure you can maintain that barrier?" Helena gritted her teeth, about to retort when "Let me out," Victor said as he stepped forward, facing the barrier. Kenley frowned, tightening her grip on Aether''s neck, "Do you think I''m joking?" It would take only a little effort for her to snap his neck. Helena''s face filled with dread. "N-No, Victor, she''ll ki" But before she could finish, Victor interrupted, "He''s my friend, Helena. I''ll save him." Hearing the resolute tone in Victor''s voice, Helena bit her lip and nced at Kenley, who still wore a twisted grin, taunting them with her eyes. Nodding to Victor, they prepared to open the barrier. The moment it dropped, Kenley moved to speak, "I-I told you stoPFFF!!!" But before she could finish, Victor''s fist collided with her gut, sending her flying across the room, her words cut off by a choked gasp. Victor didn''t waste a second. He rushed to Aether''s side, shaking him awake with a series of sharp ps. "Wake up!" Aether groggily opened his eyes, blinking in confusion. "H-Huh? W-Where am I?" He stared at Victor, clearly disoriented. But before Victor could respond, there was a sudden rush of movementa blur of limbs. Stab Stab Stab Stab ... Multiple sharp, metallic limbs sliced through the space where Victor had been standing, each strike missing him by mere inches. He barely had time to evade, his reflexes pushing him to the limits. "Grrrrr..." The Mechaflesh Arachnid, a nightmarish fusion of metal and flesh, let out a guttural growl, its red eyes burning with fury. "Today, you will die... Victor!!" it hissed, malice dripping from every word. Kenley, now recovering, quickly donned her spider-woman suit, her face twisted with rage. "You''re not getting away that easily! Let''s tear off his limbs slowly and painfully~" She licked her lips, her eight mechanical limbs snapping into ce with a metallic nk. "Yes, I like to taste his flesh..." The Monster licked its lips. The tension in the air was thick, as Aether and Victor stood side by side, ready for the oing assault. STMP!! The ground beneath them cracked as theyunched forward, splitting up in a synchronized attack. As they neared their foes, Victor suddenly yanked Aether to the side, swapping opponents in a sh. Aether''s de shed with the Arachnid''s razor-sharp limbs, deflecting them with pinpoint precision. Meanwhile, Kenley''s multiple limbsshed out at Victor in a flurry of punches, each one narrowly missing as he danced around her attacks. "You''re not him!" the Monster snarled, its eyes locked on Victor with a primal hatred. "Face me, coward!" Victor, however, remained focused on Kenley, dodging her relentless assault with effortless agility. He moved like a shadow, slipping through her defences, his eyes never leaving her. Aether, on the other hand, fought with measured skill, his sword shing as it deflected the Arachnid''s strikes. The Monster''s limbs were a blur of motion, but Aether was faster. His de met each attack with a metallic ng, parrying with deadly precision. As one of the Monster''s limbs brushed against Aether''s skin.... he smirked. Tang! One of the Monster''s mechanical limbs suddenly jerked, its movements stuttering as if something had malfunctioned. Aether''s grin widened as he realized the truth.... The Monster''s eyes widened in shock as it nced down at its damaged limb. "What...?" it growled, bewildered by the sudden turn of events. But Aether didn''t give it time to recover. He pressed the attack, his de a blur of motion as he pushed the Monster back, bit by bit. Meanwhile, Helena watched the battle from the sidelines, her gaze flicking to the barrier. It was thinning, the energy faltering under the strain. She clenched her fists, pouring more power into it, her brow furrowed with determination. "W-Who are you?" the Monster demanded, its voice tinged with disbelief. It could not even hurt Aether deeply like others and it even doubted its mechanical parts started to rust away. Aether simply smirked before delivering a swift, powerful kick that sent the Monster staggering back. Just as the Monster regained its footing, Victor appeared at Aether''s side, their hands meeting in a sharp p. p! The Monster''s head whipped around, its eyes narrowing as it took in the sight of Kenley.... her eight limbs twisted and bent at unnatural angles, her movements limited and pained, "That b-bastard!" she spat fury in her voice, "B-Be careful, Uncle! He''s gotten stronger... again!!" The Monster''s face contorted with rage and disbelief, "Again? How...?" it mumbled, its mind racing to make sense of the situation. But there was no time to ponder. "VICOTRRRRR!" With a roar, it lunged at Victor, its remaining limbs shing through the air with lethal intent. Victor grinned, Aether grinned even more, ''Let''s see how well you sync with me'', he muttered under his breath. Chapter 358: Helenas Death? Tang! Ting! BOOM! Tang! Ting! Ting! m!! The stadium shook with the ferocity of the battle, and the students watched with wide eyes, their hearts pounding in their chests. Every ng of metal, every burst of energy, kept them on the edge of their seats, unsure of what would happen next. Aether was a blur of motion, his sword shing as he deflected the iing sharp limb attacks with lightning speed. Ssshhhnnnggg Each deflection sent sparks flying through the air, the tension building with every sh. Victor was right there, moving with deadly precision, his eyes locked onto the Monster''s every move. As soon as Aether parried an attack, Victor struck with unyielding force, driving his de into the Monster''s muscles where the mechanical limbs connected. Tang! The Monster''s limb froze, its mechanical systems momentarily jammed. But before it could even react, Aether leapt onto the immobilized limb with the agility of a cat, sprinting up its length with his sword at the ready. His de cut through the sinewy muscles as he ran, sparks and dark fluid spraying out. Victor was already in position, anticipating Aether''s next move. With a powerful lunge, he drove his sword into the joint where the limb connected to the Monster''s body. Ting! BOOM! Another limb crashed to the ground. The students gasped in shock and awe, unable to tear their eyes away from the spectacle. But the fight was far from over. The Monster, now visibly shaken, red at the two enemies with a mix of fury and disbelief. Perfect synchronization! That was the only one who could describe their movements! The friendship between Aether and Victor was evident in every move they made, each trusting the otherpletely. Truly a magnificent Friendship!! "What the hell is happening?!" The Monster roared in frustration, its voice echoing through the stadium as itunched itself at Aether and Victor once more. But this time, it was different. The Monster''s movements were wild and desperate, a stark contrast to the calm, focused attacks of Aether and Victor. m Ting m Ting The two dodged with practised ease, their movements almost a dance as they weaved around the Monster''s furious assault. The Monster was sure Victor was really weak before, that even the monster yed around with happily but now..... it felt something totally wrong about Victor even after losing his arm, Victor was still able to fight it without sweating a beat. The Monster snarled and summoned its minions... twisted, mechanical creatures that surged forward, surrounding Aether and Victor in a wave of gnashing teeth and sharp spider ws. "Stay close!" Victor shouted as he shed through the first wave of minions, his de cutting through them like a hot knife through butter. Aether nodded, his own sword shing as he parried an attack. The Monster watched with a predatory grin, its eyes narrowing as it focused on Victor, ''This is getting interesting...'' it thought, its sharp teeth gleaming as it licked its lips, "I really want to taste you~," it hissed, opening its massive maw, revealing rows of jagged, mechanical teeth that seemed to grind against each other with a terrifying screech. TANG The sound of the Monster''s bite echoed ominously through the stadium, sending chills down the spines of everyone present. The Monster''s gaze locked onto Victor, who was cutting down minions with brutal efficiency, "You''ll be next," it growled, pushing through the throng of minions toward its real target. "A-Aether!" Helena shouted with a trembling voice as her blood flowed through her nose. Aether noticed the Monster approaching and gave Victor a quick nce. They didn''t need words.... just a nod of understanding. With a burst of speed, Victor used Aether as a springboard,unching himself high into the air. Slightly he used small mes burst to push himself faster... that nobody noticed and, propelling him faster as he flew toward the Monster and, Gulp! The Monster blinked, momentarily stunned as Victor dove straight into its open maw. For a split second, it looked like Victor had been swallowed whole. The students gasped in horror, some of them screaming in fear, while others watched in stunned silence. "Your saviour just gave up on his life... when are you guys going to do that?" The Monster asked with a grin and opened its mouth as it tried to bite off the barrier. "W-What should we do now?!" a student cried out, their voice trembling with panic. "V-Victor just died?!" another whispered in disbelief, the fear spreading like wildfire among the students. Helena bit her lip, her eyes darting to Aether, who was still locked in battle with the relentless minions. The Monster, however, seemed unfazed by the students'' panic. It turned its gaze to a small spider which started to shine with rainbow-coloured crystal. A wicked grin spread across its face, "The time hase..." it muttered, its eyes gleaming with anticipation as it looked toward the dome, which was cracked under the pressure of the Principal''s power. The Monster knew what awaited outside, and whether it killed the students or not, it understood that its own end might be near..... But it also knew that achieving Kennedy''s lifelong ambition was within its grasp. The thought made it grin even wider, but then Cough, Cough The Monster''s grin faltered as it began to cough violently, its massive frame shuddering..... It clutched its crumbling stomach, feeling something shifting inside. Its eyes widened in horror. "VICCCCCTTTTO---" SPLASH!! The Monster''s body melted in a grotesque of flesh and mechanical parts, like how tomato sauce poured out! The sound was sickening, a wet, disgusting noise that made the students gag. The air was filled with a nauseating stench, and the students recoiled in horror as they saw the dismembered body parts scattered around. For a moment, silence hung in the air, thick and heavy, as everyone tried to process what had just happened. It was as if time itself had frozen. Ssh! Victor emerged from the gore, drenched but very much alive. It took the students a second to register what they were seeing, and then "YYYAAAAAYYYYYYY!" A wave of joy and relief swept through the stadium as the students erupted in cheers, their fear dissolving into pure tion. They had done it..... they had defeated the Monster that had nearly killed them all! Aether, who was still fending off the remaining minions, looked up in surprise. The moment the Mechaflesh Arachnid died, the minions began to crumble, their mechanical bodies melted into flesh meat with metallic parts. He let out a sigh of relief, a small, amused smile ying on his lips, ''Looks like it really was a simple matter,'' he thought, realizing that the stored Arachne energy had done the trick, just touching at the Monster''s core was enough to short circuit everything!! Shaking his head, Aether walked toward the barrier, "It''s finally over, Helena," Aether said, his voice warm and gentle, offering her a reassuring smile. However, "..." Helena, who was kneeling on the ground, staring nkly at the floor, didn''t respond. Aether frowned, "Helena?" he called out, his voiceced with worry.... but there was no response. Aether''s frown deepened. "What''s going on?" Aether''s pulse quickened, a sense of panic rising within him. He knew the battle was over; there was no immediate threat, yet something was clearly happening to Helena. "Helena, snap out of it!" Aether shouted, his voice filled with desperation, but still, there was no response. A certain boy.... of course, Celestia, appeared beside Helena, his expression just as concerned. "Ms. Helena?" he called softly, trying to reach her, but her face remained fixed on the ground. The boy''s frown deepened, and he gently shook her shoulders, hoping to wake her from whatever trance she was in. Thud! Helena copsed, her body falling limply to the ground. The boy''s eyes widened in shock as he quickly checked her breath, his hands trembling. /She is not breathing, Aether/ Aether felt a cold chill run down his spine as Celestia''s words echoed in his mind. Then he quickly moved to check Helena''s pulse.... and, /.... N-None.... I-I think she---/ "STOP IT!!" Aether''s voice cracked as he shouted, his eyes zing with fear and anger. He red at the boy, refusing to ept what he was hearing. His gaze flicked back to his mission tab was... Blinking!!! ''Thank goodness!'' "She''s alive..." Aether muttered. Everything had been going so well, and now this... His thoughts were a chaotic whirl of confusion and frustration. How could this be happening? Helena had been fine just moments ago. What had gone wrong? ''She was doing fine...'' Aether raked his hands through his hair in agitation, his mind racing. He had believed that once the Monster was defeated, everything would be okay. But now... /Aether... I think the Arcane energy ising back./ Aether''s eyes widened. He focused inward, trying to sense the Arcane energy, and there it was.... a small, almost imperceptible amount. It was faint, but it was there. Only those with high levels of sensitivity to Arcane energy like Celestia or those like Aether, who had a deep connection to Arcane energy. /Is it a bacsh?/ /... Most likely/ Chapter 359: Reject it.... Dear. Aether wasn''t entirely sure of the extent of the bacsh Helena was enduring, but he had anticipated that Arcane would show some leniency toward her... considering Helena was one of the "Beloved''s" chosen targets. [...] ''But it seems she''s ruthless...'' Aether thought. [...] Ignoring the dots, His eyes traced the jagged cracks spider-webbing across the dome, His eyes flickered as he could see in the ck-white image, he could see a colourful of energy slowly seeping inside... ''It looks like the energy is leaking through the gap...'' His mind raced. His gaze shifted to Kenley, lying there, unconscious and utterly defeated. And then..... The Monster''s remains or should disgusting flesh and Metal parts.... he knew everything was finished atst. Though in a way that felt unexpectedly anticlimactic, still, everything was fine and now... "Victor!" Aether called. Victor responded immediately, he broke the weakened barrier. Without hesitation, Aether rushed to Helena''s side, his heart pounding in his chest. He knelt beside her, his hands trembling slightly as they gently cupped her pale, motionless body. He inhaled deeply.... He knew what he had to do! The surrounding students began to gather, their faces etched with concern and fear. They exchanged anxious nces, their voices hushed as they approached Aether and Helena. "I-Is she alright?" one of the students asked, their voice barely above a whisper,den with worry. Aether forced a small smile, "Yes," he assured them softly, "She just overextended herself, using too much of her powers. She needs some time to recover. Could you all help me move her to a bed? Once she''s settled, we''ll deal with the dome." A collective sigh of relief swept through the group. The danger had finally passed, and with it, the crushing weight of fear began to lift. They no longer needed to concern themselves with the dome... they trusted Victor and Aether to take care of it. Aether''s calm presence reassured them, and they moved with purpose to assist him. ''Spit'' "Bitch!" A girl, who pleaded for help, now spat venomously at Kenley''s unconscious form. Then she returned to the others who were focused on tending to wounds and administering first aid... Aether, though, paid her no mind. His attention was wholly on Helena as he carefullyid her down on a soft bed, his fingers lingering on her face.... He was waiting for something! As he watched over her, a few girls slowly approached, their curiosity barely contained. They whispered among themselves, their eyes flickering between Aether and Helena. Finally, one of them mustered the courage to ask, "Soooo... you two are an... item?" [Author''s Note: ''Item'' refers to lovers in some local ng.] Aether nced at the girl, his mind racing. Denying it would only fuel their curiosity, and they would undoubtedly spread rumours regardless. With a resigned sigh, he nodded. "Yes," he admitted, his voice tinged with awkwardness. "But please, don''t tell anyone else." The girls exchanged wide-eyed looks, their expressions a mix of surprise and glee. They couldn''t help but smile at each other, barely able to contain their excitement. This was the juiciest piece of gossip they could have ever hoped for! A Forbidden Romance between A Servant and A Saintess!! It was scandalous, thrilling, and utterly irresistible... as the girls leaned in closer to each other, buzzing with whispers.... Victor appeared out of nowhere. The sudden presence of Victor sent a chill down their spines. Even though they knew he was their saviour, there was something about him that always set them on edge. His mere proximity was unsettling, and as they instinctively tried to step back, he spoke in a voice so cold, that it froze the air around them. "If this gets out, I will kill them." The words were like a de, slicing through the frivolity of their gossip. Victor''s voice, indifferent and deadly, echoed not only in their ears but throughout the entire stadium. Every student flinched, their attention snapping at him in horror. The colour drained from the girls'' faces, "O-of course, we won''t say anything. It''s a promise!" they stammered in unison, their voices trembling, Still, "Not just the person who speaks," Victor continued, his tone devoid of any emotion, "but every single one of you. I will kill you all." His words sent a wave of terror rippling through them. The threat was so unreasonable! so terrifyingly real!! that they could hardly process it. Victor wasn''t just threatening one personhe was ready to kill everyone if even a whisper of this secret escaped. Before they could even nod in terrified agreement, Victor began to list every one of the students presented their names, "Shin, Lami, Khan..." Each name he spoke seemed to drain the life from their faces, leaving them pale and trembling. Of course, it was Celestia who was feeding him the information... She was, after all, remarkably skilled at gathering every detail, no matter how small. Aether smiled inwardly as he saw the dread etched on their faces. The fear, the palpable tensionit was exactly what he needed to maintain control. But he knew this wasn''t the end of it. There was always one fool, one reckless individual who couldn''t resist curiosity... "D-Don''t you think it''s unreasonable to kill everyone just because of one idiot?" a boy''s voice rang out, shaky but defiant. The murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd as the students exchanged uneasy nces, their frowns deepening. They weren''t nning to spread rumours; they just couldn''t fathom the extremity of Victor''s threat. Victor''s cold eyes locked onto the boy, and he began to move toward him with a deliberate, menacing pace. The boy''s bravado crumbled as Victor approached, and he instinctively shrank back in fear, "W-What?" the boy stammered, his voice betraying his rising panic. Victor didn''t bother with further words. He simply stated, "I will take care of your family," before his hand shot out, gripping the boy''s neck with terrifying ease. "W-What are you doing? L-Let me go-------" Snap "!!!!" The boy''s body went limp in Victor''s grasp, and the colour drained from the faces of every student who bore witness... as they watched Victor toss the lifeless body aside as if it were nothing more than trash. Victor''s gaze swept over the remaining students as he cracked his neck, the motion casual, almost bored. "Does anyone else want me to take care of their family?" he asked, his voice devoid of any warmth. "....." Sssssshhhhhhhh Only a small breeze answered his question. Victor''s frown deepened. "Answer me..." The demand was cold, and merciless, reverberating through the stadium like amand from death itself. "NO, SIR!!!!!! DEFINITY NOT!!" The students'' response was immediate and frantic, their voices trembling with terror. Victor nodded, seemingly satisfied. Aether exhaled quietly, a subtle sigh of relief escaping his lips. He knew his actions were extreme, going far beyond what was necessary, but it was a calcted move. There could be no loose ends, no chance for anything to unravel. A single misstep could lead to disasterter on, and that was a risk Aether couldn''t afford to take. He could not fuck himself!! As he scanned the crowd, he saw the students'' eyeswide, horrified, and utterly traumatized. It was cruel, but it had worked. The fear that now gripped them would ensure their silence, and that was the oue Aether needed. Satisfied, Aether turned his gaze back to Helena, allowing himself onest look before moving to assist the students. Meanwhile... The boy who had been tossed like garbage twisted in mid-air, defying gravity with a fluid grace. Hended on the ground, his feet barely making a sound as they touched down. With a sly smile, he reached up and plucked a small piece of wood from his neck, "It''s really amusing to y games..." he murmured to himself. As he changed his attire.... Celestia''s form began to dissolve into the shadows. At the same time... Helena was staring at something entirely different... [Warning: You are entering the Eternal Seal Bond, which means you cannot break this even if you die... Your soul will always be bonded with Aether Forever to Eternity] [Warning: Are you willing to proceed?] "... Hmmm, what''s going on?" Helena mumbled her voice barely a whisper. Confusion filled her as she slowly turned and called out, "Mother?" The response was soft, almost ethereal, "....Reject it, Dear." The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 360: Mommys Girl! "Mommy?" a small, golden-haired girl dressed in ragged clothes called out, her wide eyes full of innocence and concern. She looked up at another woman with the same golden hair, though the woman''s body appeared frail and thin as if she hadn''t eaten properly in days. "Yes, Heli?" The woman''s voice was warm and loving, her smile gentle, though the little girl couldn''t quite see her mother''s face clearly... it was blurred as if hidden behind a veil. The little girl hesitated, then tore the small piece of bread in her hand in half, offering it to her mother with a hopeful expression. "Here, Mommy." The woman''s smile softened further as she shook her head. "I don''t need it, dear. I already ate," she lied, rubbing her abdomen as if to emphasize her words. The girl frowned, confusion knitting her brow, "Is that so?" She began to eat her half of the bread, her eyes still watching her mother with innocent curiosity, "But... I never see you eating." A soft giggle escaped the woman''s lips as she reached out to pinch her daughter''s cheek. "Hahaha... seeing my little Heli eat fills my stomach, dear. That''s all I need." The little girl tilted her head, not quite understanding butforted by her mother''s words. She nodded with a small smile, her worries easing. "Okay, dear. I''ll be leaving for work now," the woman said, her voice growing quieter as she turned to leave, her steps slow and heavy with exhaustion. The little girl waved her tiny hand as her mother walked out of their small, broken home, her eyes filled with love and a hint of worry. As soon as her mother was out of sight, the little girl quickly gathered the remaining crumbs from the bread she had hidden over the past few days. She stepped outside, surveying the surroundings... every house was as broken and worn as theirs, the entire area resembling a slum. She hurried towards a small, shabby shop nearby and ced the bread crumbs on the counter. The shop owner, familiar with the routine, didn''t even wait for her to ask. He took the crumbs and handed her a (1?) single Zenith coin in exchange. The girl''s face lit up with a smile as she epted the coin, offering a shy grin to the shop owner before dashing back to her house. The shop owner watched her go. Once home, the girl carefully ced the coin in her mother''s secret hiding spot, a tiny, worn-out box tucked away in a corner. She then spent the rest of the day inside, waiting for her mother to return, just as she did every day. And when her mother finally came back, theyy down together, huddled close for warmth andfort. Life continued in this quiet, repetitive cycle.... until one fateful day. "I''m sorry, little girl, but these bread crumbs aren''t enough anymore. Their value has gone up," the shop owner said, his voice tinged with regret. The girl didn''t say anything, just nodded with a heavy heart and left the shop, her small shoulders slumped with disappointment. As she approached her house, she noticed something strange... someone was inside. "M-Mommy?" she called out, her voice trembling. "Helena! Where have you been?" her mother''s voice was sharp with anger, her eyes wide with worry. She couldn''t believe her daughter wasn''t home when she arrived. "I-I was... ying with the others," the girl stammered, hiding the bread crumbs behind her back. Her eyes then shifted to the other person in the room. Her mother sighed deeply, her gaze flickering to a white-haired man standing in the corner. He was dressed in fine clothes, his appearance far too clean and elegant for their humble home. He had a handsome face, but there was something cold and unsettling about him, something that made the little girl''s heart race with fear. "This is my only daughter," the woman said, bowing her head slightly, her voice filled with pride. "She''s a very good child." The man''s eyes bore into the girl, making her feel small and frightened. "What''s your name?" he asked, his voice t and emotionless. The girl flinched, bowing her head as her mother had done, "H-Helena... Sir," she whispered. The man continued to stare at her for a long moment before nodding. "Good," he said, his voice carrying an ominous finality. He nced at the woman, who was smiling nervously, then turned and left the house without another word. "Who is he, Mommy?" Helena asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and fear. But her mother didn''t answer. She simply patted Helena''s head and said, "Heli, why don''t we go eat something delicious?" "Hmm?" The woman smiled gently, her eyes softening as she reached into her secret stash and pulled out the coins. "Look... we can treat ourselves today." ng, ng The coins jingled in the bag, a sound that filled Helena with both hope and unease. "Put on something nice," her mother instructed, dressing Helena in her best clothes before taking her to a small restaurant. "Delicious, Mommy!" Helena eximed, her eyes wide with delight as she tasted the meatrich, tender, and unlike anything, she had ever eaten before. The woman giggled, her eyes misting over with bittersweet emotions. "Eat all you want, dear. This might be your..." Her voice trailed off, leaving the sentence unfinished. After they had finished eating, they walked back together, but something was wrong. Helena noticed they weren''t heading towards their house. Instead, they stood before an old, white building she had never seen before. "Mommy, this isn''t our house?" Helena asked, her small voice filled with confusion. The woman smiled, her expression tender yet distant. "Can you stay here for me?" "Mommy?" "I will be back, my dear..." she promised, her voice gentle as she turned to leave. Helena stood there, watching as her mother disappeared into the shadows, leaving her alone before the old white building. As night fell, she waited, her heart aching with an inexplicable fear. But her mother didn''t return. Still, she waited, standing there through the cold, lonely night until dawn. "Aww..." An old nun opened the door of the old white building, rubbing her tired eyes as she yawned. As she blinked away her sleepiness, her gaze fell upon a small, golden-haired girl curled up on the cold stone steps, her face streaked with tears and exhaustion. The girl''s eyes were red and puffy, and she seemed barely able to keep them open. The nun''s heart ached at the sight. "Oh, dear child," she murmured, rushing to the girl''s side. She gently shook the girl''s shoulder, trying to rouse her from her restless sleep. "M-Mommy said... s-she wille... she will... definitely... M-Mommy..." The girl''s voice was weak and trembling, her words slurred with exhaustion and hope. The nun''s heart broke as she listened. It didn''t take much for her to understand the situation. She sighed softly, her weathered face filled with sorrow. With gentle hands, she coaxed the girl into the warmth of the building, her voice soothing as she led her inside. The white building was an orphanage, a ce where children like the girl found shelter after being abandoned by those they loved most. Ever since that day, the golden-haired girl would stand outside, waiting, always waiting for her mother, clinging to the hope that she would keep her promise and return. But years passed, and her mother never appeared. The old nun, feeling a deep sympathy for the child, took her back to what was once her home.... a home that had been reduced to ashes, burned down long ago. The girl''s heart shattered as they stood before the charred remains. They asked the neighbours about the woman, but the only stories they heard were cruel and heart-wrenching. People spoke of seeing the woman in the arms of a white-haired nobleman, dressed in fine clothes..... They were the ones who had set the house aze before vanishing!! "NO!! MY MOM NEVER DO THAT!!" the girl cried out, her voice filled with pain and denial. The house had been her sanctuary, a ce of warmth and happiness shared with her mother. There was no way her mother would have destroyed it. ..... Yet, despite her protests, there was no evidence to prove otherwise. The little girl wept before the burned house, her cries echoing in the emptiness when suddenly... "Yes, dear. I would never do that. I always keep my promises," a familiar, soothing voice echoed in her ears. The girl spun around and saw her mother standing there, just as she remembered her... golden-haired and smiling warmly. "MOMMY!!" The girl''s eyes widened in disbelief, her tears flowing freely as she ran toward her mother, her heart bursting with a decade of longing and love. But as she reached out to embrace her mother, the world around them shifted, transforming into an endless white void.... The small girl''s form began to change, growing taller, and older, until she was no longer a child but the woman she had be.... Helena. Just as she was about to hug her mother, a sudden !~Ding~! A interrupted her, freezing her in ce. A ck, transparent screen appeared before her, its letters glowing ominously: [Warning: You are entering the Eternal Seal Bond, which means you cannot break this even if you die... Your soul will always be bonded with Aether Forever to Eternity.] [Warning: Are you willing to proceed?] Helena stared at the screen, her brow furrowing in confusion. "What is this?" she murmured, her voiceced with uncertainty. "Reject it, dear," her mother''s voice echoed softly, still as soothing as ever. "Reject?" Helena echoed, turning to look at her mother, her confusion deepening. "Yes," the woman urged, her tone gentle but firm. For Helena, her mother''s words had always beenw, more important than anyone else''s. Without hesitation, she answered, "I reject." [Warning: Are you sure?] "Yes" [Warning: 100%?] ".... Yes" [Warning: 1000%?] "...Hmmm" Helena hesitated, a frown creasing her brow. Something didn''t feel right, a nagging doubt creeping into her mind. "Just reject it, dear," her mother repeated, but this time there was a hint of annoyance in her voice, a sharpness that hadn''t been there before. [Warning: Are you 1000000000% sure?] Before Helena could respond, the warnings continued: [Warning: You might lose everything... including Aether!! Are you truly willing to proceed? Please don''t listen to that woman who is clearly not your mother!!] "Huh? Aether? Not my mother?" Helena''s eyes widened in confusion and rm. She turned back to the woman with the golden hair, whose face was still blurred. "But... this is my mother." The woman smiled warmly, though something in her expression seemed off, "Yes, I am your mother, Helena Sunfire. Just listen to me, dear. Reject it, and you will always be in my arms... until the end. I will protect you, my dear~" Helena''s eyes filled with tears at the words she had longed to hear for so many years. How could she ignore them? She had always loved her mother, even after she had abandoned her. However, something didn''t sit right. "Sunfire?" Helena repeated, her frown deepening. The surname ''Sunfire'' had been given to her by the Archpriestess when she was awakened and chosen. And her mother... her mother had never called her by her full name unless she was angry. A chilling realization began to dawn on Helena. She took a step back, her heart pounding in her chest. "Y-You''re not my mother!" The woman, who had been smiling so sweetly, suddenly stiffened, her expression freezing before she clicked her tongue in irritation. "Tsk, Helena, listen to me" But before the woman could finish, another warning shed on the screen: [Warning: Aether was about to get raped by Kenley? Are you sure you do not want to form a contract?] Helena blinked, her mind racing as she remembered the way Aether''s cheeks had been licked by Kenley... that woman. A surge of anger, pure and intense, red up inside her, her golden eyes narrowing with rage. "How dare she?!! That wretched woman!!! I WILL KILL HER!" Helena shouted, her body igniting with a burst of pure, holy energy. [Hehe...] Chapter 361: Torturing? He is not good at it! Somewhere inside the academy, in a dark, secluded room... Kennedy''s lifeless bodyy still on a cold metal table, the air thick with the stench of decay. The room was silent... Until, Suddenly, without warning, Kennedy''s eyelids snapped open, revealing dry, bloodshot eyes that flickered with a twisted spark of life. His cracked lips twitched, struggling to form words. "Tsk, tsk... I can''t believe all my hard work was utterly destroyed by a mere punk!" The words rasped from his throat, rough and grating, like metal scraping against stone. The corpse, now animated with a grotesque semnce of life, began to move. Bones creaked and muscles groaned as the body, once still for days, slowly came to life. Each movement was apanied by a sickening crunch, echoing through the darkness. Kennedy closed his eyes for a moment, and in that instant, his vision shifted. Through the eyes of a small spider crawling towards him, he saw a rainbow-coloured crystal clutched in its tiny mandibles. The sight brought a twisted smile to his face. "Well, whatever," he shrugged, his toneced with dark amusement as he opened his eyes again. Despite the setbacks, he had achieved what he''d been nning for decades. All he needed now was a little more time to perfect his creations. Once perfected, not even the Sovereign would stand a chance against him. He would be invincible! Still, a nagging curiosity tugged at his thoughts. How had Victor destroyed his creation without even using Arcane energy? Kennedy knew he had to analyze this anomaly before proceeding with his grand n. ''I''m d I left the Arcane Hunter Association,'' he mused, a satisfied smirk ying on his lips. ''Now I can move freely, without their prying eyes. Once the project isplete, even they will bow before me...'' His thoughts trailed off into a self-satisfied chuckle, relishing the future that awaited him. The memory of the arrogant woman who ruled the academy with cold, indifferent eyes brought a surge of satisfaction. The chaos he had sown within her precious academy was only the beginning. "Hahaha...." Heughed with a mix of happiness and boundless future possibilities. But as he surveyed his surroundings, a frown creased his brow, "Where am I?" he muttered, confusion clouding his thoughts. He was certain the dead bodies had been ced in separate cells, not in..... hisboratory. Something was wrong. Just as he was about to rise from the bed, a voice, soft yet chilling, echoed through the room. "So, you are alive after all... ah." Kennedy froze, every muscle in his body tensing. His eyes darted around the room, searching for the source of the voice. "W-Who are you?" he demanded, trying to keep the tremor out of his voice. The voice, nowced with dark amusement, continued, "To think, he predicted this possibility... Amusing, isn''t it? He''s truly amusing, don''t you think? Hehehe..." Kennedy''s frown deepened, his mind racing. Who were they talking about? And more importantly, who was this voice, and how did they know he was alive? Panic began to creep into his thoughts. He needed to leave now before the Principal discovered him. Suddenly, Kennedy gagged, his body convulsing as he hacked and coughed violently. Ssh! Thkk! With a sickening st, a white, leathery scroll, slick with saliva, was expelled from his throat. Kennedy wiped his mouth, a grin spreading across his face as he picked up the scroll. It was a spell scroll... the same kind Delphine had given to Aether for the contest... The same one that could teleport far distance!! He nced around the room, his grin widening. "Here I thought you were going to stop me," he taunted, his voice dripping with mockery. From the shadows.... a woman with chestnut-brown hair stepped forward, her presence cold and menacing. Kennedy''s eyes widened in surprise before he let out a low whistle, his gaze roving over her form, "Pretty fuckable body, don''t you think?" he sneered. But inwardly, he was scrambling. He didn''t recognize this woman, and he needed more time before his spider could reach him. He needed to stall! Celestia, the woman, shook her head, her gaze filled with a mix of pity and disdain, "You really shouldn''t have said that, especially not in front of him... What a pity, what a pity~ He''s very possessive, you know~" Her voice wasced with dark amusement, her words a warning. "What do you mean?" Kennedy demanded, his frown deepening. Celestia''s grin widened as she pointed behind him. Kennedy turned slowly, dread curling in his gut. Thud! His heart skipped a beat as he fell back in shock..... Standing there, with cold, indifferent eyes, was Aether, his gaze piercing through Kennedy''s soul. "W-What the...?" Kennedy mumbled, his breath catching in his throat. Relief washed over him when he realized it wasn''t Victor, but rather a servant. For a moment, he had thought it was Victor because of Aether''s white hair. "Don''t you have ck hair?" Kennedy asked, confusion etched on his face. Aether remained silent, his cold gaze locked onto Kennedy. Aether had taken Kennedy''s body, sensing something deeply wrong about the entire situation. Everything revolved around Kennedy.... hisboratory, his niece, his technologyyet he had supposedly died. Something didn''t add up.... That''s why he brought his body for fail-safe! "You can move your soul, can''t you?" Aether''s voice was calm, indifferent. Kennedy flinched, which caused... Aether''s suspicions were confirmed. ''Another strange bloodline ability... sigh,'' Aether thought, his expression one of mild annoyance. "It must be a pretty impressive bloodline," hemented. Kennedy flinched again. Yes, he did possess a unique bloodline ability, one that allowed him to transfer his soul into inanimate objects.... though not into living beings. He could only inhabit moveable objects, which is why he had devoted himself to technology, creating powerful machines that could serve as vessels for his soul, making him invincible. Aether nodded, a pitying smile on his face as he spoke, "You know, your creations were far superior... no, they were the best I''ve ever seen, even in my previous life. Tsk, damn, we could have been good friends." His tone was filled with regret, a hint of genuine admiration in his words. However, Kennedy wasn''t fooled. He knew that the expression on Aether''s face was nothing more than a facade, the haughty look of a predator ying with its prey. Kennedy''s unease grew. He needed to escape, but as he moved to leave, Aether''s hand shot out, gripping Kennedy''s corehis groinwith a twisted grin, "Pretty fuckable body, don''t you think?" Aether mocked, throwing Kennedy''s own words back at him. Before Kennedy could react, a sharp pain shot through his body. Chuckkkkkk Ssh "AARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!" Kennedy''s scream tore through the air, his voice filled with pure agony as something vital was ripped away from him. "Yuck!" Celestia grimaced, a mix of disgust and pity shing across her face as she watched the scene unfold. Meanwhile, in the academy''s stadium... "Did you hear something?" one of the students asked, a frown creasing his brow. "Tsk, I didn''t hear anything," another student replied, shaking his head as he turned his attention back to Victor, who was examining an artifact. The boy asked worriedly and hesitantly with fear, "Is it not working?" Victor studied the artifact closely before responding, "I think it must have fallen during the fight... there''s a crack here, so... Wait, let me check this... it will take some time" The boy''s worry deepened as he nced at the other students, "Just how long does it take Aether to use the restroom?" he wondered aloud. The others shrugged, just as confused. Aether had suddenly gone to the restroom, and they hadn''t seen him since. They really wanted to deal with Aether rather than Victor! Meanwhile, back in the darkboratory... "Tsk," Aether clicked his tongue in irritation as he watched Kennedy, who was now crawling across the floor, blood pooling between his legs. "You know, I''m really notfortable with torture, but still..." Aether''s voice trailed off, a mix of cold detachment and grim determination in his tone. It wasn''t that he enjoyed seeing Kennedy suffer; rather, he felt a small, vindictive satisfaction in knowing that this vile creature, who had molested and tormented others, would die in pain.... Still, he wasn''t good with torturing. "N-No... Please" Kennedy''s voice cracked as he tried to beg for mercy. But before he could finish, Celestia stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with a disturbing excitement, "You know, I worked in the torture department for a few years... So yeah, I can handle this!" she dered, her fingers twitching with anticipation. Aether nced at Celestia, noting the unusual eagerness in her eyes..... For some reason, she seemed almost excited about what was toe. And then... "AARRRRRRRRRHHHHHHHHH!" Kennedy''s scream echoed through the room, a sound of pure, unfiltered agony. Chapter 362 New Unknown Skill! ''I-I need to leave, I need to leave NOW!!!'' Kennedy''s mind screamed, drowning in a storm of fear and pain as he watched, helpless, as his own body was torn apart. Each dismembered limb, each fragment of flesh, sent waves of agony coursing through him, the pain swelling like a tidal wave, threatening to consume him entirely. "You''re feeling too much pain, right?" Celestia''s voice cut through his torment like a sharp de, her toneced with amusement as she regarded him with cold, calcting eyes. Her hands were stained with his blood, and the chemical lotions she applied only heightened the torment, amplifying every nerve ending to unbearable levels. These were tools of torture, honed in the darkest prisons to break the strongest wills. Kennedy tried to speak, to plead, but the words caught in his throat, choked by the overwhelming sensation that he might die at any moment.... Yet, in the depths of his suffering, he sensed her cruel intent, her desire to keep him conscious, to make him endure every excruciating second. His tear-filled eyes drifted to Aether, who seemed almost detached as he rummaged through the tools and crystals scattered across theboratory. Celestia continued her torment, her methods relentless. Kennedy''s thoughts spiralled inward, desperate, ''I-I cannot handle the pain anymore...'' His small spider, his only hope, had already crawled its way to the restroom near theb, a flicker of escape in this nightmare. "ARRRRHHHHHHH!!" Kennedy''s scream echoed off the cold walls. Aether finally turned to him, his voice devoid of emotion, "Let''s end this. We don''t have time."... To be honest, he didn''t want to see his beloved torturing others! "W-Wait! P-Please give me a-a chance... I-I will..." Kennedy''s voice trembled as he began to beg, desperation painting every word. "P-Please g-give me... ''cough'' I will teach you everything... P-Please," he gasped, his face turning crimson with effort. He clung to the only leverage he had left, hoping it might buy him a few more precious moments of life. But Aether''s cold gaze bore into him, "Teach me? Nah, bro... I think it''s better you die here rather than bing a pain in the buttter." Celestia, for a moment, hesitated, her eyes flicking to Aether. She knew how much he craved knowledge, especially the secrets of the technology Kennedy wielded. She tried to speak, to suggest that perhaps there was value in keeping him alive a little longer. Kennedy''s heart pounded with a sliver of hope. If he could just survive, just oust them, he could find a way to escape, to turn the tables on these two... However, "Let''s fucking end this bastard," Aether said, his voice steely and resolute. Sure, the knowledge Kennedy possessed was tempting. But Aether was certain... if he allowed this man to live, he would regret itter. And regret was a luxury Aether could not afford. He briefly considered a ve contract, something to bind Kennedy to his will, but the very thought disgusted him. "I''d rather beg than learn from a rapist," Aether''s words were ice and repulsive. Celestia blinked, processing his words, and then asked onest time, "You won''t regret it, right?" "Regret? I''ll only regret it if I let this bastard, who molested Kyra and nearly drove her to death, walk out of here," Aether growled, his voice taut with barely restrained anger. "K-Kyra?" Kennedy''s eyes widened in shock, confusion breaking through his agony, "W-Who? I do" But his words were cut off, silenced forever. Snap! Aether snapping Kennedy''s neck with a swift, decisive motion. Kennedy''s eyes lost their colour, and the life drained from them in an instant... His vision turned dark... Suddenly, his vision shifted, his perspective lowering to the ground... His soul had moved at the moment of death. He was now inside the small spider, hisst desperate hope for survival! "I will make them pay for this!!" His voice, now mechanical and distorted, echoed in the small confines of the restroom. The spider halted its movements, uncertainty wing at what remained of Kennedy''s mind.... He needed to escape, to regroup and find a way out of this hell. But then, a voice echoed, chilling, "Pay them?" It resonated through the room, bouncing off the walls, disorienting him. The spider spun frantically, searching for the source, but there was....no one, nothing! "W-Who is it now?" the spider''s voice trembled, metallic and quivering with fear. "Who is it?... Hmm... I wonder..." The voice was almost yful, mocking, "Well, why don''t you turn to your left side first?" The spider instinctively turned, its tiny, mechanical eyes focusing on a mirror..... And there, reflected in the ss, was Kennedy....whole, unbroken, and smirking back at him with a twisted grin. What the fuck!! Terror gripped Kennedy''s fragmented mind as the spider''s eyes widened in horror. The reflection spoke, its voice dripping with dark amusement, "Look at you, how low you''ve fallen, Kennedy." "W-What are you?" The question was forced out, trembling with fear and confusion. "What am I?... Hmm.... I don''t know," the Mirror Kennedy mused, his smirk widening. "But I do know you''ve finished your part in this chess game.... Congrattions... Yay!!" The way Mirror Kennedy did was utterly repulsive but then his grin twisted even more as he added, "It''s time to remove the pawn~." Hisugh was cold, sinister, a harbinger of doom. Before the spider could react, before Kennedy could muster a n, the Mirror Kennedy moved. Blob! His form slipped through the ss like water, fluid and unnatural. He stepped out of the mirror, standing tall and menacing before the tiny spider...the Spider''s eye widened in horror!! "W-What''s going on?" The spider''s voice was a frantic shout, its body trembling as it prepared to flee. But it was toote. Mirror Kennedy reached down, his hand slow and deliberate as he grasped the spider, lifting it effortlessly. "Too bad... You''re going to be his nourishment," Mirror Kennedy said with a mix of pity and cruel satisfaction. He plucked at the spider''s abdomen, revealing the rainbow crystal embedded within. The crystal shone brightly. And then, with a sickening crunch, Mirror Kennedy crushed the spider''s head, snuffing out thest flicker of Kennedy''s existence. Crack! Puff! In an instant, it was over. The spider''s mechanical body fell limp as burned down and with it, any hope Kennedy had of revenge or survival was obliterated. The Mirror Kennedy looked down at the small rainbow crystal in his hands, Slowly, his gaze lifted, drawn back to the mirror, to see his own reflection..... But what he saw instead... was Kyra!!! Kyra smirked as she looked at the rainbow crystal in her hand with an amused expression. "No matter what you do, Aether..." Kyra''s voice was soft but dripping with malevolence. "Everything will go ording to Mother''s will... and that includes you, too. You are the one who caused this...Haha.... In the end, we are just pawns, Aether... Just pawns!" Kyra turned and stepped into the mirror, vanishing as if she had never been there, taking the rainbow crystal with her. The ss surface rippled once before returning to its original, unbroken state, leaving behind only an eerie silence. In the Pyra Fulgar Empire, somewhere deep... very deep inside, "Grrrrr...." A low, menacing growl echoed through the pitch-ck darkness. The sound was primal, filled with an unearthly fury that reverberated through the very ground. In this forsaken ce, only a single rainbow-coloured crystal shone brightly, casting eerie reflections on the rugged walls. The thick roots covered something deep. Whatever was trapped inside those roots was struggling, fighting to break free, its movements growing more desperate with each passing second... The roots breaking slowly... Suddenly, a voice, disembodied and full of authority, resonated through the darkness, "Here, this is the final piece." Out of nowhere, another rainbow-coloured crystal appeared, floating in the air with a slow, deliberate grace. It hovered for a moment, then moved toward the first crystal, positioning itself beside it as if it werepleting a puzzle. The two crystals began to glow in unison, their light intensifying until it was almost blinding. They pulsed rhythmically, like the beating of a colossal heart, and then BAGRUUUUUUUHHHHHAAAAAA A sound like the st of ancient trumpets echoed through the deep valley, filled with raw, untamed power. The roots that had held the creature in ce shattered, unable to contain the monstrous force any longer. Trrrrrrr!!!! The sound of snapping, and tearing roots filled the air as whatever had been trapped finally began to move. And then, in the darkness, there was another movement... slow, deliberate, and terrifying!! Explore more at empire Ssshhhhhhhhhh One by one, vibrant rainbow colours began to light up the deep valley, revealing the enormity of the creature that had been trapped for so long. The once imprable darkness was now filled with pulsating light, and as the valley brightened, the true horror was revealed.... a pair of enormous horns and a massive trunk, thick and ancient, rose from the ground, grasping the remains of the shattered roots.... and slowly pulled! Thud Thud Thud Thud Each step was like a small earthquake, shaking the very foundations of the valley as the creature pulled itself free. Its massive trunk pulled the massive roots as if it was guiding to somewhere..... Other rainbow crystals, following the creature''s movements, began to shimmer and glow, letting out a sibnt hiss. "HISSSSSS~~~~~" Tuck, Tuck, Tuck... In the distance, something began to rotate.... slowly at first, but with a terrifying and inexorable speed, building momentum like the gears of a monstrous machine. Back to the stadium, Drip.... Aether stood before Kennedy''s dead body as he nodded in satisfaction. He could feel the ck/Umbra domain within him growing, a sure sign that Kennedy was truly and utterly dead..... But just as he was about to turn away, Drip.... Aether frowned, his eyes narrowing in confusion as he sensed his white/Ethereal Domain, also increased just then, !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 45.3%] !~Ding~! [Congrattions on Completing the Mission: Save Helena Sunfire] !~Ding~! [Reward: Skill: #######] Chapter 363 [Bonus ( ?￣??￣?)σ"] Lackey!! "I WILL KILL YOU!! IF YOU DARE TOUCH HIM!!" Helena''s voice tore through the air, raw and primal, her eyes burning with a fiery rage. Her entire body was coiled, ready to strike, driven by an overwhelming need to protect someone!! But then, as if waking from a fevered dream, her vision cleared, and she found herself staring into the calm, unwavering eyes of the Principal. "Easy now, my dear... everything is fine," the Principal''s voice was a balm, soothing and steady. "P-Principal..." Helena stammered the fire in her eyes dimming, confusion taking its ce. "No need to rush, Helena. Just lie back and rest," the Principal urged, her hand hovering above Helena''s shoulder, guiding her back to the bed with an unspoken authority that was impossible to resist. Helena sank back into the pillows. An awkward smile tugged at her lips as her eyes fluttered around the room, taking in the sterile surroundings of the infirmary. Her thoughts were still scattered, but the Principal''s gentle words pulled her back to reality. "You saved everyone, you know," the Principal said, her voice low and full of quiet pride. "Your bloodline ability... it was incredible. You should be proud." A small, almost shy smile graced Helena''s lips, "Good... I''m d," she whispered, her voice soft, yet filled with a profound sense of relief. The Principal''s gaze lingered on the innocent girl with a small smile, But then her eyes caught sight of something that made her frown.... a delicate tattoo on her neck''s right side. "Helena... when did you get this tattoo?" The Principal''s voice was curious, she was sure that she hadn''t seen that before on her and for some reason... she felt like she had seen this before on someone else but she couldn''t grasp where she had seen this before. Helena''s brow furrowed in confusion. She lifted a hand to her neck, fingertips grazing the tender skin as she tried to remember..... The Principal handed her a small mirror, and as Helena''s eyes locked onto the reflection, a flicker of realization passed through her. She remembered him. Aether. The connection between them was undeniable, pulsing like a living thing, deep within her veins. [+7000 AP] A soft gasp escaped her lips as the feeling washed over her, warm and intimate, like the gentle brush of lips against the skin, "Where is Aether?" she asked her voice barely above a whisper, yetden with an inexplicable longing. The Principal''s frown deepened, "Who?" Helena blinked, her lips curving into an awkward smile. Of course, how could the Principal know about him? A servant? "Never mind," Helena murmured, her fingers absently tracing the line of the tattoo, feeling the connection hum beneath her skin. "Anyhow..." The Principal hesitated for a moment before speaking again, "You don''t feel any pain? No bacsh from using your bloodline ability? Should I contact the Archpriestess?" Helena''s eyes widened in surprise, "No... I don''t feel anything bad. In fact, I feel... more alive than ever." Her voice was steady. She wondered why she had not received bacsh! "Hmm..." The Principal''s gaze was thoughtful, her mind clearly racing with possibilities. ''Could it be because she''s the chosen one?'' The thought lingered in her mind. Just then, the door to the infirmary burst open. "Helena?!" Helena turned her head sharply, and her heart swelled with warmth as she saw Selene, Aria, and Lia rushing toward her..... Helena smiled seeing her friends visiting her. "How could you do that?!" Lia''s voice was sharp, filled with a fury. She stood at the foot of the bed, her fists clenched, "You almost sacrificed yourself! What were you thinking?" "Seriously, girl, what''s wrong with your head?" Aria shook her head. She crossed her arms over her chest... she was dissatisfied with Helena almost sacrificing for others! Before Helena could respond, Selene was there, sliding a soft scarf around Helena''s neck with tender hands as soon as arrived, "You''re really okay..." Selene murmured, her voice gentle... Unlike the others, Selene knew. She knew that Helena would have died if not for Aether''s presence. Helena holding the scarf, looked at her friends with an amused expression. Meanwhile, the Principal quietly slipped out of the room, leaving the young women to their reunion. As she stepped into the corridor, her heart ached with the weight of what she had witnessed.... The academy, her sanctuary for nearly a millennium,y in ruins around her, and the sight of it was almost too much to bear. Only she knew the pain of this destruction! The sounds of reconstruction filled the air as workers moved swiftly to repair the damage. The Principal, her face a mask of calm, vanished from the corridor and reappeared in the meeting room, where five others waited, their expressions grim. Taking her seat at the head of the long table, she fixed her gaze on Delphine. "Report." Delphine nodded, sliding a stack of documents across the table. The Principal took them, her eyes scanning the pages as the meeting began in earnest. The details were grim... casualties, injuries, structural damage. The numbers were stark, a cold reminder of the price they had paid. As the meeting continued, tension hung thick in the air. "P-Principal," ric''s voice broke the silence, trembling slightly. The Principal, absorbed in the documents before her, lifted her gaze to ric, her expression unreadable. She waited, her silence urging him to speak. "I''m sorry... I was the one responsible, so I''ll inform the parents of the deceased students" ric began, his voice heavy with guilt. But before he could finish, the Principal''s voice cut through the room, sharp and unyielding. "And I am the one responsible for your actions, Mr. ric... You have failed!" Her tone was t, devoid of any warmth or sympathy. ric''s face drained of colour. Her words, though calm, felt like a de to his heart. The distance between them, once filled with respect and understanding, now seemed insurmountable. As the meeting neared its end, the Principal''s eyes narrowed, her voice low and dangerous. "Now, tell me, who informed Kennedy about the underground passage?" She set the documents down with a deliberate thud, her gaze bright with suspicion. She used her aura pressure on the five professors who barely managed to keep theirposure. The underground passage was a closely guarded secret, known only to the Chosen Ones and.... the Representative Professors. Kennedy had no business knowing about it, which meant someone in this very room had betrayed their trust. "W-We didn''t tell anyone!" one of them stammered, eyes wide with fear. "P-Please... believe us!" another pleaded, voice shaking. "I-It might have been one of the Chosen Ones!" a third suggested, grasping at straws, desperation clear in his tone. The Principal''s gaze swept over them, cold and assessing, before she finally released the pressure, allowing them to breathe again. "And what of Kenley?" she asked. "S-She is under investigation, Principal," Delphine answered quickly, her voice steadying as she met the Principal''s gaze. The Principal nodded, her expression thoughtful but stern, "Ensure that every necessary measure is taken during the investigation. Do not hesitate." Delphine nodded, understanding the weight of themand. With a dismissive wave of her hand, the Principal sent them away, each assigned with tasks to repair the academy. As thest of them filed out, the Principal remained behind, slowly skimming through the documents. Despite the heavy weight of responsibility she bore, her thoughts kept drifting back to ric. There was something about him that unsettled her..... a nagging doubt that refused to be silenced. After all, it was ric who had introduced Kennedy to the academy... She knew pressuring them would not result good that''s why she just asked not to take sudden actions.... ''I need to keep an eye on him,'' she thought, flipping through the pages. Her mind, however, kept returning to the tattoo she''d seen on Helena.... It was so familiar, but from where? ''I''m certain I''ve seen it before...'' She frowned, racking her memory. And then, her eyes fell on something in the documents that made her blood run cold. "What the fuck!!" she shouted, mming the documents down on the table. In the blink of an eye, she disappeared, reappearing in Kennedy''sboratory. The Principal blinked several times and saw.... Nothing. She rubbed her eyes in disbelief, but when she looked again... still nothing!!! Theb literally had nothing... no equipment, no furniture, not even a trace of the tables and chairs!! that had been there before. It was fucking clean as new.... Just fucking four walls... not even curtains!! Her face flushed with anger, a deep, boiling rage that turned her vision red. The cost of the equipment alone was in the millionsZeniths, all gone, as if they had never existed. "Did Kennedy destroy everything? Or..... did someone steal it?" she muttered. Meanwhile, far from the academy... "Madam, buy two Fire Artificial Crystals, and get a free table with it! This offer is avable only in our store, Hello beautiful madam!!... Only here!" A ck-haired man wearing a rabbit mask called out in a cheerful voice, winking at the women passing by. His tone was yful, almost teasing, as he added, "But hurry, it''s avable only today~" [+1000 AP] A woman giggled, her eyes sparkling with amusement, "Cute boy~ I''ll buy it... just for that cute lovely voice... I wonder what''s under the mask!" "Oh! Thank you, youngdy~" the man responded with a yful bow, his voice dripping with charm. [+2000 AP] The womanughed, her cheeks flushing slightly as she bit her lip. "Haha... I''m not exactly a youngdy, young man. I''m old enough to be your mother~" "Mother? Oh, please don''t lie to me, youngdy..." the ck-haired man said with a teasing grin, his eyes dancing with mischief. Experience exclusive tales on empire [+3000 AP] "Haha... You''re quite the charmer, aren''t you?" the woman chuckled, clearly enjoying the flirtation. "But believe me, I''m a mother of two! So, what''s your name?" she asked, stepping closer, her tone suggestive. "...Lackey" Chapter 364 Black Market! "Lackey?... That''s an unusual name," the woman mused, stepping closer to the tall. Her eyes trailed over his well-built form, lingering on his confident stance. Just as she moved to close the distance between them, a voice, sharp and feminine, cut through the air, "If you''ve bought something, please leave." The words were calm but carried an edge of authority. The woman turned to see a striking figure emerging from the wooden stall... a wolf woman with a striking mix of ck and red hair, wearing a wolf mask that partially obscured her piercing gaze. The woman hesitated under the wolf woman''s intense re, but then she shot onest flirtatious wink at the ck-haired man before hurriedly leaving the stall. [+4000 AP] As the woman disappeared into the crowd, Liora, the wolf woman, turned her attention back to Aether, her expression softening slightly. "Why are we doing this again?" she asked, a hint of irritationcing her voice. After the chaos at the academy had been brought under control, most people dedicated themselves to helping with the rebuilding efforts. Maelona, being one of the major tribe leaders, had thrown herself into the work.... of course not for social work but rather... seizing the opportunity to bolster her reputation!!! Not to be outdone, Liora had rallied her tribe to do the same. But then Aether had asked for her help... an unexpected request that had piqued her interest. She had agreed immediately, eager to spend time with him, her mind drifting to fantasies of what their time together might entail. A sly smile yed on her lips as she imagined the possibilities... Her body turned hot and horny!! However, she had not anticipated that he would ask her to guide him to the ck Market! Before she could voice her frustration, Aether wrapped an arm around her slender waist, pulling her closer. His lips brushed against her long ear as he whispered, "Of course, it''s to spend some lovely time with my lovely wolfy~" [+4000 AP] [+4000 AP] [+4000 AP] A shiver ran down Liora''s spine at the feel of his warm breath against her skin. Her irritation melted away, reced by a warm, tingling sensation. Her tails swayed gently behind her, betraying her pleasure. She ced a hand on his chest, her fingers tracing the contours of his muscles as she gazed into his ice-blue eyes, lost in the moment. But in reality, Aether had a more practical reason for their trip. He had stole-ahem... taken (Permission from dead Kennedy) several valuable items from Kennedy''sboratoryuseful things he intended to keep for himself. The rest, however, were of no use to him, so he nned to sell them off in the ck Market. And Liora, with her sharp instincts, seemed like the perfectpanion to have by his side in case things went south. Just in case, he had left the clone (Aether) back at the academy, lying in an infirmary bed motionless like really wounded until he would arrive.... as a decoy to avoid raising any suspicion from Kai. He also thought of giving Helena free time to calm herself... as he really didn''t want to wake up another yandere in her!! So he asked Selene to take care of the situation.... Who was doing like a diligent wife!! Meanwhile, Celestia had returned to Empress Marisandra to report the details of the events at the academy. "Ahem!" A cough broke the intimate moment, causing both Aether and Liora to turn their heads. Standing awkwardly nearby was Kaelen, Liora''s son, wearing an elephant mask that barely concealed his difort. Aether tried to step back from Liora, but she only tightened her hold on him, her eyes narrowing slightly as she looked at her son. "What is it?" she asked, her voice cool and firm. "N-Nothing, Mother," Kaelen stammered, shifting on his feet. "Just wondering what else I should sell?" He forced a diligent smile, his eagerness to please evident. Liora had insisted on bringing her son along when Aether mentioned needing to sell a few things, and now Kaelen found himself acting..... as a salesman in the ck Market!! ''I guess that''s an improvement from being a mere delivery boy to a salesperson,'' Aether mused, amused by the thought. He then asked, "Have you sold everything already?" "Yes!... Father!" Kaelen replied with enthusiasm and carefully added ''Father'' when his mother red at him. When they had first arrived at the ck Market, nestled in the outskirts of the slum area, they had set up two stalls..... one for Kaelen and another for Aether. To Aether''s satisfaction, Kaelen had been quick to make sales, efficiently clearing out the items Aether had handed him. Aether nodded approvingly, pointing out a few more items for Kaelen to sell. As Kaelen returned to his stall, Aether couldn''t help but grumble under his breath, "I wonder why I''m not selling anything" He nced sideways at Liora, who quickly averted her gaze, a hint of guilt in her eyes. The truth was clear... her aggressive demeanour had been scaring away potential customers, leaving Aether''s stall eerily empty. Aether chuckled softly, shaking his head in amusement before yfully pinching Liora''s butt. "Ouch!" Liora yelped, shooting him a re, and in retaliation, she moved her hand towards his front, intending to pinch... shaft! But before she could, "Excuse me?" Both Aether and Liora quickly turned their attention to the source of the voice... a chubby woman wearing an intricate butterfly mask stood before their stall, her eyes scanning the equipmentid out on disy. The ck Market was a ce of shadows and secrets, where anonymity was both a luxury and a necessity. Masks weren''t mandatory, but for those who valued discretion, they were a wee option. Adopting a professional demeanour, Aether asked, "What can I do for you, madam?" The woman flinched before briefly staring at Aether''s rabbit mask and her gaze shifting to Liora''s wolf mask. "... Hmm is something the matter?" Aether asked. "Nothing," the woman replied, her voice steadying as she pointed to a particr item. "How much for this product?" Aether examined the item she had chosen and responded, "That would be around 1,000?, Madam." The woman nodded but didn''t stop there. Her curiosity led her to peruse the other items on disy. "Do you have any other products?" she asked her tone more inquisitive now. Aether''s mind began to churn with possibilities, "Hmm is there anything specific you''re looking for, madam?" he asked, rubbing his hands together like a seasoned merchant. "Yes, something unique, something no one else hasperhaps a one-of-a-kind gift," the woman mused, her voice thoughtful as if she were searching for something truly special. Aether''s mind raced, ''Unique a rare, unforgettable gift '' Aether furrowed his brow, lost in thought as he tried to think of something that would meet her request. Seeing him hesitate, the woman began to turn away, ready to leave. But just as she took a step, Aether''s voice called her back. "What about... multicoloured mes?" The woman stopped in her tracks, clearly intrigued. She turned back to face him, her eyes wide with interest. "What did you say?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. Multicoloured mes were not something she had ever heard of before. Aether reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, white crystal ball. "It''s still just a prototype," he began, "but" "It''s fine. If it''s done well, I''ll wait for the final product," the woman interrupted, her tone impatient and eager. She was clearly intrigued by the idea. Aether held the crystal ball in his hand and, with a subtle gesture, activated it. At first, a red me flickered to life within the crystal, burning brightly but unremarkable.... The woman''s expression started to fall, disappointment creeping in Until, with a soft hiss, the red me began to change. Shhhh SSSShhh Shhhh hhhh Colours began to swirl within the meblue, green, purple, and goldeach hue shifting and blending into the next in a mesmerizing dance of light. The woman''s eyes widened, her breath catching as she stared, captivated by the hypnotic disy. "How much?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes never leaving the crystal. Aether thought for a moment, calcting the value, ''Blue is 5000?, and with four coloursbined, it should be around'' He took a breath and said, "30000?." He added a little extra, expecting a bit of haggling. However, to his surprise, the woman responded, "Just 30000??" Her tone was one of genuine surprise, not disbelief. Aether frowned slightly, unsure of how to proceed. He nced at Liora, who simply shrugged and whispered, "I''m not good with money stuff! You should''ve brought Maelona for that." He turned back to the woman and adjusted his price. "Sorry, I meant 50000?." The woman''s surprise only deepened. "Just 50000??" Aether''s eye twitched in annoyance, ''Is she trying to annoy us?'' he wondered. He was just about to double the price again when the woman spoke, her tone suddenly inquisitive. "You must be new to this field, right?" she asked, tilting her head slightly as if trying to get a better look at the man behind the mask. Neither Aether nor Liora answered their silence a careful, practised response in the uncertain environment of the ck Market. The woman seemed to appreciate their caution, nodding slightly, "Well, I suppose staying silent is the correct answer for a stranger Hmm" She leaned in closer, "Would you minding with me?" Chapter 365 Quite a hefty amount "Are you certain we can trust this woman?" Aether whispered, his voice barely audible as he leaned closer to Liora. His eyes were fixed on the mysterious figure ahead, her butterfly mask obscuring any hint of her true intentions. "Yes, Mother, you can''t just follow someone from the ck market!" Kaelen interjected. Liora paused, slowly turning her head to fix Kaelen with a cold, indifferent stare. The icy look in her eyes was enough to send a shiver down his spine, making him shrink back in fear. "Do you take me for a fool, Kaelen?" Her words were soft butced with a dangerous edge. "N-No, Mother, of course not!" Kaelen stammered, his voice trembling as he quickly averted his gaze. With a gentle sigh, Liora turned her attention back to Aether, her expression softening into a tender smile that contrasted sharply with the coldness she had shown just moments before, "It''s fine, Aether. Trust me," she murmured, "I might not know the exact prices here, but I have a talent for sensing the nature of people... just like how I found you." Her words dripped with warmth and affection as she reached out, her fingers lightly brushing the tip of Aether''s nose in a yful gesture. Aether''s heart skipped a beat at her touch, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He shook his head in amusement, his eyes never leaving hers. Kaelen, on the other hand, felt a pang of despair twist in his chest!! Why did he always feel like an outsider? Why such discrimination was against him!!! Aether suddenly reached out, his hand catching Liora''s with a firm but gentle grip. Liora flinched slightly, her eyes widening in surprise as a spark of something deep and primal flickered between them. Her tail, which had stiffened at the unexpected contact, slowly began to sway in a subtle, sensual rhythm, betraying the quiet thrill that ran through her. She smiled a soft, secret smile that spoke of unspoken desires, her eyes locking onto Aether''s with an intensity that made the world around them fade away. [+4000 AP] [+4000 AP] [+4000 AP] Meanwhile Aether nced at his log: / Name: Aether Sex: Male Race: ___________ Level: 35 Title: The Progenitor of Unknown Species, Eternal Contract to ########, The Only Holder of Ether and A Past-less, Future-less Entity Skills: Freedom (Active), Clone (Active), Eternal Seal (Passive), ####### Attributes: Strength: 350 Agility: 345 Intelligence: 350 Magic Affinity: 340 Charm: 350 Compatibility: 91% Survival rate: 45.3%[Remaining Time: 285 days 13 hours 15 minutes 59 seconds] Affection Points: 1,415,032 Seduction: 4/10 :- Ste: Error!! Unable to use due to Your Current Level Aria Zephyr: Origin Weapon:- Twilight Eclipse Aqualina Naiadia: Origin Weapon:- Oceanic Tempest Helena Sunfire: Desired Weapon:- Blessed Aegis / Helena''s rewards still weren''t showing up, but he shrugged it off... There were a lot of things he could understand in his log! He tried to click that but for some reason, a warning appeared: [Warning: Cannot be viewed due to current Aether] ''Yeah, I am the fucking reason!!'' Aether sarcastically thought with an annoyed face. As they continued to follow the woman through thebyrinthine corridors of the ck Market, the atmosphere grew darker.... Eventually, they found themselves in a narrow, dimly lit alleyway. A heavy, iron door loomed ahead, guarded by a hulking man dressed in a sleek ck suit. ''Bouncers?'' Aether mused, a wry smile ying on his lips. Without a word, the woman in the butterfly mask produced a sleek, ck card from within her cloak, shing it at the bouncer. The man''s stern expression softened slightly as he stepped aside, opening the door. They stepped inside, and Liora''s breath caught in her throat as her eyes adjusted to the sudden change in light. "An auction?" she murmured, her voice barely more than a whisper as she took in the grand, opulent interior that contrasted sharply with the grim exterior. "Hmm... looks like someone has been here before," the woman remarked with a knowing smile. Liora nodded absently, but her brow furrowed in confusion. "Why have you brought us here?" she asked, her tone carrying a subtle hint of suspicion. The woman merely gestured for them to follow... ''An auctionah'' Aether''s thoughts raced as he fell into step behind the woman. His frown deepened as they were led to a secluded area at the back of the auction house, where another imposing figure stood guard. This man, d in the same dark attire, eyed them warily, his hand twitching toward his weapon. Before he could act, the woman once again produced the ck card.... The guard hesitated for a moment, his frown deepening, but he eventually relented, pushing open a heavy door that led into a dimly lit chamber. Inside, the atmosphere was thick with the scent of aged wood and the faint aroma of tea. An old man sat quietly at a polished table, his eyes closed as he sipped his tea with the calm demeanour of someone who had seen it all. As the group entered, the old man''s eyes fluttered open, his gaze sharp and discerning as it swept over them. His eyebrows knitted together in mild curiosity, "You''ve brought another seller?" His voice was calm. The woman with the butterfly mask nodded, her tone businesslike, "His name is..... Lackey, and this is his family." "Lackey?" The old man echoed, his frown deepening as he mulled over the name. It was a peculiar surname, one he hadn''t heard in decades.... "Regardless," the woman continued, her voice cutting through his thoughts, "this man is the owner of the auction house and today''s appraiser." The old man smiled faintly, nodding in acknowledgement, "My name is Julian," he introduced himself with a slight bow of his head. Aether and the others returned the gesture. The woman showed a gleaming white crystal ball, "I believe this will pique your interest," she said. Julian''s eyes widened slightly as he leaned forward, his curiosity fully aroused. "Hmm What is it?" he asked. Instead of answering, the woman giggled softly.... before revealing the multicoloured mes dancing from the crystal. Julian''s reaction was immediate. His eyes widened in shock, his hand trembling slightly as he set down his teacup. With almost reverent care, he took the pure white crystal into his hands, examining it closely with a magnifying ss. The silence in the room was palpable, each second stretching into eternity as Julian''s sharp eyes scrutinized every millimetre of the crystal..... He finally spoke, his voice tinged with awe, "Magnificent Truly magnificent." His gaze shifted to Aether''s group, his curiosity was piqued even further, "Who created this Advancedplex circuit?" Before Aether could respond, the woman in the butterfly mask smoothly interrupted, "That''s not important. What I need to know is the value of this material." Julian sighed, "You never let me indulge my curiosity, do you? Very well" He turned his attention back to the crystal, his mind already calcting. After a moment, he named his price, "100,000?" Aether, Liora, and Kaelen exchanged looks of shock, their eyes wide with disbelief. Aether was really over the cloud..... He had crafted the crystal as a mere experiment, never expecting it to be worth so much. ''If this is worth that much, what about the technology I stol-ahem gently acquired from Kennedy''s?'' His thoughts trailed off. Just as Aether was about to seal the deal, "You can bu" "Please add it to the auction," the woman interrupted. Julian, the old man, clicked his tongue in mild irritation before sighing. "The Auction Company will take 25%" "10%," the woman interjected again. "Tsk, fine Yeah, yeah The Auction Company will take a 10%mission upon the final bidding price," Julian conceded, his voice tinged with resignation. Then, with a hint of cunning curiosity, he added, "Though if you don''t mind, I''ll offer 100,000 without anymission What do you say, young man?" His eyes, sharp and calcting, locked onto Aether. Aether hesitated for a moment, ncing between the woman and Julian, "Please auction it," he dered. Kaelen leaned in closer to Aether, whispering urgently, "What if the bidding price is lower than this? We wouldn''t be losing anything if we just sell it to that old man!" Aether shook his head slightly, whispering back, "To be honest, I want to see the true worth of my creation" There was a flicker of uncertainty in Aether''s heart. He wasn''t entirely sure how much his creation might be valued among the citizens, but he wanted to see the market situation and was too tempting to pass up. Whether he gained money or not, he would gain something far more valuable... experience! Liora observed the exchange quietly. Soon enough, they were escorted to a separate VIP room, a luxurious space that offered amanding view of the auction floor below, where the other bidders were gathering. Aether frowned slightly, turning to the woman in the butterfly mask. "What''s the point of you doing all this for us?" he asked, his curiosity piqued. The woman''s eyes sparkled with a mix of relief and anticipation, "Finally, you ask," she murmured, a small, satisfied smile curling her lips, "I want you to create a perfect creation a final product just for me and me alone." as she produced a document for Aether to sign. Aether''s gaze narrowed as he studied the document, his mind quickly grasping the implications. ''She''s quite clever'' he thought. The document was a contract, binding Aether to never create another of the same products that she was purchasing from him. After a moment''s consideration, Aether nodded, signing the document with a steady hand. The woman''s grin widened, her satisfaction palpable as she said, "Enjoy the bidding." She then gave a brief exnation of the bidding process, ensuring they understood how to participate if they wished to purchase something, before gracefully exiting the room. As the minutes ticked by, the auction hall below began to fill with people, each one morevishly dressed than thest. Aether casually settled onto the plush sofa. Liora followed him, sliding gracefully beside him, while Kaelen sat on the other side, his face alight with curiosity and excitement. Meanwhile, in another part of the auction house Julian''s eyes hardened as he turned to face the woman in the butterfly mask, his expression serious, "My dear granddaughter," he began, his voice low and grave, "I know you''re incredibly talented in this business, but reducing ourmission like this It could unravel a hundred years of hard work that our forefathers poured into building this auction. Please, don''t do this anymore." The woman, however, merely shrugged, her expression dismissive. "Then ept the man I love," she replied, her voice as firm as her resolve. "THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN!!" Julian''s shout echoed through the room, his fury palpable. The very thought of allowing his beloved granddaughter to marry that man was unbearable, a fate worse than death in his eyes. The woman nced at the old man once more, her eyes cold and resolute. "Then I will do what I want," she stated tly, her words carrying the weight of finality. Back in the VIP room Liora''s gaze shifted from the auction floor to Aether, then to her son, "Kaelen," she called softly. "Yes, Mother!" Kaelen responded immediately, sitting up straighter. "My throat feels a bit itchy Buy me some juice," Liora requested, her tone serious. Kaelen blinked in surprise but quickly nodded, rising to his feet, "Of course, Mother," As soon as the door closed behind him, "Aether~," she purred as she suddenly leapt onto hisp, her movements fluid and graceful. Aether chuckled, his hands instinctively wrapping around her waist. "Haha I knew this wasing," he murmured, his voiceced with amusement as he yfully pinched her butt, eliciting a soft gasp from her. "Ahh~" Chapter 366 Lioras Puppy Eyes... "~Hmm~" The sound of their lips meeting echoed softly in the room, as Liora and Aether kissed with a fervor. Their bodies pressed tightly against each other, Every curve of Liora''s voluptuous figure molded perfectly against Aether. Liora''s ample hips swayed and ground against Aether''s crotch, the motion slow and deliberate, as if she sought to ignite a fire deep within him. "~Mmmmff~" A muffled moan escaped Liora''s lips as Aether''s fingers, gentle yet firm, found the sensitive base of her fluffy tail. The touch sent shivers down her spine, her body arching instinctively closer to him. When they finally, reluctantly, pulled away from each other, their eyes remained locked. Liora''s gaze was heavy-lidded with desire, her lips swollen from their passionate kiss. She grinned wickedly, her tongue darting out to wet her lips in a slow, Her voice dropped to a husky whisper as she teased, "Tell me, did you fall for me just now?" Aether''s lips curled into a teasing smile, he could literally see her expectant yet feared eyes... as if she was scared of his answer. Inwardly, Aether shook his head, a wry smile tugging at his lips. ''This MILF really doesn''t know how to express her feelings...'' he mused, his fingers gently tracing the curve of her lips. He leaned closer, "The real question is.... Did you fall for me?" Liora''s yful frown deepened as she processed his words, confusion flickering across her face. But then, realization dawned, and her eyes widened in surprise. ''Ba-dump'' A blush spread across her cheeks, a soft, rosy hue that only made her more irresistible. She looked away, her confidence momentarily shaken as she stammered, "W-Well... M-Maybe." [+4000 AP] [+4000 AP] [+4000 AP] [+4000 AP] ... .... Aether bit back augh, the corners of his mouth twitching in amusement at her flustered reaction. His hands roamed lower, caressing the generous curve of her ass, the firm yet supple flesh fitting perfectly in his grasp. He leaned in close, his breath hot against her ear as he whispered, "Maybe? What''s that supposed to mean?" His voice was a seductive growl. He chuckled, his lips brushing hers in a ghost of a kiss, when Thud! "Mother!" Kaelen burst into the room, his timing impable and utterly disastrous. Aether quickly shifted, sitting awkwardly as if trying to conceal something. Liora, meanwhile, remained where she was, her posture stiff, her gaze fixed on her son with an intensity that spoke of barely restrained fury. Seeing that, Kaelen''s face turned pale, "M-Mother, Please believe me I am notte now!! As soon as I brought the juice from the staffs I immediately ran here as fast as possible!" as he showed the bottles of beverages and added, "I think my agility increased a lot mother!" with hint of pride. Liora''s eyes narrowed as she looked at her son, a mix of exasperation and disbelief swirling within her. Where had she gone wrong? If she had known this would happen... she never would have trained him at all! Her gaze shifted to the beverages in his hands, her lip curling in disdain. "I don''t like those vors," she dered, her voice icy. Kaelen blinked, confusion clouding his features. He was certain the drinks he''d brought were her favorites. He opened his mouth to protest when "GO!" Her voice cracked like a whip, the irritation in her tone impossible to miss. "Yes!!" He yelped, bolting from the room without another word. "Hahaha..." Aether, who had been silently watching the entire exchange, couldn''t hold back hisughter any longer. Liora''s cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink. Finally, the auction began... A gorgeous woman, her eyes sharp and calcting, stepped onto the stage. Her traditional dress, a rich tapestry of crimson and gold, flowed around her like a regal cloak. The crowd hushed, their eyes fixed on her. "Thank you all for today being part of our ck Market Auction," she began, her voice smooth and sultry, carrying effortlessly across the room. "Tonight, we unveil rare treasures, artifacts, and many more interesting things... some of which you may have never seen before." The audience leaned forward, their curiosity piqued. The auctioneer gestured toward a velvet-draped table, revealing an ornate dagger with a hilt encrusted in sapphires, "Our first lot," she announced,"A de said to have been wielded by an ancient Sword-Magician... This weapon is capable of channeling your energy with a minimal loss of..... only 20%!" "Are you for real?!" "Oh! Really?" "Damn, I really want it!" "It''s rare to see a de with such low energy wastage!" The crowd buzzed with excitement, their voices a mix of admiration and envy. "The starting price is... 100,000?!!" Aether''s eyebrows shot up in shock at the exorbitant amount. But what shocked him even more was the fiercepetitiveness in the room, as people began bidding with an intensity that matched the desire simmering in the air. "110,000?" "120,000?" ..... ... "Not bad for a beginning," Liora murmured in a t tone, her eyes briefly ncing at Aether, who was quietly observing the auction process.... Only him and her alone. Kaelen, after constantlying and going, had finally understood the situation and decided to leave them alone in the room. He had taken another empty room, giving them privacy. Liora''s hand slowly and quietly moved towards Aether, her movements casual at first. She ced her hand on his thigh as if it were nothing out of the ordinary.... then gradually, her fingers began to inch upward, her touch growing more deliberate, as though it were the most natural thing in the world. Aether, of course, noticed her subtle actions. He grinned, sensing the tension in the air. He knew she was nearing her limit, barely restraining herself from acting on her primal desires. Explore more at empire Liora''s hand slipped into his pants, her fingers gently brushing against his sleeping shaft. The contact sent a shiver through her, her breath hitching in her throat. Her fingers wrapped around him with a gentle yet firm grip, her touch sending jolts of electricity through Aether''s body. She fondled him lightly, just enough to stir him awake, feeling the heat and hardness growing under her hand. Her breath grew shallow, her flower trembling with anticipation as she began to stroke him with slow, deliberate movements. "~arrhh~"Aether''s pleasureden groan filled the air, the sound sending a thrill through Liora. Her long wolf ears twitched in response, and her tail swayed happily, a clear sign of her satisfaction. Meanwhile, Aether''s attention was momentarily drawn to the auction, his eyes widening in surprise as someone bought the de for 560,000?..... But his focus quickly shifted back to Liora, who was lowering her head toward his bulge, her eyes gleaming with hunger as she sniffed the air around him. Her tongue darted out to wet her lips, her expression that of a starved beast about to devour its prey. Aether asked with an amused expression, "What are you going to do?" Liora flinched as if she was getting caught, she then looked at Aether with... puppy eyes, "I want it~" Aether smiled to himself, ''She is dangerously cute sometimes'' he thought as he looked at her multicoloured eyes. He gently ruffled her hair, a gesture that made Liora flinch before she smiled up at him, her tail swaying with renewed enthusiasm. [+4000 AP] Encouraged by Aether''s eptance, Liora''s smile widened with satisfaction. She slowly unzipped his pants, her heart pounding in anticipation and... "HMM!!" Liora''s eyes widened in shock and delight as she took in the sight of his length. It was as if a delicious treat had been ced before her, and she wasted no time. She licked her lips before eagerly taking him into her mouth, her tongue swirling around the tip as she began to suck with fervor. "~aarr~" Aether groaned, his body trembling as waves of pleasure washed over him. The sensation of her skilled tongue working over him was almost too much to bear. ''She must be really eager~'' he thought with amusement, his eyes closing as he surrendered to the overwhelming sensations, ''Thank goodness the ss was one side see thought'' he thought with amused expression. His hands roamed over her back, tracing the curve of her spine. Liora arched under his touch, a current of electricity running through her as his fingers found her hips. He squeezed her ass firmly, while Liora greedily sucked him, her eyes glowing with wolfish hunger. "~Arrhh~" Aether''s groans grew louder as he felt himself nearing the edge, the pleasure building to an unbearable peak. He patted Liora''s head in warning, but instead of slowing down, she increased her pace, her tongue rolling over his sensitive tip, teasing and torturing him with merciless precision. "~MMMMM~~~" [+4000 AP] [+4000 AP] [+4000 AP] [+4000 AP] Aether''s body tensed as he reached his climax, pushing her head down as he released the nectar Liora had been craving for so long. She sucked greedily, drinking every drop, her throat working as she swallowed, not letting a single bit go to waste. "~ha~" Aether breathed heavily, his chest rising and falling as he looked down at Liora. She was licking his shaft clean with a long, slow stroke of her tongue, her eyes dazed and filled with desire. He could feel her body trembling with need! "Satisfied now?" Aether asked with a teasing smile, his hand gently patting her head. However, "Satisfied? I need at least five more shots!!" Liora replied with a pout, her voice tinged with frustration. Inwardly, she thought, ''What''s more, it tastes dangerously good...'' Her throat felt dry, her desire for his essence only growing stronger. Without hesitation, Liora kissed the tip of his shaft before sucking hard, her lips creating a tight seal as she worked him with renewed vigor. "W-Wait! I''m sensitive right now!" Aether immediately protested, but Liora ignored him, her eyes filled with longing and hunger as she continued to suck with relentless desire. Aether''s lips twitched as he watched her, his gaze drifting to her, busty ass.... which was wriggling eagerly. "Hehe..." SLAP!!! Chapter 367 Rich!!!!!!! "We have now reached the grand finale of tonight''s auction..." the auctioneer announced, her voice a sultry purr that sent a shiver of anticipation through the crowd. Her lips curled into a satisfied smile, knowing that tonight''s sales had far surpassed the auction house''s wildest expectations. With a graceful motion, she beckoned to her assistants, who stepped forward carrying an object carefully shrouded in a luxurious cloth. The fabric clung to whatevery beneath, hinting at its mysterious contours. The bidders leaned forward in their seats, their curiosity sharpened to a keen edge. They had already seen some of the finest items auctioned off earlier in the evening, yet here they were, breathlessly waiting for this final reveal. What could possibly top the wonderful treasures that had already been sold? Sensing their eagerness, the auctioneer let out a soft, teasing giggle that danced through the room like a whispered secret. Her full, crimson lips parted, drawing the attention of many men..... except for Aether! ''Slurp'' Aether''s attention was wholly consumed by the exquisite beautyid on hisp..... Liora, a stunning vision of MIL-ahem... mature femininity, was eagerly sucking on him, her voluptuous boobs pressed against his thighs. Her every movement was an intoxicating blend of skill and desire, her soft lips sliding over his hardened length with a sensuality that made his pulse race. Compared to Liora''s divine allure, the auctioneer''s appeal faded into insignificance. As the tension in the auction reached its peak, the auctioneer finally spoke again, her voice dripping with anticipation, "This... is one of the most advanced andplex circuits ever created," she dered, her eyes gleaming as she slowly pulled away the cloth, revealing a small, brilliantly white crystal! A murmur of confusion rippled through the crowd.... "Huh?" "Is that all?" "What''s the game here?" The bidders exchanged puzzled nces, unable to fathom why such a seemingly insignificant crystal was being presented as the climax of the auction. To them, it looked like an artificial crystal, perhaps worth 1,000? at most... certainly nothing that couldpare to the treasures they had already seen. The auctioneer, noticing their confusion, allowed herself another soft, almost condescending giggle, "Our esteemed auction house never deceives our valued guests..." she began, her tone yful yet authoritative. She lifted the crystal delicately in her hand, its cool surface glinting in the light as she channelled her Arcane energy into it. Ssssshhhhh The bidders frowned seeing a small red mes erupting.... it''s not worth it!! "Are they kidding" someone started toin, but the words died on their lips as the crystal suddenly red to life.... four more mes burst forth, each a different colourblue, green, purple, and golddancing together. "...." The room fell utterly silent, every eye fixated on the magical mes that seemed to defy the veryws of nature. The beauty of the mes was otherworldly, captivating, and impossible to look away from. Seeing the awestruck expressions, the auctioneer''s smile broadened, though even her beauty seemed to pale inparison to the ethereal light of the mes, "What you are witnessing...." she began, her voice rich with pride, "...is the pinnacle of technological and magical fusion, crafted by the genius inventor Mr. Lackey.... known for his groundbreaking innovations in the Scientific industry!" The crowd frowned in unison..... Mr. Lackey? The name was unfamiliar, unheard of among the elite circles. The only name that resonated in this realm of technological marvels was Kennedy... a figure whose reputation was well-established within the academy as well as every Empire! "The bidding will start at... 10,000?." Gasps filled the room. Continue your journey on empire Even a single rare me could fetch 5,000 to 6,000?, yet here she was, starting at a mere 10,000? for this incredible creation. Doubts began to creep into the minds of the bidderswas this some sort of trick? The auctioneer, reading the room perfectly, quickly added, "Since this is a new product and its creator wishes to see its true market value, we will let you, our esteemed guests, determine its worth." She shed a small, confident smile. Realization dawned, and the room erupted into frenzied bidding: "20,000?" "30,000?" ... ... As the numbers climbed higher and higher, Aether couldn''t help but let out a sigh of relief. When he first heard the initial bid, his heart had nearly stopped. Even Liora, whose mouth had been working so diligently around his shaft, had paused, her frown deepening as she stared daggers at the auctioneer. "If they dare to deceive us... I''ll make sure they don''t leave this auction alive," Liora growled, her voice low and dangerous. Despite the menacing tone, her actions were anything but hostile..... Because her head lying on his abdomen staring at the towering twitching shaft... Her soft, delicate hands continued to stroke it, while her tongue traced tantalizing circles around its sensitive tip. ''Slurp'' ''Squlech~'' Her words and actions were..... ''sigh, It''s going to take some time to get used to this...'' Aether thought, a wry smile tugging at his lips as he gently patted her head. In an instant it melted away Liora''s tension, her frown softening into a look of pure, unadulterated lust as she refocused on the task at hand. Her eyes burned with desire as she prepared to take a sixth shot.... her tongue dancing around his tips! "~Hmm~" Yes, she had said five would be enough, but clearly, she had no intention of stopping anytime soon..... And Aether, lost in the sheer pleasure of her relentless heavenly sucking... had no reason to deny her. Suddenly, a cold, mechanical voice pierced the air, interrupting the escting bids. "100,000?" Aether blinked in surprise, his attention snapping away from Liora''s warm mouth and towards the source of the sound. His eyes focused on another VIP room, hidden behind tinted ss. The auction room fell silent for a moment, the unexpected bid stunning the crowd into stillness. Then, as if a switch had been flipped, the bidding resumed.... though the number of active bidders had noticeably dwindled. The tension in the room thickened as the bidding war intensified. The price climbed higher, each participant pushing their limits, determined to outdo the other. The excitement, once palpable, now morphed into something more anxious, more desperate. Then, the room fell silent once more as a new bid echoed, "500,000?!" The same cold, mechanical voice reverberated through the space. The crowd hesitated, their enthusiasm dampened by the sheer magnitude of the sum. Was this small crystal truly worth such an astronomical price? The auctioneer scanned the room, her eyes gleaming with barely contained anticipation, yet all she found were weary faces and subtle shakes of the head. Sensing the critical moment, she raised her gavel high and announced, "500,000? once... 500,000? twice..." She allowed the pause to linger, giving the room one final opportunity to counter the offer. But the silence held firm... "SO--" "600,000?" The sudden bid snapped everyone''s attention to Aether''s room. Liora halted abruptly, her mouth still wrapped around his shaft as she stared up at him, wide-eyed and shocked, a trail of white fluid visible at the corner of her lips. Her expression was priceless as if she couldn''t believe what she had just heard. Aether merely smiled down at her, his eyes twinkling with yful mischief, "Just for fun~" he whispered, winking at her. [+4000 AP] Liora shook her head, her shock giving way to amusement. She resumed her task, her mouth working on him with increased intensity as if rewarding him for his boldness, preparing him for 7th shot... ''SSSSLUUURRRPP~'' Meanwhile, Aether''s focus shifted back to the VIP room, "650,000?," the mechanical voice responded coolly. Aether nodded, "700,000?," he dered, his voice passing through a device as it echoed around with the same mechanical voice. "...." The room fell into a tense silence. Aether felt a bead of sweat trickle down his forehead, ''M-Maybe I shouldn''t have pushed it this far...'' he thought. "700,000? once... 700,000? twice..." The auctioneer''s voice rang out. Aether''s heart raced as the finality of the moment approached. Just as he was about to get fucked up literally... When, "800,000?!" The cold, mechanical voice cut through the silence once more. Aether exhaled a deep sigh of relief, his tense shoulders rxing as the pressure eased off him. "800,000? once... 800,000? twice..." The auctioneer''s gaze flicked back to Aether''s room, expectant. Aether shook his head firmly, a small, relieved smile ying on his lips. He was done ying this dangerous game. m! "SOLD! For 800,000?!" The auctioneer''s gavel came down with a decisive m, the finality of the action echoing through the room. "~MMM~" Liora moaned softly, catching another release from Aether, her lips wrapping tighter around him as she savoured the taste. ... ... The chubby woman with the butterfly mask returned to the room shortly after, She handed over the money after themission, her expression unreadable behind the elegant mask. Aether gulped inwardly, his eyes widening at the sheer volume of money in front of him. Never in his life had he seen such an amountheck, he hadn''t even seen half of it before! He nced at Liora. She stepped forward to take the money. The woman with the mask then turned her attention to Aether, handing him a small, intricately designed visiting card, "Come to this ce once you''vepleted the final product," she instructed. Aether frowned slightly, puzzled by her trust. "Aren''t you trusting a stranger too much?" he asked, his curiosity getting the better of him. The woman smiled behind her mask, "Like your wife, I have a good sense of people... and I trust that you will keep your word," she replied, gesturing toward Liora, who had an amused smirk ying on her lips. Aether raised an eyebrow, still unconvinced, "Even though you don''t know my real name?" The woman let out a soft, melodicugh as she turned and walked away, leaving the question unanswered. Aether and Liora exchanged a nce and shrugged. Together, they called Kaelen and made their way out of the auction. Meanwhile, in another VIP room.... A white-haired man sat in the shadows, wearing noble clothes... his sharp blue eyes fixed on the auction below. His expression was one of disapproval, his brows furrowed in a deep frown. "Don''t you think that''s too much for a small crystal?" he asked, his voiceced with a hint of disbelief. "I don''t know..." A melodic voice responded, Undeniably feminine, carrying a hint of something almost whimsical, "I just felt like I wanted it.... no matter what!" Chapter 368 Father and Dad are not same!! Inside a dimly lit room in one of the hotels within the ck market, "Here..." Aether said, extending a thick wad of money towards Kaelen, who looked up with wide eyes, his expression a mixture of confusion and surprise, "What''s this for?" he asked, his voiceced with hesitation. "For helping me," Aether replied, a small, sincere smile tugging at his lips. He had gotten more than he ever hoped for, and despite the circumstances, Kaelen had been and really helped him... even if he had been forced into it. Kaelen awkwardly looked at Aether, "I... I was just helping because my mother asked me to. I don''t know if I deserve this," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper,den with uncertainty. Aether noticed the hesitation in Kaelen''s eyes and offered a reassuring smile. "This isn''t about what your mother asked you to do. This is for YOUR hard work, Kaelen. The product you sold... that''s all your effort. This money belongs to you. Take it. You''ve earned it," Aether said firmly, pushing the money into Kaelen''s hands, refusing to let him decline. Aether chuckled lightly... It wasn''t like Aether was doing this for Liora''s sake or anything... Kaelen really deserved his reward for his hard work. Aether wasn''t a bad guy, not really!!... But to be honest, if he hadn''t received that hefty price for his prototype, he might not have given the full amountmaybe just a small share of what Kaelen sold... but not the full amount! Aether wasn''t an idiot to give that much when he was more broke than anyone! Kaelen scratched the back of his head, his tail swaying slightly behind him as his eyes flickered with a mix of emotions, [+10 AP] ''OH!, Oh! Wait a damn second!'' Aether screamed inwardly as he took a step back. He wasn''t into this sword fightno way! He was straight as an arrow, dammit! Kaelen, smiled gently, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "Thank you... F...." as he hesitated to add something but then, "Father!" Aether turned, his thoughts scattering as he saw Liora entering the room, her hair still damp from freshening up. She looked at him with a seriousness that made Aether''s heart skip a beat. Another voice came from behind. Aether turned his head and saw Liora entering the room after freshening up. "It''s ''Father,'' Kaelen," Liora corrected, her tone firm as she addressed her son. Kaelen''s face paled slightly, and he nodded quickly. "Y-Yes, Mother, I know." Liora''s gaze lingered on her son for a moment longer before shifting to Aether. He blinked, suddenly, wondering why she was staring at him now.... And then, like a light switch flipping on, he understood. Without a word, he nodded and stepped out of the room, giving them their space. As the door clicked shut behind him, Aether let out a long breath. ''Damn, am I starting to understand women?'' he thought, a mix of disbelief and amusement tugging at him. His eyes widened as another thought struck him, ''Am I... bing a genius?'' he mumbled to himself. Inside the room, Liora''s gaze softened as she looked at Kaelen. She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before speaking. "I know he can never truly be your real father, Kaelen," she said. Hearing that, Kaelen lowered his head. "You don''t have to force yourself to ept him," Liora continued, her voice filled with understanding, "All I ask is that you call him ''Father,'' even if it''s just for show. I don''t want you to feel pressured... but it''s important that we don''t shame him in front of others." Kaelen lowered his head even more. He knew why his mother was angry when that butterfly-masked woman asked for their family details. Kaelen had clearly hesitated to call Aether ''Father''... Heck, he had never called him that in front of others... which had really irked Liora today. Aether, on the other hand, had called him ''son'' without a second thought, without hesitation. She wasn''t asking him to ept Aether as his new dad or anything... She just wanted to protect Aether''s dignity, to avoid bringing shame to him in the eyes of strangers. Liora sighed softly, her eyes drifting to the money still clutched in Kaelen''s hand. A small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at her lips. [+4000 AP] "Just promise me one thing," she added, her tone softer now. "Don''t shame him in front of others, okay?" Enjoy more content from empire Kaelen nodded, his voice barely a whisper as he replied, "Y-Yes, Mother." Liora then called Aether back into the room, and together, they prepared to leave the hotel. Their time in the ck market had finallye to an end. It hadn''t been a long stay, but Aether had learned a great deal during their time here. "See ya..." Aether mumbled. ... ..... Thud Thud Thud Liora and Kaelen, both in their powerful wolf forms, darted through the dense woods, their paws barely touching the ground as they sped past trees and underbrush. Meanwhile, Aether, perched atop Liora''s broad back, gazed at the lush green surroundings with an expression of pure joy and wonder. The wind whipped through his hair as the scenery blurred past, a far cry from the cold, mechanical feel of riding a bike. There was something wild, something alive about this experience that he couldn''t quite put into words. It was thrilling in a way that stirred something deep within him. Behind them, Kaelen carried heavy bags filled with the items Aether had purchased in the ck market, along with a significant amount of money. As Aether lost himself in the sensations of the ride, Liora suddenly mumbled, "Kaelen." "Yes, Mother?" Kaelen''s voice was tinged with a small frown, his instincts telling him that she was up to something. "Let''s have a race" Kaelen''s immediate response was a firm, "No!" He knew all too well how slim his chances were of winning a race against his mother, even on her worst day. "Let me finish," Liora insisted, her voice calm butmanding. "..." Kaelen hesitated, his ears twitching as he waited. "Good," Liora nodded approvingly before continuing, "If you reach the academy first, at full speed, you''re relieved from delivery duty." Kaelen''s eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected offer.....His heart skipped a beat with pure happiness!!... but Liora wasn''t done yet. "And I''ll only use 50% of my full speed," she added, a sly smile ying on her lips. Kaelen''s eyes widened even further, a flicker of hope and doubt battling in his gaze. "And if you win?" Liora bared her long, sharp teeth in a grin that sent a shiver down Kaelen''s spine. He didn''t need her to spell out the consequences. Before he even fully processed the challenge, his legs moved on their own, propelling him forward like a bolt of lightning as he raced away into the forest. Liora giggled softly, shaking her head at her son''s reaction. She then clenched her paws, preparing to leap forward.... but instead of following Kaelen, she veered off in a different direction, plunging deeper into the woods. "Hmm? Where are you going?" Aether asked, confusion clear on his face as he noticed her sudden change in direction. Without a word, Liora jerked her body suddenly, causing Aether to be flung high into the air. As he twisted in midair, he managed tond gracefully on the ground, his feet barely making a sound as he touched down. Aether looked at Liora with a questioning face. Liora''s mouth curled into a grin, her eyes gleaming with a predatory light. "Fight me, Aether!" she demanded, her voice carrying a mix of challenge and anticipation. Aether blinked, taken aback. "Fight you? Why?" he asked, his mind racing with questions. What was happening? Why now? It didn''t make any sense!!! Liora mmed her front paws into the ground, her tone turning serious. "To take me!" she dered, her eyes locking onto his. Realization dawned on Aether, his mind finally catching up to the situation. "I see..." he murmured, a smirk forming on his lips as he beckoned her forward with an amused expression. Liora grinned back, her form flickering as she disappeared from his sight, moving faster than even Aether could track. BOOOMMMM!!!!!! The ground where Aether had just been standing exploded as Liora''s paws mmed into the earth, leaving a deep crater in her wake. The sheer force of her attack sent shockwaves through the ground. Liora tilted her head to the side, her smirk widening as she saw Aether standing just a few feet away, his eyes wide with shock. "That was just a warning," she purred, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "Next time, I won''t hold back..." "...Wait, wait! Are you serious?!!" Aether eximed. He had barely reacted in time to avoid being crushed. The yful banter was gone, reced by the cold reality of the situation.... Liora wasn''t kidding around. Liora''s smile grew even more predatory, "Yes, I''m not holding back...." Aether shook his head, There was no way he could win against her in a fight... she was far too strong. He was just about to call it off when she spoke again. "So you must not hold back either..." Aether blinked in surprise. Chapter 369 Liora Darkfang... A Born Warrior! Liora Darkfang was born a warrior in her Darkfang tribe!! While other women would love strong males and mate with them to produce more powerful offspring... Liora''s heart pounded for something far more exhrating The sh of steel! The rush of adrenaline!! The intoxicating scent of victory!!! Fighting was her passion, her purpose, the very essence of her being. The idea of mating with the sweaty, boastful males of her tribe repulsed her. Their desire to dominate only ignited her disdain. They wanted her to submit, to fulfil a woman''s role, but Liora had no interest in submission. Her soul belonged to the thrill ofbat, and nothing could tear her away from that. Not even the promise of power!! She could have given her life for the fight, so deeply had she fallen in love with the battlefield, where every strike was a dance, and every wound was a testament to her strength. But Liora was no mere warrior; she was noble, the direct and only descendant of the Darkfang tribe, bearing the weight of legacy on her shoulders. Yet, in this tribe that revered strength, the ancient rules were a chain around her neck. As a woman, she was forbidden from holding a position of true power, her destiny reduced to producing offspring..... her only duty, they said. But Liora''s heart burned with fury at the way her tribe diminished her, treating her as nothing more than a vessel for the next generation. They underestimated her, and that was their first mistake! "I AM NOT A WEAK WOMAN!!!" Her voice had once thundered through the tribe''s sacred meeting grounds, her words a battle cry that shook the earth beneath her feet. It was during that fateful gathering that she unleashed her rage, ughtering the strongest men who dared to court her, who believed they could tame her with their might. She killed them all, with no more mercy!! "Tsk, see, this is who I am!!" Her words were low, and dangerous, a growl that rippled through the air as she stood over the lifeless bodies of those who had underestimated her. Her rampage sent shockwaves beyond her tribe. The High-Elf tribe..... Maelona''s tribe could no longer ignore the chaos, inorder to maintain the Empire, They came and forced her to stop. Darkfang tribe to preserve the bloodline with the help of the High-Elf tribe, forced Liora into a marriage with one of her own family members.... a fate that only deepened her hatred. The High Elves were already their enemies, but now the mes of animosity roared even higher. Bound by the ancientws, Liora couldn''t kill her so-called husband, though every fibre of her being longed to tear him apart. Instead, she turned him into her punching bag, a pathetic tool for her rage, never allowing him to control her or her tribe. She alone would rule, she alone wouldmand, and she would never submit to anyone. But there was one she couldn''t defy.... ric, the Arcane King, whose Level was far beyond hers. His presence kept her fury in check, though it simmered beneath the surface, waiting for the moment it could explode until one day, when she witnessed something extraordinary. A boy a weak, unassuming boy, ying a dangerous game against the second-strongest entity in their empire. Her eyes narrowed as she watched him, this fragile creature who dared to challenge forces far beyond his strength. And yet, he did not falter. This boythis childdefied the veryws that bound her, risking everything to save his beloved Aria. For a single woman, he had turned their ancientw upside down!! "Damn boy~" Liora''s voice was a whisper of astonishment, her eyes wide with disbelief. She had never imagined, not even in her darkest dreams, that someone so seemingly powerless could dance in mes... A single mistake might let it consume him, letting it burn not just him but everything he was. At first, she was merely curious. But when she saw him fighting her husband... a man who could hold his own against her for a mere ten seconds, an eternity by the tribe''s standards..... her curiosity deepened. That boy didn''t just fight he obliterated her husband, grinding his face into the dirt. Her curiosity transformed into something more potent, an interest that began to stir in her chest. And with her husband''s defeat, she seized the opportunity to rid herself of him once and for all. She challenged the boy, expecting a fleeting thrill, a moment of amusement as she tested his mettle. But to her horror and her delight he made her bleed. A weak boy made her bleed!! It was unthinkable, impossible, and yet there it was.... her own blood, spilled by his hand. No one had ever done that before. Her skin, as tough as dragon scales, had never been scratched by any in her tribe, not even when she held back her powers. Yet this boy, this seemingly insignificant boy, had drawn her blood. The interest changed into amusement as it sparked in her, a flicker of excitement she hadn''t felt in years. She wanted to see him more, to understand him... But then during their fight, she saw something.... something that changed everything. The man standing before her wasn''t just a boy anymore; he was like a zing fire, a force of nature that could not be contained. His eyes, those dark, intense eyes, held a wickedness that mirrored her own. ''He is like me'' she thought, the realization hitting her like a bolt of lightning. This man No, He was Aether! Her fascination with him deepened, turning into a primal urge. She wanted to see more of him, but more than that she wanted him. For the first time in her life, her instincts roared with the desire to be imed by him, to be painted with his essence. Never did she think she would think that!! The once she thought disgusted and disdain... now she wanted! But it didn''t end there.... The more she watched him, the more she studied his every move, the more she began to see his true nature. His strength was undeniably growing, but it wasn''t just his power that captivated her. If all it took to win her heart was strength, then what about ric, who was the second strongest in their empire? It was his will.... his unyielding determination to push forward, to face death head-on without a shred of hesitation! And... There was something else, something deeper she couldn''t quite grasp, but her instincts told her it was there, that it was what made him different from the others..... Aether never looked down on her. Unlike ric or herte husband, he stared into her eyes with an equal gaze, with respect, with understanding. And in that gaze, Liora found something she had never sought before.... a connection, a bond forged not in blood, but in fire. Liora had witnessed ric simping over the Principal countless times, a sight that filled her with disgust. It was the worst thing she had ever seen in her life!! Even more unsettling was the strange feeling she got whenever she was around him. There was something off about ric, something she couldn''t quite put into words. Just as she had a knack for sensing the nature of people, she sensed something peculiar about him. It wasn''t entirely good or bad just odd. But none of that mattered as much anymore. Slowly and surely, Aether had found his way into her heart... His tender actions made her heart race, a sensation she wasn''t used to. His sweet love stirred something within her, making her body feel strange yet happy! His gentle yet confident smile set her cheeks ame with a heat she couldn''t control!! And those wonderful gifts, along with the heartfelt letters they made her heart and flower tremble with love and anticipation. Each token of affection chipped away at her defences, leaving her vulnerable in a way she had never known. Liora, who had never known love before, now felt something new, something powerful. She was being loved and she felt her own love for him growing in response. She didn''t care what position she held in his heart, whether she was the first, the second, or thest..... Because to her, love was another battle, and... She should win!!! She was ready to face anything or anyone that stood in her way! But despite this newfound sensation, something nagged at her Her love for fighting was still overwhelming, even more powerful than her feelings for Aether. Read new adventures at empire She was born a warrior, and she couldn''t imagine loving anything more than the thrill of battle Yet, her heart betrayed her. It longed for Aether more than for the fight.... And she didn''t like that. She didn''t want that. She hated how her body and heart seemed to be at war with each other, pulling her in two directions at once. So, instead of mulling over these conflicting emotions, she made a decision. She would confront it head-on, as she had always confronted everything in her life.... with strength and determination. And now... "Are you epting defeat, Liora Darkfang?" The words were spoken with a cold, emotionless indifference, the voice echoing through the empty, dark forest. Liora, now in her massive wolf form, was bleeding heavily, her multicoloured eyes locked onto the man before her. A bloody man, standing tall with thousands of red, thin swords hovering in the sky above him. His fingers gently held the string of a white bow, poised and ready to strike.... without a hint of hesitation. Liora growled, her resolve unshaken. She would never submit, not to anyone, not even to him. The thought alone was enough to make her blood boil with defiance. But then the bloodied man smirked, his lips curling into a dangerous smile, "Liora~ You made me bleed~" His voice wasced with seduction, a tone that sent a shiver down her spine. She flinched, her fierce determination momentarily faltering as her eyes locked onto Aether''s. There was something in his gaze, something that made her heart race even faster. His eyes were filled with a deep, intense longing, a love that seemed to grow with every passing second. The intensity of his stare, the raw emotion it conveyed, was almost too much to bear!! Her wounded tail began to sway faster, betraying the turmoil within her.... [+4000 AP] [+4000 AP] [+4000 AP] [+4000 AP] [+4000 AP] [+4000 AP] [+4000 AP] [+4000 AP] [+4000 AP] [+4000 AP] [+4000 AP] [+4000 AP] ... .... [Error] [Sigh] Chapter 370 Second Round Is she serious? Ah... Fu##!! A Few Hours Earlier Aether''s brow furrowed, confusion etched across his face, "Holding back? What are you talking about?" If anyone needed to hold back, it had to be Liora, not him. Liora, towering in her formidable wolf form, sneered, her eyes zing with a predatory glint. "Oh,e on, Aether... do you think I''m blind to the beast lurking inside you? You hide it well, but not from me." "Beast?" Aether''s shock was genuine. His thoughts raced, trying to grasp what she meant. "Yes," Liora growled, her muscles coiling like tightly wound springs, "I can sense it..... you''re hiding it very well.... But I don''t want to fight that facade. I want the real you. Unleash it, Aether. Either take me or die trying!" With a snarl, she sprang at him, a blur of fur and fangs, her ws slicing through the air with deadly precision. Aether''s eyes widened as he barely evaded her initial strike, her ws whistling past his throat by mere inches. But Liora was relentless, predicting his every move with uncanny uracy. She twisted mid-air, her ws carving into his shoulder and, with a powerful swipe, mmed him into the ground with bone-crushing force. BOOM! "Argh!" Aether''s cry of pain echoed through the clearing as the impact reverberated through his bones. Blood seeped from the deep gashes in his shoulder. He locked eyes with Liora, "This isn''t funny anymore, Liora." Liora bared her fangs in a grin, her breath hot and menacing as she leaned in closer, "I''m not ying either, Aether," she growled, her jaws parting wide, ready to crush his skull. She was deadly serious.... there was no hint of restraint in her gaze! With no time to think, he created a blue me ball, sting it directly into her open maw. BOOOM!! The explosion sent Liora hurtling backwards, her massive form crashing through trees and bushes, leaving a trail of destruction in her wake. Aether scrambled to his feet, clutching his bleeding shoulder, his senses heightened. He knew the mes had barely singed her, and he braced himself for her next move. "Not bad..." Liora''s voice echoed through the smoke and debris. As the dust settled, she emerged unscathed, her fur unmarked, shimmering with an eerie glow. An amused expression spread across her lips. "But not nearly enough~" she taunted before vanishing in a blur of motion. Aether''s pupil dted..... Suddenly, she reappeared right in front of him, her w aiming straight at his eyes. He reacted instinctively, bending backwards at an impossible angle, narrowly dodging the lethal strike. [+1 Agility] Aether''s reflexes sharpened, his movements bing fluid and precise.... the agility increased without needing the affection points. Liora smirked, her eyes narrowing with approval. To be honest, She hadn''t unleashed her full strength, but surely she was increasing the power slowly.... With a roar, Aether flipped backwards, his foot connecting with Liora''s chin in a powerful kick that sent her soaring through the air. [+1 Strength] [+1 Strength] Liora twisted mid-air,nding gracefully on all fours, her eyes locked onto Aether with predatory intent. The distance between them widened... just as Aether had intended. Before she could close the gap, he conjured fivepressed air balls, crackling with lightning, and hurled them at her with deadly precision. Liora''s eyes widened in recognition. This was the same attack that had wounded her before.... However, now there were five of them, not just one! ''He''s finally taking this seriously...'' she thought as she nced at Aether... who was running away? "H-Huh?" Confusion briefly clouded Liora''s mind, distracting her from the iing barrage. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Meanwhile, ''Increase Agility!'' [+1 Agility] Aether''s muscles coiled like springs,unching him through the dense forest... his focus razor-sharp on a distant mountain peak! Aether moved through the woods faster as his eyes focused on one thing.... a small mountain! ''There''s only one way to defeat her!'' he thought, he bolted, his body a blur as he sprinted through the forest, dodging trees and leaping over obstacles. "Where are you going!!!!" The sheer power in Liora''s voice made the hairs on the back of Aether''s neck stand on end. He knew she was closing in, but instead of fear, a thrill surged through him. His lips curled into a smirk as he pushed himself even harder, his speed increasing with every heartbeat. [+1 Agility] [+1 Agility] However, Aether''s eyes widened in surprise when Liora suddenly appeared from his right, her form a blur of lethal grace. Before he could react, she pounced on him, her powerful muscles driving them both to the ground. Thud! They rolled through the dirt and leaves, a chaotic tangle of limbs before Liora finally pinned Aether down. Her massive paw pressed dangerously against his sternum, the pressure enough to make him gasp for breath. It was clear she could crush him at any moment. Drip.... A drop of blood fell from Liora''s pristine fur, evidence of the previous attack that had managed to hurt her. "Grrrrr....." Liora''s growl, her multicoloured eyes burning with savage intensity as she locked onto Aether. Sheunched herself at him with ferocious speed, her jaws snapping forward, eager to tear into his flesh Still, Aether smirked... ''Increase Level!'' !~Ding~! Aether''s hands shoot up to intercept her powerful bite. The impact was bone-jarring, her sheer force threatening to crush him. His muscles screamed in protest as he held her jaws at bay, the strain evident in every fibre of his being. "Arrrh!" Aether groaned, his voice a pain. He could feel the sharp edges of her teeth digging into his palms, threatening to break through. But then ''Increase Level!'' !~Ding~! [Level: 36] !~Ding~! [Level: 37] !~Ding~! [Level: 38] Discover exclusive content at empire Liora''s eyes widened in shock as she felt the shift in Aether''s strength. His grip tightened, pushing her jaws apart with a force that shouldn''t have been possible..... The shock quickly transformed into a smirk just about to increase her power when WHOOSH! Aether unleashed a fireball directly into her mouth, the mes roaring with an intensity far surpassing his previous attacks. "Grrrrlll!" Liora shook her head violently, trying to extinguish the mes that hurt at her insides..... When she finally managed to quell the mes, she fixed her gaze on Aether, who stood a short distance away, holding something... ominous. Aether''s hand cradled a ck void-like sphere. "!!!" Liora''s instincts screamed at her, a primal warning that this sphere was beyond anything she had encountered before. Her tail stiffened, and her ears ttened against her head. For the first time in this fight, a flicker of uncertainty crossed her mind. Yet, instead of fear, Liora''s grin only grew, her teeth glinting in the dim light. She was eager, almost desperate, to see what her future husband would do next. But to her surprise, Aether didn''t aim the sphere at her. Instead, he hurled it skyward. Confusion marred Liora''s expression as she watched the ck sphere soar into the sky. "What''s he nning?" she wondered, her sharp gaze tracking its ascent. Aether didn''t seem intent on harming her, at least not directly. But then Ssssshhhhhh A sudden, chilling breeze swept through the battlefield, the temperature dropping as the once-clear sky was consumed by ominous, swirling clouds. Thunder! Liora''s frown deepened as she shifted her attention back to Aether. He now stood with a thin, red-coloured sword in his hand... the looks almost simr to Aqualina except for the colour. With a calm, almost casual smile, Aether spoke, "You know... I just realized something important. Your skin is so tough, that not even my highest-level mes could burn it. But this..." He held the sword aloft, letting the dark clouds above roil in response. THUDER! Liora flinched involuntarily. Aether''s smirk widened as he continued, "This is going to hurt a lot... so you better be prepared." Without another word, he stomped the ground. Liora didn''t hesitate. She lunged forward with every ounce of her strength, her ws tearing through the air as she aimed to end this battle with a single, decisive blow. But as the distance between them closed, ''Increase Agility by 10'' [+10 Agility] [Limit reached ording to the Level] In the blink of an eye, Aether''s form blurred, disappearing from Liora''s sight. She barely caught a glimpse of him.... now high above her, suspended in the storm-darkened sky. Before she could react, Aether hurled the red sword toward her, the de cutting through the air with terrifying speed. Liora''s muscles coiled, ready to dodge, but THUUUUNNDDEERRRR!!! A colossal bolt of lightning shot down from the dark clouds barely missing Aether! Striking the sword mid-flight. In the next instantbefore Liora could even blinkthe sword pierced through her body with unimaginable force, driving her into the earth. BBBBOOOOMMMMMMMM!!!!! The ground erupted in a massive explosion, a shockwave radiating outwards as debris and dust filled the air. Aether slowly descended, his breath ragged and his heart pounding in his chest.... As the dust settled, Lioray motionless, her once-pristine fur charred and ckened, the red sword impaled through her abdomen, pinning her to the scorched earth. The ground around her was cracked and burned, the remnants of the explosion still smouldering. "Ssss..." Aether hissed in pain as if he was suffering. He stepped forward, his heart heavy with guilt, "I shouldn''t have... I shouldn''t have gone that far..." He mumbled to himself. But then, "Haha..." A small, painedugh escaped from the burnt wolf. "Hmm?" Aether frowned. It was then he fucking knew he fucked up.... "Ar...cane..." Liora said with a cracked voice as the gold light blinded Aether''s eyes. ''Ah... Fuck!'' Chapter 371 She lost yet.... She won! A golden card shone with four radiant stars at the corners.... As it expanded, growing into an immense structure nearly 20 to 25 feet in size. The card''s light grew brighter, almost blinding before, zooming toward Liora''s charred and broken body. The card passed through her.... "Grrrrrrrr....." A deep, guttural growl emerged from the card, reverberating through the air. A figure began to step out.... It was a wolf... no, it was a beasttowering at nearly 20 feet tall, its massive form both majestic and terrifying. The creature''s fur was a mesmerizing blend of blood-red and pitch-ck, each strand gleaming ominously under the light of the card. Its eyes, a hypnotic swirl of colours, locked onto... Aether! Enjoy new stories from empire The beast bared its teeth, each one sharp enough to cleave through the stone... Its ws, impossibly long and wickedly curved, dug into the rocky ground as if it were nothing but soft y. "HHHHOOOOOWWWWWWWLLLLLLL" The wolf''s howl erupted from its throat, a sound so fierce and powerful. THUNNNDDEERRRRR!!! A massive bolt of lightning descended from the dark clouds, striking the wolf''s towering form with a deafening roar.... yetwhen the smoke clearedthere stood the beast... untouched... unscathed as if the lightning had been nothing more than a gentle breeze. Gulp Aether gulped.... four stars meant Liora was a level 45 to 60.... easily twice his own Level!! Aether blinked, but in the heartbeat that his eyes were closed, the beast had already moved..... Faster than a shadow, it was upon him. "Grrrr...." The beast''s growl was low and menacing.... Without warning, it lunged its speed blurring. Before Aether could even think, let alone react, he was violently thrown! "W-What the...!" Aether''s voice was a strangled gasp, he tried to regain control, but the wolf appeared again and, SLAM!!! His body crashed into the ground with bone-shattering force, the impact so violent that the rocky surface beneath him cracked and shattered like ss. Crack! Cough, cough His vision blurred as he coughed violently, blood sttering from his mouth. She was too fast!! It was as if she was moving in a different dimension. But Aether''s lips twisted into a grin, "HeheCough, Cough..."... was cut short as more blood flowed from his nose, ears, and eyes, the taste of iron sharp on his tongue. Panic wed at the edges of his mind as he looked down, horror flooding through him at the sight of his own body, riddled with gaping, bloody holes. He hadn''t even felt the ws tear through him until now... "Grrrrr....." The growl reached his ears again, pulling him back to the present. This was no longer the woman he knew..... this was a predator, pure and simple, a creature of the wild with no trace of humanity left. A beast that hunts its prey!! A beast driven by nothing but the primal urge to kill!! Aether''s mind raced as the truth of Liora''s words sank in... either take her or die here. She had surrendered her very sanity, her humanity... just to test his worth, and if he failed... he would die here, torn apart by the beast she had be. He wiped the blood from his lips, the crimson streaking across his hand like red paint, "Hehe" CHUUCCCKK!!! BBBOOOOMMMM!!! Before he could finish, the beast''s massive paw mmed down on him with the force of a freight train. The impact sent him rocketing through the air. He smashed into a nearby wall, the stone crumbling under the force of his impact, and he was driven deep into the rock, debris raining down around him. Tuck, Tuck... Seeing no sign of life, a twisted grin spread across the beast''s muzzle. "Grrrrllll," she growled, the sound low and guttural, almost augh, as she began to advance, her intent clear.... She was going to tear him apart, piece by piece, and devour him. Just then, "He..." !~Ding~! [Survival rate: 46.3%] "H...Heh..... Hehehe..... I-It hur-hehe-ts... It hurts, Liora... Hehe... It really hurts...." Aether''s voice was weak, barely more than a whisper, but there was something in itsomething dark and unsettling. The beast paused.... Something was wrong. Without warning, her body moved on instinct, leaping to the side as a deep sense of dread filled her, even though she hadn''t seen any immediate threat. Sssshhhhhhnnngggg... A thin, red de sliced through the air where she had stood just moments before, embedding itself deep into the wall with deadly precision. The beast''s growl deepened, a rumble of fury as her muscles tensed. She turned her gaze towards the source of the attack, her eyes narrowing as she focused on the hole in the wall. "Oceanic.... Tempest" The voice that echoed through the mountain was cold and detached. Above, the sky hundreds of hundred thin, red swords materialized, hovering in the air like a storm of des, each one poised and ready to strike. "GGRRRRRRR!!" The beast''s growl intensified... Her instincts still remembered how she was impaled by that thing!! Crack, Crack.... As more debris fell from the shattered wall... Aether slowly emerged from the hole, his movements deliberate, his gaze cold and haughty. Thud His feet hit the ground heavily, and he straightened, his eyes locking onto the beast that red back at him, her eyes filled with murderous intent. "Hehe...." Aether''s smile was unsettling, a mix of dark amusement. His voice, though warm, held an edge of steel as he spoke, "Damn woman, you really asked for this... I won''t go easy on you just because you''re a woman..." With a snap, the hovering swords, shot forward in unison, streaking through the air towards the wolf. The wolf growled a deep, resonant sound that echoed through the mountain. Her instincts screamed at her to move, to dodge the iing attack, and she did so with speed and agility. Aether watched her with a cold, calcting gaze, a hint of satisfaction ying across his features as he observed her reactions. "Twilight Eclipse," he whispered. A white bow appeared in his hand... He took aim, his eyes narrowing as he focused on his target. With a swift release, the arrow shot forward to the mark.... one of the red sword tips, altered its trajectory, ricocheting off... as it stabbed into the wolf''s leg. "Howllllll!!" The wolf howled in pain, her eyes widening in shock and disbelief.... Aether smirked, though he couldn''t yet control those ethereal weapons with the finesse of Aqualina. He was learning, adapting with every moment, and this... this was just the beginning of his journey. "Hehe..." Aether''s grin widened, a wicked gleam in his eyes as he vanished, only to reappear before the monstrous wolf in an instant. The wolf, her instincts razor-sharp, lunged at him with a ferocity that could rip through steel. But Aether was ready... ''Increase Level!'' [Level: 39] Aether''s hand shot out, catching the beast''s massive jaws mere inches from his face. The raw strength of the wolf was immense, but Aether twisted his body, using her own momentum against her. With a powerful heave, he flung her away, her massive form crashing into the earth!! The ground trembled as the wolf skidded to a halt, her ws digging deep into the rocky terrain to regain her bnce. "Grlll!" She growled, low and dangerous, her eyes narrowing in fury at this defiant human. "I know how to treat a beast~" Aether taunted, his voice dripping with confidence. "Come at me~" He beckoned with a mocking smile, his hands moving swiftly as he summoned ice spears,unching them toward the wolf with deadly precision. The wolf dodged the icy projectiles with fluid grace. But just as she twisted to avoid thest spear, Aether used the bow again.... released it with a sharp twang of the bowstring. "HHOOOWWWW!!" The arrow stabbed the wolf''s ear, and she howled in agony! "Are you in pain?..." Aether''s voice dripped with feigned pity, his eyes gleaming with amusement. But then his expression shifted, darkened, as he pointed to his own bloodied, battered body. "Me too~" he whispered, his voiceced with a twisted kind of joy. The wolf snarled, her fury mounting as she red at him, but then BOOM! Her wounded ear exploded, blood spraying across the battlefield as the agony ripped through her. "HHOOOWWWWLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!" Her ears sted! Aether giggled, a sound both eerie and childlike in its delight. "Told you... You''re just a beast..." Tang Chuckk Chkkk Tang Chkkkk The battle that followed was nothing short of a savage dance, each movement filled with a lethal grace as they shed. Blood sprayed across the rocky ground as wounds opened on both their bodies, yet neither relented. They fought with wild abandon, smiles etched onto their faces, fueled by the thrill of battle. The wolf, despite her superior strength, found herself both enraged and exhrated by this man... a human, no less.... who not only defied her but matched her blow for blow. Each second, he seemed to grow stronger, more confident, and she could see it in his eyesthat burning desire to win.... to dominate!! "Take that!!" Aether roared, mes bursting from his palms as he hurled them toward the wolf''s face. The beast howled, the searing heat blinding her as she swatted at the mes with her massive paws. But Aether was relentless. Spears followed mes, and he moved like a wraith, his attacks a blur of fire and steel. The wolf leapt into the air, preparing to strike. But just as she was about to descend upon him with the force of a falling meteor, she realized... Aether was gone. "??" Confusion shed through her mind, her eyes scanning the battlefield for any sign of him. Then, a voice, teasing and yful, reached her ears. "Are you looking for me?" Aether was perched atop her, his grip tight on her fur as he mmed her head down with a force that would have shattered stone. BOOM! The ground shook, but the wolf barely felt it. "Not feeling that, huh?" Aether''s smile grew darker, more sinister. "Let''s see how you handle this..." "Increase Level" BOOM! "Increase Level" BOOOMM!! "HOOOWWWWWW!!" The wolf let out a heart-wrenching howl of pain as her head began to feel unsteady, her vision blurring into a disorienting haze. Aether smirked, his eyes gleaming with a mix of satisfaction and..... sadistic pleasure. Just as he leapt gracefully from her back, the air was filled with a series of... Chuck Chuck Chuck Chuck The red swords pierced through her four powerful legs in perfect synchronization, pinning her massive body to the ground. "HHHOOOOWWWlllllll..." The wolf howled, her voice filled with a mixture of rage and desperation. Blood pooled beneath her, her once-mighty body trembling as she tried to break free from the swords that held her down. But even as she struggled, something flickered in her eyes.... a spark of recognition. "A-Aether?" The voice that came from the beast was weak, trembling with a mixture of confusion and pain. Liora''s consciousness had returned, her eyes wide as they took in the devastation around her.... the shattered ground, the blood-soaked earth, and her own bloody body. She tried to move, but her limbs refused to obey, every inch of her aching with the effort. She looked up at... a man, who stood over her with a cold, calcting gaze, a small smile ying on his bloodied lips. He was a sight to beholdcovered in blood, his body a canvas of wounds, yet he stood tall with pride and haughtiness. "Liora~ You made me bleed~" His voice was a seductive purr, sending shivers down her spine despite the pain. ''I-I really couldn''t win against this weak man... ah,'' she thought. Aether, despite being undeniably weaker in raw power and levels far below Liora''s, stood tall... winning her! Finally, "I-I... cough... I ept my d-d....defeat...." Her voice was frail, but there was no sadness in her tone..... Instead, it was filled with a swelling pridepride in herself for finding such a worthy partner and pride in him for his relentless spirit. Her heart swelled, knowing that this incredible, tenacious man was hers. Even more, there was a silent determination burning in her eyes, a flicker of excitement that hadn''t been there before. She vowed, deep within her fading consciousness, that one day she would defeat him. As her mind slipped into unconsciousness... she knew she had found someone truly extraordinary!!! [+4000 AP] [+4000 AP] [+4000 AP] [+4000 AP] [+4000 AP] [+4000 AP] [+4000 AP] [+4000 AP] [+4000 AP] ....... ..... ..... ..... ... [Error] [Sigh] [Warning: Reached:- +495,000 AP. Hereafter, only the seductionpletion point will be considered.] Aether nced at the pitiful log that appeared before him, but he dismissed it with a small sigh. He looked down at Liora who was about to die, he uttered, "Blessed Aegis" Chapter 372 ~Third Round "~AHHhhh~"~ ''Blessed Aegis'' was something that Aether got from Helena... her most desired weapon. Though calling it a weapon was a stretch. It was something entirely different, something that defined her.... Healing magic! A soft ck dome shimmered around Aether and Liora. Slowly, the magic went to work. Aether watched as the cuts and bruises on their bodies began to close, their ragged breathing evening out. It wasn''t as swift or powerful as Helena''s magic, but it was working. The wounds were healing! Aether''s eyes softened with relief. He reached out and gently ruffled Liora''s silky hair, feeling the strands slip through his fingers like fine threads of shadow.... Shey sprawled across hisp, unconscious but peaceful, her face now serene. She had reverted to her normal form the moment her consciousness slipped away, and now Aether could see the marks of their battle etched into her skin.... the wounds he had caused. A pang of guilt clenched his heart, ''This is the worst...'' he thought, his chest tightening, ''And I was the one who did this to her'' Sure she hurt him but he did more to her!! If not for the healing magic, she might have died!! He nced down at his own hands, bloodied and trembling slightly. A bitter smile tugged at his lips as a thought crossed his mind, ''Looks like I can hold my ground against someone... twice my level'' But then he shook his head, ''No, she has a Golden Aptitude. That''s still below Rainbow Aptitude. I''ve got a lot of growing to do'' , Despite the grim situation, a flicker of amusement danced in his eyes The ck dome around them pulsed gently, and Aether''s lips curled into a faint smile. He had gained healing magic, and now, he wouldn''t have to worry so much about getting hurt. No more wasting time and money on healing potions. Helena had given him a precious gift!! ''I wonder if she''s finally calmed down'' Aether mused, his thoughts drifting to Helena, hoping that her ''Emotions'' had subsided. Just then, a soft sound broke the silence. "Hnn" Liora groaned, her eyes fluttering open. Aether''s hand was already in her hair, gently stroking. His eyes locked onto hers, warm and intense. Liora''s eyes, shimmering with all the colours of the rainbow, took a moment to focus. When they did, a small, tired smile spread across her lips. "It seems you didn''t abandon this bitchy woman who forced you to a fight and..." Her voice wavered, the smile fading as her brows drew together, "...even tried to kill you." Her words hung in the air, heavy with guilt. She knew what she''d done was reckless, unreasonable, and driven by the primal feelings that overtook her. Aether held her gaze, his expression softening, "Yes, it was a little bitchy" he admitted, his voice gentle yet teasing. But then he leaned in closer, his eyes never leaving hers. "But it came from the woman I''ve fallen for So, I ept everything about you." Liora''s breath hitched. Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson, the heat of his words spreading through her like wildfire. She turned her head, unable to hold his gaze any longer, her heart pounding in her chest, "What what is that?" she asked, her voice wavering as she gestured weakly at the dome around them, desperate to shift the conversation away from her vulnerable state. Aether''s smile grew as he looked at the dome, "My ability, I suppose," he said with a shrug as if it were the most natural thing in the world. He wasn''t wrong... maybe a little! Liora gave him a puzzled look, her eyes narrowing. "Healing magic is rare especially one that creates a dome like this. And why is it ck? Most healing magic is light" She trailed off, trying to understand him, trying to understand what made him so different. Aether was unlike anyone she had ever met... unpredictable, enigmatic, and deeply powerful. Aether chuckled softly, his fingers still ying with her hair. "I don''t know," he admitted, his eyes twinkling with mystery. "Maybe I''m just special." Afortable silence settled between them. The dome''s soft hum filled the air, a soothing backdrop to their quiet conversation. Aether''s touch was gentle, andforting, his hand warm against her head. "Should we book a room?" Aether asked softly, his voiceced with knowing. He could feel the tension between them... He knew what wasing next. Liora''s cheeks flushed even deeper, a vivid red spreading across her face. She swallowed hard, her pride warring with her desire. "Why?" as she looked around, "This ce is fine" Find more chapters on empire Aether shook his head gently, his eyes drifting to their torn, bloodied clothes and the grime that covered their bodies. There was no way he would let their first time be in a ce like this, no matter how much he wanted her. "Look at us," he said softly, pointing to their tattered appearances. "There''s no way I''m doing it here." Liora''s eyes followed his hand, taking in the state of their clothes and skin. As much as she wanted to let her primal instincts take over, she was still a woman.... a woman who wanted to show her best self to the mate she had chosen. She nodded! They moved as soon as they fully healed! .... ... Inside one of the mostvish rooms in the grand hotel, Aether sat on the edge of a plush, king-sized bed, wearing only a bathrobe. He had spared no expense... He was fucking rich!! Aether''s heart pounded in his chest as he watched the bathroom door swing open. Liora stepped out, wearing a bathrobe that clung to her curves, her damp hair falling over her shoulders. She looked like a goddess stepping out of the mist, her skin still glistening with droplets of water. His eyes devoured her, taking in every inch of her body as if he were seeing her for the first time. Liora caught the intensity in his eyes, and her heart skipped a beat. She felt her own desire surge, a deep, aching need that pulsed through her veins. Aether''s hair, normally dark, was now a natural white, and something about this change made him look even more irresistible. She didn''t ask why, didn''t need to know the reason; she was drawn to the truth of him, to this side that felt raw and untamed!! Liora''s lips curled into a seductive smile. Slowly, teasingly, she reached up and loosened the knot of her bathrobe, letting the fabric slip from her shoulders. Aether''s eyes followed every movement, his gaze heavy with desire. As the bathrobe slipped from her shoulders, Aether''s eyes were riveted by the sight of the gorgeous woman before him. Her wet hair clung to her neck, with droplets of water glistening on her skin. Each bead of water seemed to move in slow motion, starting at her shoulders and gliding over her curvy, full breasts. The droplets traced the smooth curve of her bust, lingering for a moment at the peaks of her nipples, which stood erect and eager for attention. It was like watching a roller coaster poised at the top before plunging into a wild descent; the tension building as the droplets hovered at the tip of her nipples, twitching slightly with her shallow breaths. Finally, the droplet slid down with a quick, almost reckless speed over the gentle swell of her breasts. It continued its journey, gliding over the t ne of her abdomen, where her muscles subtly flexed, revealing a hint of toned packs beneath her soft, delicate skin. The droplet moved as if guided by an unseen hand, eagerly tracing each gentle curve and dip of her body.... before disappearing into the small cute lovely bush! It was unable to reach the beautiful flower!! Gulp Aether swallowed hard, the sound audible in the quiet room. His eyes were locked on the sight of Liora''s glistening, trembling flower, her pussy wet and slick with arousal. Her lovely nectar was already dripping from her core, leaving a shining trail down her inner thighs. Liora''s lips curved into a satisfied smile as she noticed his reaction, the outline of his cock pressing against his robe, the fabric tented by his hardness. Slowly, sensuously, she licked her lips, her eyes never leaving his. Each step she took toward him was deliberate, her hips swaying with a natural, enticing rhythm, her tail adding to the allure of her movements. She came to a stop in front of him, her flower so close that he could smell something... A weird scent.... that made his mind go hazy with lust..... His shaft twitched, a bead of precum leaking out, soaking through the thin fabric of his robe. ''Is she... releasing pheromones?'' Aether wondered. Liora''s expression was amused, a knowing smile ying on her lips as she looked down at him. His hands moved almost instinctively, sliding up to rest on her hips, his fingers pressing into the soft flesh. Liora''s smile widened, and she leaned forward, about to straddle hisp when she felt it. "!!~Ah~" Liora moaned, her voice soft yet filled with urgency. Aether''s fingers grazed over her wet, swollen folds. "Wh~mm~!!" Liora''s breath hitched, her body trembling under his touch. Aether''s fingers moved with a slow, teasing motion, tracing the outer edges of her pussy. Every stroke sent shivers through her, making her shudder. Then, without warning, his fingers dipped inside her, sliding deep into her warm, wet core. "A-Aet~Ahh~" She gasped.... The sensation of his fingers filling her, stretching her, sent waves of pleasure crashing over her. Her eyes fluttered closed, a deep, guttural moan escaping her lips as she surrendered to the pleasure. Aether''s own breath was ragged, his cock throbbing with need as he felt her tight, slick heat clenching around his fingers. "~ahh~Hmm~aah~ahh~haa~mm~Aeth~ahh~" He curled his fingers inside her, searching for that perfect spot. When he found it, her back arched, a sharp cry of pleasure escaping her. Liora''s moans filled the room, her hips grinding against his hand, seeking more. Her hands gripped his shoulders, nails digging into his skin as her legs weakened, trembling. Aether''s eyes darkened with lust as he watched her unravel. He licked his lips, then slowly leaned forward, his tongue flicking out to taste her. The moment his tongue brushed her folds, a shiver ran through her spine. "~AAHHhh~" Her moan was loud, raw with the sudden pleasure. She almost came right there, from the simple touch of his tongue against her sensitive lips. Her eyes widened in surprise, but before she could utter a word, Aether''s hands grabbed her thighs, pulling her closer. With his face buried in her groin, Aether''s lips and tongue yed with her pussy, teasing her wet, needy entrance.... His tongue traced her slit, then flicked over her clit, sending jolts of pleasure through her body. Liora''s moans grew louder, each sound escaping her lips a mixture of need and frustration. "~ahh~Aeth~ahh~Wai~mm~itt~mmmFk~~~" Her hands clutched at his shoulders, her fingers tangling in his hair. Aether''s hands slid around to her ass, kneading her soft flesh as his tongue continued its assault. He nibbled on her clit, sucking gently, then harder, making her shiver with excitement and pain. "~AAeetthhh~mmm~" Aether lifted one of her legs, spreading her wider, giving him a better view of her glistening pussy. He devoured her hungrily, his tongue exploring every inch of her, drinking in her sweet nectar. The taste was intoxicating, and he could feel her pheromones, her need for him, flooding his senses. "~Ahhh~aahh~mm~" Liora''s moans became desperate, her hips bucking against his face. Her hands tightened in his hair, pulling him closer as his skilled tongue drove her to the edge. Her ass trembled under his touch, every lick and suck making her body tense. "FUCK!!" Liora cried out, her voice strained. Aether''s fingers had slid back, teasing her other entrance. She hadn''t expected this. The sensation was new, and strange, but it only heightened her pleasure.... Her hips trembled, her muscles clenching as she neared her climax. "~Ahhhhaaaahhhhh~" Ssh Ssh Slurp Slurp.... She came hard, her pussy clenching around his tongue, her juices flooding his mouth. Aether drank it down greedily, his lips pressed firmly against her, sucking every drop of her nectar. He caught her as her body went limp, her head falling onto his chest. "~ha~" "~ha~" Liora panted, her cheeks flushed, her eyes hazy with afterglow. Her head rested against his chest, her breathing in shallow gasps. With a red face, she managed to murmur, "I-I will win... this time... I~ha~ I need your cock" Her voice was weak, but the fire of determination still flickered in her eyes.... her hands slipped into the robe. "Hehe..." Hisugh had a dark, knowing edge that made her shiver. Chapter 373 ~She lost again... but loved it~ Slurp~ Slurp~ "~mm~" Aether''s mouth moved hungrily over Liora''s busty breasts, his tongue swirling around her hard, protruding nipples. ''Milky~'' Aether thought as he sucked greedily, savouring every moment even though no actual milk flowed from her. The thought of it, the scent... her previous scent... MILF!!.... Made his member throb even more! "S~Slow~mmmhh~" Liora''s voice was breathy, her moans spilling out as she sat on Aether''sp. Her hips rocked slightly, her slick folds brushing against his hard cock, which she held in her hands. Her fingers wrapped around his shaft, stroking him with slow, deliberate movements. She could feel him twitching in her grasp. Aether''s eyes were half-lidded with lust, his mouth upied with her luscious breasts. He kissed every inch of them, marking her skin with his lips, leaving faint red trails as he moved. His tongue flicked over her nipples before he sucked them into his mouth, his teeth grazing the sensitive peaks. "~arh~" Liora''s hands continued to rub his cock, feeling the heat and hardness pulsing in her palms. Aether''s groans vibrated against her skin, each sound sending a jolt of pleasure straight to her core. "~mmm~" She loved the way he was so obsessed with her breasts, his hands squeezing them together, his fingers pinching her nipples just hard enough to make her gasp. "~Ahh~Gent~mmm~lllee~" Aether''s hands slid beneath her breasts, lifting them slightly as his lips trailed to the sensitive underboobs. He kissed and licked there, exploring every curve, every soft expanse of skin. His fingers yed with her nipples, pulling and twisting them gently, making her whimper. "Aethe~mmmm~ou''re... ~mmm~... so... good~ahhh~" Liora''s voice was a whisper, her words broken by moans as her pleasure built. Her ass trembled against hisp, her thighs squeezing around his hips as his mouth worshipped! her breasts. He could feel her getting wetter, her juices smearing against his cock with each grind of her hips. Aether''s mouth moved back up to her nipples, sucking harder this time, his tongue flicking against the sensitive buds. "Ahh~Ye~sss~lik~eee thmmmaaatt~Aeeethhher~" Liora''s head fell back, her long hair cascading down her back. Her nails dug into his shoulders, holding him close as her hips rocked faster. The feel of his cock, hard and ready, against her soft folds made her shiver with anticipation. "I~want~your~cock~right~now~!!" Liora lifted his head and said with an eager and sultry tone. Aether smiled as his sliver thread formed between his lips and nipple... he then guided his cock toward her entrance. The tip brushed against her wet folds, and they both shuddered at the sensation. Liora''s hands slid up his chest, nails grazing his skin as she positioned herself over him. "~ahhmmm~arrhhh~" Slowly, she sank down, taking him inside her inch by inch. The feel of him filling her, stretching her, made her gasp. Aether''s eyes locked onto hers, his hands tightening on her hips as he pushed up, meeting her downward movement. "Liora... you''re so~arhh~ tight" Aether groaned, his voice trembling. He felt her walls clenching around him, her body adjusting to his size, and the sensation was almost too much. "FUCK~!" Liora''s scream filled the room as Aether''s thick, throbbing cock stretched her tight, wet pussy to its limits. Every inch of him pulsed with raw desire, her insides clinging to him as he pushed deeper, her juices flooding out, soaking his shaft and dripping down onto the sheets. "~ha~" "~ha~" Their breaths were hot and ragged.... Both were on the verge of release, and the electric tension between them was so intense that it was almost painful. They locked eyes, lust and hunger burning in their gazes before their lips curled up... "Finally~ We became one," Liora moaned, her voice a sultry whisper. "~mm~" She leaned in, crashing her lips against his, devouring his mouth with wild hunger. Her hands roamed over his broad shoulders, down his back, her nails digging into his flesh as she pulled him closer. Herrge, soft breasts pressed against his chest, her nipples hard and aching for attention as they rubbed against him. Aether''s hands gripped her juicy ass, his fingers sinking into the soft flesh as he began to move her against him, each slow, deliberate thrust driving his cock deeper inside her. "~ahhmf~mmf~mmfff~aamm~aaffff~mmmafff~" Liora''s moans grew louder, more desperate, as her pussy tightened around him, milking his shaft with every stroke. Her hips rolled against him, grinding her clit against the base of his shaft, the friction sending sparks of pleasure through her. Aether''s cock slid in and out of her slick folds, each thrust scraping against her sensitive inner walls, driving her wild with need. Her pussy juices flowed freely, coating his cock, making it glide even more smoothly, the wet, sloppy sounds echoing through the room, a symphony of lust. "~mm~aahhhh~" Liora broke the kiss with a gasp, her lips swollen and glistening from their rough, passionate embrace. She threw her head back, her long hair cascading over her shoulders, exposing the delicate curve of her throat as she moaned loudly. Aether took the opportunity to lean down, his mouth finding her neck, kissing, biting, and sucking the sensitive skin. "~Yess~mmm~mmmfff~" His hands roamed up her sides, his thumbs brushing against the undersides of her breasts before he cupped them, squeezing them firmly, his fingers teasing her hardened nipples. "~More~!" Liora panted, her voice trembling with need. Before they knew it, the pleasure became too much to bear, their bodies trembling with the effort to hold back. Liora felt Aether''s cock twitch inside her, sending electric pulses of pleasure through her body. She broke the kiss, panting heavily, her lips curling into a teasing smirk, "Whoever~ahh~ cums first~mm~ is the lossseerrrr~~mmmm~" Aether returned her grin, a wicked gleam in his eyes, "Then let''s see who cums first~" he growled, his voice thick with lust and challenge, before suddenly standing up, lifting her easily, his cock still buried deep inside her. "~!!!AAAAHHMMM!!!~" Liora''s eyes flew open as she felt Aether''s cock thrust even deeper, the head of his thick rod pressing against her cervix, sending shockwaves of pleasure that made her entire body tremble. Her legs instinctively wrapped around his hips, her hands clinging to his neck... Aether grinned down at her, his eyes filled with raw, animalistic desire, as he held her plush ass tightly, lifting her up and down on his cock with powerful, relentless strokes. As he began to thrust harder, faster, his cock pounding into her, stretching her insides, making her pussy clench around him desperately... "~Aahhh~~~" Liora''s eyes rolled back, lost in the overwhelming pleasure as Aether continued to pound her, his cock mming deep into her core, nearly breaking her mind with the intensity. "~Aahhh~~~aaahh~aahhh~~" Her tongue lolled out as she moaned uncontrobly, her body trembling with every thrust, her pussy gripping him tightly, milking his shaft as he drove her closer and closer to her breaking point.... as if she wanted his seeds inside her!! ''I~I~ wanttttt itttt~'' But she was determined to make him lose first. With thest of her sanity, she clenched her pussy tight around him, squeezing his cock so hard it was almost impossible for him to move. "~Arrhh~" Aether groaned, his balls swelling with the need to release, the pressure building inside him almost unbearable. He wanted to give her everything, to flood her with his seed..... Yet he knew if he gave in now, she would win which was absolutely he could not let! Continue your journey with empire ''Increase Strength!'' [+1 Strength] Feeling the surge of energy distracting his body, he used it to his advantage, thrusting even harder into her, driving his cock deeper, his eyes locked on hers as she struggled to keep control. "~AHHAAaahhh~" Liora was taken aback, the intense pleasure nearly driving her insane. She had been sure she would make him cum first, but now.... as his cock scraped against her deepest parts, she wasn''t so sure. "~ahhh~" Her flower trembled with fear and lust, her pussy leaking even more nectar, the slick juices dripping onto the floor, but she was determined not to lose!! With a seductive, desperate whisper, she leaned close to his ear, "Cum~ for me, darling~" she purred, biting his earlobe, her voice a mixture ofmand and plea. "~Arrhh~" Aether''s cock throbbed violently inside her, the need to release bing unbearable. But just as he was about to lose control, he gritted his teeth, determined to hold on... Seeing Aether''s trembling to hold back, Liora smirked, sensing his impending defeat. She was about to whisper another taunt when Aether suddenly pushed her back against the wall, his strong hands gripping her hips as he began to thrust into her with renewed vigour. "~AHHH~!!" Liora''s eyes widened in surprise, her body arching against the wall as Aether''s cock pounded into her, each thrust sending shockwaves of pleasure through her. But he wasn''t done yet... ''Increase Strength!'' [+1 Strength] "~MMHhhhaa~!!" ''Increase Strength!'' [+1 Strength] "~YEsssssssaahhhh~!!" ''Increase Strength!'' [+1 Strength] "~AHHH~!!" ''Increase Charm!'' [+1 Charm] "~AAAaaaaaHHH~!!" ''Increase Strength!'' [+1 Strength] "~FUKKHHH~!!" ''Increase Magic!'' [+1 Magic] "~OoooAHHH~!!" It was not like increasing his attributes helped him to hold back... rather it helped him to distract his mind and body just enough to dy the inevitable.... to keep pounding her harder and harder, pushing her closer and closer to the edge. Liora''s mind finally shattered under the relentless onught of pleasure. She couldn''t hold back anymore. "~AAAAAAAaaaaaaahhhhhh~~" Her orgasm hit her like a tidal wave, her pussy clenching hard around Aether''s cock as she squirted her nectar, the juices spraying out, soaking his cock and dripping down her thighs. Aether pulled out his cock, and her pussy spasmed even more vigorously... her entire body twitched and trembled!! Aether watched her with a triumphant grin, enjoying the sight, her pussy convulsing as if she were peeing herself, her juices coating his cock. "~ha~" "~ha~" Liora panted heavily, her hazy eyes meeting Aether''s. Despite the overwhelming pleasure, she saw the victorious glint in his eyes, "Y~You~ha~ won~again...." she panted, her voice filled with a mixture of exhaustion and awe. She had lost, utterly defeated in both the fight and the love-making, and.... yet she loved it. The way he had taken her, without mercy, had left her body trembling with aftershocks of pleasure. However, "Beg," Aether said with a wicked smile. "H-uh?" Liora snapped out of her pleasure and frowned, "What did you say?" "I said beg me," Aether said with a twisted smile as he rubbed his cock around her folds but not inserting. Liora''s flower trembled but frowned, "Beg you? That will not happen even if I die?" she retorted furiously. How could she beg!! Her pride would not allow it. "Is that so....? Then I will use something else" Aether growled with a predatory grin, before plunging his still-hard, vigorous shaft into her... asshole! "Only your asshole gets it~" "~AARRRHHHHHMMMMM~~~" [+5000 A-] The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!